Wild start strong, finish slow in preseason loss to Fairbanks
March 19, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Alaska Wild News Release
The Wasilla Sports Complex was a shade of turf green on St. Patrick's Day that the facility had never seen before. The turf adjacent to the Curtis Menard Memorial Arena sat empty while the arena ice, normally home to the junior "A" Alaska Avalanche, was covered with turf. The Alaska Wild took on the Fairbanks Grizzlies in an IFL preseason matchup. With the starters for the Wild playing only a quarter, the second and third string players battled for roster spots against the Fairbanks starters nearly the entire game in a 50-28 loss to the Grizzlies.
The Alaska Wild and new head Floyd Johnson started preseason game in Alaska in dramatic fashion, completing a 4th and 7 and continuing the drive en route to quarterback Jamie Williamson finishing with a two yard touchdown run. Williamson scored again in the second quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run, and hit a wide open Solomon Jones 27 yard touchdown pass. With goal posts absent due to logistics, both teams were forced to go for the two point conversion the entire game. Williamson and backup quarterback Pierce Blewett both brought the crowd to its feet with jukes and highlight reel moves. Blewett leaped over a Grizzlies defender and somersaulted his way to the conversion after scoring one a one yard run.
On defense, defensive end J.C. Hobley played up to midseason form, as did nose tackle Alvin Payton, as the defensive line continuously collapsed the Fairbanks offensive line.
2008 presumptive Intense Football League MVP Demarcus "The Reaper" James proved he hasn't missed a step and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the second quarter and had a momentum-changing pass break up as well.
The Wild take on the Fairbanks Grizzlies in the Indoor Football League season opener for both teams on March 23 at 7:05PM at the Sullivan Arena.
Game Notes: Wild LB Joe Small did not play due to a leg injury and Wild RB Paul Mosley did not play due to travel arrangements. Mosley and Small are both expected to start in Monday's season opener.
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