Game 2 Preview: Quad City vs. Green Bay
This Saturday April 6th, the Steamwheelers are back in the Vibrant Arena at the MARK, for game two of the season against the Green Bay Blizzard.
Kickoff time is set for 7:05 p.m. on Saturday in Moline, IL.
The game will be broadcast on Caffeine TV in addition to the IFL YouTube Channel.
About the Steamwheelers
The first game of the season was an insane overtime win against the visiting Sioux Falls Storm 38-32. Offensive duo of Edward Vander and Jarrod Harrington both had two touchdowns each on the night alongside Judd Erickson who threw for 169 yards with 13 completions and two touchdowns.
On the defensive end, the Wheelers were led by Darreon Jackson with seven total tackles and Malik Duncan who added six total tackles. Huge energy plays were also made by Jaylin Swan who had a TFL and forced a fumble. Late addition KeShaun Moore made his impact in the trenches, with 4 total tackles including a TFL. Safety Trey Smith sealed the game with an interception in overtime.
About the Green Bay Blizzard
The Blizzard have played two games so far with the first one being a close loss against the Massachusetts Pirates, 44-40, in one of the two IFL Week 1 opening games. Their last game was a 35-24 comeback win against the Iowa Barnstormers, in which Quarterback Max Meylor threw two passing TDs and had a rushing TD to lead the Blizzard.
Last Time Around
The Steamwheelers and the Green Bay Blizzard last met on 7/8/23 at Vibrant arena, the sQUAD avenged a mid season loss with a 47-39 win over the Blizzard. Coach Cory Ross had the offense going, racking up 218 total yards along with 2 rushing TDs and a passing TD. The Defense made sure to do damage as well with All-IFL selection Darreon Jackson finishing the night with 7 total tackles, a forced fumble, and 2 pass breakups. Jaylin Swan found himself in the backfield often, accumulating 2 sacks on the night. The Steamwheelers won the season series against the Blizzard 2-1.
Players to Watch
Offensive
Edward Vander - RB // QCS - Vander scored a pair of TDs on opening night and as comfortability grows within his offensive line unit, look for him to continue producing on the ground.
Max Meylor - QB // GBB - Meylor is familiar going against the Steamwheelers going for 5 TDs in his first game and 2 TDs in his second start. The last time around, following 2 interceptions, Meylor was benched in the series finale. Going against new DC Larry Hendrix will be a test for the Blizzard quarterback.
Defensive
Melik Owens - DL // QCS - Owens made his impact in the season opening win against the Sioux Falls Storm with 2 total tackles. Look for him to try and disrupt the Blizzard passing game with a steady rush upfront.
Ravarius Rivers - DB // GBB - Rivers is a key piece of the Blizzard secondary, averaging 8 tackles in the first two games, along with 3 total pass breakups. Rivers also makes an impact on special teams as a Green Bay return man.
Game 2 will be sponsored by Tyson Foods & will be Hometown Heroes Night. Local community members who were nominated by their peers will be acknowledged during halftime. Tickets are available for purchase at steamwheelersfootball.com/tickets or at the Vibrant Arena box office!