IFL Divisional Playoffs Round 2 Preview
July 22, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release
SATURDAY, JULY 25 - FAIRBANKS GRIZZLIES (8-7) @ BILLINGS OUTLAWS (12-2), 7:00 PM
The Fairbanks Grizzlies, fresh off a sound victory over the Colorado Ice, travel to the greater 48 states to face the leagues top regular season team in the Billings Outlaws. Last weekend, the Grizzlies showed the rest of the IFL that their offense is ready to face the Outlaws. WR Keith Smith finished the evening with four catches for 98 yards and three touchdowns. Second Team All-IFL member Lonie Sanders added 5 catches for 111 yards and another score himself. Of course, they couldn't have done it without Quarterback Justin Rummell who finished the evening 13 of 20 for 237 yards and five scores. Not to be out done was the performance turned in by the Fairbanks defense, especially Noah Harris. The defensive back had twelve solo tackles in the game including an interception.
The Billings Outlaws did not secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs by accident. From top to bottom, this team is loaded with talent. Their regular season performance saw three Outlaws selected to the first team All-IFL team and two to the second team. Led by Fan's Choice MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Chris Dixon, the Outlaws have only a United Bowl Trophy on their minds. It will take a special performance by any team in the league to squander those desires. On defense, the Outlaws are led by Defensive Player of the Year Michael Landry whose 12.5 sacks ranked among the leagues best. Note that Billings hasn't lost a game all year at home.
SATURDAY, JULY 25 - WICHITA WILD (9-6) @ OMAHA BEEF (11-3), 7:05 PM
The IFL Game of the Week for the second round of the Divisional Playoffs pits the Wichita Wild against the Omaha Beef. Playing in their franchises first ever playoff game, the Wild shocked many in the IFL world by defeating the Bloomington Extreme last weekend in Illinois. Offensive Rookie of the Year Darius Fudge blasted through the Extreme defensive line all night, scoring four touchdowns and Quarterback Dixie Wooten threw for one score and added two himself via the ground. Wichita has certainly heated up at the right time and are riding a four game winning streak. They will need to continue their solid offensive play to defeat the United Conference's top team in Omaha. In their last meeting this season the Wild defeated the Beef 39-37.
The Beef come off their well earned Bye and look to secure a spot in the United Conference Championship game with a victory this weekend. Omaha's emotions are sky high after defeating the leagues top regular season team, the Billings Outlaws, in their season finale. The Beef defense believes it is ready to shut down the tough Wild attack. Led by first team All-IFL member Brent Hafford and second team member Spetlar Tonga, Omaha has accumulated the leagues third best turnover margin at +18. Both men are among the league leaders in tackles as well. IFL fans can be sure that this game will go down to the wire.
SATURDAY, JULY 25- MARYLAND MANIACS (10-4) @ RIVERCITY RAGE (9-6), 7:30 PM
Despite winning the Atlantic Division, which ensures a home playoff game, due to scheduling conflicts the Maryland Maniacs will head to RiverCity to battle against the Rage. After starting the season 0-2 the Maniacs closed out their final twelve games on a hot streak, going 10-2 in that span. That run allowed the expansion franchise to win the Division title over the Rochester Raiders. Maryland has been led most of the season by their number one ranked defensive unit. Led by second team All-IFL members Mike Hill and Oby Arah the Maniacs allowed less then 150 yards of total offense per game and only 58 total touchdowns. On offense, Maryland is led by scrambling Quarterback Bryson Spinner who has thrown for 29 touchdowns and rushed for another 12. Look for him to rely heavily on Darryl Over ton in this game. The Maryland back has rushed for 15 touchdowns this season, and caught another 9.
The RiverCity Rage are coming off a hard fought and well played victory over the Rochester Raiders last weekend in Rochester. The defensive unit caused multiple turnovers including a fumble return for a score and causing a fumble on their own 1 yard line as the Raiders were attempting to take a lead late. Quarterback Jimmy Sankster threw for five touchdowns, three to WR Tyron Timmons, and almost 200 yards against one of the leagues premier defenses. The Rage will need an equally as impressive of an offense performance this week against the leagues best passing defense.
SUNDAY, JULY 26 - SAN ANGELO STAMPEDE EXPRESS (6-9) @ EL PASO GENERALS (12-2), 4:00 PM
After a thrilling win against Abilene, the San Angelo Stampede Express head to El Paso to square off against the Generals in second round playoff action. Last weekend against the Ruff Riders, the game came down to the final seconds as Kicker Tommy Staples connected on a 27 yard field at the end of regulation giving San Angelo a three point victory and a chance to face the Generals this weekend. In that game, Voncarie Owens and Brandon Hatley combined for a 72 yard rushing performance which included two Owens scores. QB Sonny Cumbie finished the game 19 of 27 for 202 yards and one touchdown pass. The Stampede Express will have to sure up their aerial attack before facing El Paso's vaunted defense this weekend.
The Generals earned a first round bye courtesy of finishing the regular season 12-2 and winning the Lone Star Division. The IFL's Best New Team, led by IFL Coach of the Year Brian Brents, should be well rested and have the advantage of already beating the Stampede Express four times this year. Look for Quarterback Tommy Jones, no stranger to playoff football, to be putting the ball in the air early and often against the San Angelo secondary. Jones led all IFL QB's in passing yards with 3,158. His favorite target all season was Rookie sensation and All-IFL first team member Deangelo Woodie. The Generals wide receiver caught 62 balls for 1,030 yards and 21 touchdowns during the regular season, and will look for more this weekend.
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