Wolves Overwhelm Steamwheelers: 79-49

July 28, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


(Manchester, NH) -- Nobody expected the final game of the Steamwheeler's season to mean so much. But despite having a "must win" game in front of them, the 'Wheelers were overwhelmed by a highly productive Manchester offense and swarming defense that swamped Quad City in the second half. The Wolves won in front of 8,000 hometown fans by a score of 79-49.

An uncharacteristic offensive melt-down in the first half that saw only one touchdown and two field goals in the first 27 minutes of play. Even with the rough start, the 'Wheelers went into the locker room pumped up by a blocked field goal and resulting touchdown plunge by FB/LB Jeff Macrea to bring Quad City to within four points.

The third quarter continued to vex the Steamwheelers, as it has all season. This time, Manchester outscored the 'Wheelers by twenty points, putting the game almost out of reach by the end of the period. The Wolves ran only six plays in the third quarter, but managed to score 27 points in the process.

Steamwheelers QB Tim Hicks (19-42-0) managed to throw for 207 yards and three touchdowns, giving him the team passing record and pushing past the current af2 mark. But those accomplishments were bittersweet for Hicks who, at one point in the second half, threw nine incomplete passes in a row.

Hicks was eventually replaced by back-up QB Matt Pike (3-8-0, 37 yards, 1 TD) who managed to throw for one more touchdown at the end of the game. But by then, the outcome of the game was set.

After the game, during his post-game radio interview, Head Coach Rick Frazier accepted the responsibility for the performance of his team during the season. "It just wasn't a good night," said Frazier. "You don't throw your defense out there and try to play the whole game with them."

Admitting the season didn't start or end the way he wanted it to, he did say he was proud of his team and the loyalty they've shown the team. "Almost every one of those kids were with us from the start of training camp," said Frazier. "It's all about loyalty. That's the way I was brought up."

The loss brought a troubled 2006 campaign to an end for the Steamwheelers. This season was the first losing season in the history of the franchise and the first season where an eligible Quad City squad was not a part of the af2 playoff picture.



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