By: Ryan Michael
JULY 6TH, 2023 MOLINE, IL – WEEK 17 GAME PREVIEW PRESENTED BY QC TIMES
After their toughest stretch of the season, the Steamwheelers bounced back in a big way last week against the Iowa Barnstormers. With their offense seemingly scoring points at will and their defense refusing to give inches, it can be argued that sQUAD City's 63-35 win over Iowa was their most impressive all-around performance of the season.
Quarterback E.J. Hilliard Jr. had another electric game—completing 10 of 13 passes (76.9%) for 121 yards through the air, scoring 5 total touchdowns (2 passing, 3 rushing), throwing 0 interceptions and taking 0 sacks behind the Wheelers' brick wall offensive line. Hilliard's 71 total touchdowns rank him No. 1 in the IFL this season.
Shane Simpson? Another impossible performance. The star running back rushed for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 20 yards.
Jeremiah Holloman? The former Georgia Bulldog led the Wheelers in receptions (6) and receiving yards (97). He and fellow rookie wide receiver C.J. Windham both hauled in touchdowns. Windham now has 11 touchdown receptions over the 11 games he's played in this season.
Defensively, veteran defensive back Malik Duncan put on a show— notching 4 total tackles, blocking a field goal and scoring a defensive touchdown. He wasn't alone. New Quad City defensive back Romon Morris led the team with 10 total tackles. Four different Steamwheeler defenders notched TFLs (Duncan, Krystapher Oakley, Jaylin Swan and Sam Hammond).
Quad City will be in for a tough matchup against the 7-6 Green Bay Blizzard, fresh off a 58-55 win over the Tulsa Oilers. Quarterback Max Meylor scored 6 total touchdowns (4 passing, 2 rushing). Wide Receiver Marquise Irvin caught 9 passes for 110 yards. When their offense is firing on all cylinders, they can be awful tough to slow down.
What will happen when the defending Eastern Conference Champions of the IFL face their Eastern Conference rivals in a rubber match that is likely to have postseason ramifications? Tune in Saturday July 8th at 7:05 PM CT to find out.
