The wait for Steamwheeler football is over!
Kickoff time is set for 7:05 p.m. on Friday in Moline, IL.
The game will be broadcast on Caffeine TV in addition to the IFL YouTube Channel
Game one of the 2024 Quad City Steamwheelers season will take place at Vibrant Arena at the MARK against the defending Ea as signed later in the season, only played the last 10 games for the Sugar Skulls.
About the Storm
The Storm of Sioux Falls had a really strong season last year, finishing with an 11-7 overall record, and a 9-5 conference record. Following the departure of long time head coach Kurtiss Riggs, first year man Andre Fields looks to lead the Storm back to Vegas.
Catching passes for Sioux Falls will be returning wide receiver Carlos Thompson. Last year Thompson racked up 661 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns while in San Diego. Thompson is especially dangerous on special teams where he totaled 968 yards on kick return. Coming to Sioux Falls with Thompson will be 2023 IFL Triple Crown (receptions, yards, and receiving TDs) winner and All-IFL wide receiver Kentrez Bell who totaled 82 rec, 1,029 yds, and 24 TDs for the San Diego Strike Force. Both receivers join Donnie Corley Jr. who has appeared in 27 games for the Storm over the past two seasons, hauling in 83 catches for 1,253 yards and 31 touchdowns.
On the ground the Storm return both running backs from last season, Xavier Jackson and Byrson Denley. They combined for a total of 486 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Jackson also caught 304 yards and 6 touchdowns out of the backfield.
On defense, the Storm are without linebacker James Brown who led the team last year with 139 tackles. Coach Andre Fields however brings back Jalen James, Undraez Lilly, Logan Swanson and Isaiah Blackmon. The Sioux Falls secondary will be led by LaRonji Vason-Mccoy, who last year, totaled 115 total tackles, 3 PBUs, and 1 interception.
Last Time Around…
The Steamwheelers and Storm last met on 5/12/23 at Vibrant Arena, an eventual 47-30 win for the sQUAD. The Wheelers jumped out to a 21-3 lead before the Storm fought back and cut it to a 2-point deficit following halftime. DB Darreon Jackson hauled in a pick which led to a Wheeler touchdown and pushed the lead to 34-23. Following a late 3rd quarter touchdown, a pass from Brown to Corley, the Wheelers held the Storm scoreless in the 4th quarter and scored 2 TDs of their own to finish the night on top.
Thank You.
The Quad City Steamwheelers organization would like to extend a huge thank you to all the fans, partners, Vibrant Arena staff, and members of #WheelerNation for their support throughout the offseason. We look forward to getting back on the field and bringing family fun and the "Greatest Show on Turf" back to Quad City.
