By RJ “The Bullish Brahma” Reid
Introduction
It is Week 8 of the Indoor Football League (IFL), and the 2-3 San Antonio Gunslingers return home when they play the 4-1 Frisco Fighters in San Antonio, Texas in the second game of a home-and-home back-to-back. Here’s what you need to know:
When?
Saturday, May 4, 2024 @ 6:05pm CT (May the 4th be with you…always).
Where?
Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas.
Gameday Weather
The game is obviously being played indoors, but for those who are interested in hanging out in the parking lot before the game starts, the weather may not be too accommodating. It’s expected to be 74 degrees, cloudy with 7 mile per hour winds and a 52% chance of rain.
History
The Gunslingers lead the series 1-0.
Keys to Victory
-The Gunslingers need to clean things up penalty wise. This is their sixth game of the season, and they are still be called for illegal defense multiple times a game. You would think that they would have adjusted to the new rules of the IFL by now and you wouldn’t see this penalty called very often; however, they continue to be flagged for this penalty. Last week, it erased a fourth down stop and Frisco eventually scored a touchdown. They were lucky in overcoming these penalties, but luck can run out.
-The defense has improved, and improved greatly the past two weeks, which, unsurprisingly enough, has coincided with their victories. The offense has been spectacular, and are showing no signs of slowing down, it’s the defense that has been the Achillies heel. The past two week, the defense has made a complete 180. They are stopping opponents a couple times a game, and that is all they need to do with the offense clicking the way they are. They are forcing turnovers, and last week, they had their first sack of the season. One was called back due to a penalty, but they are now getting to the quarterback. If the defense can continue this trend, look out IFL.
-The Gunslingers need to continue to run the ball. The running game is not explosive and has not been eye-popping like the passing game. Despite this, the run game is still effective because at the end of the game, the opponents are starting to wear down and it keep the defense honest. The Gunslingers are playing the long game with their run game. They are looking ahead at the end of the game, and not looking for instant gratification. You look at the statistics, you would think the run game is terrible, but it has borne fruit at the end of games, and the Gunslingers need to continue to effectively sprinkle in the run throughout the course of the game.
Predictions
Let’s look at how my predictions from last week fared:
A Gunslinger receiver will have at least 100 yards of receiving.
Incorrect. The leading receiver had 65 yards.
Sam Castronova will complete a pass that is at least 30 yards.
Incorrect. His longest pass completion was 18 yards.
TJ Edwards will have at least 3 passing touchdowns.
Incorrect. He had 2 passing touchdowns.
Sam Castronova will have more rushing yards by himself than the rest of the team combined.
Incorrect. He had 6 yards rushing. Keyshawn Harper had 10.
Week 7 results: 0-4.
Overall results: 7-23.
And now my predictions for this week, hopefully I’ll be a “straightshooter”:
Austin Upshaw will have at least 5 catches for at least 40 yards.
-Keyshawn Harper will have over 20 yards of rushing.
-Tristen Vance will lead the team in tackles.
-The defense will force and recover a fumble.
Final Thoughts
The Frisco Fighters are looking for revenge after being humiliated in their own arena last week. San Antonio were 16.5-point underdogs, and perhaps Frisco overlooked San Antonio because of their record. The Fighters looked a little overconfident and underestimated their opponent. After that game, I seriously doubt Frisco will do the same this time. San Antonio’s shocking victory over Frisco put the entire IFL on notice. Vegas has taken notice as they have San Antonio as 6.5-point underdogs this time. San Antonio is better than their record and they are not a foe to be taken lightly. The Gunslingers have the best offense in the league and their defense is improving. This combination will prove to be extremely dangerous for anybody facing them in the future, including this game. Although it is difficult for any team to play the same team on back-to-back weeks, fans should be prepared for another epic showdown.