Steamwheelers Weekly Report

Published on May 3, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


Recap: The Steamwheelers responded to their first loss of the season in the best possible fashion as they froze the Green Bay Blizzard 47-26 in front of 5,853 fans at The MARK of the Quad Cities on Saturday night. The win, coupled with a Louisville Fire loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, moved the ‘Wheelers into a tie atop the National Conference Midwest Division standings. In the win, offensive specialist Jeff Hewitt came out of a two-game slide as he caught nine passes for 128 yards and three scores. Hewitt rushed for a touchdown as well as returning four kicks for 94 yards on the night.

Next Up: The Steamwheelers and Peoria Pirates will add another chapter to this storied rivalry between the teams. This Friday night's game will mark the seventh installment of the battle for the "Ruler of the River" trophy, which goes to the winner of the "War on I-74." The traveling trophy consists of a Pirates ship and Steamwheelers steamboat and is currently in possession of the ‘Wheelers as they swept the Pirates last season.

Last Time: In the final regular season game of the season, the Steamwheelers handed the Pirates a 65-42 pounding and with a Tennessee Valley loss, they clinched the best record in the af2 and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The ‘Wheelers took a 41-13 lead into the locker room at halftime and did not let up. Quarterback Tony Zimmerman completed 18 of 36 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for two others.

Defensive Takeover: Two weeks ago the Steamwheelers allowed 40 points to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers in a losing effort, this past weekend the defense had its best game of the season. Despite not recording a sack, the ‘Wheelers "D" got after Blizzard quarterback Dennis Gile, as they had 15 quarterback hurries, and put Gile on his back countless times. The "D" also forced Gile to fumble three times and throw three interceptions. The defense had nine pass deflections, with five coming from defensive specialist Matt Forbes.

Return to Ordinary: After two off weeks where he only caught six passes for a combined 71 yards, offensive specialist Jeff Hewitt got back to his normal self this past weekend. Hewitt caught nine passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another. He had 94 yards in kick returns to total 223 all-purpose yards. Hewitt is tops in the af2 in all-purpose yards with 1,046 and is fifth in receiving yards per game.

Curse of the Navigator: After three issues of the Steamwheelers game night program, the Navigator, it would appear as though it carries the same curse as Sports Illustrated. After starting the season out with two outstanding games, offensive specialist Jeff Hewitt donned the April 17 cover of the program. That night and the following weekend, Hewitt was held to six receptions, 71 yards and no scores. Wide receiver/defensive back Tim Dodge graced the May 1st cover and although he caught four passes for 54 yards and had an assisted tackle and pass deflection on defense, Dodge was held scoreless for the first time all season. Who will be on the next cover? Depends on who is willing to test the curse.

Upcoming Steamwheelers Appearances: It will be a light week for the Steamwheelers players and DeckMate Cheerleaders with this week's game being played on Friday. Today, players will be at Pleasant Valley Junior High School to judge a contest and eat lunch with the students.

Practice Times: The ‘Wheelers will return to The MARK of the Quad Cities for practice for the first time this season. However, it will only be for two days this week. Monday and Tuesday the ‘Wheelers will have the full field at The MARK to utilize prior to returning to MAXSports (former Marycrest Events Center) on Wednesday and Thursday. Practice times remain the same with coach Ingold starting 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 just a 90-mile trip to Peoria, Ill., the ‘Wheelers will depart for Friday nights contest that afternoon. The team will then return to the Quad Cities following the conclusion of the game.

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 and this week fullback/linebacker Brian Berg and kicker Ryan Geisler will be featured on the show.

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. This Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., Dwyer and Michaels will welcome a quintet of ‘Wheelers when wide receiver/linebacker LaRico Cole, quarterback Ronnie Gordon, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Bear Brown and wide receiver/defensive back Tim Dodge are guests on the morning show.

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.

This week's game on Friday night will be broadcast on live TV. Mediacom will be broadcasting live from Peoria, with the game being broadcast in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, most of western Illinois and the Quad City area. Check your local Mediacom listings for the channel in your area.

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.

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



arenafootball2 Stories from May 3, 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