Post by Nevadanut on Jul 31, 2023 19:42:55 GMT -8
IFL National Championship:
Sioux Falls Storm at Bay Area Panthers
What: The Storm and the Panthers are in Sin City to vie for the IFL championship.
When: Saturday, August 5 at 1:05 p.m. PDT (3:05 p.m. CDT).
Where: Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada.
Broadcast: CBS Sports Network.
Storm Audio Stream: Unavailable.
Panthers Audio Stream: 95.7 The Game.
2023 Head to Head: The teams did not meet during the season.
Overall Head to Head: Storm lead 1-0 (1-0 home, 0-0 away) - see results below.
Game Fact: Both teams are the number two seeds in their respective conferences.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Storm finished the regular season 9-6 overall and 0-1 in inter-conference play. The are coming off a 45-44 road win over the Frisco Fighters in the Eastern Conference Championship Game on July 29. The Panthers finished the regular season 10-5 overall and 1-2 in inter-conference play. They are coming off a 68-46 home win over the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Championship Game on July 29.
Sioux Falls Storm
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Storm quarterback Lorenzo Brown, Jr. (Photo by Josh Jurgens)
LEADERS (Including Playoffs)
Passing - Lorenzo Brown Jr. 181/318, _ yds, 46 TD, 11 int.
Rushing - Lorenzo Brown Jr. 194 rush, 606 yds, 30 TD; Xavier Jackson 82 rush, 306 yds, 13 TD.
Receiving - Donnie Corley Jr. 57 rec, 819 yds, 21 TD; Cole Thurness 38 rush, 494 yds, 9 TD; Draysean Hudson 31 rush, 418 yds, 9 TD.
Tackles - James Brown 104; LaRonji Vason-McCoy 97.5; Clifton Duck 82; Byron Edwards 68.5.
Sacks - Undraez Lilly 4.5; Daryle Banfield 4.
Interceptions - Eugene Ford 8; Clifton Duck 6.
Kickoff Average - Austin Neufeld 45.9 yards.
BREAKDOWN
Sioux Falls has engineered two fourth-quarter rallies in their two playoff games to reach this IFL Championship Game. No team has had more success in IFL title games than the Storm. They have won seven IFL championships (formerly known as the United Bowl) since the current league was formed, and won four others prior to that. Those wins include six straight from 2011-16. They have not hoisted the championship trophy since 2019. Head coach Kurtiss Riggs has been around for all 11 of those titles, and Lorenzo Brown, Jr. has been around for the last two of them. They'll rely on that experience as they both make their IFL farewell tours. Both the coach and the quarterback are hanging it up at the end of this season which means that, win or lose, this will be the final game for both. The complimentary players are there on offense, and the defense is anchored by James Brown and LaRonji Vason-McCoy. They score 46.7 points per game and allow 43.4 throughout the season.
QUARTERFINAL RESULT
The Storm scored the final 21 points of regulation in just over 10 minutes to complete the rally in their first round contest against the Pirates. Brown tossed three touchdowns over that span - to Cole Thurness, Donnie Corley, Jr. and Jackson. Jackson, who returned from IR prior to the regular season finale two weeks ago, is a dual-threat back who can do damage both on the ground and through the air. Brown threw for 183 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, and Jackson finished with four receptions for 92 yards and two scores. Recap. Boxscore.
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT
For the second straight playoff game, the Storm scored the winning touchdown with just seconds remaining. It was a three-yard run around the left guard from Brown which pulled them into 44-43. Rather than go for the tie, Kurtiss Riggs went for the win. Brown scrambled to the right and lofted the ball across his body to the left where Corley leapt against the dasher board and caught Brown's two-point conversion pass. Brown threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another, and three players caught touchdown passes. led the defense with 8.5 tackles. Recap. Boxscore.
SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- BYE
Week 3 -- Sun., April 1 - at Quad City Steamwheelers (L 34-36) - Recap
Week 4 -- Sun., April 9 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 54-24) - Recap
Week 5 -- Sun., April 16 - Green Bay Blizzard (L 41-47)
Week 6 -- Fri., April 21 - at Green Bay Blizzard (W 55-47) - Recap
Week 7 -- Sat., April 29 - Quad City Steamwheelers (W 59-47) - Recap
Week 8 -- Sat., May 6 - Tulsa Oilers (W 52-35)
Week 9 -- Fri., May 12 - at Quad City Steamwheelers (L 30-47) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 20 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 42-56)
Week 11 -- Fri., May 26 - at Iowa Barnstormers (W 77-26) - Recap
Week 12 -- BYE
Week 13 -- Sat., June 10 - Frisco Fighters (L 51-54) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 17 - at Tulsa Oilers (W 35-34) - Recap
Week 15 -- Fri., June 23 - Green Bay Blizzard (W 47-45) - Recap
Week 16 -- Sat., July 1 - at Frisco Fighters (L 15-56) - Recap
Week 17 -- Sat., July 8 - at Iowa Barnstormers (W 54-37) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sat., July 15 - Massachusetts Pirates (W 62-59) - Recap
Quarterfinals -- Sat., July 22 - Massachusetts Pirates (W 42-39) - Recap
E. Conf. Championship -- Sat., July 29 - at Frisco Fighters (W 45-44) - Recap
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Bay Area Panthers
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Panthers quarterback Dalton Sneed. (Photo courtesy Bay Area Panthers)
LEADERS (Including Playoffs)
Passing - Dalton Sneed 166/246, 2057 yds, 47 TD, 3 int.
Rushing - Justin Rankin 202 rush, 878 yds, 44 TD; Dalton Sneed 116 rush, 553 yds, 14 TD.
Receiving - JT Stokes 67 rec, 802 yds, 25 TD; Nih-jer Jackson 44 rec, 661 yds, 16 TD; Cutrell Haywood 35 rec, 446 yds, 8 TD.
Tackles - Trae Meadows 73; Marquise Bridges 62; JR Stevens 56.5; Tevaughn Grant 50.
Sacks - Tevaughn Grant 7; Darin Hungerford 2.5.
Interceptions - Marquise Bridges 5; Trae Meadows 5.
Kickoff Average - Craig Peterson 46.5 yards.
BREAKDOWN
Bay Area's season has already been a massive success. After finishing their inaugural year 1-15, the Panthers revamped their coaching staff and find themselves in the IFL National Championship Game. They defeated the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Championship last week and now they're looking to accomplish what the Wranglers did last season. After finishing 1-13 in 2021, the Wranglers turned it around to win the championship in just their second year. The Panthers have an opportunity to do the same in this, their second season in the IFL. Quarterback Dalton Sneed and running back Justin Rankin get the attention, but receivers JT Stokes and Nih-jer Jackson will factor heavily into the offense. Trae Meadows and Marquise Bridges are ball hawks who lead a Panthers' talented defense. Tevaughn Grant anchors a defensive line which recorded 15 sacks on opposing quarterbacks. Bay Area scores 52.3 points per game and allows 43.8 throughout the season.
QUARTERFINAL RESULT
Bay Area appeared as if it was going to run away with their first round contest against the Tucson Sugar Skulls. The Panthers jumped out to a 22-0 lead in the first quarter, but a couple Ramone Atkins' short touchdown runs made the game a contest in the second quarter. The teams went back-and forth in the second half, but Tucson never got closer than five points with 3:35 remaining. Rankin added a late touchdown run to cushion the 46-34 win to send the Panthers to this contest. Rankin rushed for 53 yards and two scores in the win. The real effort was on defense where Kincade had 12 total tackles and Wes Bowers added 10.5 of his own, as well as a sack. Grant had a sack, four tackles for loss and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Recap. Boxscore.
WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT
The Panthers outscored the defending champion Northern Arizona Wranglers by a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to ice the 22-point win last week to punch their first-ever ticket to the IFL National Championship Game. As with their first-round game, there was a heavy dose of Rankin in the ground game. He didn't disappoint, scoring a season-high six touchdowns while accumulating 87 yards off 21 carries. In fact, Sneed threw just seven passes, completing four with three of them going for touchdowns. He also rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kincade once again led the team; this time with seven tackles. Recap. Boxscore.
SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- Sun. March 26 - Arizona Rattlers (W 47-46)
Week 3 -- Sun., April 2 - at Massachusetts Pirates (L 52-59) - Recap
Week 4 -- BYE
Week 5 -- Sun., April 16 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 30-34)
Week 6 -- Sun., April 23 - Northern Arizona Wranglers (W 47-13)
Week 7 -- Sun., April 30 - at San Diego Strike Force (W 54-51)
Week 8 -- Sat., May 6 - Vegas Knight Hawks (W 62-44)
Week 9 -- Sat., May 13 - at Northern Arizona Wranglers (L 34-35) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 20 - Frisco Fighters (W 62-55) - Recap
Week 11 -- Sat., May 27 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 44-42) - Recap
Week 12 -- Sat., June 3 - Duke City Gladiators (W 69-52) - Recap
Week 13 -- Sun., June 11 - at Arizona Rattlers (L 63-70) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 17 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 56-41) - Recap
Week 15 -- Sat., June 24 - at Frisco Fighters (L 38-45) - Recap
Week 16 -- BYE
Week 17 -- Mon., July 10 - San Diego Strike Force (W 75-40) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sun., July 16 - at Duke City Gladiators (W 44-35) - Recap
Quarterfinals: Sun., July 23 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 46-34) - Recap
W. Conf. Championship: Sat., July 29 - Northern Arizona Wranglers (W 68-46) - Recap
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Series History (1 game)
APRIL 22, 2022
In just their sixth game in their history, the Panthers prowled into Sioux Falls to take on the Storm. Sioux Falls proved to be too much of a match for the expansion Panthers as they claimed a 49-27 home win. Storm running back Nate Chavious rushed for 75 yards and four touchdowns. Current Panthers quarterback Dalton Sneed completed nine of 11 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns for the Storm. For the Panthers, Duane Gary rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. Cory Murphy went six of 15 for 55 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 54 yards.
2023 SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards
Panthers running back Justin Rankin (left) and Storm head coach Kurtiss Riggs were two of our honorees in our fifth SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards. The Awards honor the top players, coach and game of the year. Rankin earned this year's honor of Offensive Specialist of the Year and Riggs was voted as our Head Coach of the Year. Click for our 2023 SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards.
IFL Championship Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
-The IFL to XFL Combine, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
-Championship Owners Meetings, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-2023 Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Media Event, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
-IFL Night of Champions (season awards presentation), 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
-Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Game, 1 p.m.
All times pacific
Hall of Fame Induction
Clockwise from top right: Parker Douglass, Xzavie Jackson, Tyler Knight.
The 2023 IFL Hall of Fame class will be inducted during the IFL Championship Game. The Hall recognizes players, coaches, owners, broadcasters and others who have made an impact on the league, including the early days of the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football which combined to make up the current IFL. This year's inductees are:
PARKER DOUGLASS, KICKER
-Played from 2009 to 2021, all with Sioux Falls Storm
-IFL all-time leader in field goals made (104) and extra points
-Six-time United Bowl champion (2011-2015, 2019)
XZAVIE JACKSON, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
-Played for multiple teams, including Cedar Rapids Titans and Nebraska Danger
-IFL all-time leader in sacks (81.5)
-Four-time All-IFL First Team selection (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016)
TYLER KNIGHT, LINEBACKER
-Played for Arkansas Diamonds (2010) and Sioux Falls Storm (2011, 2013-2017)
-IFL all-time leader in tackles (852)
-Five-time United Bowl Champion (2011-2015)
For a complete rundown, check out our report on the 2023 IFL Hall of Fame Class.
Game Venue
The Dollar Loan Center began as the home of the IFL National Championship Game following last season. The current agreement consists of hosting this year's game, next year's game and, possibly, beyond. It is a new arena which officially opened on March 8 of 2022 and is home to the IFL's Vegas Night Hawks. The arena is located in Henderson, Nevada, just southeast of Las Vegas. It seats 5,567 for indoor football and hockey. It is owned by the City of Henderson and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League and the NBA G League Ignite also utilize the arena for their home games.
United Bowl/Championship Game Results
2009 - Billings Outlaws 71, River City Rage 62. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2010 - Billings Outlaws 43, Sioux Falls Storm 34. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2011 - Sioux Falls Storm 37, Tri-Cities Fever 10. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2012 - Sioux Falls Storm 59, Tri-Cities Fever 32. MVP: Jeremiah Price, Sioux Falls
2013 - Sioux Falls Storm 43, Nebraska Danger 40. MVP: Terrance Bryant, Sioux Falls
2014 - Sioux Falls Storm 63, Nebraska Danger 46. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2015 - Sioux Falls Storm 62, Nebraska Danger 27. MVP: Brandon Johnson-Farrell, Sioux Falls
2016 - Sioux Falls Storm 55, Spokane Empire 34. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2017 - Arizona Rattlers 50, Sioux Falls Storm 41. MVP: Justin Shirk, Arizona
2018 - Iowa Barnstormers 42, Sioux Falls Storm 38. MVP: Ryan Balentine, Iowa
2019 - Sioux Falls Storm 56, Arizona Rattlers 53. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2020 - Season cancelled
2021 - Massachusetts Pirates 37, Arizona Rattlers 34 (OT). MVP: Alejandro Bennifield, Massachusetts
2022 - Northern Arizona Wranglers 47, Quad City Steamwheelers 45. MVP: JaQuan Artis, Northern Arizona
2023 IFL Playoff Bracket
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Final Regular Season Standings
Helpful Links
IFL
SCtoC 2023 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League 2023 All-IFL Teams
Indoor Football League 2023 All-Rookie Team
Indoor Football League 2023 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2023 Schedule
Indoor Football League 2023 Franchise Index
Indoor Football League Rules
SCtoC 2022 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League 2022 Players of the Week
Indoor Football League 2022 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2022 National Championship Recap
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Tulsa Oilers
Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Tulsa Oilers
Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Footprint Center; Phoenix, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center at San Jose; San Jose, California
Duke City Gladiators - Rio Rancho Events Center; Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Frisco Fighters - Comerica Center; Frisco, Texas
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers - Wells Fargo Center; Des Moines, Iowa
Massachusetts Pirates - DCU Center; Worcester, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Vibrant Arena at the MARK; Moline, Illinois
San Diego Strike Force - Pechanga Arena; San Diego, California
Sioux Falls Storm - Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Tulsa Oilers - BOK Center; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vegas Knight Hawks - Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada
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Sioux Falls Storm at Bay Area Panthers
What: The Storm and the Panthers are in Sin City to vie for the IFL championship.
When: Saturday, August 5 at 1:05 p.m. PDT (3:05 p.m. CDT).
Where: Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada.
Broadcast: CBS Sports Network.
Storm Audio Stream: Unavailable.
Panthers Audio Stream: 95.7 The Game.
2023 Head to Head: The teams did not meet during the season.
Overall Head to Head: Storm lead 1-0 (1-0 home, 0-0 away) - see results below.
Game Fact: Both teams are the number two seeds in their respective conferences.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Storm finished the regular season 9-6 overall and 0-1 in inter-conference play. The are coming off a 45-44 road win over the Frisco Fighters in the Eastern Conference Championship Game on July 29. The Panthers finished the regular season 10-5 overall and 1-2 in inter-conference play. They are coming off a 68-46 home win over the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Championship Game on July 29.
Sioux Falls Storm
Storm quarterback Lorenzo Brown, Jr. (Photo by Josh Jurgens)
LEADERS (Including Playoffs)
Passing - Lorenzo Brown Jr. 181/318, _ yds, 46 TD, 11 int.
Rushing - Lorenzo Brown Jr. 194 rush, 606 yds, 30 TD; Xavier Jackson 82 rush, 306 yds, 13 TD.
Receiving - Donnie Corley Jr. 57 rec, 819 yds, 21 TD; Cole Thurness 38 rush, 494 yds, 9 TD; Draysean Hudson 31 rush, 418 yds, 9 TD.
Tackles - James Brown 104; LaRonji Vason-McCoy 97.5; Clifton Duck 82; Byron Edwards 68.5.
Sacks - Undraez Lilly 4.5; Daryle Banfield 4.
Interceptions - Eugene Ford 8; Clifton Duck 6.
Kickoff Average - Austin Neufeld 45.9 yards.
BREAKDOWN
Sioux Falls has engineered two fourth-quarter rallies in their two playoff games to reach this IFL Championship Game. No team has had more success in IFL title games than the Storm. They have won seven IFL championships (formerly known as the United Bowl) since the current league was formed, and won four others prior to that. Those wins include six straight from 2011-16. They have not hoisted the championship trophy since 2019. Head coach Kurtiss Riggs has been around for all 11 of those titles, and Lorenzo Brown, Jr. has been around for the last two of them. They'll rely on that experience as they both make their IFL farewell tours. Both the coach and the quarterback are hanging it up at the end of this season which means that, win or lose, this will be the final game for both. The complimentary players are there on offense, and the defense is anchored by James Brown and LaRonji Vason-McCoy. They score 46.7 points per game and allow 43.4 throughout the season.
QUARTERFINAL RESULT
The Storm scored the final 21 points of regulation in just over 10 minutes to complete the rally in their first round contest against the Pirates. Brown tossed three touchdowns over that span - to Cole Thurness, Donnie Corley, Jr. and Jackson. Jackson, who returned from IR prior to the regular season finale two weeks ago, is a dual-threat back who can do damage both on the ground and through the air. Brown threw for 183 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, and Jackson finished with four receptions for 92 yards and two scores. Recap. Boxscore.
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT
For the second straight playoff game, the Storm scored the winning touchdown with just seconds remaining. It was a three-yard run around the left guard from Brown which pulled them into 44-43. Rather than go for the tie, Kurtiss Riggs went for the win. Brown scrambled to the right and lofted the ball across his body to the left where Corley leapt against the dasher board and caught Brown's two-point conversion pass. Brown threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another, and three players caught touchdown passes. led the defense with 8.5 tackles. Recap. Boxscore.
SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- BYE
Week 3 -- Sun., April 1 - at Quad City Steamwheelers (L 34-36) - Recap
Week 4 -- Sun., April 9 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 54-24) - Recap
Week 5 -- Sun., April 16 - Green Bay Blizzard (L 41-47)
Week 6 -- Fri., April 21 - at Green Bay Blizzard (W 55-47) - Recap
Week 7 -- Sat., April 29 - Quad City Steamwheelers (W 59-47) - Recap
Week 8 -- Sat., May 6 - Tulsa Oilers (W 52-35)
Week 9 -- Fri., May 12 - at Quad City Steamwheelers (L 30-47) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 20 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 42-56)
Week 11 -- Fri., May 26 - at Iowa Barnstormers (W 77-26) - Recap
Week 12 -- BYE
Week 13 -- Sat., June 10 - Frisco Fighters (L 51-54) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 17 - at Tulsa Oilers (W 35-34) - Recap
Week 15 -- Fri., June 23 - Green Bay Blizzard (W 47-45) - Recap
Week 16 -- Sat., July 1 - at Frisco Fighters (L 15-56) - Recap
Week 17 -- Sat., July 8 - at Iowa Barnstormers (W 54-37) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sat., July 15 - Massachusetts Pirates (W 62-59) - Recap
Quarterfinals -- Sat., July 22 - Massachusetts Pirates (W 42-39) - Recap
E. Conf. Championship -- Sat., July 29 - at Frisco Fighters (W 45-44) - Recap
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Bay Area Panthers
LEADERS (Including Playoffs)
Passing - Dalton Sneed 166/246, 2057 yds, 47 TD, 3 int.
Rushing - Justin Rankin 202 rush, 878 yds, 44 TD; Dalton Sneed 116 rush, 553 yds, 14 TD.
Receiving - JT Stokes 67 rec, 802 yds, 25 TD; Nih-jer Jackson 44 rec, 661 yds, 16 TD; Cutrell Haywood 35 rec, 446 yds, 8 TD.
Tackles - Trae Meadows 73; Marquise Bridges 62; JR Stevens 56.5; Tevaughn Grant 50.
Sacks - Tevaughn Grant 7; Darin Hungerford 2.5.
Interceptions - Marquise Bridges 5; Trae Meadows 5.
Kickoff Average - Craig Peterson 46.5 yards.
BREAKDOWN
Bay Area's season has already been a massive success. After finishing their inaugural year 1-15, the Panthers revamped their coaching staff and find themselves in the IFL National Championship Game. They defeated the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Western Conference Championship last week and now they're looking to accomplish what the Wranglers did last season. After finishing 1-13 in 2021, the Wranglers turned it around to win the championship in just their second year. The Panthers have an opportunity to do the same in this, their second season in the IFL. Quarterback Dalton Sneed and running back Justin Rankin get the attention, but receivers JT Stokes and Nih-jer Jackson will factor heavily into the offense. Trae Meadows and Marquise Bridges are ball hawks who lead a Panthers' talented defense. Tevaughn Grant anchors a defensive line which recorded 15 sacks on opposing quarterbacks. Bay Area scores 52.3 points per game and allows 43.8 throughout the season.
QUARTERFINAL RESULT
Bay Area appeared as if it was going to run away with their first round contest against the Tucson Sugar Skulls. The Panthers jumped out to a 22-0 lead in the first quarter, but a couple Ramone Atkins' short touchdown runs made the game a contest in the second quarter. The teams went back-and forth in the second half, but Tucson never got closer than five points with 3:35 remaining. Rankin added a late touchdown run to cushion the 46-34 win to send the Panthers to this contest. Rankin rushed for 53 yards and two scores in the win. The real effort was on defense where Kincade had 12 total tackles and Wes Bowers added 10.5 of his own, as well as a sack. Grant had a sack, four tackles for loss and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Recap. Boxscore.
WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT
The Panthers outscored the defending champion Northern Arizona Wranglers by a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to ice the 22-point win last week to punch their first-ever ticket to the IFL National Championship Game. As with their first-round game, there was a heavy dose of Rankin in the ground game. He didn't disappoint, scoring a season-high six touchdowns while accumulating 87 yards off 21 carries. In fact, Sneed threw just seven passes, completing four with three of them going for touchdowns. He also rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kincade once again led the team; this time with seven tackles. Recap. Boxscore.
SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- Sun. March 26 - Arizona Rattlers (W 47-46)
Week 3 -- Sun., April 2 - at Massachusetts Pirates (L 52-59) - Recap
Week 4 -- BYE
Week 5 -- Sun., April 16 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 30-34)
Week 6 -- Sun., April 23 - Northern Arizona Wranglers (W 47-13)
Week 7 -- Sun., April 30 - at San Diego Strike Force (W 54-51)
Week 8 -- Sat., May 6 - Vegas Knight Hawks (W 62-44)
Week 9 -- Sat., May 13 - at Northern Arizona Wranglers (L 34-35) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 20 - Frisco Fighters (W 62-55) - Recap
Week 11 -- Sat., May 27 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 44-42) - Recap
Week 12 -- Sat., June 3 - Duke City Gladiators (W 69-52) - Recap
Week 13 -- Sun., June 11 - at Arizona Rattlers (L 63-70) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 17 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 56-41) - Recap
Week 15 -- Sat., June 24 - at Frisco Fighters (L 38-45) - Recap
Week 16 -- BYE
Week 17 -- Mon., July 10 - San Diego Strike Force (W 75-40) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sun., July 16 - at Duke City Gladiators (W 44-35) - Recap
Quarterfinals: Sun., July 23 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 46-34) - Recap
W. Conf. Championship: Sat., July 29 - Northern Arizona Wranglers (W 68-46) - Recap
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game. Statistical leaders list only active players as of the compilation of this preview.
Series History (1 game)
APRIL 22, 2022
In just their sixth game in their history, the Panthers prowled into Sioux Falls to take on the Storm. Sioux Falls proved to be too much of a match for the expansion Panthers as they claimed a 49-27 home win. Storm running back Nate Chavious rushed for 75 yards and four touchdowns. Current Panthers quarterback Dalton Sneed completed nine of 11 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns for the Storm. For the Panthers, Duane Gary rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. Cory Murphy went six of 15 for 55 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 54 yards.
2023 SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards
Panthers running back Justin Rankin (left) and Storm head coach Kurtiss Riggs were two of our honorees in our fifth SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards. The Awards honor the top players, coach and game of the year. Rankin earned this year's honor of Offensive Specialist of the Year and Riggs was voted as our Head Coach of the Year. Click for our 2023 SCtoC IFL Golden Helmet Awards.
IFL Championship Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
-The IFL to XFL Combine, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
-Championship Owners Meetings, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-2023 Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Media Event, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
-IFL Night of Champions (season awards presentation), 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
-Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Game, 1 p.m.
All times pacific
Hall of Fame Induction
Clockwise from top right: Parker Douglass, Xzavie Jackson, Tyler Knight.
The 2023 IFL Hall of Fame class will be inducted during the IFL Championship Game. The Hall recognizes players, coaches, owners, broadcasters and others who have made an impact on the league, including the early days of the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football which combined to make up the current IFL. This year's inductees are:
PARKER DOUGLASS, KICKER
-Played from 2009 to 2021, all with Sioux Falls Storm
-IFL all-time leader in field goals made (104) and extra points
-Six-time United Bowl champion (2011-2015, 2019)
XZAVIE JACKSON, DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
-Played for multiple teams, including Cedar Rapids Titans and Nebraska Danger
-IFL all-time leader in sacks (81.5)
-Four-time All-IFL First Team selection (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016)
TYLER KNIGHT, LINEBACKER
-Played for Arkansas Diamonds (2010) and Sioux Falls Storm (2011, 2013-2017)
-IFL all-time leader in tackles (852)
-Five-time United Bowl Champion (2011-2015)
For a complete rundown, check out our report on the 2023 IFL Hall of Fame Class.
Game Venue
The Dollar Loan Center began as the home of the IFL National Championship Game following last season. The current agreement consists of hosting this year's game, next year's game and, possibly, beyond. It is a new arena which officially opened on March 8 of 2022 and is home to the IFL's Vegas Night Hawks. The arena is located in Henderson, Nevada, just southeast of Las Vegas. It seats 5,567 for indoor football and hockey. It is owned by the City of Henderson and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League and the NBA G League Ignite also utilize the arena for their home games.
United Bowl/Championship Game Results
2009 - Billings Outlaws 71, River City Rage 62. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2010 - Billings Outlaws 43, Sioux Falls Storm 34. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2011 - Sioux Falls Storm 37, Tri-Cities Fever 10. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2012 - Sioux Falls Storm 59, Tri-Cities Fever 32. MVP: Jeremiah Price, Sioux Falls
2013 - Sioux Falls Storm 43, Nebraska Danger 40. MVP: Terrance Bryant, Sioux Falls
2014 - Sioux Falls Storm 63, Nebraska Danger 46. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2015 - Sioux Falls Storm 62, Nebraska Danger 27. MVP: Brandon Johnson-Farrell, Sioux Falls
2016 - Sioux Falls Storm 55, Spokane Empire 34. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2017 - Arizona Rattlers 50, Sioux Falls Storm 41. MVP: Justin Shirk, Arizona
2018 - Iowa Barnstormers 42, Sioux Falls Storm 38. MVP: Ryan Balentine, Iowa
2019 - Sioux Falls Storm 56, Arizona Rattlers 53. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2020 - Season cancelled
2021 - Massachusetts Pirates 37, Arizona Rattlers 34 (OT). MVP: Alejandro Bennifield, Massachusetts
2022 - Northern Arizona Wranglers 47, Quad City Steamwheelers 45. MVP: JaQuan Artis, Northern Arizona
2023 IFL Playoff Bracket
Final Regular Season Standings
Helpful Links
IFL
SCtoC 2023 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League 2023 All-IFL Teams
Indoor Football League 2023 All-Rookie Team
Indoor Football League 2023 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2023 Schedule
Indoor Football League 2023 Franchise Index
Indoor Football League Rules
SCtoC 2022 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League 2022 Players of the Week
Indoor Football League 2022 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2022 National Championship Recap
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Tulsa Oilers
Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Tulsa Oilers
Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Footprint Center; Phoenix, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center at San Jose; San Jose, California
Duke City Gladiators - Rio Rancho Events Center; Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Frisco Fighters - Comerica Center; Frisco, Texas
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers - Wells Fargo Center; Des Moines, Iowa
Massachusetts Pirates - DCU Center; Worcester, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Vibrant Arena at the MARK; Moline, Illinois
San Diego Strike Force - Pechanga Arena; San Diego, California
Sioux Falls Storm - Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Tulsa Oilers - BOK Center; Tulsa, Oklahoma
Vegas Knight Hawks - Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada
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