Reading Express game preview
Published on May 8, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reading Express News Release
Last Week:
Express defeated Pittsburgh 57-40
Johnstown lost @ Tallahassee 67-60
Last Meeting:
April 7, 2007- Express won @ Johnstown 55-33
Express:
RB Isaiah Grier- 4 carries, 16 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 reception, 15 yards, 1 touchdown
QB Tom Stetzer- 20-for-36 , 191 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
WR Shawn Foxworth- 8 receptions, 103 yards, 2 touchdowns
WR Ian Cooper- 10 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown
DB Armar Watson- 1 interception
K Erik Rockhold- 1-3 FG attempts (33 yards)
Riverhawks:
QB Waylon Davis- 15-of-32, 155 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception
WR Quenteen Robinson- 8 receptions, 83 yards, 4 touchdowns
WR Terrance Hudson- 4 receptions, 58 yards, 1 touchdown
What's at Stake?
The Express have already clinched a playoff berth and the AIFA Northern Division title, so the only thing that the Express really has to play for is finishing with only one loss on the season.
The Riverhawks are currently tied with the Pittsburgh RiverRats for the fourth and final playoff spot in the AIFA Northern Division. The winner of this spot would play at Reading during the first round of the playoffs. So the Riverhawks need to win in order to stay in the playoff hunt.
Scouting the Riverhawks:
The Riverhawks have won two of their past three games, however, those wins came against the cellar dwellers of the AIFA Northern Division (Danville and Erie). Four of the Riverhawks five wins have been against Danville and Erie. They did however defeat the Pittsburgh RiverRats earlier in the season by a score of 43-13, but lost to them two weeks later by five points. The schedule is not in the Riverhawks favor as they will play at the Express on Saturday, before finishing up with games at Canton and Montgomery. Wide receiver Quenteen Robinson has been the go-to-guy this season. He has now switched from wide receiver to quarterback as he passed for 109 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in last week's loss. Wide receiver Terrance Hudson has taken over the receiving duties, catching three touchdown passes last week. The Riverhawks have to cut down on their penalties as they committed 11 for a total of 102 yards last week.
Scouting the Express:
The Express victory train just keeps on rolling as the team extended its winning streak to nine after last week's win over Pittsburgh. "The Hit Squad" which had been taking some hits lately both on the scoreboard and on the injury front, finally got some of its swagger back as it played the main role in turning this game in the Express' favor. The defensive unit recorded six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries). These turnovers helped the Express outscore Pittsburgh 20-0 in the third quarter to put the game away. The defensive line put constant pressure on Pittsburgh QB David Dinkins, and contained him from running out of the pocket. The offense put points on the board on almost every drive and running back Isaiah "Big Zeke" Grier had a very productive game as he ran for two touchdowns, returned an onside kickoff for a touchdown, and had an interception. It was Grier's third-straight three-touchdown performance.
Players to Watch:
Riverhawks:
QB/WR Quenteen Robinson- no matter where he plays, he always seems to make the big plays and the Express will need to shut him down.
WR Terrance Hudson- the main receiving threat, if the Express can shut him down, it will be a long day for the Riverhawks' passing attack.
Express:
"D" Line- had arguably their best showing of the season last week against one of the league's most mobile quarterbacks. If they can keep the pressure on, it will make it even easier for the secondary to get picks. It may not have shown up in the boxscore, but the pressure caused by the "D" line last week was a main factor in the victory.
"9th Man in the Stands"- there is a reason why the Express are undefeated at home this season, and it has to do with the fans. The Express fans are very passionate and supportive of their team and they will be out in droves for this one to help the Express clip the Riverhawks.
Predicition:
This could be a trap game for the Express considering that they cannot earn a higher seed for the playoffs, which means that they could just go through the motions against the Riverhawks. However, the Riverhawks have yet to beat a quality team this season, and it won't start at The Railyard on Saturday.
Express 62
Riverhawks 30
American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 8, 2007
- Reading Express game preview - Reading Express
- Heroes Look To Continue Winning Streak - Huntington Heroes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
