Steamwheelers Weekly Report

Published on May 10, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


Recap: The Steamwheelers "Ruled the River" and retained the rights to the traveling trophy with a 47-20 win over the Peoria Pirates on Friday night. The crowd of 5,278 at the Peoria Civic Center saw the Steamwheelers jump out to a 27-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Pirates fought back to within a score at 27-20 shortly into the third, but that would be all the Pirates offense that they could muster. The ‘Wheelers scored the games finally 20 points and held the Pirates scoreless to improve to 5-1 on the season. The loss dropped the Pirates to 2-4.

Next Up: With the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers falling for the first time this past weekend, it leaves only one unbeaten team in the af2, the Wichita Stealth (5-0). The Steamwheelers will be the team to try and make it so there are no undefeated teams left in the af2 after this weekend. The Steamwheelers (5-1) only loss of the season came at the hands of the previously top ranked Pioneers. The Stealth, who were ranked second in last weeks Coaches' Poll, will take over the top spot and the ‘Wheelers, who were ranked third, will battle the Pioneers for the second spot. Kickoff for this weekend's game against the Stealth is set for 7:30 p.m. at The MARK of the Quad Cities.

Last Time: If this seasons contest was only as good as last years. With the Stealth leading 56-53 going into the final frame, the Steamwheelers needed a spark. Shortly into the fourth quarter, kicker Rich Ehmke drilled a 40-yard field goal to tie things up for the ‘Wheelers. Then with just over two minutes remaining in the game, the ‘Wheelers took the lead when quarterback Tony Zimmerman found receiver Tim Dodge for an 11-yard score to put the ‘Wheelers up 62-56. Ehmke missed the extra point, leaving the door open for the Stealth. With five seconds remaining, the Stealth faced a first and goal from the ‘Wheelers 1-yard line. Fullback/linebacker Brian Goolsby tried to rush for the game-tying score, but was met by ‘Wheelers linemen T.J. Schneckloth and Michael Schaefer. The game appeared to be over, but the Stealth managed to call a timeout with 0:01 showing on the clock. Goolsby got the call again and was met by his counterpart, fullback/linebacker Josh Fourdyce, who stopped him short of the goal line, securing the ‘Wheelers fourth consecutive win.

Defensive Takeover: Once again, the Steamwheelers held their opponent to under 30 points. In six games this season, there have only been two games in which the Steamwheelers allowed more than 32 points, something not of the norm in Arena Football. The ‘Wheelers are allowing 31.5 points per game, second in the af2, only to the Wichita Stealth. The Stealth have been giving up 28.4 points a contest while scoring an average of 45.4. The Steamwheelers are slightly ahead, averaging 47.3 points an outing.

Former Pirates Pound Current Pirates: Seven former Peoria Pirates are currently in uniform for the Steamwheelers, and all seven of them played a major role in this past weekends game. Quarterback Ronnie Gordon completed 18 of 30 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another. Wide receiver/defensive back Charles Sheffield had a 47-yard interception returned for a touchdown. Wide receiver/defensive back Billy Cook had a 17-yard interception return. Defensive specialist Chazz Moore had 3.5 tackles, lineman Bear Brown had a sack and Jon Verdegan started at center in the ‘Wheelers 47-20 rout of the Pirates. Former Steamwheeler Xavier Patterson had a 4-yard touchdown reception for the Pirates.

Under 47 or Right On: The Quad City Steamwheelers have played in six games so far this season. In all but one of those games, the ‘Wheelers have scored between 40-49 points. In half of those games the Steamwheelers have scored exactly 47 points. The only time the ‘Wheelers have scored more than 47 points in a game was the first game of the season when they put up 71 points on the Manchester Wolves.

Upcoming Steamwheelers Appearances: On Monday, Steamwheelers players will be interacting with individuals at Meadowland Nursing home. On Tuesday, Steamwheelers players and staff will be at the Quad City Business Show at the Holiday in Moline interacting with local businesses and people from the area.

Practice Times: This week the ‘Wheelers will start out at MAXSports (formerly Marycrest Events Center) for practice Monday through Wednesday. Then on Thursday they will return to The MARK of the Quad Cities for practice on Thursday and Friday. Monday's practice will probably be light and short with things returning to normal on Tuesday. 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: The Steamwheelers are at home this weekend and will have a short trip over the I-74 bridge to The MARK of the Quad Cities.

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. 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.

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