By RJ “The Bullish Brahma” Reid
Introduction
It is Week 16 of the Indoor Football League (IFL), and the 6-6 San Antonio Gunslingers finally return home when they play the 10-3 Frisco Fighters. Here’s what you need to know:
When?
Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 6:05pm CT.
Where?
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas.
Gameday Weather
The forecast calls for decent weather for those hanging outside prior to going indoors for the game. It will be 79 degrees, with mostly clear skies and a 20% chance of rain and 15 mile per hour winds.
History
The series is tied 1-1.
Keys to Victory
Perhaps one of the biggest issues the Gunslingers have on defense is stopping the opposing quarterback from gaining big yards on run plays, either by designed quarterback runs or when flushed out of the pocket. This will be especially difficult in this matchup as Frisco’s TJ Edwards leads the league in rushing touchdowns. If the Gunslingers can contain Edwards, then they can beat the Fighters.
Sam Castronova needs to continue to carry the team. He’s lit the IFL on fire and has shown no signs of putting that blaze out. He is hands down the league’s MVP and without his performance, the Gunslingers would not be in the position they are currently in.
Much like the first matchup against Frisco, this will be a back-and-forth game and whoever has possession last will most likely win the game. The Gunslingers had a chance last week when they had possession last but couldn’t connect. If they are in the same position this week, they will need to convert. Additionally, special teams needs to tighten up. The Gunslingers left a lot of points on the field last week due to missed field goals and blocked kicks. They cannot afford to do the same against one of the best teams in the IFL.
Predictions
Let’s look at how my predictions from last week fared:
-The Gunslingers will score on their opening possession.
Correct.
-The Gunslingers will score at least 6 touchdowns.
Correct, they scored 9 touchdowns.
-DJ Myers will record at least 5 receptions.
Incorrect. He had 3 receptions.
-The Gunslingers will not allow a sack.
Correct.
Week 15 results: 3-1.
Overall results: 18-40.
And now my predictions for this week, hopefully I’ll be a “straightshooter”:
-Kahli Rashaad will catch at least 5 passes.
-The Gunslingers will hold TJ Edwards to under 4 rushing touchdowns.
-The Gunslingers will score on their first possession in the 2nd half.
-TC Stevens will kick a deuce.
Final Thoughts
The Gunslingers are coming off a heart-breaking loss to the Northern Arizona Wranglers last week. Down by 6 and with possession and time running out, the Gunslingers were stopped on fourth down, giving the Wranglers the victory. The Fighters, on the other hand, are coming off a playoff clinching victory over the Sioux Falls Storm. This is the third and final matchup between the two teams, with each team winning on the road. Time is running out for the Gunslingers and their hopes for a playoff spot and getting smaller with each passing week. Currently, San Antonio sits in the 6th spot in the Western Conference, behind the San Diego Strike Force and the Arizona Rattlers. The Gunslingers lost to the Strike Force earlier in the season, so San Diego has the tiebreaker and San Antonio will play the Rattlers on their last game of the season, and that game could decide which team makes the playoffs. The theme for this game is “Faith and Family” and the Gunslingers can use all the faith they can get to make their final push to the playoffs, so bring the family and fill the Freeman Coliseum and let’s cheer on our Gunslingers!