By: Ryan Michael
MAY 24TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – WEEK 11 GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES
Following a tough 63-49 loss on the road to the Massachusetts Pirates, the Steamwheelers return home to Quad City to take on the Green Bay Blizzard. The last time these two teams completed against each other was all the way back in June of 2022 when the Blizzard upset the Wheelers 31-13. They can expect a hungry Steamwheelers team ready to gain the upper hand in what will be the first of three 2023 matchups.
Against the Pirates, MVP front-runner, quarterback E.J. Hilliard Jr., put on another show, scoring 6 total touchdowns (2 passing, 4 rushing) and throwing 0 interceptions. That brought his 2023 total to mind-boggling 50 touchdowns.
Veteran wide receiver Keyvan Rudd led the team in receptions (6), receiving yards (85) and caught another touchdown to bring his 2023 total to 10. Running back Jerron McGaw put up 114 kick return yards and scored 2 total touchdowns (1 on a kick return, 1 receiving).
Defensive Player of the Year candidate, veteran defensive back Darreon Jackson, totaled 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 pass breakup and 0.5 TFLs. He currently leads the IFL with 6 interceptions heading into this Friday's game.
The Blizzard are coming off an impressive 57-41 win over the Iowa Barnstormers led by quarterback Max Meylor who produced 7 total touchdowns (4 passing, 3 rushing).
The Steamwheelers have signed wide receiver Jeremiah Holloman and defensive back Mercardo Anderson. Holloman was selected 23rd overall by the New Jersey Generals in the 2023 USFL draft. Originally a highly recruited prospect at Georgia, Jeremiah aka "JJ" was a standout at Tennessee State to conclude his college career. A DII All-American at Henderson State, Mercardo Anderson, joins sQUAD CITY with previous IFL experience with the NAZ Wranglers. Anderson looks to make an impact early with a struggling Steamwheelers secondary.
What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL take on the Blizzard for the first time this season? Tune in Friday May 26th at 7:05 PM CT to find out.
