Steamwheelers Top Strike Force
March 26, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
The Quad City Steamwheelers entered Week 2 against their second consecutive Western Conference opponent: the San Diego Strike Force. After falling short in the 2023 season opener, sQUAD CITY looked to notch their first "W" of the season.
The Strike Force opened up their first possession on a short kickoff from the Steamwheelers. QB Aaron Aiken used his legs to score against his former team on 4th down. PAT good. Strike Force up 7-0.
WR Mike Carrigan took the following kickoff just past mid-field. A penalty during the PAT moved the ball to the Strike Force 15-yard line. The Wheelers' first offensive touch of the game was an EJ Hilliard QB-keeper for six. PAT good. Tie game 7-7.
The Strike Force's second drive started in plus territory due to early penalty trouble from Quad City. Another 4th down conversion score for San Diego as Aiken drilled WR Marques "Hoodie" Rodgers for the touchdown. PAT missed. Strike Force up 13-7.
Deep in their own territory, Hilliard launched a deep pass to WR CJ Windham for 36-yards. Hilliard then used his legs to get his 2nd rushing touchdown of the night. PAT good. Wheelers up 14-13.
Strike Force QB Demry Croft took over the offensive reins on the next drive. Despite moving the ball down the field, San Diego's offense stalled out, turning the ball over on an incomplete 4th down pass.
In an effort to extend the lead, Hilliard delivered a beautiful 42-yard pass to Carrigan for the score. After running only 5 plays during their first 3 drives, the Wheelers were up 21-13.
After a missed field goal, Quad City took possession. A long drive kept alive with a huge late hit penalty was topped off by another Hilliard-to-Carrigan connection. PAT good. Wheelers up 28-13.
Strike Force rookie DB Terin Adams turned on the jets to return the ball just outside the red zone. Backed up by penalties, Croft found WR Kentrez Bell for the touchdown. PAT good. Wheelers still up 28-20.
With 0:02 on the clock before half, a field goal attempt from K Chase Allbaugh narrowly missed. At the half: Steamwheelers 28, Strike Force 20.
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The Steamwheelers opened up the second half at the 20-yard line after the kickoff sailed out of bounds. Hilliard's first pass was intercepted by Strike Force DB David Haney in the end zone.
Croft and the Strike Force offense got a quick score through the air, connecting with Bell for the touchdown. PAT good. Wheelers still up 28-27.
On the following drive, Hilliard moved the ball down the field with both his arm and legs before handing the ball off to Carrigan for the touchdown. PAT good. Wheelers up 35-27.
The Strike Force responded with a 3rd down pass connection hauled in by Rodgers for his second touchdown. PAT good. Wheelers up 35-34.
Hilliard continued to establish chemistry with Carrigan on a pass that connected for a big chunk of yardage. On the next play, Hilliard picked up his third rushing touchdown of the game and fifth of the season. PAT good. Wheelers up 42-34.
On the next drive, San Diego started deep in their own territory. After moving the sticks, Croft's pass to the end zone was picked off by Steamwheelers DB Jadarius Byrd.
Hilliard and company, pinned in their own 2-yard line, got the first down to create some breathing room. A 28-yard touchdown run from WR Jarrod Harrington extended the lead. PAT good. Wheelers up 49-34.
The next drive was an incredibly important drive one for San Diego. The offense drove the ball 45 yards and ended the drive with a Croft QB-keeper for the touchdown. PAT good. Wheelers still ahead, 49-41.
On the next drive, the Quad City offense went three and out and was forced to kick the ball back to San Diego.
The Strike Force, trying to tie the game, got penalty help from a targeting call which moved the ball into the red zone. Rodgers later galloped in for the score, his third of the night. The 2-point conversion attempt saw the football punched out by Wheelers DB Darreon Jackson-no good. Wheelers 49-47.
Quad City leaves San Diego with their first win of the 2023 season as they head back to the Vibrant Arena at The MARK to take on their Eastern Conference rivals, the Sioux Falls storm next Saturday April 1st at 7:05 PM CT.
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