IFL Frisco Fighters

Preview: Fighters vs. Rattlers

April 28, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Frisco Fighters News Release


FRISCO, TX - Coming off a win that came down to the last second against the Duke City Gladiators, the Frisco Fighters return home to host the Arizona Rattlers at Comerica Center in Frisco Saturday night. This will mark the Rattlers first time playing at Comerica Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Rattlers, a six-time World Champion, so far this season are undefeated (5-0), keeping their opponents under 40 points whereas they average roughly over 50 points a game. They are ranked No.1 for both offense and defense so far in the IFL 2022 season.

How to watch

Time/Location: 7:05 p.m. CT/Comerica Center - Frisco, Texas

Past meetups - Fighters vs Rattlers

The Fighters and Rattlers first meetup was last season on Aug. 21, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. After being tied 7-7 in the first quarter and down two touchdowns at halftime, the Fighters fought to comeback by scoring three touchdowns in the last half but ultimately fell short to the Rattlers with a final score of 38-55.

Players to watch

Quarterback Blake Sims threw for ten (16 attempt) passes, resulting in a total of 112 yards and one touchdown. Sims' longest passed tallied 42 yards.

Running back Justin Rankin was a powerhouse against the Duke City Gladiators. Rankin rushed 83 total yards for four touchdowns, the most of any rusher on either team. With contributions from Sims (33 rushing yards) and wide receiver Mark Munson, the Fighters totaled 119 rushing yards, which is over triple the amount the Gladiators were able to rush. Rankin also received a pass of 42 yards, resulting in another touchdown. Thus far this season, Rankin is ranked overall No.1 in the IFL for lead scorer.

Wide receiver Sheldon Augustine returned a punt for 45 yards and received for a long of 18 yards. Augustine is ranked in the top 10 over all receivers in the IFL thus far in the 2022 season.

The defensive line was a dominant force against the Gladiators. Defensive back Byron Edwards tallied seven (5 solo, 2 assisted) tackles and two breakup passes. Defensive lineman JD Griggs tallied six (4 solo, 2 assisted) tackles which resulted in a tackle for a loss of yardage.

After being down by two touchdowns at the half (34-20), the Fighters fought to comeback. With less than 20 seconds on the clock, Rankin rushed in a three-yard touchdown, giving the Fighters a one-point lead over the Gladiators (42-41). A missed last second field goal by the Gladiators kept the Fighters in the lead resulting in another win and adding to the team's winning streak.

This week's game against the Arizona Rattlers will be a huge test for the Fighters offensive and defensive lines.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 28, 2022


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