Steamwheelers Fall to No. 4 in af2 Coaches' Poll

Published on April 29, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa — After holding the top spot in the arenafootball2's Coaches' Poll for the past four weeks, the Quad City Steamwheelers reign as the league's top team came to an end on Tuesday, falling three spots to No. 4.

The fall comes after last weekend's 40-27 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Pa.) Pioneers.

The Steamwheelers did not receive any of the first place votes, and totaled 193 points, just 45 points from the third spot in the polls.

Taking over the top spot in the polls were the Wichita Stealth. The Stealth, who received 12 fist place votes, improved to 4-0 on the season with last weekend's 68-53 victory over the Green Bay Blizzard. The Blizzard enter The MARK of the Quad Cities this Saturday night to take on the Steamwheelers in a Midwest Division showdown. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Moving into the third slot were the Steamwheelers Midwest Division rival Louisville Fire. They received three first place votes and a total of 238 points after a last second 62-56 victory over the Albany Conquest. Fire quarterback Matt Sauk connected with James Scott on a nine-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining to improve the Fire to 3-0.

Jumping from No. 7 to No. 2 were the Pioneers. The Pioneers received nine first place votes after the win over the ‘Wheelers. They lead the Fire by 19 points in the polls.

Steamwheelers archrival Tennessee Valley are a spot behind the ‘Wheelers with 170 points. The Vipers improved to 2-1 with a 68-43 win over expansion Laredo (Texas).

Five teams entered the weekend undefeated and only three survived. This weekend another undefeated team will fall as the Fire and Pioneers go head-to-head on Saturday night in Wilkes-Barre.

The Steamwheelers are looking to turn things around this weekend when they welcome the Blizzard and former Steamwheelers offensive specialist Randall Lane to town. Lane played the 2003 season with the ‘Wheelers prior to joining the Blizzard for the 2004 season. Kickoff for Saturday nights game at The MARK is set for 7:30 p.m.

Good seats are still available and can be purchased through The MARK box office or through TicketMaster at 563-326-1111 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

"Pick 5" season ticket plans are still available. Fans interested in purchasing the package may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.

The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.

About Arena Football League

The Arena Football League, formed in 1986 is the second-longest running football league in the U.S. History and is in its 18th season. It is one the fastest growing sports, and recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.

Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the ‘Wheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



arenafootball2 Stories from April 29, 2004


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.

OurSports Central