Heroes Get Shot at Redemption
March 16, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Huntington Heroes News Release
The Heroes return to action this weekend with a chance to redeem themselves from an earlier loss. The Carolina Speed came into Huntington on the season's opening night and out-gunned the Heroes 61-57. Coach Garry McPeek and the Heroes are hoping to return the favor on Carolina's home turf and at the same time raise money for charity.
When the 2007 schedule first came out March 17 was marked down as a "Charity Exhibition Game". The charity part remains, but this is not an exhibition game it counts and the Heroes know it. "It is a charity game," said Head Coach Garry McPeek, "the players are going to donate part of their salaries for charity, however make no mistake about it. It is still a game that we want to win very badly. We were not happy with our performance the first game so we are excited to travel to Carolina for a shot at redemption."
The Heroes return to the field after a bye week hoping to ride off of the momentum gained from a come from behind victory at Florence two weeks ago. The Speed have not played since February 26, a 48-16 win over the Montgomery Bears. In that win over Montgomery the Speed started nine new players, making this team totally different from the team the Heroes saw to start the season. "They have added some talent to their roster that will be an even bigger challenge for our players" said McPeek. One new addition is at quarterback where Bradshaw Littljohn made his debut against Montgomery with 159 yards and 4 TD's passing and ran for 20 yards on seven carries.
Like the Speed the Heroes have been tweaking the lineup all season, but this week Heroes fans will notice little change from the Florence game. "We will go with the same line-up [from the Florence game] with the exception of at least one new DB, we have signed Devoin Smith from Valdosta State. Shane Holsinger will return to the lineup this week." At quarterback the Heroes will go with Joey Conrad, who made his debut in the Florence game and coach McPeek thinks the extra week of practice has helped the new Heroes signal caller. "He has grasped the offense very well, and will continue to improve. He is a play maker and a gunslinger I am very happy with his progress." With all that said coach McPeek sums up the keys to victory, "Same as every week, take care of the football, and get pressure on the QB."
Kick off is set for 7:00pm. Heroes fans can watch this game online on AIFATV.com . There will also be a live chat during the game at HeroesFans.com . Heroes players and coaches will donate a part of their salary to the Concord Children's Hospital. The Speed have agreed to return the favor next season in a pre-season Charity game in Huntington to benefit a local Tri-State charity.
The Heroes return home next Saturday March 24 when they host division rival Johnstown at Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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