Reading Express game preview
Published on May 15, 2007 under American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Reading Express News Release
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 Heroes are 8-4 and have already clinched a playoff spot. They are a half-game ahead of third-place Canton, so a win would allow the Heroes to keep that lead and increase their chances for a home playoff game with just two regular season games left.
Scouting the Heroes:
The Heroes have won five straight games, with their last loss coming to the Express. Four of those five wins have come against Erie and Danville twice. The Heroes also have a new quarterback since the last time these two teams met; Dane Damron. He was 14-of-22 for 162 yards, one touchdown, and one interception last week at home against Danville. Running back Dante Newsome continues to carry the load in the backfield as he rushed for three touchdowns on nine carries last week. The Heroes are in second place in the AIFA Northern Division, but have two key road games to end the season at Pittsburgh and at Canton. These last three games will determine whether or not the Heroes will host a first round playoff game.
Scouting the Express:
The Express victory train just keeps on rolling as the team extended its winning streak to ten after last week's win over Johnstown. The defense was stifling again as it allowed just 13 points in the Express' 73-13 win. Quarterback Tom Stetzer was 18-of-28 for 186 yards, 6 touchdowns, and one interception. Running back Isaiah "Big Zeke" Grier had four carries for 24 yards and one touchdown. He also caught two passes for 41 yards and two scores. Wide receiver Carmelo Ocasio caught eight passes for 82 yards and four touchdowns. The Express will again be without linebacker Matt Sola, who is out for the rest of the regular season with a broken toe.
Players to Watch:
Heroes:
QB Dane Damron- the Express did not face him last time, and he has been one of the main keys to the Heroes win streak.
RB Dante Newsome- has been stellar since the last time these two teams met, so the defense will need to account for him at all times.
Express:
"The Hit Squad"- the defense hasn't taken it easy on any opponents lately forcing nine turnovers in their past two games. Their ability to create turnovers will be key in throwing the Heroes out of sync.
RB Isaiah "Big Zeke" Grier- his nickname should be changed to "Big ZZZZZZ" because for the past few games opposing defenses might as well be sleeping when Grier gets the ball because he always seems to find the end zone.
Last Week:
Express defeated Johnstown 73-13
Huntington defeated Danville 56-14
Last Meeting:
March 31, 2007- Express defeated Huntington 48-18
Express:
RB Isaiah Grier- 5 carries, 22 yards, 1 touchdown
QB Tom Stetzer- 15-for-30, 190 yards, 5 touchdowns
WR Carmelo Ocasio- 5 receptions, 67 yards, 3 touchdowns
WR Ian Cooper- 6 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown
DB Armar Watson- 1 interception
LB Matt Sola- 1 interception
DB Marcus Sargeant- 2 interceptions
Heroes:
RB Dante Newsome- 7 carries, 27 yards, 1 touchdown
WR Rod McNeal- 2 catches, 57 yards, 1 touchdown
WR Shane Holsinger- 5 catches, 39 yards
Prediction:
For the second straight week, the Express have virtually nothing to play for because they can't improve upon their playoff seeding. That being said, the Heroes have a lot to play for, which is why they will get an early lead in this game. But it's the final score that matters.
Express 52
Heroes 45
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