UIF week one preview

Published on March 23, 2007 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF) News Release


Omaha, NE - Since July 29, 2006, fans have waited for the return of the war between the boards, and it has finally arrived. Tonight will mark the third regular season of United Indoor Football (UIF).

OUTLAWS at ICE

Kicking off the season tonight, will be the "Battle of New teams," as the Billings Outlaws travel to Loveland to face the Colorado Ice. The Outlaws will rely on veteran quarterback Chris Dixon, who led them to a league championship in 2006. At this point, little is known about the Colorado Ice, but one thing fans can count is an experienced head coach. Collins Sanders has been coaching professional football since 1992 and has knowledge of the UIF from being the head coach with the Omaha Beef. He has also led teams to eight playoff game appearances in his six-year indoor coaching career.

STORM at RAPTORS

The only team ever to win United Bowl will start on the road against Rockford. In 2006, the Storm went undefeated and outscored their opponents during the regular season 684 to 384. Key returnees for the Storm include, QB Terrance Bryant, running back Marques Smith, and defensive back/linebacker Mark Blackburn. The Storm also acquired former NFL and Sioux City player Anthony Thomas. Rock River is coming off an 11-4 season and a trip to the Semi-Finals. Running back Randy Bell, who was third in the UIF last season averaging 10.8 TD's, will return for the team.

RAGE at BLUECATS

This game will answer a lot of questions for the Rage. The main one will be, how can the team replace a running back who had over 800 rushing yards? Rookie running back Muhammad Abdulqaadir (Southern IL) will have his chance to prove he is the answer. First year head coach Jim Cox has brought in a host of other standout rookies including former Buffalo Bill Milton Proctor, a defensive back (Kansas State). In 2006, the Rage went 14-2 in regular season and made it to the Conference Final. The BlueCats will look to improve on a 7-8 regular season record.

BEEF at BANDITS

During the off season, the Beef aimed to boost their defense, adding Marques Salmond who played for the Sioux Falls last season, and Brent Hafford who was allocated in 2006 to NFL-Europe by the Saints. The team will have to find a new quarterback, as both Chuck Wright and Andy Majors have left. In 2006, the Bandits had the third best scoring defense, holding opponents to 33.2 pts/g and the first ranked pass defense allowing only 111.4 yards per game. On offense the Bandits return top receivers Cori Johnson and Johnnie Ostermeyer.

HORSEMEN at GREYHOUNDS

Last season, the Horsemen fell short in United Bowl II, and this season they look to get back and ride strong. The Horsemen had a league best 777 points and a second best +13 turnover margin. William Mulder, who led the league averaging 26.5 yards per kick return, will be a key contributor this season. For the Greyhounds, a league best 188.4 passing yards per game was big, but they'll look to improve an overall record of just 6-8 and as with most teams in the UIF, a new quarterback is the theme. Freddy Ray will handle the job for the Greyhounds.

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United Indoor Football Association Stories from March 23, 2007


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