MARCH 30TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – WEEK 3 GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES

GAME-PREVIEW STORM VS. STEAMWHEELERS |

Following a 49-47 win over the San Diego Strike Force on the road, the Quad City Steamwheelers (1-1) will return to the Vibrant Arena at The MARK to face their Eastern Conference rivals—the Sioux Falls Storm— in their first game of the 2023 season.

Against San Diego, quarterback EJ Hilliard Jr. continued his prolific pace, producing another 5 touchdowns (2 passing, 3 rushing) to bring his season total to 11 (No. 1 in the IFL). Hilliard also leads the league in rushing, having produced 150 yards on the ground through two games.

Wide receiver C.J. Windham caught a 37-yarder against San Diego, bringing his season total to 132 receiving yards (No. 1 in the IFL).

Defensively, Darreon Jackson ranks second in the IFL in total tackles (14). Jackson and Kendricks Gladney Jr. are tied for second in the IFL in passes broken up (3).

The Steamwheelers will look to fire on all cylinders against a Storm team that narrowly missed out on the postseason last season after finishing 8-8.

Quarterback Lorenzo Brown Jr. returns to Sioux Falls as the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards (3,582) and rushing touchdowns (128). He also ranks second in franchise history in pass completions (913), passing yards (11,383) and touchdown passes (230).

Storm DL Undraez Lilly finished second in the IFL last season with 9.5 sacks and should pose a tremendous challenge for Quad City's offensive line, one of the strongest units in the league today.

The last time these two teams faced, the Storm walked away with a 62-55 win in overtime.

What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL return to the Vibrant Arena at The MARK to face their division rivals? Tune in Saturday April 1st at 7:05 PM CT to find out.

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