Heroes Return Home to Face Riverhawks

March 22, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Huntington Heroes News Release


After five weeks away from home the Heroes finally return to the friendly confines of Big Sandy Superstore Arena when they take on the Johnstown Riverhawks this Saturday night. It's been a long and strange five weeks, but the Heroes are ready to get back to work because if they want to get back to the AIFA playoffs it all starts this week.

After losing their first two games of the season, including a 35-24 loss to the Heroes, the Riverhawks have been on a three game winning streak. Just like the Heroes the Riverhawks roster has been a work in progress all season, but they haven't changed much. "They have added a few players to their roster," said Heroes Head Coach Garry McPeek, "Neal Wood [FB/LB] is a very good player that we competed against last year when he was at Miami Valley. Mike Marshall [OL/DL] he has been playing this game for a long time he is a warrior, however for the most part they have stayed the course and have just improved each week." Coach McPeek is not surprised with the Riverhawks recent success, "Steve Folmar does an excellent job, he has won everywhere that he has been so it is no surprise to us that he has them playing very well. Plus when you have a guy like Quenteen Robinson you always have a chance. He is a tremendous athlete that has a lot of talent."

In the earlier win over Johnstown the Heroes defense game up big shutting down Robinson and only gave up 24 points, but the Heroes offense sputtered a bit. "We have not played a complete game yet," said McPeek, "I hope this is the week that we put it all together in all 3 phases of the game."

Last week in the exhibition game against the Carolina Speed, the Heroes looked to be cruising to a win after taking a 15 point lead in the fourth quarter. Even though it was an exhibition game the loss still hurt, "We gave the game away, we were up 15 points with 8 minutes remaining and turn the ball over two times to give them the win. Our defense played great the entire game, we shot ourselves in the foot the entire game on offense."

The exhibition game gave coach McPeek a chance to evaluate the teams needs going into this stretch run. The verdict; several postions are still up for grabs. "We will have an open competition at Quarterback this week. Both Quarterbacks have had the opportunity to get a couple of games under their belts, so we will evaluate there play during practice this week and then go with the hot hand. We are going to bring several players in to try and improve this team over the next several days. Competition brings out the best in everyone."

One new face that made quite an impression in the exhibition game is Daveoin Smith, "Daveoin had a great game with 4 pass break ups, and two interceptions. 4.3 speed guy that can play. A very welcomed addition to our secondary."

Even with the ongoing lineup changes one thing remains the same. This weeks game is big. "If we want to make the playoffs the road travels directly through this game. We need this one very badly."

Kickoff is set for 7:05 this Saturday at Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Good seats are still available and can be purchased online, by phone at 304-696-4400 or in person at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Box office.



American Indoor Football Association Stories from March 22, 2007


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