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IFL Sioux Falls Storm

Storm Ready for Dander in United Bowl

June 27, 2013 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Sioux Falls Storm News Release


It all comes down to this. In a season that enjoyed the greatest parity the IFL has ever seen, it is now safe to say that the 2013 United Bowl will feature the best teams in the league. The Sioux Falls Storm (11-4) and the Nebraska Danger (11-4). At first glance...this game is a coin toss.

This history of these two franchises couldn't be farther apart. The Nebraska Danger franchise was only born 3 years ago. Fighting through two mediocre seasons before their 2013 success. Adversely, The Storm has been a top indoor football franchise for over 13 years. Winning six of the last eight IFL Championships. But none of that matters on Saturday. This is 2013 and these two teams are on very equal footing. Old banners don't earn new banners.

This game features the classic football cliché of high-speed offense vs. the immovable defense. Cliché or not, it's definitely true in this case. The high-speed offense is courtesy of the Nebraska Danger. Anchored by the number one quarterback in the league, Jameel Sewell. As of Thursday Sewell was named the IFL MVP as well as the Offensive Player of the Year. Sewell has put up Chris Dixon-like numbers in 2013. Sewell led the regular season in Passing Touchdowns (52), Passing Yards per game (180.8), Passing Yards (2531), Rushing Touchdowns (25), and Rushing Yards (654). Plus, he did all this while throwing only five interceptions. When Sewell chooses to throw the ball, it's normally to Kayne Farquharson. Farquharson led all wideouts with 1081 receiving yards and was second in the league with 21 receiving touchdowns.

The Nebraska defense is nothing to ignore. They are very physical group led by Second Team All-IFL Linebacker, Maurice Simpkins. In 2013, Simpkins compiled 97 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 pass break-ups.

The Sioux Falls Storm offense has gone through a few facelifts this season. Opening day starter, Martevious Young, partially tore his MCL early in the season. Forcing the Storm to work out a few players at the position before Storm legend, Terrance Bryant, came out of retirement to lead the team. Bryant has brought experienced leadership to this young team. Not to mention the most accurate arm in the league. Bryant leads the league in completion percentage, connecting on over 68% of his attempts. Weeks later, when original 2013 starter, Martavious Young, was cleared to play, there was no Quaterback controversy. Instead, Coach Kurtiss Riggs implemented a dual Quarterback system. Bryant would remain the starter, while the more mobile, lightning quick Young, would periodically take over inside the red zone. The offense has been a process all year but it feels they have hit a comfortable stride at the right time.

Defensively, The Storm are the best in the IFL, holding teams to under 36 points per game. The squad feature many playmakers. Rachman Crable, Cory Johnson, Patrick Wells, Roy Polite & Dan O'Keefe, just to name a few. But there is no doubt who leads this defensive unit. First Team ALL-IFL Linebacker and IFL Defensive Player of the Year, Tyler Knight. Knight has dominated in 2013. He leads the league in tackles with 153. That is 13 more than the next player and a whopping 55 more tackles than the third spot. He has also added 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles (one self-recovered for a TD), and 9 pass break-ups.

As closely measured as these two teams are, this game could come down to a field goal or Special Teams. Ironically, both teams hold a weapon there as well. The Storm's Parker Douglass has been named first team ALL-IFL kicker, while the Danger's Joe Houston made second team ALL-IFL.

For the first time in a long time, the Storm are not the obvious favorite heading into the title game. These are two great teams that are very evenly matched. The perfect ending to what has been an incredible season for the IFL.

"Nebraska has done some great things this season", stated Storm Head Coach, Kurtiss Riggs. "Hopefully we can find a way to contain their explosive offense and a way to score on their physical defense".

The 2013 IFL Championship, The United Bowl, will be held at the Sioux Falls Arena this Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05. The IFL commissioner, Robert Loving, will be on hand to present team and player awards during the pre-game ceremonies. The 2013 United Bowl is proudly sponsored by Waterbury Heating and Cooling, the Sioux Empires official Coleman dealer.

Tickets are still available at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office. Get more information at www.siouxfallsstorm.com.

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