APRIL15TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – WEEK 5 GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES

Following a 36-34 win over the Sioux Falls Storm in Week 3, the Quad City Steamwheelers return to action after their Week 4 bye to take on the Tulsa Oilers for the first time in franchise history.

In Week 1, the Oilers fell to the Frisco Fighters 35-13. The second half of the game was more competitive than the first, seeing the Frisco out- score Tulsa by a score of 13-10.

One of the standouts for Tulsa was linebacker Jordan Jones. Last season, Jones was named the 2022 CIF Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Omaha Beef. His 69 tackles, 3.0 TFL and 1.5 sacks gave Omaha a commanding presence on defense. Jones showed no signs of slowing down vs. Frisco, notching 11 total tackles (7 solo) and a TFL in his IFL debut.

Jones will be in for a tremendous challenge against Quad City's offensive line. Quarterback E.J. Hilliard Jr. was sacked only once in the Wheelers' victory over the Storm. Hilliard threw 4 touchdown passes, 2 to Keyvan Rudd and another 2 to C.J. Windham.

Wheelers linebacker Marquis Hendrix put on a show, notching 10 total tackles (3 solo). The Storm were held to only 34 points, the lowest total the Steamwheelers defense has held an opponent to over their last ten games.

What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL take on indoor football's newest franchise? Tune in Saturday April 15th at 7:05 PM CT to find out.