JUNE 15TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – WEEK 14 GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES

Following a 45-38 loss on the road the the Green Bay Blizzard, the Quad City Steamwheelers (7-4) will head to Des Moines for a matchup with their Eastern Conference Rivals, the Iowa Barnstormers (2-9).

The last time these two teams met was on May 6th of this year when the Wheelers walked away with a dominant 60-34 win in Iowa. Since then, the Barnstormers have continued to struggle, losing three of their last five games — but winning their last matchup vs. Tulsa 48-40.

Despite the loss to Green Bay, Quad City still displayed the same flashes of brilliance that have put them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Quarterback E.J. Hilliard had another strong outing, throwing 5 touchdown passes to 0 interceptions. Veteran wide receiver Keyvan "Stud" Rudd hauled in another 2 touchdown receptions to bring his

2023 season total to 14. Shane Simpson, Tyler Jones and Jerron McGaw all caught touchdowns.

Defensive back Darreon Jackson led the team with 8 total tackles, including 1 TFL. The defense gave up 48 points, their best total of the last 3 games, but it wasn't enough as the offensive, defense and special teams failed to fire on all cylinders collectively.

The Wheelers will look to bounce back on the road this week and they'll have a 3-week stretch (2 home games, 1 bye week) to reset when they return to the Quad Cities.

What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL travel to Iowa for a rematch with the Barnstormers? Tune in Saturday June 17th at 7:05 PM CT to find out.

---