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Game Preview: Sioux Falls at Bemidji

February 26, 2015 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Minnesota Axemen News Release


Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Axemen open their second season in the Indoor Football League when they host the Sioux Falls Storm, this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.The Axemen won their exhibition game against the Minnesota Sting 74-7 on February 8 where they posted 322 total offensive yards. The 74 points were second most in team history to the 92 the team posted versus Wyoming on March 3, 2014.

After finishing 5-9 in their rookie season in the IFL, the Axemen have made coaching and roster changes in an effort to improve on last season. Possibly the largest change the Axemen made was the promotion of Dixie Wooten from defensive coordinator to head coach. With a string of new coaches, Anquanius Frazier and Andy Endemann along with two returning coaches, Lee Patten and Pete Nelson, the Axemen are poised to make the leap to contention this season.

This year's Axemen team features a mix of veterans from last season and new talent to the IFL. Key veterans returning to the team include Ryan Balentine, Jory Johnson, Josh Jarboe, Demario Pippen, Adam Lucas, Rony Nelson, and Zach Pulkinen.

After finishing the season fourth in the league in total yards and first in passing yards, the Axemen look to once again be a strong offensive team. Led by wide receiver Ryan Balentine, who finished second in the league in receiving yards, and former University of Toledo quarterback Terrance Owens, the Axemen offense features a strong mix of skill players and a vastly improved offensive line.

Defensively the Axemen finished in the middle of the pack allowing opponents to score on average 45 points per game. The Axemen are led defensively by linebacker Jory Johnson, who finished the season with 72 tackles, five sacks, and three interceptions. With a bigger and more athletic squad, the Axemen defense seeks to become one of the staunchest defenses in the league.

Last season Sioux Falls won the United Bowl for the fourth straight season. The Storm return multiple players including Tory Harrison who was fifth in the league with 40.3 rushing yards per game, Tyler Knight who was first in the league with 10.8 tackles per game along with 8.5 sacks and Eze Obiora who had 8 sacks.

The Storm's starting quarterback from last season, Chris Dixon, retired this offseason. Dixon led the league in passing yards per game, was second in passing touchdowns and was fifth in rushing touchdowns. Dixon is now the head coach of the Billings Wolves.

The Storm put up 34 points in the first meeting between the two teams that saw the Axemen fall in Sioux Falls. The Axemen put up 214 total yards (23 rushing, 191 passing) in the last meeting. Ryan Balentine led the team with nine receptions, 128 yards receiving and one touchdown.

New Axemen head coach Dixie Wooten has had success as a player versus Sioux Falls, being on the last team to beat the Storm in Sioux Falls. The Storm have been in every United Bowl except the first one.

The Bemidji Axemen kicks off their season in February of 2015 on Palace Casino Field at the Sanford Center. Season tickets are now on sale starting as low as $56 each and can be purchased online through www.bemidjiaxemen.com. For more information, please contact the Axemen offices as (218)444-8216.



Indoor Football League Stories from February 26, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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