Spartans Look To Slaughter Next Opponent
April 29, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
La Crosse Spartans News Release
La Crosse, WI: Coach Gilbert Brown and the rest of the La Crosse Spartans have plenty of reasons to be excited heading into the season's second half. Last week, a previously anemic offense finally lived up to the potential that plenty in the organization have been clamoring about since March. Living up to that potential, plus the additions of three skill players via free-agent signings, allowed the offense to out up 58 points on the normally stout West Michigan defense. The revamped game plan has seen the Spartans rely heavily on the running game, and then hit their opponent with a daggering long bomb. The team now welcomes the Chicago Slaughter to the La Crosse Center in what promises to be a knock out, drag out battle between the two Central North Division foes.
Chicago currently sits in second place in the Central North, just a half game above the Bloomington Extreme, with a 3-3 record. It is a large improvement considering the Slaughter began the season at 0-3. They too, like the Spartans, seem to feature their running game as much, if not more, then the pass. Runningback Jarrett Payton is averaging nearly 30 yards per game on the ground, and has found the endzone seven times. He is also a featured weapon as a pass catcher as well, having caught 16 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. A win over the Spartans would allow the Slaughter to keep pace in the United Conference playoff race.
La Crosse is fresh off that offensive outburst against the West Michigan Thunderhawks. Runningback Mark Bonds ran for nearly 100 yards on the ground, and found the endzone five times to garner him Week Nine VidSwap.com Offensive Player of the Week honors. The spark on offense was also do in large part to the free agent signings the team made mid-week. Former Thunderhawks QB Buddy Rivera was brought in to lead the team, and continually lead drives that produced the most points the team has scored all season. Another newcomer, Aaron Straiten seems to have found a quick connection with Rivera as well. He hauled in five passes for 74 yards and a score in his first game. To beat the former CIFL Champion's the offense will have to continue to progress, and the defensive unit, lead by standout Defensive Lineman Xzavie Jackson, will need to limit the amount of long drives the Slaughter can produce.
Kickoff for the teams fifth consecutive home game this month is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased via the La Crosse Spartans website, www.lacrossespartans.com, or at the La Crosse Center box office. Discounted group tickets are also available by calling the team office at 608-567-4299.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 29, 2010
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- Predators Looking For Revenge Against Division Leaders - Seattle Timberwolves
- Baker To Work Color Saturday - Amarillo Venom
- Spartans Bonds Named Offensive Player Of The Week - La Crosse Spartans
- Spartans Look To Slaughter Next Opponent - La Crosse Spartans
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