US Sports Football Week 1 IFL Action Presented on US Sports Net By Game Planner Pro

 STEAMWHEELERS PREVAIL

by Dakota W. Zientek CEDAR RAPIDS - In the inaugural game of the 2021 season, the River Kings squared up against the Quad City Steamwheelers in a long-awaited matchup for the IFL community. With an almost completely new roster, the River Kings were ready to line up against someone without a River Kings uniform. For Cedar Rapids, they find themselves losing game one 54-39 in a tough-fought battle against the Steamwheelers.

In the first quarter, the River Kings had a few missed opportunities, but all-in-all, the team, as it is almost completely new from last season, seems to be creating chemistry all across the board. Unfortunately for the River Kings, their first play of the 2020 IFL season was spent watching the Steamwheelers' kick returner, Keyvan Rudd, find his way to the end zone. The River Kings' first drive was ruled a turnover on downs, however, over the next few drives, the Cedar Rapids' offense, behind 27-year-old quarterback Derrick Bernard, showed a lot of promise for Cedar Rapids fans with his quick agility, strong arm, and playmaker mentality. He went 9/25 with 72 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception through the air. On the ground, he rushed seven times for 42 yards and a touchdown showing that he truly is a dual-threat to the opponent at hand. To close the first half, the River Kings found themselves down big, as the score favored Quad Cities 40-13. While morale could have been assumed to be low, the River Kings came back kicking in the second half. At the beginning of the second half, Derrick Bernard and the River Kings offense found themselves scoring on their first drive from half-time. After being scored on with less than 20 seconds left in the first half, the River Kings considered this their answer. This gave the River Kings a much-needed spark, both on offense and defense. The Cedar Rapids defense only gave up one score during the third quarter, which put the score at 47-21: Quad Cities, going into the final quarter of play. With an energizing fourth quarter effort, the River Kings didn't go down without a fight. Scoring two touchdowns in the final minute, the U.S. Cellular Center was jumping with energy. However, the River Kings ran out of time, causing them to leave the arena with a lonely tally in the loss column and determination for a win in Week 2. Next up for Cedar Rapids is a trip down to San Diego, where the River Kings will square up against the Strike Force. If you're unable to make the trip to sunny San Diego, take an easier trip to the Indoor Football League's YouTube Channel, where you can catch all the action in real-time from the comfort of your couch. Also, be sure to follow the River Kings' Twitter account, @GoRiverKings, for up-to-date coverage during games.

SAN DIEGO STRIKE FORCE TAKES DOWN BUCKS 50-36 by Tori Pizzuto SAN DIEGO, California (March 8, 2020) – The Strike Force defeated the Bismarck Bucks 50-36 in their 2020 IFL Regular Season Week 1 opener in North Dakota on Sunday, March 8. The Bucks jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter after converting on their opening drive via a three-yard rush by Eric Lauderdale and then a nine-yard rush by quarterback Tasleem Wilson following a failed field goal attempt by the Strike Force. San Diego responded before the end of the quarter after quarterback Michael Carrillo was able to scramble and connect on a shovel pass in the flat to running back Nathaniel Chavious who sprinted up the sideline untouched for a 31-yard score. The lead swung in the second quarter in favor of the Strike Force after a one-yard touchdown run by Chavious and a 42-yard touchdown pass from Carrillo to Marques Rodgers. The San Diego defense held the Bucks to only field-goal attempts before the half (both missed) before closing out the quarter with the 21-17 lead. Last year’s IFL Special Teams Player of the Year Marques Rodgers made his touchdown debut for the 2020 season with a second-half kick return for a 45-yard touchdown to retake a 28-24 lead. After a defensive stop in the end zone via an interception by rookie defensive back Daquawn Brown, San Diego failed to capitalize and fumbled the snap in the end zone resulting in a Bismarck safety. The Bucks added a 40-yard field goal by Cody Barber on their ensuing possession to give Bismarck a one-point advantage at 28-29. Late in the fourth quarter, the Strike Force went back on top 35-29 after Carrillo found receiver Donta Armstrong on a play-action toss turned 22-yard touchdown pass but Bismarck responded with the longest scoring play in team history as Zuril Hendrick returned a missed field goal by the Strike Force for 50-yards and a score. San Diego went on to score twice to close out the game, first off a 45-yard kick return by Isaiah Bernard and then a six-yard touchdown run by Nathaniel Chavious for the 50-36 victory. Next Saturday, March 14th the Strike Force will host the Cedar Rapids River Kings at Pechanga Arena San Diego with a 6:05 p.m. PT kickoff. Tailgate activities will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. Season and Group Tickets are still on sale for Strike Force home games starting as low as $12 per ticket. Parking is free on game days. For tickets, call or text the Strike Force at 619-340-1300 or visit https://bit.ly/21FootballTics for more information. More below......

 

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SAN DIEGO STRIKE FORCE TAKES DOWN BUCKS 50-36 by Tori Pizzuto SAN DIEGO, California (March 8, 2020) – The Strike Force defeated the Bismarck Bucks 50-36 in their 2020 IFL Regular Season Week 1 opener in North Dakota on Sunday, March 8. The Bucks jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter after converting on their opening drive via a three-yard rush by Eric Lauderdale and then a nine-yard rush by quarterback Tasleem Wilson following a failed field goal attempt by the Strike Force. San Diego responded before the end of the quarter after quarterback Michael Carrillo was able to scramble and connect on a shovel pass in the flat to running back Nathaniel Chavious who sprinted up the sideline untouched for a 31-yard score. The lead swung in the second quarter in favor of the Strike Force after a one-yard touchdown run by Chavious and a 42-yard touchdown pass from Carrillo to Marques Rodgers. The San Diego defense held the Bucks to only field-goal attempts before the half (both missed) before closing out the quarter with the 21-17 lead. Last year’s IFL Special Teams Player of the Year Marques Rodgers made his touchdown debut for the 2020 season with a second-half kick return for a 45-yard touchdown to retake a 28-24 lead. After a defensive stop in the end zone via an interception by rookie defensive back Daquawn Brown, San Diego failed to capitalize and fumbled the snap in the end zone resulting in a Bismarck safety. The Bucks added a 40-yard field goal by Cody Barber on their ensuing possession to give Bismarck a one-point advantage at 28-29. Late in the fourth quarter, the Strike Force went back on top 35-29 after Carrillo found receiver Donta Armstrong on a play-action toss turned 22-yard touchdown pass but Bismarck responded with the longest scoring play in team history as Zuril Hendrick returned a missed field goal by the Strike Force for 50-yards and a score. San Diego went on to score twice to close out the game, first off a 45-yard kick return by Isaiah Bernard and then a six-yard touchdown run by Nathaniel Chavious for the 50-36 victory. Next Saturday, March 14th the Strike Force will host the Cedar Rapids River Kings at Pechanga Arena San Diego with a 6:05 p.m. PT kickoff. Tailgate activities will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. Season and Group Tickets are still on sale for Strike Force home games starting as low as $12 per ticket. Parking is free on game days. For tickets, call or text the Strike Force at 619-340-1300 or visit https://bit.ly/21FootballTics for more information.