ThunderHawks - Revolution Preview
April 8, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Michigan Thunderhawks News Release
What: IFL's Atlantic East Division Showdown
Who: West Michigan ThunderHawks (3-0) at Richmond Revolution (3-1)
Where: Arthur Ashe Athletic Complex; Richmond, Virginia
When: Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 7:05 p.m. E.S.T.
The first-ever meeting between these divisional foes won't decide anything yet, but it will provide an early season barometer for these two IFL contenders. It will be the first road test of the season for the ThunderHawks as Richmond tries to protect home turf and get back into a first-place tie in the Atlantic East.
Below is a breakdown of this highly anticipated matchup, with key players and units highlighted.
OFFENSE: West Michigan has been extremely consistent in the early going averaging 56 points-per-game and has not been held below 52 points in a contest so far this season. Richmond is putting up just over 32 ppg through four games with a high output of 49 points and a low of 23. ThunderHawks quarterback Brad Iciek is leading the IFL with 297.5 passing yards per game while Richmond's Bryan Randall throws for 152 ypg. West Michigan has four players with at least 10 receptions led by Bryan Pray (17-234-6) and Emmanuel Spann (13-195-4). The Revolution counter with Aaron Alexander (16-140-6) and Antwun Williams (13-188-4). Neither team has run roughshod over the competition, but West Michigan averages 49 ypg rushing with the always-dangerous Robert Height III (21-122-5) a threat to break a big play from scrimmage. Richmond gets 37 ypg rushing with Randall (33-90-2) the team's best option when he scrambles out of the pocket.
Edge: West Michigan's high-flying offense will put the Revolution to the test for 60 minutes.
DEFENSE: Richmond has been stingy giving up just 7 touchdowns in the air through 4 games and allowing an average of only 129 ypg passing. DeMarcus Jones has all three of his team's interceptions. The Revolution have given up a total of 195 ypg and recorded 8 sacks on the season, forcing two fumbles. West Michigan gives up 206 total ypg with 166 ypg coming through the air. The ThunderHawks have allowed 11 passing touchdowns in three games but have also recorded 9 interceptions - with 4 different players each grabbing a pair - so either is as likely to happen. West Michigan has gotten good quarterback pressure and has 5 sacks to show for it. The `Hawks `D' has produced one score on the season.
Edge: The hosts do a good job of keeping the ball in front of them while the visitors can make every mistake a costly one. Give the `Revs consistency the nod here.
SPECIAL TEAMS: West Michigan kicker David Hendrix has converted 5-of-11 field goals (46%) and 20-of-22 P.A.T. tries (91%) on the season. In week 5, he converted three kicks including a 50-yarder and scored 15 points on the way to becoming the IFL's Special Teams Player of the Week. The experienced Hendrix has scored a total of 35 points and has shown a good variety of kickoff styles depending on the opponent and game situation. Richmond placekicker Chris Segaar has made 3-of-5 (60%) field goal attempts and 7-of-8 P.A.T. tries (88%), good for 16 points on the season so far. In the return game, the ThunderHawks average 19.7 yards per kickoff return versus Richmond's 10.5 avg. The Revolution has a slight edge in defending kickoffs, allowing 13.7 ypr while West Michigan yields 18.6 ypr.
Edge: The ThunderHawks are much more willing to call on their kicking game to score points, and in a closely contested game, which this one looks to be, an extra three points here or there could be the difference.
INTANGIBLES: Richmond lost its last time out, 33-29 at Rochester last weekend, while West Michigan defeated Rochester 57-51 two weekends ago at home. Neither team has been heavily penalized with the ThunderHawks flagged 18-146 in three games and the Revolution whistled 30-216 in four outings. West Michigan has the better turnover ratio at +3 (9 takeaways, 6 turnovers) while Richmond has a -2 (6 takeaways, 8 turnovers).
Edge: West Michigan may get an extra possession or two if the turnover margin persists and that typically means more points, which the Revolution cannot afford to chase with a weaker offense.
OVERALL: West Michigan still has to prove they can win on the road where last year's team was 0-7. Richmond is eager to rebound from last week's loss and know they have not played their best game yet. If Richmond keeps the total scoring under 80 points, they may have an edge, but the ThunderHawks offense has yet to meet its match and will likely push the scoring to 90+ points. This game could also swing on a big momentum play like a blocked field goal or kickoff return for a score, which both teams are capable of providing.
Prediction: West Michigan 48, Richmond 35
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