Rage slated for special Mothers Day game against New Jersey

Published on May 4, 2005 under National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release


Most Moms around the area on Sunday will be hoping for cards, candy and flowers from the sons that love them. But for the Moms of the River City Rage, they'll want touchdowns, sacks and first downs, and a victory against the visiting New Jersey Xtreme!

And in a rare, and unexpected home game on Mothers Day at The Family Arena, all Rage fans and their Moms will get the chance to cheer for their favourite NIFL team right along with them.

'It's an added home game we hadn't expected, and it's a great way for us to help celebrate Mother's Day," stated Rage President Tye Elliott, "due to a number of arena scheduling conflicts in the New Jersey area, the league sanctioned the Xtreme to come here and play this game. This is not a trade-off game, as New Jersey will be back to play us at Family Arena as scheduled on May 29th. But for our fans, it's a chance to see the team at home one extra time in the regular season."

And with that in mind, the Rage owners and staff looked for ways to make the game as attractive as possible to the home fans, and especially to the Moms on their special day.

They settled on this game plan; All seats at the Family Arena will be offered at just $2.00 and all the Moms will be admitted free!

"We thought that was a great deal for our fans, and a way to show honor to all the Moms who want to perhaps cap off a wonderful day with a little football,' said Rage owner Scott Wilson, "we have a large female fan base and figured the family's could enjoy the game and treat Mom for free."

And anyone in the building on Sunday will see a Rage team that offensively continues to light up the scoreboard and be at or near the top in almost every important offensive category. After defeating the Lincoln Capitols on the road Friday night by the score of 53-34, The Rage currently lead the 22 team NIFL in total offense, with 1794 yards gained in 6 games, good for 50 touchdowns and a 299 yards per game average. The team ranks second in non-kick scoring with 332 points, third in total scoring offense with an average of 59.3 points per game, fourth in pass offense with 35 touchdowns and an average of 207.2 yards per game, and is fifth in rushing offense with 15 TD's and a rushing average of 91.8 yards per game. The Rage in the red-zone are consistant, as well, punching the ball in from the 10 yard line an amazing 74% of the time!

On an individual basis, Wide Receiver Scott Pingel continues to be one of the premier offensive threats in the NIFL. Pingel is first overall in receptions with 40 catches in the first 6 games, fourth in touchdowns scored (14) and fifth in individual scoring with 14 TD's and 12 XPT's, good for 96 total points.

Rage speedster Hurtis Chinn, a Wide Receiver who also returns kicks for the team, is currently third overall in All-Purpose Yards, employing his rushing, receiving and kick-return abilities to average 157.5 yards per game!

Finally, Rage Quarterback Clay Groefsema, who sat out the Lincoln game with a mild neck sprain, is ranked third in passing Yards with an average of 204.6 yards per game.

Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt's defense is starting to step-up as well. Wyatt recently employed a number of new zone defensive formations designed to shut down opposing receivers, and in the last two games it has paid dividends. In particular, Rage Defensive Back Andy Peterson in fourth in the league with 5 interceptions and 31 yards on the returns.

The Rage "D" shot through opponet's offensive line for 9 total sacks, good for 7th place in the NIFL. The team is half-way up the charts in points allowed, giving up 45.7 per game, good for 11th place in the 22 team league. And for the most part, the team has not found ways to hurt itself, ranking 8th in the Turn- Over Margin category, with a +2 on the year.

And the Offensive Line has been a stone wall so far in 2005, giving Clay Groefsema and Anthony Fisher plenty of time to throw, and allowing only 3 sacks in the season's first 6 games!

All in all, a football team on the right course for Playoff football in July! The Rage are at the top of the Atlantic Division East with a record of 5-1. Cincinnati is second with a record of 4-2, Dayton is third at 3-2 and New Jersey come to Family Arena on Sunday winless at 0-6.

Sunday's Kick-Off is slated for 5pm. The game can be heard on 1380 ESPN Radio, with the Pre-Game show on tap for 4:45pm. It can also be heard audio- streamed on the ESPN and Ragefootball.com websites.

2 MINUTE DRILL

Quotes from Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt

(On winless New Jersey coming to play Sunday)

'I think we're at that point in the season where we as a team are going to focus more on ourselves and less on our opponent, regardless of who we play or what kind of won-loss record that team may have. It's like a basketball team that plays 3 games in a week. You end up not trying to break down the other team so much as you just find ways to improve your own strengths and work on things you need to improve on, and in fact from a practice standpoint, you end up getting more benefit from that."

(On the extra home game on Mother's Day)

"Well, the players, I know, are excited about being at home, and that's understandable. Obviously, it's better when you don't have to travel, you can sleep in your own bed, and your fans are partisan fans. And because it is Mother's Day, it'll give the players a chance to play in front of their Mother's, if in fact, they are in the Metro area, and if nothing else, will give all the guys a chance to either spend time with their Moms and families or call home and wish their Mom's the very best."

(On the new alignments employed and the improved look on defense)

"Outside of actual game situations, the best thing you can say about our defense is that it gives our offense fits in practice, and ours is probably one of the most, if not the most, potent offenses the defense will be tested by. The new alignments and strategies have been embraced by the guys and it's been able to create new pressure on the opposing offense and also has created a number of turnovers in the last 2 games."

(On being both Head Football Coach and General Manager)

"It's been a challenge but one I've embraced well. Obviously, the easier of the two is being the Head Football Coach, that's been the easiest part to control and the one I know best. As far as being the General Manager, there are a number of other entities that you work with, including Owners, Office personnel, Media and so forth that force you to wear a lot of different hats, so to speak. I'm fortunate here to be surrounded with competent people who all work hard to make this team and this organization successful. Trust me, that helps!"

(On the return of starting Quarterback Clay Groefsema for Sunday's game)

"After sitting out Friday, Clay's at full go for Sunday. He looked a bit rusty in the earlier practices this week, but came around and looked and felt good once he got in the groove. He'll be ready."

JAMES GREEN RECORDS 3 SACKS IN LINCOLN

Rage Defensive End from the University of Southern Mississippi, James Green, striking a Darth Vader pose with his face shield recorded a season high 3 sacks in last Friday's game in Lincoln.

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National Indoor Football League Stories from May 4, 2005


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