Spartans First Win Is Guaranteed
April 16, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
La Crosse Spartans News Release
La Crosse, WI: Spartans Co-Owner and General Manager Chris Kokalis is confident in his team. So much so in fact that despite an 0-5 record, he has guaranteed that the Spartans will notch their first victory in their short history. The bold move makes the Spartans the first team in professional sports to ever guarantee a win without ever having recorded a franchise victory.
"These players are amped up for this game, and it has no doubt been their best week of practice," stated Kokalis. "The confidence this team still has to resurrect this season, and rise up the standings has us feeling that we can't lose."
The team standing in the way of La Crosse is the Sioux City Bandits. Led by Quarterback, and 2009 IFL Player of the Year candidate James McNear, the Bandits have a 2-3 record and sit in a third place tie with the Omaha Beef for third place in the Central West Division. Sioux City is coming off a 57-23 loss at the hands of the Sioux Falls Storm last week, and are eager to keep pace in the division. McNear has tossed a total of 19 touchdowns this season versus only four interceptions. The Spartans defensive backs will have to account for receivers Leon Hall Jr. and John Bentley to limit the Quarterback through the air.
The Spartans enter this game fresh off their best performance of the season taking Central North Division leader Green Bay to the wire before eventually falling 43-30. To make matters worse for the Bandits, starting Quarterback Jimmy Sangster is expected to suit up for the Spartans in this game after recovering from a torn MCL in the team's first game. It is unknown yet how much time Sangster will log in this game, so the Bandits must prepare for both him and Kewan Dewberry. Running back Mark Bonds has become the Spartans GO-TO man of late when the team needs a big play. He is averaging 47.5 yards per game on the ground to go along with six rushing touchdowns.
Kickoff at the La Crosse Center is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. this Sunday. Should the team NOT win the game, fans who purchased tickets for the game will be able to redeem their ticket stub for a free ticket to the May 21st game against the Bloomington Extreme. In addition, the team is securing additional prizes from local sponsors to give added value to purchasing tickets. Prizes include free bowling from Features, six free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and free camping at Jellystone Park. Tickets for the game are still available, but are running out FAST! They can be purchased through ticketmaster.com or by visiting the La Crosse Center Box Office. Partial-season and discounted group tickets are still available as well, and can be purchased by calling the Spartans office at 608-567-4299. For additional Spartans news visit www.lacrossespartans.com.
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