Game 10 Preview at Vegas
By Timothy Wallis
After having a bye last week, the Quad City Steamwheelers will once again travel on the road, this time, to the Silver State. The now 3-6 Wheelers will travel to Henderson, Nevada, for an inter-conference matchup with the Vegas Knight Hawks, last season's champions, and currently sit at 7-1.
Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, NV. To watch, you can go to Overnight online or on iOS, Android, or Apple TV.
About the Steamwheelers
Last week, the Steamwheelers had a bye week, but before that, they defeated the Tucson Sugar Skulls in dramatic fashion, 40-38. Steamwheelers quarterback Daquan Neal threw for two touchdowns and added 47 rushing yards, while running back Jarrod Ware Jr. scored touchdowns both on the ground and through the air, plus returned a kickoff for another score. Receiver Keyvan Rudd added his 100th career touchdown as the Wheelers tried to protect their lead throughout the night. Defensively, Quad City came up with several plays, including an interception by KJ Trujillo and multiple sacks from Charles Rosser and KeShaun Moore. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, the Wheelers sealed the win with a safety in the final minute before recovering the ensuing onside kick.
QC - Players to Watch
Quian Williams / WR - The Knight Hawks' defense, while being stingy against the run, allows 154.1 passing yards per game, which means that if the Wheelers are unable to get the ground game going, then the wideouts will have to be sure to help Neal in the passing game. Being Neal's number one option, Williams will be the player to watch for on the Quad City offense.
Malik Duncan / DB - Though the damage Vegas' offense inflicts is more through the ground, Duncan will still play a huge role. Two weeks ago against Tucson, Duncan racked up two tackles for loss, and his physical presence against the run will very much be needed this week.
About the Knight Hawks
Last week, the Vegas Knight Hawks secured a 48-44 victory and claimed the inaugural IFL Cup Championship. They opened the game strong and held a 10-7 lead after the first quarter behind a touchdown from Quentin Randolph. They continued to battle offensively in the second quarter as Ron Brown Jr. and Josh Tomas each scored rushing touchdowns, though Vegas trailed 29-17 at halftime. In the second half, quarterback Jayden de Laura helped spark a comeback as the Knight Hawks scored 14 straight points, while interceptions from Joe Foucha and Fred Flavors shifted momentum. Deshon Stoudemire scored to give Vegas a 38-31 lead entering the fourth quarter before the Knight Hawks added 10 unanswered points late in the game, but Vegas held on.
Vegas - Players to Watch
Jayden de Laura / QB - So far this season, de Laura has been spectacular, totaling 998 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions, while completing 70.7% of his passes, which is the second-highest completion percentage in the league. Not only does he do damage through the air, but he also has run in for nine touchdowns while only fumbling it once. The Wheelers' defense will need to force the steady de Laura to turn the ball over if they want to neutralize the Knight Hawks' offense.
Terry Roberts / DB - A shifty defensive back, Roberts has flown all across the field this season, with his four interceptions being the third most of individual players so far this season. With Neal being a bit turnover-prone, Roberts will certainly be looking to snag a few more.
Last Time Around…
The Steamwheelers and Knight Hawks last met on 6/24/22, in Henderson, NV, where the Steamwheelers took home a 57-56 win.