Raiders Watch
April 12, 2012 - Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Lakeland Raiders News Release
It's the rematch that the Raiders have been waiting for since the minute their last meeting ended. The Florida Tarpons came out on top last time, but this time the battle will take place on the Raiders' home turf at the Lakeland Center. Both teams won their last contests by convincing margins. This week, only one can come away with a victory.
In addition to the UIFL grudge match of the year, Saturday night will also feature an appearance by NFL All-Pro Ray Lewis and a special Kids' night promotion. For tickets or more information, stop by the Lakeland Center Box office, www.lakelandraiders.com, or call (863) 834-7511.
About the Florida Tarpons
The Florida Tarpons are a new team with an old soul. The Tarpons of the UIFL carry many holdovers from the Florida Firecats of the AF2 league - including their 'everything old is new again' QB Chris Wallace. Coming in to this game with a perfect 4-0 record, the Tarpons will look to remain unbeaten against Lakeland on Saturday night.
About the Lakeland Raiders
The Raiders think they've got the kinks worked out after the disappointing loss to the Tarpons two games back. The Raiders looked like a team without any serious flaws as they easily dismantled the Mississippi Hound Dogs last week. If the Raiders Defense can turn in another performance like last week - 4 INTs, 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and as many points scored as allowed by the defense (12) - they will be a very dangerous team again on Saturday.
When & Where:
Saturday, April 14th
7:15pm
The Lakeland Center
Last Week:
Florida Tarpons - Defeated Rome Rampage 60 - 7
Lakeland Raiders - Defeated the Mississippi Hound Dogs 60 - 12
Current Standings:
Florida Tarpons 4-0, T-1st in Southern Conference
Lakeland Raiders 3-1 2nd in Southern Conference
Players to Watch:
Florida - QB Chis Wallace
The Tarpons have a new face at Quarterback. Chris Wallace, a 7 year veteran of the AF2, threw 8 TD passes and amassed over 300 yards through the air in his first outing as a Tarpon. Things may look different in his second week under center when he'll be lining up opposite an overwhelming Raiders defense.
WR Donald Fusilier
Fusilier, a 6'3" Wide Receiver out of Lindenwood University, is the leading scorer in the UIFL through the first 4 games. He added 3TDs, 7 catches, and 130 yards to his total last week. Fusilier is the most dangerous weapon the Tarpons have. Expect to see them try to get the ball to him downfield early and often.
Lakeland - QB Tavares Woodley
Raiders QB Tavares Woodley did a great job spreading the ball around the field last week. He threw touchdown passes to three different receivers and ran another in himself. This week he'll face a stout Tarpons defense that allowed only 1 touchdown last week.
WR / DB DeAngelo Woodie
DeAngelo Woodie contributed three touchdowns to the Raiders' scoring onslaught last week, one on offense and two on defense. The multi-talented athlete made more trips to the End Zone than the opposing offense did last week. Watch for the Raiders coaching staff to position Woodie for another multiple-touchdown game on Saturday.
What they're saying:
"We're happy to get a win, but we've got a lot more work to do. We just got our quarterback on Tuesday, and we expect to go places and make improvement."
-Florida Tarpons Head Coach Michael Taylor on the first victory with new QB Chris Wallace
"Whenever you have two Florida powerhouses it's going to be a shootout. We'll put up some points, they'll put up some points. We'll have defensive stops and they'll have defensive stops. I'm looking forward to a great game."
- Lakeland Raiders Offensive Lineman Dave Beale on the upcoming rematch with the Florida Tarpons
How Do You Build a Battalion?
Start with the best talent available from the NFL, College, and Europe. Take only the best of the best and run them through a gauntlet of drills that leave the less conditioned guys gasping for air or on their knees throwing up on the field. Push them until you're no long looking for the best, you're looking for the survivors. Then you cull the very best of that few into an elite fighting force. That's how Coach Michael Mink and the coaching staff built the Lakeland Raiders Battalion.
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Ultimate Indoor Football League Stories from April 12, 2012
- Raiders Watch - Lakeland Raiders
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