IFL Sioux Falls Storm

Storm Kicks off 2012 Playoffs Against Steelhawks

June 19, 2012 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Sioux Falls Storm News Release


The Sioux Falls Storm (14-0) opens its playoff run this Saturday, June 23 against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (6-8). Dakotaland Autoglass is the proud sponsor of this first round playoff game and first all-time meeting between the two teams. Kickoff is at 7:05pm at Sioux Falls Arena.

The Storm is the IFL's lone undefeated team and is first in nearly every offensive category, including points per game (67.2) and yards per game (317.6). Storm quarterback, Chris Dixon, also leads the league in yards (3,321) and passing touchdowns (67).

The Storm's Carl Sims and Clinton Solomon have guided the team all season on the receiving end. Sims leads the team in receptions (72) and total yards (1108) while Solomon has notched 27 touchdowns. All-around threat Korey Williams has also provided a potent ingredient for the Storm. Williams has caught 40 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns, rushed 58 times for 198 yards and nine touchdowns and has returned 34 kicks for 664 yards and four touchdowns. Williams has 1,329 all-purpose yards and 18 all-purpose touchdowns.

Defensively, the Storm lead the league in points allowed per game (40.2) and are second in yards allowed per game (211.3). Linebacker Dejuan Fulghum leads the team with 97 tackles (70 solo). He also has two sacks, two interceptions and four pass break-ups to go with one defensive touchdown. Rachman Crable (5.5), Jeremiah Price (5.0) and Sean Kelly (4.0) have terrorized quarterbacks throughout the year on the defensive line with 14.5 sacks between the three of them.

The Steelhawks' offense is averaging 43.2 points per game and just less than 229 yards per game. Quarterback Bryan Randall has played just five games with the team but has 18 touchdowns and a 108.4 quarterback rating. On the ground, Ryan Leafey has rushed 119 times for 526 yard and 11 touchdowns. Randall's key targets all season have been Irani DeAraujo (17 touchdowns, 77 catches), Jeff Willis (11 touchdowns, 571 receiving yards) and Aaron Higdon (eight touchdowns, 53.1 yards per game).

Defensively, the Steelhawks' anchor is Marvin Johnson, who has racked up 100 tackles (77 solo), two sacks and seven interceptions this season. In addition, Brian Brikowski leads the team with five sacks and has 48 tackles. Defensive back Jesse Cooper also has seven interceptions and is tied for the team lead of eight pass breakups. Lehigh Valley is allowing 43.9 points per game but only 25 touchdowns all season.

The winner will advance to the United Conference Championship game next weekend to face either the Green Bay Blizzard (11-3) or the Bloomington Edge (10-4).



Indoor Football League Stories from June 19, 2012


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