Preview: Fighters vs. Gladiators
Published on June 9, 2022 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release
FRISCO, TX - After a win on the road against the Bismarck Bucks, the Frisco Fighters return home to Frisco to host the Duke City Gladiators for the second time this season on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
The Fighters are looking to keep their hot streak alive against the Gladiators, as both teams have a four-game win streak.
How to watch
Time/Location: 7:05 p.m. CT/Comerica Center - Frisco, Texas
Live Stream
Past meetups - Fighters vs Gladiators
The Fighters and Gladiators first met this season on March 26 in New Mexico. During this matchup, the Fighters were able to shut the Gladiators out in the first half by 30 points. The six touchdowns made by the Gladiators were not enough to comeback in the second half leaving them with another loss and giving the Fighters their first win of the season.
The second meetup took place in Frisco on April 23. Unlike the first meetup, this game was close scoring. After being down by two touchdowns at the end of the half (20-34), the Fighters fought to come back. With less than 20 seconds left on the play clock the Frisco Fighters were able to come out on top after Justin Rankin ran in a three-yard touchdown along with the extra point made by Bryce Crawford (42-41).
Previously, the Fighters faced the Gladiators twice in the 2021 season which resulted in two wins for the Fighters.
Players to watch
Quarterback TJ Edwards led the offense with ten passes (14 attempts) for 110 yards which resulted in two touchdowns. Like the previous week, Edwards showcased his running game, tallying another 34 rushing yards that resulted in three additional touchdowns.
The Fighters offense rushed for a total of 76 yards, almost double the amount of the Gladiators. Running back Justin Rankin rushed for half of the Fighters yardage for a total of 40 yards, collecting one touchdown.
Wide receivers Sheldon Augustine and Jordan Jolly each added one touchdown. During his debut with the Fighters, Jolly received for 29 yards and a long of 15 yards while Augustine received for 31 yards and a long of 18 yards. With the help of quarterback Blake Sims and wide receivers Jerminic Smith and Spencer Tears, the Fighters tallied a total of 110 receiving yards.
Defensive lineman Charles Williams continues to dominate, proving to be one of the best defensive players in the IFL. Williams tallied a total of seven solo tackles, which five of those resulted in a loss of 18 yards and two breakup passes. Defensive lineman/linebacker Willie Hibbler tallied four solo tackles and defensive back Trey Wafford tallied eight solo tackles.
The Frisco Fighters were able to get on the board in the first five minutes of the matchup after Zaycoven Henderson blocked a field goal and forcing a safety. Through the duration of the game, the Fighters were able to keep the lead handing the Bucks their ninth loss of the season (61-24).
Indoor Football League Stories from June 9, 2022
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- Game Preview: Tucson vs. Bay Area - Tucson Sugar Skulls
- Preview: Fighters vs. Gladiators - Frisco Fighters
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