Reading Express game preview
April 12, 2007 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reading Express News Release
Reading Express (7-1) vs. Canton Legends (5-2)
Saturday April 14th
7:05 kickoff @ Sovereign Center
GAME PREVIEW
BY: JASON OGLE
Scouting the Legends:
The Legends have played just once since they played the Express back in late March, but that game was a convincing 3-2 win over lowly Baltimore. They re the only team to defeat the Express at the Sovereign Center last season, and they did it twice, including in the semifinals of the American Bowl playoffs en route to their league championship. On offense, they are led by quarterback Kevin Mason, who actually switched to wide receiver in the second half of the Legends loss to the Express. Mason's main target has been wide receiver Randall Lane who has caught 11 touchdown passes and amassed 600 yards receiving. On defense, the team is led by defensive back Jo Jo Polk who has intercepted seven passes and returned two of them for touchdowns. This is a make or break game for the team as a win will keep them in the hunt for the AIFA Northern Division title.
Scouting the Express:
The Express has won five straight games coming into this key match up by an average of 34 points. One of these wins was a key road win against the Legends on March 23rd, by a score of 50-19. In that game, the Express defense never really allowed the Legends' offense to get in sync, and kicker Erik Rockhold scored 20 points to outscore the Legends. In recent weeks, the Express have bolstered their offense numbers thanks to the return of wide receiver Carmelo Ocasio, and the continued solid play of wide receivers Shawn Foxworth and Ian Cooper. "The Hit Squad" may have to change its name to the Turnover Machine, as it has recorded 12 interceptions during their winning streak. Look for the Express to come out extra hungry on Saturday, as they have a chance to sweep the Legends and further their lead in the AIFA Northern Division.
Players to Watch:
Legends
# 12 QB Kevin Mason- has passed for over 1200 yards this season, but has thrown nine interceptions. Turnovers will be a key factor in this game, so Mason must keep his at a minimum.
# 3 DB Jo Jo Polk- is the anchor of the Legends' defense, and he must make sure that the Express doesn't torch his team for 50 points again.
Express
# 25 K Erik Rockhold- always seems to play well in big games, he just needs to be himself and deliver points when called upon.
Defensive Line- the "Battle in the Trenches" doesn't show up in the boxscore, and the defensive line usually doesn't get all the praise (even though they probably deserve it), their ability to put pressure on Mason will be important in keeping the Express in control of this game.
Keys to the Game:
Legends:
1. Home Away from Home- the Legends defeated the Express in Reading twice last season, which should give them the motivation to try and do it again on Saturday.
2. Take Two- the Legends must show up for a full 60 minutes of football, last time against the Express, they let an 11 point halftime hole increase to 21 by the end of the third quarter.
3. Polk-e-mon- defensive back Jo Jo Polk will probably be called upon to cover Express WR Carmelo Ocasio, and he must stick to him like glue.
Express:
1. Defend Your House- the Express would have had a perfect home record, if not for the Legends, so the Express can continue their quest for a perfect home mark in '07 by getting the monkey off their back.
2. Early & Often- if the Express can get a lead like they did the last time out against the Legends, it will allow them to play their game and get the crowd into it early.
Prediction:
The Legends are really the only team that has the weapons to keep the Express from capturing their second straight division title. The Legends also lost at home to the Express by 31. The Express has never beaten the Legends at home. You do the math.
Express 52
Legends 31
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