Post by David on Jun 9, 2016 11:50:31 GMT -8
Spokane Empire at Nebraska Danger
What: After clinching the Intense Conference, Spokane makes its first trip to Nebraska to take on the Danger.
When: Friday, June 10, 5 p.m. (PT).
Where: Eihusen Arena, Grand Island, Nebraska
Empire Media: Radio - 700/1080 AM ESPN
National Media: Stream (paid subscription) - IFL Live TV
Series History: First Meeting.
Note: The Danger have won the Intense Conference Championship over the past 3 seasons.
HELPFUL LINKS
Indoor Football League Rules
Indoor Football League Schedule and Results 2016
Spokane Empire Schedule 2016
IFL Franchises and Links
The Empire are 11-2 overall, 4-2 on the road and 8-1 in conference play. Spokane is coming off a 51-41 home win over the Billings Wolves on June 4. They are averaging 56.5 points per game (3rd in IFL) and are allowing 45.5 points per game (3rd). The Empire are first in the Intense Conference.
The Danger are 5-8 overall, 3-4 at home and 2-0 in conference play. Nebraska is coming off a 44-20 home loss to the Wichita Falls Nighthawks on May 27. They are averaging 49.2 points per game (4th) and are allowing 52.5 points per game (8th). The Danger are third in the Intense Conference.
BREAKDOWN
Total Yards per Game - Empire 257.2; Danger 250.2
Pass Yards per Game - Empire 169.5; Danger 156.1
Rush Yards per Game - Empire 87.6; Danger 94.1
3rd Down Conversion - Empire 49.5%; Danger 37.2%
4th Down Conversion - Empire 53.1%; Danger 56.0%
Total Tackles - Empire 522; Danger 502
Tackles for Loss - Empire 62; Danger 58
Total Sacks - Empire 23.0; Danger 16.0
Fumble Recoveries - Empire 9; Danger 12
Interceptions - Empire 23; Danger 16
SPOKANE EMPIRE
Empire QB Charles Dowdell (image courtesy of 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)
8 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
11 - Charles Dowdell (QB)
12 - Toby Jackson (DL)
16 - Robert Brown (DB)
17 - Pasquale Vacchio (LB)
19 - Diondre Borel (WR/QB)
22 - Adrian James (DB)
27 - Pat Clarke (K)
30 - Andrew Pierce (RB)
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)
Adam Shackleford - Head Coach
Cleveland Pratt - Assistant Head Coach
Ameer Ismail - Defensive Coordinator
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - Charles Dowdell 2,227
Passing TDs - Charles Dowdell 56
Passing INTs - Charles Dowdell 14
Rushing Yards - *Trevor Kennedy 720
Rushing TDs - *Trevor Kennedy 28
Receptions - Carl Sims 62
Receiving Yards - Carl Sims 697
Receiving TDs - Carl Sims 17
Tackles - Nick Haag 77.5
Sacks - Benjamin Perry 8.5
Interceptions - Robert Brown 6
KO Return Ave - *Trevor Kennedy 18.8
KO Return TDs - JJ Hayes/*Trevor Kennedy 1
NEBRASKA DANGER
Danger WR O.J. Simpson (image courtesy of Iris Photography Studios)
ROSTER
# - name (pos)
1 - Marquel Wade (WR)
2 - Lyle McCombs (RB)
4 - Eric Thomas (WR)
5 - Jamerson Love (DB)
6 - Nick Brassell (WR)
7 - Jeff Scott (RB)
8 - Adrian Davis (DL)
9 - Robert Johnson (WR)
10 - Okechukwu Okoroha (DB)
11 - Hunter Wanket (QB)
13 - Quentin Williams (QB)
20 - O.J. Simpson (WR)
21 - Jabari Gorman (DB)
22 - Josh Gable (K)
23 - Josh Hill (DB)
24 - Tony Grimes (DB)
26 - Shamawn Wright (DB)
29 - Justin Edison (DL)
43 - Armand Nance (DL)
44 - David Santos (LB)
45 - Jimmy Lawson (DL)
56 - Matthew Hardison (DL)
71 - Kasimili Uitalia (OL)
76 - Sini Tauauve'a (OL)
78 - Trevis Turner (OL)
Mike Davis - Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
Kyle Moore-Brown - Associate Head Coach
Hurtis Chinn - Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
James Poynter - Offensive Line Coach
Bob Levy - Defensive Line Coach
Jamar Love - Defensive Backs/Special Teams Coach
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Passing Yards - *Jameel Sewell 1,161
Passing TDs - *Jameel Sewell 18
Passing INTs - *Jameel Sewell 10
Rushing Yards - Lyle McCombs 368
Rushing TDs - *Jameel Sewell 17
Receptions - O.J. Simpson 58
Receiving Yards - O.J. Simpson 795
Receiving TDs - O.J. Simpson 16
Tackles - Jabari Gorman 93.0
Sacks - *Corey Cooper/Jimmy Lawson/*Tevin McCaskill 2.5
Interceptions - Jabari Gorman 5
KO Return Ave - Lyle McCombs 17.9
KO Return TDs - Lyle McCombs/O.J. Simpson/Nick Brassell 1
*Not on Active Roster
DAVID'S TAKES
SPOKANE:
Saturday night's win over the Billings Wolves was a double edged sword for the Empire; on one hand, the Empire clinched the Intense Conference title, which means they get the rights to host the Intense Conference Championship and the first round bye. However, Spokane suffered a tremendous blow to their offense when RB Trevor Kennedy went down with a broken fibula. The rookie sensation out of MercyHurst University was leading the IFL in rushing yards (720) and rushing touchdowns (28).
DB Josh Ferguson, who has been the backup to Kennedy, will get the start this week when the Empire travel to Nebraska. The assumption was that the Empire would re-activate Andrew Pierce off the Refuse to Report list, but IFL rules state that a player activated from RTR and placed on the active roster must sit out 3 weeks. Instead, the Empire are going with Ferguson, who will still see time at his natural defensive back position. He has seen limited time this season on offense, mainly entering games in a mop-up role, rushing 7 times for 9 yards and 1 TD. He's also seen some time catching the ball, hauling in 3 passes for 16 yards and a TD.
How much Ferguson will be featured in the offense will remain a bit of a mystery. Last week, the Empire appeared to resemble their old AFL roots, opting for 3 or 4 wide receiver sets. Head Coach Adam Shackelford stated that Spokane could use more 4-receiver sets, but the key to success will still be in establishing the run game. The Empire are fortunate to still have a good QB in Charles Dowdell, as well as talented receivers Carl Sims (62 rec, 697 yards, 17 TDs), JJ Hayes (55 rec, 620 yards, 14 TDs), Samuel Charles (31 rec, 366 yards, 12 TDs), and newcomer Diondre Borel (8 rec, 85 yards, 1 TD). Spokane's passing offense could have one of the best games of the season throwing the ball, as Nebraska's passing defense ranks last in the IFL (195.5 yards/game). However, the success of the Empire's passing game will depend on Ferguson or Dowdell having success in running game. Nebraska ranks first in rushing defense (60.5 yards/game), and the loss of Kennedy puts pressure on the Empire's need to successfully run the football. If they can get just enough out of Ferguson, Spokane should be able to pick apart the Danger's defense.
Defensively, Spokane's pass rush has to be foaming at the mouth as the Danger have fallen on hard times at the QB position. Without dual-threat QB Jameel Sewell under center, Nebraska has shuffled its quarterbacks around trying to find a fit that works. Earlier this week, it appeared that Williams, who was 5 of 10 for 28 yards and a touchdown in relief of Dante Perez, would get the start. However, late Wednesday night, the Danger signed ex-Tri-Cities Fever QB Hunter Wanket. Nebraska could go with Wanket as the starter this week, but since Spokane has played against Wanket three times this season, they will definitely be ready if he gets the nod over Williams. The biggest threat will be the return of leading rusher Lyle McCombs, who was out for an injury recently re-activated Wednesday night. Spokane's stout defensive line of Benjamin Perry (8.5 sacks), Brett Bowers (3.5 sacks), the emerging D.J. Yendrey (1.5 sacks) and the return of Toby Jackson (2.0 sacks) will look to apply pressure on Williams or Wanket.
LBs Nick Haag (77.5 total tackles, 3.0 sacks) and Pasquale Vacchio (73.5 total tackles, 3 INT) will be tasked with limiting McCombs, but Vacchio has been lining up more as a defensive back as of late. He's had success defending the pass, especially with 8 pass breakups, and could leave some big play opportunities for Spokane DBs Robert Brown (76.5 total tackles, 6 INT, 9 pass breakups), Tyree Robinson (62.5 total tackles, 4 INT, 8 pass breakups) and Lorenzo White Jr. (22.2 total tackles, 2 INT). Nebraska has seen the most success come from the play of WR O.J. Simpson, who leads the team in all three major receiving categories. He's been one of the few consistent offensive weapons for the Danger this season, but don't be surprised if Vacchio or Brown get matched up with him so that Williams or Wanket are forced to throw to other options, providing ample opportunities for Robinson and White Jr.
Josh Ferguson (46.5 total tackles, 4 INT, 7 pass breakups) will still see some time on defense, but expect to see Adrian James getting more playing time.
Player to Watch: Charles Dowdell (QB)
With the loss of Trevor Kennedy, the pressure on the offense is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of veteran QB Charles Dowdell. Statistically, Dowdell is having quite the season - this season, he's 208 of 330 for 2,227 yards with 56 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. He's also a capable runner, ranking behind Kennedy in rushing with 342 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Dowdell has the tools for success, but there's a looming question in the room: will the loss of Kennedy have an effect on Dowdell's effectiveness? Last week against Billings, the Wolves managed to swallow up Spokane's running game in the first half and it forced the Empire to throw the ball a bit more frequently, and with mixed success. There were also times when Dowdell began to run and had plenty of field in front of him, but he chose to throw the pass instead. One pass was intercepted, and another was nearly picked off. When Kennedy went down in the 2nd half, Dowdell was forced to throw on a more frequent basis, but he managed to handle it fairly well.
This week against the Danger, Dowdell faces a defensive unit that ranks 1st against the run and 10th against the pass. With Josh Ferguson lined up at RB, Dowdell is going to have to make smart choices and take chances running the football rather than force the throw. If he can establish a run game that can free up opportunities for Ferguson, it will help force the Danger to defend more than just sending everyone back to stop the pass. The Empire can't fall back on their Arena Football roots to win the game, and Dowdell's a critical piece that needs to contribute both on the ground and on the air if the Empire are going to have success moving forward.
NEBRASKA:
After 3 straight seasons as the runner-up in the United Bowl, 2016 has been a harsh season for the Nebraska Danger. After starting the season 5-2, the Danger have lost 6 straight games. Although there's still 3 games left in the regular season, this is the worst season for Nebraska since their 5-9 record in 2012. The Danger are in good standing for clinching the final spot in the Intense Conference playoffs, holding a lead over the Tri-Cities Fever (3-10), but are in danger (no pun intended) of not hosting a playoff game. If the season were to end today, Nebraska would have to go on the road to play Billings.
One big reason for the Danger's struggles this season has been the injury bug, which has plagued the team all season. Nebraska has about 8 players on injured reserve and has seen numerous roster moves.
The other reason for the Danger's struggles has been the absence of 2-time IFL MVP QB Jameel Sewell. Despite only playing in 8 games this season, Sewell's presence was enough to keep opposing defenses honest, throwing for 1,161 yards and 18 TDs. He was also a tremendous threat in the running game, rushing for 366 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, a foot injury caused him to miss a couple of games. He did manage to return to the team, but jumped on an opportunity with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Since Sewell's departure, the Danger have been trying to find a suitable replacement. Two weeks ago, Nebraska saw enough of QB Anthony Abenoja and signed Dante Perez and rookie Quentin Williams. Perez, who was a member of the Bemidji Axemen last season, got the start last week against Wichita Falls but struggled. He completed 9 of 17 passes for 123 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. He was pulled in favor of Williams, who finished the game 5 of 10 for 28 yards and 1 TD. Williams also rushed 7 times for 39 yards and a TD in the Danger's 44-22 loss to the Wichita Falls Nighthawks. Head Coach Mike Davis was quoted last week in the Grand Island Independent that Williams "looks like he’s probably going to be that guy," suggesting he would get the start against the Empire. However, the team has signed ex-Fever QB Hunter Wanket to the roster, which he could get the start on a short week of practice. Wanket had respectable numbers in 13 games with Tri-Cities (124 of 236, 1,128 yards, 19 TD, 7 INT), but isn't known for his running ability. He has played in 3 games against Spokane, and was 0-3 against the Empire.
Going against the Empire's 4th ranked defense won't be an easy task for the Danger. RB Lyle McCombs, recently activated from Short-Term Injured Reserve, and leads the team with 415 rushing yards and added 8 rushing TDs. The Danger will look to get him going to try and give Wanket/Williams the opportunity to utilize throwing the ball to its talented wide receivers. WRs O.J. Simpson (not related to the infamous NFL player) and Marquel Wade have been a source of consistency for the Danger, and have missed a total of 3 games between them. They'll be critical in trying to making Williams comfortable in the passing game. The team has had a week off to try and establish a repertoire between Williams and his receivers, but the Empire's talented defense won't make things easy. The Danger are going to have to establish a running game without its top two weapons, and prevent turnovers with an experienced rookie in order to keep pace and try and clinch a home playoff game.
Defensively, the Danger rank high against the run (1st) but worst against pass (10th). Nebraska traded for DB Jamie Bender from Green Bay back in April to try and tighten up their passing defense, but he only played in 2 games for the Danger. Since then, he was picked up by the AFL's Cleveland Gladiators. Their top defensive back, DB Jaban Gorman, has been busy this season, leading the Danger with 93 total tackles and 5 interceptions. Opposite of Gorman is James Ackel, who has 29.5 total tackles and 4 INTs on the season.
The Danger did sign DB Tony Grimes from Free Agency to bolster its pass defense. The ex-Barnstormer had 37 tackles and 2 interceptions this season, and in 1 game with Nebraska, he registered 9 total tackles. But if the Danger are going to beat Spokane, they're going to need to apply a pass rush, which has been near non-existent this season. The Danger's top sack leaders have only 2.5 sacks on the season, and 2 of those 3 players are either injured or no longer with the team. Since Spokane is missing Trevor Kennedy for the rest of the season, the Danger are going to expect the Empire to pass a bit more frequently. However, if Spokane manages to establish the run with Dowdell and Ferguson, the Danger's defense could be in for a long night.
Player to Watch: O.J. Simpson (WR)
Despite the similar name to a famous NFL running back of the same name, O.J. Simpson is a 7 year indoor football veteran that has been a staple with the Nebraska Danger for the last few years. Simpson has been one of the few players that has been consistent to stay on the field this season, starting 12 out of 13 games. He leads the Danger with 58 receptions for 795 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Simpson will have to bring everything to the table to help out his latest quarterback. It'll be easier for him with the return of McCombs, but the question at QB will potentially impact how well he and Marquel Wade (27 receptions, 309 yards, 4 TDs) will perform. He's had a week of practice with Williams, but will only have a couple of days to get to know Wanket before Friday's game.
Despite the uncertainty at QB, Simpson will likely be the primary target as he has been this season to try and create big plays for the Danger's offense, which has gone cold without Jameel Sewell. Simpson's leadership and his ability for the big play will be invaluable for a team that's struggling to find its offensive groove.
QUOTABLE
HC Adam Shackleford on having to play Billings and Tri-Cities 4 times each.
"I hope the league decides not to have teams play each other four times – I don’t like it – but my job is to look at the next game on the schedule and be prepared for it."
LB Pasquale Vacchio on the team's success this season.
"Everyone has a job. Execute your job. Like coach Shack always says, it’s arena football, man on man. If you’re better than the man across from you, you’ll find out at the end of the game."
Shackleford on clinching the Intense Conference's top seed
"We just bought ourselves two weeks (of rest)."
Shackleford on the loss of RB Trevor Kennedy to a broken leg.
"As soon as I saw it, I knew it was probably a season-ending deal. He'll still be a big part of this team off the field."
DB Josh Ferguson on filling in for Kennedy at RB.
"I'm just going to have to do my best to keep things rolling. I have some big shoes to fill."
RB Trevor Kennedy on his speech to his teammates about his status for the rest of the season.
"I just told the guys about my situation. I told them just because I'm out doesn't mean anything changes. We still have to get the championship."
FEATURED TWEETS
IFL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
June 10 - Tri-Cities Fever (3-10) at Green Bay Blizzard (4-10), 5 p.m.
June 10 - Spokane Empire (11-2) at Nebraska Danger (5-8), 5 p.m.
June 11 - Colorado Crush (2-12) at Wichita Falls Nighthawks (9-4), 5 p.m.
June 11 - Billings Wolves (6-7) at Cedar Rapids Titans (10-4), 5 p.m.
June 11 - Iowa Barnstormers (4-9) at Sioux Falls Storm (13-1), 5 p.m.
EXTRA
Highway to the... DANGER ZONE
As it turns out, the Sioux Falls Storm aren't the only team in the Indoor Football League with a non-traditional colored turf. The Nebraska Danger have a unique field color as well.
(image courtesy of LostLettermen.com)
The Danger feature a unique black colored field that was installed prior to the 2011 IFL Season. Sioux Falls didn't install their silver turf until 2015.
In a brief story from Nebraska's ABC News affiliate, the turf has been nicknamed the "Danger Zone." Considering the team's name is the Danger, and its primary logo was inspired by both the Nebraska Blackshirts logo and a hazard symbol, the nickname for the field is appropriate.
The "Danger Zone" is also unique because it does not have yardage markers for every yard; it only has yard markers every 5 yards. In essence, the Danger do not have an official "21 yard line," which brings a human element into the game, especially when the Refs have to place the football on the field.