Post by David on May 13, 2016 11:26:48 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Sioux Falls Storm
What: Spokane travels to Sioux Falls to take on the Storm in a potential United Bowl preview.
When: Saturday, May 14, 5 p.m. (PT).
Where: Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Empire Media: Radio - 700/1080 AM ESPN
National Media: Stream (paid subscription) - IFL Live TV
Series History: First Meeting.
Note: Since the inception of the IFL in 2009, Sioux Falls has participated in 6 of the past 7 United Bowls, winning the last 5 in a row.
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results 2016
Spokane Empire Schedule 2016
IFL Franchises and Links
The Empire are 8-1 overall, 3-1 on the road and 3-0 in inter-conference play. Spokane is coming off a 75-28 home win over the Billings Wolves on May 7. They are averaging 59.2 points per game (2nd in IFL) and are allowing 46.9 points per game (4th). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
The Storm are 9-1 overall, 4-0 at home and 3-0 in inter-conference play. Sioux Falls is coming off a 66-58 road win over the Wichita Falls Nighthawks on May 6. They are averaging 59.9 points per game (1st) and are allowing 47.5 points per game (5th). The Storm are first in the United Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Empire 264.6; Storm 246.256.70
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 159.9; Storm 144.9
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 104.7; Storm 111.8
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 50.7%; Storm 49.3%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 61.1%; Storm 66.7%
Total Tackles - Empire 376; Storm 391.5
Tackles for Loss - Empire 48; Storm 56
Total Sacks - Empire 19.0; Storm 20.0
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 8; Storm 5
Interceptions - Empire 16; Storm 12
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire LB Nick Haag (image credit: Gary Peterson Photography)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Samuel Charles (WR)
2 - Lorenzo White Jr. (DB)
3 - Josh Ferguson (DB)
4 - Carl Sims (WR)
5 - Tyree Robinson (DB)
7 - Adrian James (DB)
8 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
11 - Charles Dowdell (QB)
16 - Robert Brown (DB)
17 - Pasquale Vacchio (LB)
18 - Trevor Kennedy (RB/WR)
19 - Diondre Borel (WR/QB)
44 - Brett Bowers (DL)
47 - Nick Haag (LB)
52 - D.J. Yendrey (LB)
56 - Dave Lefotu (OL)
62 - Dominique Duster (DL)
70 - Mike Trice (OL)
72 - Kyle Fischer (OL)
76 - Michael Boyefio (OL)
78 - Brandon Haskin (OL)
80 - Jefferson "JJ" Hayes (WR)
88 - Justin Helwege (WR)
93 - Benjamin Perry (DL)
95 - Bryon Bennett (DL)
97 - Steven Wakefield (K)
Adam Shackleford - Head Coach
Cleveland Pratt - Assistant Head Coach
Ameer Ismail - Defensive Coordinator
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Charles Dowdell 1,282
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 39
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 8
Rushing Yards - Trevor Kennedy 636
Rushing TDs - Trevor Kennedy 25
Receptions - JJ Hayes 44
Receiving Yards - JJ Hayes 522
Receiving TDs - Carl Sims 12
Tackles - Nick Haag 58.5
Sacks - Benjamin Perry 7.5
Interceptions - Robert Brown 4
KO Return Ave - Trevor Kennedy 21.5
KO Return TDs - Trevor Kennedy 1
SIOUX FALLS STORM
Storm QB Lorenzo Brown (image credit: Joe Ahlquist/Argus Leader)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Korey Williams (WR)
2 - Carrington Hanna (QB)
3 - Tyler Knight (LB)
4 - Brandon Johnson-Farrell (WR)
6 - Elijah Fields (DB)
8 - Lorenzo Brown (QB)
9 - Angelo Pease (RB)
11 - Marcus Beaurem (WR)
12 - Matt Hermanson (DB)
13 - Jon Setzer (DB)
15 - Claude Davis (DL)
16 - J'Vontez Blackmon (DB)
18 - Caleb Holley (WR)
19 - Justin Syrovatka (K)
22 - Devon Dace (DB)
23 - Mike Tatum (WR)
24 - Carlton Watkins (DB)
34 - Brandon Peguese (DL)
47 - Roosevelt Robers Jr. (DL)
55 - Charlie Sanders (OL)
56 - Matthew Hardison (DL)
58 - Sam Campbell (DL)
69 - Rashaud Mungro (OL)
71 - Kyle Bryant (OL)
75 - Myniya Smith (OL)
95 - Bryan Keys (DL)
Kurtiss Riggs - Head Coach
Brian Hermanson - Defensive Coordinator
Andre Fields - Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coach
Terrance Bryant - QB Coach
Jared Fredenburg - Defensive Line Coach
Gerald Davis - OL Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 1,527
Passing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 38
Passing INTs - Lorenzo Brown 10
Rushing Yards - Lorenzo Brown 377
Rushing TDs - Lorenzo Brown 12
Receptions - Korey Williams 41
Receiving Yards - Mike Tatum 508
Receiving TDs - Mike Tatum 13
Tackles - Tyler Knight 77.5
Sacks - Brandon Peguese 7.0
Interceptions - Jon Setzer 3
KO Return Ave - Korey Williams 22.3
KO Return TDs - Korey Williams 4
DAVID'S TAKES
SPOKANE:
Coming off of a 75-28 blowout of the Billings Wolves, The Empire's confidence couldn't be any better as they hit the road to play the 5-time defending champion Sioux Falls Storm. Both Spokane and Sioux Falls are leading their respective conferences with only one loss on the season, and could be setting the stage for the first of two United Bowl previews. This is an important game for Spokane, because it could determine who earns the #1 overall seed and the right to host the United Bowl.
Statistically, the Empire and the Storm are nearly identical; both the Storm and the Empire are ranked next to each other in scoring offense (Sioux Falls 1st, spokane 2nd), scoring defense (Spokane 4th,Sioux Falls 5th), and rushing offense (Sioux Falls 1st, Spokane 2nd). based on the numbers, this should be an evenly matched game between two historically successful arena/indoor football franchises.
After going up against the 1st and 2nd ranked pass defenses in the IFL (Tri-Cities and Billings, respectively), QB Charles Dowdell faces a Storm defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in pass defense (165.1 ypg, 5th in IFL). Last week, Dowdell picked apart Billings by going 15 of 20 for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing the ball 6 times for 21 yards and a score. Dowdell needs to have a repeat performance against an experienced Sioux Falls defense that features DB Jon Setzer (3 interceptions), LB Tyler Knight (5 pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, 77.5 total tackles) and DB Matt Hermanson (7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions).
Rookie sensation Trevor Kennedy leads the IFL in scoring (20.9 ppg) and overall touchdowns both by rushing (25) and in total (31). He'll look to keep the pressure off Dowdell, who faces a Storm pass-rush that features DLs Brandon Peguese (7.0 sacks) and Claude Davis (5.0 sacks), who rank in the Top 5 in the league in individual sacks. Establishing Kennedy's run presence will work if Spokane's passing attack can get the ball out quickly, and there's nobody better than veteran WR Carl Sims, a ex-Storm player, to try and take the pressure off Dowdell. Sims ranks second on the Empire with 40 receptions for 436 yards, but leads the team with 12 touchdowns. His presence can help create space for JJ Hayes (44 receptions, 522 yards, 11 TDs) and Samuel Charles, who has emerged over the past few weeks as a deep threat, catching 15 passes for 215 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Defensively, Spokane is going to have to dig in its heels and swarm the football like a pack of angry bees. This game has the makings of being close, but what could determine a Spokane win could fall upon Spokane's defense making just enough plays to fend off the Storm.
The Empire's pass rush of Benjamin Perry (7.5 sacks), Bryon Bennett (3.5), DJ Pasquale Vacchio, D.J. Yendrey (1.0 sacks), Brett Bowers (2.0), and Nick Haag (2.0) are going to have to be quick on their feet and get pressure on QB Lorenzo Brown (121/188, 1,527 yards, 38 TDs, 10 INT, 64.4%) and prepare for a two-headed rushing attack of Brown (87 rushes, 377 yards, 12 TDs) and RB Angelo Pease (65 rush, 329 yards, 7 TDs). On top of that, Empire DBs Lorenzo White Jr. (1 INT), Robert Brown (4 INT), Josh Ferguson (3 INT), and Tyree Robinson (3 INT) are going to have to keep talented WRs Korey Williams, Mike Tatum, and Caleb Holley from getting loose.
Player to Watch: Nick Haag (LB)
Haag is the undisputed leader of the Empire's defense, which has really stepped up over the past recently in holding opponents to under 40 points in 3 of its last 4 games.
The veteran LB leads the empire with 58.5 total tackles (9.5 for loss) and is part of the reason why Spokane's defense ranks 1st in the IFL rushing yards allowed (59.8 ypg). He and Vacchio are going to have to keep the powerful Sioux Falls rushing attack in check if the Empire are going to succeed. Haag may not blitz the QB as often as he did last week against Billings, but he could take some risks in sniffing out the run to try and contain Brown or Pease.
The Empire's defense lives and breathes through Haag, and his leadership is going to a huge impact in keeping his teammate's composure in check if Sioux Falls manages to get some big plays or if Spokane struggles to keep the Storm off the field.
SIOUX FALLS:
The 5-time defending champs enter the game with a 5-game winning streak and have continued to win on a consistent basis despite numerous rookies on their roster. However, the Storm have found themselves taken to the limit multiple times this season. Last week against the Wichita Falls Nighthawks, Sioux Falls trailed 44-32 at halftime. The Storm came alive in the 2nd half, scoring 27 consecutive points to go into the final minutes of the game ahead 66-58. The Nighthawks would pin mount a comeback, but would come up an inch short of the endzone with 35 seconds left to go in the game, allowing the Storm to escape with the victory.
It was the second consecutive week that the Storm won on a critical play, following a week when they scored a touchdown with 5 seconds left to beat the Green Bay Blizzard 66-59.
Sioux Falls now takes on an expansion Spokane Empire team that's looking to pull off a titanic upset. The Storm have homefield advantage and history on their side, but are facing a team that is nearly identical to them and would love to prove its power in the league with a victory.
QB Lorenzo Brown, a very efficient passer and runner, faces a Spokane defense that is riding high on confidence over the past 5 weeks. Brown will look to damage that confidence with RB Angelo Pease and a trio of talented wide receivers: Korey Williams (41 receptions, 460 yards, 9 TDs), Mike Tatum (36 receptions, 508 yards, 13 TDs), and Caleb Holley (21 receptions, 307 yards, 12 TDs).
Williams is tremendous weapon for the Storm; not only does he contribute as a reliable receiver, he also tied for 3rd on the team in rushing touchdowns (6) and is a dangerous kick returner (26 KR, 579 yards), leading the league with 4 KOs returned for TDs.
The Storm defense will have its hands full with trying to stop Trevor Kennedy. DLs Brandon Peguese and Claude Davis will be tasked with shutting down Kennedy and Dowdell in the run game, as both rank 1st and 2nd on the team, respectively, in tackles for loss (17.5, 12.0) and sacks (7.0, 5.0).
Sioux Falls also boasts some of the best linebackers and defensive backs in the league, including 2013 & 2014 IFL Defensive PotY Tyler Knight (77.5 total tackles, 5.5. tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery), Matt Hermanson (69.5 total tackles, 2 INTs, 7 pass breakups), and John Setzer (39.5 total tackles, 3 INT, 3 pass breakups). Setzer and Hermanson could make life difficult for Sims, Hayes, and Charles.
Player to Watch: Lorenzo Brown (QB)
Initially a backup to Hall of Fame QB Chris Dixon, Brown took the reigns as the Storm's starting QB this season after splitting time with QB Martevio Young. Last season, Brown established himself as a worthy successor to Dixon and a very good dual threat QB.
This year, Brown has done more of the same, although he has thrown 10 interceptions this season after only throwing 6 in 2015. However, he's still managed to complete 64.4% of his passes and ranks 2nd in the IFL behind QB Dylan Favre (Cedar Rapids, 53) with 50 total touchdowns. Brown is nearly tied for the team rushing lead with RB Angelo Pease, making him difficult for opposing defenses to contain.
With his trio of wide receivers to throw to, Brown will be difficult to contain. He has been shown to be human when he's not set in the pocket, something Spokane will likely try and accomplish, but if the Storm can keep the Empire at bay, Brown could be in for a successful evening.
QUOTABLE
Empire DB Josh Ferguson on the Empire's 75-28 win over Billings.
“We knew it would be a hard-fought game, they're a physical team. But like Tri-Cities, we play them multiple times and we have to try to make a statement every time we play them.”
Empire HC Adam Shackleford on the stepped up play of his defense.
"The addition of D.J. (Yendrey) has helped us and we got (Brett) Bowers back. The DBs are really playing well."
Ferguson on his 36-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.
"My whole career I don't know if a play like that has ever happened for me, where the ball just bounced right in front of me. I didn't have to do anything but run."
Shackleford on facing off against Sioux Falls.
"They walk out on the field with the mindset they're going to win every game they're in. At home they're tough to beat. It's a great atmosphere, a tough place to play, but at the same time it's a fun place to play."
Empire WR Carl Sims, an ex-Storm player, on the fanbase.
"They have a good fan base. The fans stick behind them, so that's in stride with the team. I think that's a big deal."
FEATURED TWEETS
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
May 13 - Cedar Rapids Titans (7-4) at Green Bay Blizzard (3-7), 5 p.m.
May 14 - Spokane Empire (8-1) at Sioux Falls Storm (9-1), 5 p.m.
May 14 - Wichita Falls Nighthawks (5-4) at Colorado Crush (2-8), 6 p.m.
May 14 - Billings Wolves (4-6) at Tri-Cities Fever (3-7), 7 p.m.
Byes - Iowa Barnstormers (4-6), Nebraska Danger (5-6)
EXTRA
When most people think of the Los Angeles KISS, they think of two things: the wild flame uniforms and the silver colored football field.
It turns out, the KISS aren't the only arena/indoor football team to have a silver field. With the continued success of the Sioux Falls Storm, the defending United Bowl champions for the past 5 seasons, the team's ownership has some money to throw around.
The silver colored turf made its debut in the 2015 IFL Season, the same season that the Storm moved from Sioux Falls Arena into the brand new Denny Sanford Premier Center. Unlike the turf Billings uses, Sioux Falls's turf was not purchased used from the LA KISS.
The Storm are one of two IFL teams to use a football turf that is not green. The other team is the Nebraska Danger, which uses a unique black turf.
Image Credit: DEZMURRAY / Instagram
Graphic courtesy of David.
