Week 6 Game Preview - Blackjacks vs Brigade
Published on May 29, 2019 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Atlantic City Blackjacks News Release
The Atlantic City Blackjacks (2-3) will conclude their three-game homestand on Saturday, June 1 as they take on the Baltimore Brigade (3-2) for the second time this season. In the previous matchup, the Blackjacks secured the victory with a score of 48-41. It will be important to for the team to finish out strong at home before heading on the road for four straight games. Fans can watch live on NBCSP+, ESPN3 or the ESPN app, or listen to the call live on 97.3 ESPN at 3:30 p.m.
"It's always difficult to play a good team twice in a short period of time," said Ron James, Head Coach of the Atlantic City Blackjacks. "Baltimore is a very talented team coming off a big win. We are going to have to play at our best this weekend and expect that it will be a hard-fought game."
The Blackjacks controlled the first meeting against the Brigade from the start. Randy Hippeard threw for four touchdowns and LaMark Brown had three total touchdowns. Shane Boyd threw for four touchdowns as well with Joe Hills and Brandon Collins each having two receiving touchdowns. Adjustments on both sides of the ball will need to be made to ensure a complete game from the Blackjacks.
The defense knows what to expect from the Brigade offense and last time they played, Kiante Northington picked off Boyd twice. If Northington can replicate his play from Week 4, the team should be in good hands. The defensive line made their presence known in their first meeting and if they can pressure Boyd again, they will be able to limit the damage Boyd can do with his arm. Locking down on Hills and Collins this time around will have to be sharper. Hills is a dangerous player who if given enough time will get open for Boyd. Hills only had 58 receiving yards in Week 4, so the defense will have to be ready for a better performance out of him.
The next matchup to watch will be Hippeard and his offense. Kendrick Ings went off in Week 5 collecting four total touchdowns with 184 all-purpose yards. He scored the first kick return for a touchdown in team history with a 56-yard return and Hippeard threw his 400th passing touchdown to Ings as well. Ings has been getting better every week and since LaMark Brown was sidelined from the game in Week 5 with an early injury, Ings will need to be ready to be the main target in Week 6. Rashad Still is also getting some more playing time collecting seven catches and one touchdown against Albany. It's crucial for Hippeard to have multiple receivers he can rely on and through five games this season, it appears he does have that luxury.
The final matchup to look out for will be how both teams keep their composure. Three players got ejected in Week 4 and multiple season ending injuries took place. The game got heated in the final minutes and both teams lacked discipline. It's an unfortunate part of the game but two Baltimore players sustained significant injuries that will sideline them for the rest of the season and aggressive play should be expected from the start. Unnecessary penalties will need to be avoided and smart play from the Blackjacks will need to be consistent throughout the whole game.
Fans can secure their season tickets for the Atlantic City Blackjacks now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 609-783-9494 or by going to ACBlackjacks.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit within a week to select your specific seats, which will be done in order in which deposits were received.
Atlantic City Blackjacks 2019 Season Presented by Tropicana Atlantic City.
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