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Steamwheelers Weekly Report

April 26, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


Recap: After sitting atop the af2 Coaches' Poll for four consecutive weeks the Quad City Steamwheelers will fall from that reign after last weekend's 40-27 loss to the seventh-ranked Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (3-0). The 27-point output tied for the lowest point total in team history. The loss also snapped a 17-game regular season win streak and dropped the ‘Wheelers to 3-1. The new Coaches' Poll will come out later this week.

Next Up: The Steamwheelers will return home to The MARK of the Quad Cities this weekend and welcome a former Steamwheeler to the house in the form of offensive specialist Randall Lane and his team, the Green Bay Blizzard. The Blizzard have started the season much better than last year's expansion season. They are 1-2 to start the season, and are averaging 53 points per game. Kickoff for Saturday nights contest is set for 7:30 p.m.

Last Time: Last season's contest was a blowout for the Steamwheelers as they handed the Blizzard a 75-29 loss in Green Bay. The win improved the Steamwheelers to 11-2 on the season. The game also marked another spot in history for the Steamwheelers. The receiving trio of Ira Gooch, Jeff Hewitt and Tim Dodge marked the first ever trio of teammates in football history to haul in 1,000 receiving yards on the. The milestone was reached in the third quarter of the game, when Dodge caught his seventh pass to put him over the grand mark. Gooch and Hewitt eclipsed the 1,000 receiving yards mark in the two previous weeks.

Offensive Slowdown: Entering last weekend's contest, the Steamwheelers had been averaging 54.3 points per game and posted a 3-0 mark over that same span. Last weekend the offense sputtered and for the first time since June 29, 2002, the ‘Wheelers trailed at halftime. Down 20-14 after the first half, things did not get any better for the ‘Wheelers in the second half. The Pioneers scored on their first possession of the half and eventually built their lead to 33-14. The Steamwheelers finished the night with 27 points, the lowest point total since a 27-19 victory over Bakersfield.

Dodge Ball Does Not Stop: Wide receiver/defensive back Tim Dodge is on a tear so far this season and has not let up. After passing up opportunities with the Carolina Panthers practice squad and shots in the AFL, Dodge has returned to help the Steamwheelers in everyway that he can. Dodge has been a threat on offense, defense and special teams. On the season, Dodge has caught 26 passes for 489 yards (122.2 per game), with eight going for touchdowns. He has returned a total of five kicks for 45 yards and has added 11.5 tackles on defense.

Geisler Perfect Again: For the second time in four games this season, kicker Ryan Geisler was perfect on all three extra point attempts. Both perfect games have come on the road for Geisler. Geisler is limited during the week as there are no uprights or back nets at MAXSports, the ‘Wheelers practice facility. But with the recent end of the Quad City Mallards season, the ‘Wheelers will be moving into The MARK of the Quad Cities (home arena to the ‘Wheelers) as early as Wednesday of this week. That will allow for Geisler to be able to practice everyday.

Upcoming Steamwheelers Appearances: It will be somewhat of a busy week for the Steamwheelers players, DeckMate Cheerleaders and staff as they will be out and about quite often this week. On Monday night, there will be a Meet and Greet held at the Golden Corral in Davenport. The event starts at 6 p.m. Steamwheelers players will be on hand to sign autographs and talk with fans. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Then on Wednesday, the DeckMates will be at St. Alphonsus School in Davenport, from 5-7 p.m. helping promote Birdies for Charity.

Practice Times: Coach Ingold has given the players Monday off this week, common for the ‘Wheelers when the upcoming game is on Saturday. The team will return to practice at MAXSports (formerly the Marycrest Events Center) on Tuesday. The ‘Wheelers could then be practicing at The MARK of the Quad Cities as early as Wednesday. The team will know for sure on Tuesday, and once it becomes available, it will be updated to all media. Regardless of where the team is, practice times will stay the same, running from 5-7 p.m. Coach Ingold starts practice at 5 p.m. with a film session that lasts 20-30 minutes. Then practice runs anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. Most players begin to arrive at practice around 4:30 p.m. and are around after practice for at least 20 minutes. Interviews are best to be conducted before or after practice. If there are any problems, contact Steamwheelers Media Relations Manager Ryan Holtmann.

Travel Plans: With a home game this weekend, the Steamwheelers will have the short trip over the I-74 bridge to The MARK for this Saturday night's home game against the Blizzard.

On the Air: "In the Boiler Room" has returned and is airing every Monday night on WFXN 1230 AM at 7 p.m. "In the Boiler Room" host Jim Albracht will be joined by Steamwheelers head coach Rich Ingold as well as different Steamwheelers players each week.

You can also listen in to Q106.5's Dwyer and Michaels every morning as they discuss the ‘Wheelers periodically on the "Mornings with Dwyer and Michaels" show that runs from 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Also, the "Voice of the Steam" Jim Albracht also hosts "Albracht in the AM" from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WOC 1420 AM. Throughout the show he discusses a variety of topics as well as the Steamwheelers.

Every Sunday night on NBC affiliate KWQC-TV6, following the 10 p.m. news, sports director Thom Cornelis hosts ‘Wheeler Watch" which features highlights of the previous weekend's game and a discussion with head coach Rich Ingold.

Media Requests: Any member of the accredited media that wishes to set up an interview with a Steamwheelers player, coach or staff member may contact Steamwheelers Media Relations Manager Ryan Holtmann at 563-324-4888 (office) or 563-570-0930 (cell phone). Most players are available throughout the day, pending their other profession.

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