MARCH 16TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES

STEAMWHEELERS VS. RATTLERS | 

The Steamwheelers have waited 7 long months. Following a Cinderella 2022 season that saw Quad City capture the Eastern Conference Championship before falling 3-points short in the National Championship game, the Wheelers will open up the 2023 IFL season at home vs. the Arizona Rattlers. 

The season-opener will feature a quarterback-duel between 2x IFL Offensive Player of the Year E.J. Hilliard and 3x IFL MVP Drew Powell. Last season, Powell led the IFL with 53 touchdown passes while Hilliard led the IFL in total touchdowns per-game (4.86). 

Like Quad City, Arizona's 2022 season also fell short of their ultimate goal—losing to the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Championship game 52-51. 

The Steamwheelers were aggressive in Free Agency this off-season, signing new players to bolster an already-dominant roster. One of the most notable signings was former Rattlers wide receiver Jarrod Harrington—a Second Team All-IFL selection in 2019. 

"Anytime you can get a guy as special as Jarrod that has done what he has done in the IFL, you can't help but be excited as a Coach! His understanding of the game aligned with his play-making ability will make him very special in our system." Head Coach Cory Ross told SteamwheelersFootball.com on October 19th, 2022 following the signing. 

Both teams enter the season opener having played their best football at the end of the 2022 season. Despite disappointing finishes for both squads, the Rattlers won 9 of their final 10 games and the Wheelers won 5 of their final 7. 

What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL take on the 6x AFL/IFL Champion Arizona Rattlers? Tune in Friday March 17th at 7:05 PM CT to find out.

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