02/20/2020
RENEGADES LOOK TO MAKE SEASON OPENER STATEMENT!
February 20, 2020 1:54PM
Sports Writer
After having a bye opening weekend, The Illinois Renegades prepare to kick off their 2020 IFA (Indoor Football Association) campaign Sunday night at home as they take on the 2019 IFA Runner-Ups the Mad City Nightmare. The teams played last year in week 4 with the Nightmare leaving with the 36-20 victory. Early preseason predictions have the Renegades finishing either 3rd or 4th in the IFA this year and being on the road for a playoff game once again. This weekend the Renegades look to make a statement to the league, that they are not the same team from last season. The Nightmare are entering this weeks game 1-0 after a Week 1 win over a short handed Stateline Sting team(28-0).
Returning Captain and Starting QB, (Jeff) Dillard Jr., stated, “I’m excited about the opportunity to get this rematch with them, even though the score was 36-20, the game was a lot closer.” Despite the final score the Renegades and Nightmare were close till the final minute of the game last season, when the Renegades Defense had a miscue which allowed for the Nightmare to score and finally pull away. The Renegades have made key moves this offseason with hopes of strengthen their defense and making their offense more explosive and high powered. Dillard stated, “We’ve added some young guys, true athletes, on both sides of the ball, as well as having a core group of veterans return this year.” When asked about his thoughts on the early predictions “I don’t really pay attention to preseason rankings and predictions, it’s a long tough season and we are preparing ourselves to be the last team standing.”
After bye weeks teams come out one or two ways, energized and ready to get back on the field or very rusty for the first couple series. The Nightmare might have an advantage coming off a game week 1 but OC Johnny Hunt, feels he has prepared his Offense to be ready to play after having a bye. “Ive been challenging them during practice to go out and dominate against our defense and putting them in in-game situations. So far they have been stepping up to the challenge.” As for dealing with the rust of not playing a game in a while, Hunt feels “within the first 5 minutes some players are going to be a little nervous and some cocky at the same time. Most of our guys have been playing this game their whole lives so its just another day at the office for them. A few this will be their first time playing in years so mistakes might be made while the rust gets knocked off.” Kick off time for the game this Sunday February 23rd is at 5:30pm at Eastside Soccer Dome in Chicago. For tickets contact the Illinois Renegades at [email protected] or find them on Facebook.