SteamWheeler News

None of this year’s Quad-City Steamwheelers players were a part of stunning, last-second losses the past two times the arenafootball2 postseason played in to the Quad-Cities.

Still, they cringe at the mere mention.

Kris Peters and his teammates definitely have heard about the strange turns of Steamwheelers’ playoff fate: in 2003 — a 53-yard Arkansas kick return set up a last-second field goal in a 63-61 loss — and in 2004 — when the hosts turned over the ball on downs with a 48-46 lead with 3 seconds on the clock, and then watched a lumbering Louisville lineman turn a desperation 53-yard field goal miss into an improbable game-winning touchdown return and a

53-48 Q-C defeat.

So, will Peters be ready to retrieve any missed kick if the Green Bay Blizzard get an end-game opportunity to boot his Steamwheelers out of the 2007 playoffs tonight at the i wireless Center in Moline?

“Absolutely,’’ said the standout Q-C kick returner and receiver. “I’d better be or else everybody in the stands are going to be having flashbacks. Hopefully, we won’t get in that situation where it is a close game and (instead) go out and have a comfortable victory.”

A victory of any kind will end a three-game postseason losing streak for a Steamwheelers franchise that won its first six playoff tilts en route to back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001, but has not won a postseason game since.

This year’s Steamwheelers (10-6) earned the right to host a playoff game for the first time since 2004 when they held on for a 56-55 win at i wireless Center on July 26, and then claimed the Midwest Division title Saturday when Green Bay (9-7) fell 70-50 at Mahoning Valley.

The two divisional rivals will clash at 7:30 tonight for the fourth time this season. The Steamwheelers won 61-33 in June in Moline, lost 44-14 in April in Green Bay and won a March preseason exhibition

51-24 at the former Mark of the Quad-Cities.

The two regular-season games were studies in contrast, particularly for Q-C quarterback J.J. Raterink, who spent the night in Green Bay under pas-rush seige, then went mostly untouched at home while tossing a season-best nine touchdowns.

“It looked like two different teams, to be honest,” Peters said of those wildly disparate Q-C performances. “Our offense was in disarray the whole time we were in Green Bay. When they came here, it was a totally different story.’’

It was that kind of season for the Blizzard, who were perfect at home and 1-7 on the road.

Blizzard coach Doug Lytle said his team improved on the road in the second half, and will not dwell on its struggles away from Green Bay tonight.

“We don’t even talk about it,’’ he said. “We’re going to attack this game like every other game.”

The Steamwheelers, on the other hand, hope to use the home field to their advantage. They were 7-1 at home this year, losing only to 14-2 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a late touchdown. The club is 61-13 all-time at home.

With only one player — Jack Walker Jr. — having been around even for their last postseason loss, a 56-38, 2005 road-killing in McAllen, Texas, the ghost of playoff losses past shouldn’t haunt this Q-C team.

Still, those 2003 and 2004 home heartbreaks are nothing if not cautionary tales about the bizarre bounces arena footballs can take.

“I remember the doink heard  ‘round the af2 world,’’ general manager Shawn Brown said of the Louisville kick that caught a bottom iron rail and bounded over the hands of Q-C returner Jeff Hewitt and into those of 330-pound Louisville lineman Derrick Shepard. “Hopefully our luck has changed.’’

Indeed, the Wheelers stopped a last-second Fort Wayne conversion run to preserve last week’s win. Still, head coach Sean Ponder is leaving nothing to last-second chance.

“Anything can happen on that last play,” he said. “What we have done the last couple of weeks is we have prepared for (late-game) situations.  ... They either need to outplay us or outcoach us. They are not going to beat us because we are not prepared for that last play of the game. Hail Marys. Net plays. All that stuff. We’ll be ready.’’

   Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com

Wheelers scoreboard

Score

Quad-Cities 56, Fort Wayne 55

Owner in the dark

Steamwheelers owner Mike Bawden leaves today with his oldest son, Chris, for a Boy Scout retreat in New Mexico.

He returns Aug. 10.

There will be no cell phones or wireless where he is heading.

“I’ll never know who we play or how we did until I get back,’’ he said.

Pike plans to retire

Matt Pike left a slight crack in the door, but the veteran backup quarterback said he is fairly certain he will retire after the Steamwheelers playoff run Pike is a seven-year indoor veteran.

Illini in the house

Former Illinois defensive back Morris Virgil was in the Fort Wayne defensive backfield and returned kicks for the Fusion.

He was playing his third game with the club.

Wheeler donation

The Steamwheelers presented a check for $1,723 to the Quad-Cities Sports Commission between the third and fourth quarter.

Playoff roster: mix, match

The Steamwheelers can carry one additional player on a 20-man playoff roster, and coach Sean Ponder said that could gain any of three players a job, depending on who the Wheelers are facing and how deep they advance in the postseason.

Ponder said he will choose between defensive lineman Mark Cristiani, jack linebacker Malik Jackson and defensive back Joe Hinton.

“We’ll figure that out game by game,’’ he said. “Do we need more pressure upfront? Do we need to put a  more physical jack in the box? Do we need to carry an extra DB? It may not be the same guy every game.’’

Fusion: One and done?

Although their principal owner’s operating privileges were revoked earlier this month, the Fort Wayne Fusion might not be a one-and-done af2 operation.

General manager Mike McCaffery said he is working to lure new ownership to the franchise after Jeremy Golden’s majority ownership rights were terminated by af2 president Jerry Kurz due to his failure to meet financial obligations.

Sean Ponder pondered his future.

Slapped with a three-game suspension for impulsively tripping an opposing player last month, the Quad-City Steamwheelers head coach said he did some soul searching and career re-evaluation.

“It’s like players re-evaluate when they get injured,’’ he said. “Are they going to be full strength? Half strength? Is the burning desire still there?

“I went through it. I had to            re-evaluate everything, look at the big picture and ask is this what I want to do for a living?’’

He knew the answer all along.

“It is,’’ said the 36-year-old coach, who will return to the Steamwheelers sidelines Friday, when his 8-6 club hosts 1-11 Cincinnati. “Absolutely.

“Coaching is is what I do,’’ he said. “I have been in coaching just about all my (adult) life. It is my passion, and that’s why I came back. I wouldn’t be here coaching if I didn’t think I had that fire in me.’’

Ponder might have been a bit too fired up June 16 in Youngstown, Ohio, when he stuck his right foot behind him and tripped a preening               Mahoning Valley Thunder player Reggie Perkins as he first came at the coach and then ran behind him while celebrating an interception return for a touchdown.

In his first public comments about the incident Wednesday, Ponder said he initially thought Perkins, an af2 journeyman who left the Steamwheelers under curious circumstances last            season, was going to run into him.

“(But) he didn’t run into me,’’ Ponder said. “He made a               comment. I put my foot back. That’s the basics. I was                    frustrated.’’

Still, Ponder said he doesn’t feel as if he needs to change his emotional style of coaching.

“No, it was a one-time                       situation,’’ he said. “I have never physically done anything to a player. I have never been ejected from a football game (before) in my life.

“I have never had altercations with players. It was a one-time situation, heat of battle. He made a comment. I did what I did. And I paid the                              consequences for it. You move on and go forward. It’s nothing I am going to harp on for the rest of my life.’’

Ponder said he didn’t address his suspension when he rejoined the Steamwheelers for the week’s first practice Tuesday night.

“I didn’t think it was a necessity,’’ he said. “Players play and coaches coach, and that’s the way we handled it.

“They know. It’s not going to do anything to have a big pow-wow with the players. That’s not going to work. I’m just going to coach like I always do.’’

Ponder and his players said there was little awkward about his return to a team that had been helmed by defensive coordinator Troy Biladeau in his absence.

As longtime friends, he said he and Biladeau simply resumed their former roles with the club.

“We both had ideas,’’ he said. “I met with Troy the day before he took over. We both had goals and objectives and I came back, and it’s business as usual. There is no animosity. We are good friends.’’

The team went 1-2 in his absence, but all three games went down to the wire, and Ponder has made one concession to the team’s success while he was gone.

Receivers coach Shon King, who ran the offense while Ponder was absent, will continue to handle play-calling, while a nearby Ponder retains the right to overrule him.

“I am stepping back, but I am going to have final say-so,’’ he said.

Quarterback J.J. Raterink said the team should be better for the experience Biladeau and King gained while Ponder sat.

“To have him back with insight into the offense, he, coach, King and I can really work together,’’ the QB said. “Anything one of us misses, the other two can pick up.

“It’s nice to have everyone back together. Before everything happened, we were on a nice roll there, 7-4, and everyone was playing well together.’’

Now, the Steamwheelers need one win to clinch a playoff berth but must have help to win the Midwest Division and a home playoff date.

“It is my fault,’’ Ponder said of the 1-2 run. “I put the players and coaches in a tough situation. I’m the one who made the mistake.’’

Ponder’s two children joined him in the Quad-Cities just as his league-mandated suspension came down, and he said his parents visited during his “timeout.’’

“That kind of eased the thing a little bit,’’ he said.

Pomder said it wasn’t easy staying out of contact with the team and watching games from a box above an end zone.

“My heart was beating like I was coaching,’’ he said. “It wasn’t the most comfortable situation.’’

Now, though, it is time to get back to job Ponder came here to do.

“Our No. 1 goal and objective is to win a championship here,’’ he said. “However we need to do that is what we need to do.’’

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com

Patrolling the turf and cajoling his unbeaten Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, Rich Ingold still musters the same game-day intensity he brought to the Quad-City Steamwheelers sidelines for three seasons.

Then, the coach — who is three months removed from throat cancer surgery and only a month free from an aggressive therapy regimen —crashes.

“I am myself during games, but it takes me two days to recover,” Ingold said on the eve of his return to the Quad-Cities on Friday night at The Mark of the Quad-Cities.

Ingold decided to call off a leave of absence from his second Wilkes-Barre/Scranton season only four days into his recuperation from March 7 surgery to remove a cancerous growth on a tonsil.

“I told my surgeon what I planned to do, and he said, ‘Go do it,’ ” said the 44-year-old coach.

Ingold rejoined the Pioneers a week into training camp on March 19 and has been at the team’s helm ever since.

He has not missed a game, home or away, and was at practices and team meetings daily even while undergoing a dual regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy over a stretch of six weeks.

“It was rough,” Ingold conceded. “Some days, I had to use everything in my body to get up and get to practice. Once I was on the field, it was all right. But after practice, it was back to bed.”

Ingold had both tonsils and 44 lymph nodes, four of which were cancerous, removed in early March.

Initially, he took a leave of absence before the surgery, vowing to return around midseason. But the typically impatient Ingold couldn’t wait quite that long.

“No. 1,” he said of his early return, “I knew we had an excellent team. Secondly, what else was I going to do? Lie around in bed all day? I wanted to get in a routine and get my mind off of this. The last thing I wanted to do was lie around feeling bad for myself.

“I thought being around practice everyday was going to help me. And it did. The players rallied around me, too. That gave me a boost.”

One of his biggest challenges has been eating. Ingold said he has dropped roughly 20 pounds and is down to 178.

“I can’t eat solid foods,” he said. “I’m all soup and cereal and soft foods.”

What he eats, he cannot taste.

“The surgery wasn’t bad, although I’ve got a nice big scar to show you,” he said. “Chemotherapy wasn’t bad. The radiation was worse. They fried my taste buds five times a week for six weeks. The radiation is still with me.”

Despite his battle to gain weight, Ingold hasn’t given up one of his notable passions.

“I’m running two or three times a week,” he said. “The doctors don’t want me to, but I have got to. I have got to have that sweat. That’s something I have been doing all my life.”

One thing he had done for much of his life, Ingold does no more.

He blames chewing tobacco for causing the tumor on his tonsil that could have cost him his life.

“I look back on that, and I just feel foolish I started that,” he said. “I thought I was cool because other guys were doing it. What a price to pay.”

The good news is that Ingold now is “100 percent cancer-free,” although he will have to undergo regular checkups to ensure he stays that way.

He spends much of his time in a Wilkes-Barre hotel room, although his father visits often and he frequently heads home to Pittsburgh for two-day breaks with his wife and kids.

“I try to get home as much as I can,” he said.

Friday’s game feels like a bit of a homecoming for Ingold, who was 34-14 while winning a pair of division titles at the Q-C helm from 2002 to 2004.

Ingold will bring a 10-0, top-ranked Pioneers team to The Mark, and he will arrive looking for revenge.

Although his Pioneers won an earlier meeting in Pennsylvania, the Steamwheelers soundly defeated Wilkes-Barre, 55-34, when Ingold made his first Q-C return in July of last year.

“We went out there last year and didn’t play very good,” he said. “I didn’t like that. I had a lot of good times in the Quad-Cities and I like going back. But I got embarassed.

“I told my team to gear up to play their best game.”

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com

Sean Ponder is fond of telling his players he’d like them to be able to execute just as well if he were sitting in the stands munching on popcorn come game night.

Friday, when the Steamwheelers take on top-ranked and unbeaten Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Q-C’s head coach and offensive coordinator can do just that — as long as he buys a ticket.

Ponder, suspended by the league for three weeks because of an incident in which he tripped a Mahoning Valley player last Saturday, wasn’t at the Steamwheelers’ weekly media luncheon Wednesday. He wasn’t at the team’s practice, either.

In fact, he can have no contact with interim coach Troy Biladeau or any of his players until the suspension runs its course.

Don’t expect the team to undergo a mega metamorphosis in the meantime, though.

“The best thing about Coach Ponder is the way he’s prepared us,” said Wheelers quarterback J.J. Raterink. “He really says, ‘This is your team. This is your offense.’ He’s prepared us that way all year. He’s given us a lot of the authority, which is good. And I think we’re prepared for this.”

With Biladeau, the team’s defensive coordinator, taking over, receivers coach Shon King will assume play-calling duties as interim offensive coordinator.

Coming off a 63-34 loss to Mahoning Valley, in which the offense struggled and Raterink threw a season-high four interceptions, King said he plans to simplify the scheme in order to succeed against a W-B/Scranton defense that ranks 28th in the league.   

“It doesn’t change from the aspect that we’re losing anything, because Coach King and Coach Biladeau are very experienced,” receiver Jack Walker Jr. said. “There might be a little bit of a twist here or there, but you’re not going to see anything drastically different.”

“We’re just going to keep it simple, tone some things down and give J.J. a couple more short reads so he doesn’t have to run around,” King added. “We’ll still go deep and things like that, but we’re going to simplify some things.”

Biladeau, who won an ArenaCup title with Spokane last year, has been adamant that he is “going to run it like I would as a head coach, and I’m going to make decisions on how I feel they should be made.”

With the coaching staff in flux and distractions abound, it’s not the best time to have af2’s only unbeaten team coming to town.

Biladeau, though, sees a perfect storm brewing on the horizon.

“They’re the favorites. We’re not supposed to win with all the turmoil this week,” he said. “It’s a perfect time for us. You never know about stuff like this. That’s the funny thing about sports — you just never know.”

What tripped Ponder’s fuse?

None of the Steamwheelers players or coaches at Wednesday’s media luncheon knew what it was Mahoning Valley’s Reggie Perkins said to Wheelers coach Sean Ponder to set him off last Saturday.

It was clear in the video replay — which you can find on Web site YouTube.com if you search “af2” and “trip” — that Perkins, a former Steamwheeler, was jawing at Ponder as he approached him from behind.

Whatever Perkins said, it got under Ponder’s skin in a hurry. The coach whipped his leg around and tripped Perkins, earning an ejection and three-game suspension.

“I’m sure he said quite a few things as he was closing in on him. What? I don’t know,” Wheelers quarterback J.J. Raterink said. “I’m sure we’ll find out sooner or later.”

Changes on the way

While interim head coach Troy Biladeau doesn’t plan any drastic schematic changes to the Steamwheelers offense, he hinted there might be some position changes on the way.

“We’re going to change it up a little bit, maybe change personnel a little bit as far as where they’re at on the field,” Biladeau said. “I know what it is, but I’m not going to say.”

Defense shaky without Lewis

Steamwheelers defensive back Sidney Lewis was suspended four games last week by af2 after he made contact with an official during a game at Fort Wayne on June 8.

Without Lewis — who ranks second on the team in tackles (50.5), interceptions (4) and pass breakups (6) — the Wheelers’ secondary struggled to contain the Mahoning Valley passing game in a 63-34 loss last Saturday.

The Thunder went for 200 yards and three touchdowns through the air, and the Wheelers failed to record a turnover.

Coaches rankings

Team (record) Pts

1. WB/Scranton (10-0) 462

2. Tulsa (10-1) 415

3. Rio Gra. Valley (9-1) 386

4. Bossier-Shrev. (9-2) 374

5. South Georgia (8-3) 346

6. Florida (8-3) 325

7. Arkansas (7-3) 317

8. Spokane (6-4) 219

9. Tri-Cities (5-5) 206

10. Central Valley (6-4) 189

11. Quad-Cities (7-4) 182

12. Oklahoma City (6-4) 161

13. Green Bay (5-5) 122

14. Louisville (5-5) 117

15. Manchester (5-6) 81

16. Alabama (5-6) 57

Around af2

Alabama wide receiver Herman Bell was named this week’s U.S. Army Ironman of the Week after amassing 343 all-purpose yards in his team’s 77-62 loss to top-ranked Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday night.

Bell totaled 286 yards on 12 kick returns, including a 57-yarder for a score in the second quarter. He also made five catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. The 286 return yards were an af2 record, and the 343 all-purpose yards were the third most in the league this season.

This week’s matchup

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (10-0) at Steamwheelers (7-4)

When/where: 6:30 p.m., The Mark of the Quad-Cities

Radio: WOC (1420 AM)

Last week: WB/Scranton 77, Alabama 62; Mahoning Valley 63, Steamwheelers 34

Statistics

Individual

Steamwheelers

Passing

 Comp Att Yds TD Int

J.J. Raterink 226 348 2,561 51 11

Matt Pike 21 36 247 6 1

Receiving

 Rec Yds TD

Jack Walker Jr. 81 870 19

Kris Peters 76 1,008 22

Tom Anthony 74 730 10

Rushing

 Att Yds TD

Jeff Macrea 41 128 8

Jermaine Petty 21 63 7

Team

Points per game 52.3 (9)

Opp. points per game 45.5 (11)

Total offense 269.5 (13)

Total defense 276.7 (25)

Pioneers

Passing

 Comp Att Yds TD Int

Ryan Vena 227 321 2,734 65 5

A. Doria 4 4 29 0 0

Receiving

 Rec Yds TD

Tyreak Saviour 58 752 19

Jim Jones 49 586 11

Larry Kendrick 40 511 13

Rushing

 Att Yds TD

Terence Glover 24 77 4

Ryan Vena 36 77 9

Points per game 62.1 (1) 

Opp. points per game 40.8 (7)

Total offense 287.3 (5)

Total defense 289.0 (28)

About the Pioneers

The Pioneers have maintained the No. 1 spot in the coaches poll for nine consecutive weeks. … The offense ranks fifth in the league in total yards and is tops in average points per game. … QB Ryan Vena was this week’s Schutt Player of the Week after throwing for 10 touchdowns in a 77-62 win over Alabama. He completed 27 of 34 attempts for 360 yards with only one interception. He also ran for a score, setting team marks for passing and total touchdowns in a game. … Defensive back Chris Royal ranks fourth in the league with 69.5 tackles, but the defense ranks 28th overall in yards allowed.

Three's company

Win three. Lose three. Win three.

 Enough.

 The Steamwheelers hope to grab a fourth straight win tonight in Fort Wayne and put an end to the “three spree.’’

 A win would keep the 6-3 Wheelers on a forward roll as they begin their second-half push for prime playoff position. The club is not fretting its streakiness.

 “As a coaching staff, it’s not anything we talk to the players about,’’ defensive coordinator Troy Biladeau said of the team’s 3-3-3 beginning. “It’s just win the next game and position ourselves for a good run at the playoffs.”

 The Steamwheelers enter the weekend tied with Spokane for the second-best record in the American Conference, and they own the tie-breaker by virtue of an early win in the defending league champion Shock.

 That was one of their two wins in five early-season road starts and, on the streak front, the Q-C crew is looking to end a 3-game road losing streak tonight.

 “It’s very important to pick it up on the road,’’ receiver Kris Peters said. “We want to get on (Fort Wayne) as quick as we can. If their fans get involved, it’s going to be a tough game.”

 Jumping on teams hasn’t been a Steamwheelers problem of late. Finishing them off in fine fashion has been, though.

 “We want to continue getting better as the game goes on,” Peters said of a key goal tonight.

 A strong finish is the season’s mission, as well, particularly with home games scheduled for four of the final five after road games tonight and  next week at Mahoning Valley (Ohio).

 “If we can steal a couple here on the road, I think we’ll be in good shape,” Biladeau said. “You want to position yourself in the playoff picture to have some home games. If you really want to make a run in the playoffs, you are probably going to have to do it at home.”

Homecoming for Pike

All eyes won’t be on the holder tonight in Fort Wayne, but when the Steamwheelers step onto the field to kick a PAT or field goal, a sizable section will be rooting for the guy on one knee.

Steamwheelers backup quarterback Matt Pike, who lays claim to being the all-league placekick holder, hales from Huntington, Ind., about 30 miles south of Fort Wayne.

“Very excited,” Pike said of his trip to the first-year af2 Indiana venue, where a group of 40 fans have put in ticket requests. “A few friends, but mostly family. Nieces, nephews, cousins. Dad, stepmother, brothers, sister. All watching me put that finger on the ball.

“Hopefully, (starting Q-C quarterback) J.J. (Raterink) will manufacture some mop-up time for me so I can get some throws in.”

Dodge ball

If Tim Dodge can tear himself away from his newly welcomed baby boy, the versatile Steamwheelers veteran could make his 2007 debut in the coming weeks.

Dodge recently opted to forgo surgery on the knee that bothered him much of last season, and he could opt to try and finish a fifth Q-C season.

“We would expect an answer on Tim in the next week or two,” coach Sean Ponder said.

Despite depth at both receiver and defensive back, Ponder said he wouldn’t hesitate to welcome back the three-time all-league and all-conference honoree out of Iowa.

“He is a heck of a football player, with speed, hands and talent,” the coach said.

Expected next week is a decision on whether defensive end Shonn Bell will be welcomed back off of team suspension, Ponder added.

You can get there from here

Newly signed Chicago Bears receiver Timon Marshall started his career as a member of the ArenaCup champion Tulsa Talons in 2003, and then played in Oklahoma City in 2004.

He spent the last three seasons with the AFL’s Grand Rapids Rampage and led the league in total offense with 2,374 yards in 2006.

He is the second Bear with indoor football experience, joining former San Jose Rampage player Rashied Davis.

Several Steamwheelers — Ira Gooch, Tim McGill, Asa Francis, Chazz Moore  and Pete Traynor — have competed in NFL training camps, but only McGill cracked an NFL roster.

Around AF2

-- Tennessee Valley sack leader Farouk Adelekan suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in Friday’s loss at The Mark. He is the third defensive lineman the Vipers have lost to injury this year.

-- A 55-51 win over Tri-Cities on Saturday gave the Stockton Lightning the first two-game winning streak in the franchise’s two-year history.

-- The Quincy Carter story continues to fester in Bossier/Shreveport, where the former NFL starter left a practice in a huff this week after learning he’ll remain on team suspension a fourth straight week.

A month ago in Oklahoma City, the Steameheelers also enjoyed lineman Andy Endemann’s road cooking.

Steamwheelers fans will recognize Endemann as the hulking lineman with the frizzy locks of hair flowing from beyond his helmet.

Endemann, a native of Pago Pago in American Somoa, said long hair is a Polynesian tradition.

So are males who cook.

“The woman stays home and watches the kids,” he explained. “The man goes to work and comes home and cooks.”

So, the 310-pound lineman was only being true to his roots when he hoofed an estimated 5 miles to and from an Oklahoma City Wal-Mart last month to purchase groceries for a late-night meal.

Endemann just had to do it. He had been eating out since moving into the kitchen-less team hotel in Moline. Upon arrival at a hotel with suites the night before a game in Oklahoma City, he found himself in a room with a full kitchen.

He had no alternative but to shop.

“Ryan Pauhu walked a mile and a half, then he quit,” Endemann said. “I said ‘No. I have to make this food.’ ”

And so he did. Hawaiian style chicken with pineapple, along with a secret potato salad recipe that included crab meat.

“It was excellent,” said Darrick Reaves, the lineman-sized Wheelers equipment manager who clearly knows his way around a plate. “That was some really good food.”

Must have been.

“Mr. Reaves was supposed to make me a to-go plate,” said receiver Jack Walker Jr., “but I think he ate that, too.”

The potato salad was so tasty, coach Sean Ponder bargained for the recipe.

“I didn’t want to give it to him, but he said he would give me some food vouchers,” said Endemann, who apparently likes to eat as much as he likes to cook.

Endemann’s appetite is the central reason the former high school quarterback now is a 310-pound lineman.

Of course, he was no small quarterback as a 240-pound prep senior back in Pago Pago, where they tend to grow them big.

“There were some defensive backs who were bigger than me,” he said.

Endemann stepped behind center after playing tight end the previous two years.

He made the conversion to linebacker during his first season at the College of the Canyons junior college in California, but that was a short stay, too.

In the offseason of his freshman year, Endemann said he packed on 60 to 70 pounds.

Weight room?

“Maybe it was McDonald’s,’’ he said.

 Whatever the source of the weight gain, Endemann finished a vagabond college career — he went from California to Western Michigan and, finally, to New Mexico Highlands — as a defensive tackle.

At the urging of his fiancee, Lisa Yescas, and the invitation of Ed Flanagan, the Steamwheelers line coach who also coached a New Mexico Highlands, Endemann came to the Q-C in March as a defensive tackle, too.

Now, though, he finds himself playing yet another position, back on the offensive side of the ball.

“I was willing to sacrifice anything,” he said. “Whatever coach wanted. It was easy to picture myself on the offensive side of the ball. I knew what the other guy was doing. I have been in their place.”

Ponder said Endemann started slowly on offense, but now he’s grading out as well as lifelong center Chris Jahnke in postgame reviews.

“Defense is probably his forte,” Ponder said. “He is quick, he’s fast and he’s strong. Offense is where we have thrown him and I think offensively he is really figuring the game out.”

What Endemann has not figured out is how to get some home cooking when the Steamwheelers are at home.

“Maybe I’ll try to get a barbecue grill and cook in the parking lot,” he said.

Or maybe chow-hounds Reaves and Ponder will team up and buy him one.

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com

X and the King

Shon King and Xavier Patterson both downplayed the rivalry angle as King’s Steamwheelers prepared to face Patterson’s Tennessee Valley Vipers tonight at The Mark of the Quad-Cities.

Top pass-catching targets of Billy Dicken in the Steamwheelers’ 19-0 2000 championship run, the two chums found themselves hanging out Thursday afternoon and swapping stories about that historic inaugural af2 season.

Gameplans for tonight were off-limits, of course.

Both coach receivers for their respective teams in their first seasons as professional assistants. Also a first-year af2 assistant this year is Dicken, who is offensive coordinator for the Alabama Steeldogs.

“Love of the game,” Patterson offered as explanation for the return of all three players to af2. “Us being the first team to kick this league off, it’s good we can give back to the league.”

Patterson spent last season as volunteer prep assistant, and King said he was motivated to contact the Steamwheelers about a job after Patterson landed his with Tennessee Valley.

 “He’s on the wrong side,’’ King said of Patterson. “But that was the opportunity that was given to him.’’

The two players have talked a lot this season, at least once a week, King said. This week, they talked even more. No trash talking, though, he said.

“It’s all about just getting my guys ready and him getting his guys ready,’’ King said. “We both played at a high level and we expect that from our teams. We talk about coaching together later in our careers.”

Bring ’em on home

The Steamwheelers are averaging 4,105 fans through three home games, but just 3,143 saw last week’s exciting last-minute win over Louisville.

“We are pretty much on level with where we were after three home games last year, but we don’t want to stay there,’’ said first-year owner Mike Bawden.

A bigger crowd is expected with John Deere Night scheduled for tonight, and, beyond that, Bawden and his staff are looking to pump up the volume for games June 22 vs. former head coach Rich Ingold and top-ranked Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the following week vs. key divisional rival Green Bay.

“The June 22 game is going to be very important,’’ Bawden said. “It looks like it is going to be against the No. 1 team in the league … and that one guy, the Lunch Bucket Kid. We hope to have a good promotion lined up with that and we’re talking about ways to bring people back. So we’re talking about calling that our homecoming game.”

For the Green Bay tilt, Bawden has invited Blizzard owner and former Packer Brian Noble. He said there is a chance some other ex-Packers could be in attendance as well. Bawden hopes having his team in the playoff race also will help boost attendance over the season’s stretch run.

Sought-after lineman signs

Steamwheelers head coach Sean Ponder hopes he has improved his pass rush with the signing this week of defensive lineman Mark Cristiani, a 5-foot-11, 270-pounder who Ponder has been pursuing for a month.

“This kid is a good football player,” Ponder said. “He has a motor and he is strong. This is a great week to have him in.”

Cristiani played college ball at Eastern Kentucky and worked out earlier this year for AFL San Jose. He will help make up for the loss of Shonn Bell, who Ponder said will remain on team suspension.

To accommodate the signing, the Steamwheelers have placed injured kicker Kimo Neahu on team suspension. Newly signed lineman Andrew Wolf will be inactive this week. Also, Ponder said he would retain newcomer Jordan Davis in the Q-C defensive backfield.

Third helpings, please

The Steamwheelers have outscored their opponents in every quarter this season, save the third.

They have won the first frame 95-71, dominated the second 132-89 and own a slight edge in fourths, 132-125.

The third? Opponents lead 84-73, including last week when Louisville outscored their hosts 21-6. In their past five games, the Steamwheelers have managed a total of 34 points coming out of intermission.

It’s cause for concern, Ponder said.

“For us to be effective and win as many games as we want to win, we have got to play better in the third quarter," he said. “We will figure it out."

AROUND AF2

-- Reggie Swinton, who parlayed a stint with the Arkansas Twisters into four seasons as an NFL special teams standout, has retired from football after failing to get on the field for the Twisters this year due to a bulging disc in his back. Swinton was a return standout for the Dallas Cowboys from 2001 to 2003 and later played for Detroit and Arizona.

-- Another former NFL player hopes to rejoin the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings soon. On team suspension for two weeks since missing multiple film sessions, an apologetic QB Quincy Carter showed up at a Wings practice this week after published reports said he wouldn’t play for the team again.

Quad-City Steamwheeler players swung hammers, hauled ice bags, cooked hamburgers and sold T-shirts Thursday to help a fellow football player in need.

Helping the Quad-City-wide community build a Habitat for Humanity house for wheel-chair-bound Rock Island High School gridder Travis Hearn, though, did not seem like quite enough to Steamwheelers defensive back Sidney Lewis.

So he invited Hearn and his family to Friday night’s Steamwheelers-Louisville game at The Mark.

“Pretty exciting,’’ Hearn said of his busy couple of days. “With the whole house thing, and then being able to come here.’’

Hearn said he has been surprised by the amount of support from Quad-Citians he has received since a collision with a teammate during a September game rendered him a quadriplegic.

“I didn’t know the community would turn out to help as much as they did,’’ he said. “When I first got hurt, I didn’t know that much support was out there. I just thank anybody who has helped me in any kind of way.’’

Born and bred a Chicago Bears fans, Hearn never  had taken in an indoor football game before Friday. But he said he is a Wheelers fan now.

He watched the game from an upper-bowl party deck, along with an extended family of 20 or more. Hearn participated in the pregame coin toss, rolling onto the field to a standing ovation from the crowd and from both teams, who encircled him for a group picture.

Steamwheelers owner Mike Bawden said his players were moved by Hearn’s plight and said the organization was compelled to help him.

“We have known for the last six months we were going to do something,’’ said Bawden, whose club donated 200 $10 tickets to be sold earlier this year, with proceeds directed to Hearn’s Habitat for Humanity home fund. “It is only appropriate that we do something as the only professional football team in town. You don’t want to be standing on the sidelines. … It’s not going to be the last thing we do.”

Quarterback J.J. Raterink said he and his fellow players were excited to help with Thursday’s build.

“That was a good deal,’’ he said of helping in the build of a handicapped accessible home. “We got to meet Travis, and you could see how excited he and his family were. That was special. The amount of people out there was unbelievable.’’

Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com

Closer to home

Matt Forbes wanted to be closer to his Quad-City home.

All the way home, though, still was too close.

Arenafootball2’s all-time interceptions leader will be home again tonight, though, when his Louisville Fire visit the Quad-City Steamwheelers at 7:30 p.m. at The Mark.

A two-time af2 all-conference selection in 2004 and 2005 with the Steamwheelers, the former Davenport Assumption football and baseball star opted for a second straight year to spurn a Steamwheelers offer in favor of another af2 team. Last year, he played for former Q-C coach Rich Ingold in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

“I didn’t want to go back out to Pennsylvania, this was closer to home and I respected (Louisville) coach (Tommy) Johnson,’’ Forbes said this week.

Why not stay home with the Steamwheelers?

“I needed some time away,” Forbes said. “I just wanted to see some place different. I have been in the Quad-Cities my whole life, and I just was ready to get out of there.”

Forbes does enjoy getting back home to spend time with his 9-year-old son, Tyus, and he is definitely looking forward to returning to The Mark tonight.

“I always look forward to coming home,” Forbes said. “I’m looking forward to a good game.”

Moved out of the middle in mid-season a year ago in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Forbes is back at the safety position this year and is having some success. He set the af2 career interceptions record with his 28th pick early in the season and since has added another. He also ranks among the league leaders with eight pass breakups and is second on his team with 24 tackles.

Steamwheelers receiver Kris Peters is looking forward to matching up with Forbes over the middle tonight.

“I know what he is about,” Peters said. “He likes to take risks. He jumps routes. He is a great DB, he’s the af2 career leader in interceptions, but he also gets beat for a lot of touchdowns. … If we come out and execute well, he won’t be a factor in the game.”

Clearly, the chatty Peters will be in Forbes’ ear.

“I can’t let him slide,” he said. “He’s a Q-C boy, but he’s playing a Q-C team.”

Allen out, new DB debuts

Wheelers defensive back Antwan Allen likely is lost for the season after suffering a high-ankle sprain early in last week’s win over Everett.

The injury re-aggravated an ankle problem that Allen suffered during his college playing days at Iowa and could require surgery, Steamwheelers coach Sean Ponder said.

The Steamwheelers have signed a replacement in Jordan Davis, who impressed but failed to earn a roster spot during a recent tryout with the AFL’s Kansas City Brigade, Ponder said.  Davis was a two-time Division II All-American at the University of South Dakota.

“He does some things real well,” Ponder said. “He’s a lot like Antwan. He has got some speed and he is physical.”

He also might have only a week to secure a position. Possibly ready to report next week is former Q-C safety Leo Fenceroy, who helped defensive coordinator Troy Biladeau’s Spokane Shock win an ArenaCup last year.

Kicker won’t get boot

Kicker Connor McCormick will get a second week with the Steamwheelers after hitting 6-of-9 PAT attempts, plus a 23-yard field goal in the Wheelers’ 63-54 win over Everett last week at The Mark.

Ponder said the former University of New Hampshire kicker could have done a better job of putting kickoffs deep. But he said McCormick told him he hadn’t anticipated kicking off quite so often, as the Steamwheelers rolled up 49 points in the opening half. The coach said the kicker also might have warmed up too heavily in advance of his debut. He said McCormick booted between 25 and 30 balls before last week’s kickoff.

“I was pretty pleased with him, but I’d like to see the ball hit net or iron (on kickoffs) a few more times,” Ponder said.

Ambrose lineman signed

Andrew Wulf, a newly graduated former St. Ambrose standout from Tipton, Iowa, will make his debut as a Steamwheelers lineman tonight.

Wulf provides depth at a key position, and his signing is made possible because veteran nose guard Hausia Faleofa qualifies as an international player because he is a citizen of Tonga. International players don’t count against the 21-man roster limit, which helps immensely with the Wheelers carrying injured kicker Kimo Naehu on the active roster.

Around af2

- Carrie Underwood-lovin’ Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has nothing on former Tennessee Valley lineman Wes Stephens. Stephens accompanied Gretchen “Here for the Party’’ Wilson to the Country Music Awards last week. No word on whether he held her purse.

- Four players were fined and suspended and another was heavily fined after appealing a suspension following a late-game brawl between Boise and Spokane during the Shock’s 62-44 win Saturday in Idaho.

- Despite coming out on the losing end Friday at The Mark, Everett receiver Josh Richey was named af2 Offensive Player of Week for his 18-catch, five-touchdown, 236-yard performance.

About the Fire

Louisville has won four out of five since an 0-2 start and is tied with the Steamwheelers and Green Bay Blizzard atop the National Conference Midwest Division. … Coach Tommy Johnson is in his fifth season at the Fire helm, with 40 wins to his credit. He led Louisville to the ArenaCup championship game, where they lost to Memphis, in 2005. … The Wheelers lead the all-time series 7-4 after splitting a pair last year. Louisville is the Wheelers’ second-longest running rivalry behind Tennessee Valley. … Steele has been the Fire starter the past two games ... Af2 vet Matt Sauk briefly came out of retirement to play three games for the Fire, but he is retired again. … The Fire are tied for fifth in the league with 16 sacks. … Ponder is 3-1 against the Fire as a head coach.

Sidney Lewis would prefer the defensive backs he coaches at his high school alma mater not know it.

And he might not want his newborn son, Jordan Miles Lewis, to pick up the habit.

Still, it is who he is.

It is what he does.

It is how he plays football.

Lewis talks trash. Lots of it. Non-stop in a Quad-City Steamwheelers game. And whenever he can get a word in edgewise when matched up against fellow trash-talker and fellow Steamwheeler Kris Peters in practice.

“It’s just something we do where I am from,” said Lewis, who played high school ball at Proviso West High School in suburban Chicago and will coach the secondary there for a second straight year this fall. “In my neighborhood, if you can’t hold your own talking, you’re in trouble.

“It’s just part of our culture. A lot of times (on the field), guys tell me to calm down. I say ‘It’s my game. This is how I do this.’ I’m a professional. I have been doing this since Pop Warner.”

A fifth-year af2 veteran who has spent at least parts of four seasons with the Steamwheelers, Lewis will not concede he has met his match in the (at least) equally talkative Peters.

“We both give each other the business, and it makes practice a lot funner,” Lewis said. “You have a little more energy and the plays aren’t as repetitive.”

In truth, Lewis and Peters are more allies than trash-talking competitors.

“We are the team motivators,” Peters said. “We get everybody fired up before the game, get the other team involved. It helps build our intensity.”

Yapping is not for everyone, Lewis said. It’s an art form, really.

“You’ve got to be witty,” he said. “You have to go with the flow of the game. And you can’t be out there talking with someone who doesn’t want to talk to you. You’ll look a fool if you’re just out there running your mouth. You have got to have somebody to talk with. There’s one on every team, though.”

Lewis and Peters were in full-yakkity-yak mode last week, kick-starting the Steamwheelers to a dominant opening half that helped end a three-game losing streak.

Surprisingly, though, Lewis had little to say after scooping up a ball that unwitting Everett receiver Randell Lewis let loose of, thinking, wrongly, that the play was dead. It wasn’t. A looming Lewis purposefullly did not tackle the receiver. And, so, he picked up the live ball and trotted 33 yards for a touchdown.

“It’s one of those situations where, if a guy is going down and I know he’s going down for sure, I try and wait and see,” the Steamwheelers defensive back said. “Most of the time, a guy tries to get up real quick and I’ll give him a pop. Sometimes the refs blow it dead. I have been waiting for the ball to come out and it finally came out.”

Friday’s game was a coming out party for Lewis, who has been solid all year after taking much of the blame for an 0-4 Q-C start that led to the first losing season in franchise history last year.

Ponder said Lewis was forced to play in the middle of the secondary after a late training camp defection and, without much of an early pass rush, he was hung out to dry.

Lewis can shrug it all off a year later — “It wasn’t because of my play,” he said. “I wasn’t down about it. I never thought I played bad.” — and he said he would step into the middle again tomorrow if need be.

Clearly, though, he is more comfortable playing a corner, and Ponder said it has shown.

“He has had a breakout year and he has been put in a position to succeed,” the coach said.

Lewis’ breakout year might be the last year of a vagabond af2 career that has seen him land in Peoria, Green Bay and Oklahoma City before and between his Steamwheelers stops.

The birth of his son in February gave him cause for pause when considering a $200 a week af2 paycheck.

“If I don’t move up this year, it could be my final hurrah,” he said.

That would not necessarily mean he is done with football. Lewis enjoyed coaching with fellow Proviso West alum Famous Hulbert last fall and he’s looking forward to a second campaign this year.

“I didn’t make a lot of money, but it was fun,’’ he said. “Last game of the season, they could have won and been the first team to go to the playoffs in school history. They didn’t make it and I stood out there and cried with them because they fought so hard and came so far.”

Lewis said it is a challenge, coaching largely undisciplined urban youth unaccustomed to male influences at home. The reward comes from teaching them something and, hopefully, helping land the best of them in colleges with the connections he has collected.

Another challenge is, well ... not being himself, he confessed.

“How I act on the field, I don’t let them know that’s how I am,” he said with a laugh. “I already got enough problems with discipline. I have to check myself.”

 Craig DeVrieze can be contacted at (563) 333-2610 or cdevrieze@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.

The news was bad for Jesse Schmidt.

A Monday morning MRI revealed the Quad-City Steamwheelers receiver has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and likely will miss the remainder of the season.

“I don’t know if he’s done for the year, but he’s going to have surgery,” Wheelers coach Sean Ponder said. “It hurts to lose a guy who’s 6-3, 220 and can go up and catch the ball. And he was really coming into his own. It’s a big hit for the offense.”

Schmidt suffered the injury covering a kickoff late in Friday’s 65-38 win over the Boise Burn. He had played his best game of the season, catching a pair of first-half touchdowns. He finished with 33 yards on four receptions.

On the year, Schmidt, an af2 rookie, has eight receptions for 131 yards and three scores. He starred at Buena Vista from 2002 to 2005, finishing his career with 2,314 yards and 33 touchdowns on 132 catches.

Ponder said Schmidt will have surgery next Tuesday.

“We’d love have him be on the field, but we’re going to have to figure out a way to get it done,” said Ponder, whose unbeaten and second-ranked Steamwheelers play Saturday at Oklahoma City.

Ponder isn’t overly concerned that the loss of Schmidt will affect the   Wheelers’ passing game.

“I think we have three quality receivers left,” Ponder said

Kris Peters leads the team with 343 yards and eight touchdowns receiving through three games. Tom Anthony has been reliable, putting up 171 yards and three scores, and veteran Jack Walker has been quiet. Walker, who has just 13 catches for 129 yards, figures to see a lot more action with Schmidt on the sidelines.

Lavar Stepter, Ponder said with no pun intended, is going to have to step in as a reliable fourth receiver.

Stepter, a 5-foot-10, 200-pounder, was on the Wheelers’ roster late last season before suffering a knee injury. He had the knee scoped last summer and is back at full strength, but he has not played through three games this season.

“Lavar Stepter is a very good receiver,” Ponder said. “He did a great job for us last year. He was going to play quite a bit, but he ended up getting his knee hurt. He’s rehabbed, and he’s ready to go. I think he’ll come in and do a great job.”

Other than Schmidt, the Steamwheelers are healthy. Shonn Bell and Jermaine Petty both went down on the same kickoff on which Schmidt was injured, but both are OK. Kika Kaululaau is nursing a sore left knee, but there is no ligament damage, and he’ll be listed as probable for Saturday’s game.

Andy Endemann, who was ejected for throwing a punch during the third quarter of Friday’s win, will not miss this weekend’s game. Ponder said the lineman would be fined by the league but not suspended.

Eric Page can be contacted at (563) 383-2277 or epage@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at www.qctimes.com.

Jeff Macrea Returns for Second Season with Steamwheelers

February 23, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned FB/LB Jeff Macrea to the team’s roster.

“Jeff is a solid guy,” says Head Coach Sean Ponder. “He has played fullback in this league for a long time. He is a team leader, shows up to practice, plays hurt and he is one of those guys you need on your team. He has played for me for three seasons (in Wichita and San Diego) and we are glad to have him back.”

Last season Macrea led the Steamwheelers in rushing touchdowns with 10. The 6-foot-1, 270 pound athlete rushed for 51 yards on 23 attempts with the squad. On defense the Hollywood, Calif., native tallied 13 total tackles, two sacks, three pass breakups, six quarterback hurries and one blocked kick. Prior to playing professional football, Macrea graduated from The University of New Mexico.

Steamwheelers Kick Off Season With “Steam Week,” Two Weeks of Events for Fans

March 1, 2007 (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers has announced today they are introducing “Steam Week,” a new preseason tradition that allows fans opportunities to interact with the team. The team will be hosting numerous events starting on Sunday, March 11, culminating with the preseason game, Sunday, March 25.

“Our goal is to provide as many opportunities for fans to interact with the team in as many different ways as possible,” says Mike Bawden, Managing Partner of the Steamwheelers. “We are really looking forward to allowing our fans a chance to interact with the team in unique ways.”

 “One of the most important things on a team is chemistry,” says Head Coach Sean Ponder. “I wanted to have team activities every night during training camp in order to help build team chemistry. ‘Steam Week’ allows us to accomplish what we want to with the players, while allowing fans an opportunity to interact with the team as well.”

Listed below is a schedule of events with a brief description for each night of “Steam Week.”

Sunday, March 11 – Steamwheelers University

Fans can experience first hand what is involved with playing Arena Football or working with front office staff. Fans will be able to do everything from trying on player equipment to seeing their name featured on a team press release. Following the event a banquet will be held for fans with the team.

Location:             Moline Holiday Inn

Time:                    Noon – 8pm (banquet from 5 – 8 pm)

Cost:                      $ 5/Steamwheeler U

                                $ 8/Banquet (fan club members)
                                $10/Banquet (non-fan club members)

 

Monday, March 12- Fan Appreciation Night – Poker and Putt Putt Night

Fan Club Members will be able to participate in a poker tournament or play putt-putt golf with members of the Steamwheelers football team and Deck Mates. All 8-game package holders who renewed prior to October 12th, fans who bought the VIP Season Pass or fans that have seats in the Dockside or Inner Bowl are automatic members in the Steamwheelers Fan Club that can attend this event. Fans who are not members of the fan club can join for $15.00 at the door.

Location:             Moline Holiday Inn

Time:                    6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Cost:                      Free (Fan Club Members Only)

Tuesday, March 13 – Captain’s Club BBQ & Chalk Talk

This is a private event for members of the exclusive Steamwheelers Captain’s Club. At this event members will be able to eat dinner with the entire coaching staff and then watch a brief presentation on play calling and football strategy.

Location:             OS Sports Complex

Time:                    6 – 9pm

Cost:                      Free (Captain’s Club Members Only)

Thursday, March 15 – Deck Mates vs. Hooter’s Girls Charity Flag Football Game

The Deck Mates and Hooter’s girls will play for charity in the first-annual Deck Mates vs. Hooter’s Girls Charity Flag Football Game. Proceeds go to support women’s athletics in the Quad Cities. The first 1,000 fans to attend will get a choice for a free navy t-shirt to support the Deck Mates or an orange t-shirt to support the Hooter’s Girls. Celebrity coaches and officials will be on hand to assist. Following the game fans will be invited to Hooters to have a post-game party with the participants and to watch the Steamwheelers perform karaoke. Food and drink specials will be available.

Football Game

Location:             OS Sports Complex

Time:                    Doors Open 6:30pm/Kickoff 7:30pm

Cost:                      $10 General Admission (inc. t-shirt)

 

Hooter’s Post Game Party

Location:             Hooter’s/Davenport

Time:                    9 – 11pm

Cost:                      Free Admission

Friday, March 16 – High School Combine - Tentative

                High School football players from around the area are invited to participate in a combine that is going to be held by the Steamwheelers and their players. The event will have representatives from colleges around the Midwest.

Location:             OS Sports Complex

Time:                    6 – 9pm

Cost:                      $20/participant; $5/fan General Admission

Saturday, March 17 – Steamwheelers Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration

Join the team at The Belgrade in Moline to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Fans will pair up with members of the team and participate in a dart tournament, while enjoying great food and drink specials.

Location:             The Belgrade, Moline

Time:                    4pm

Cost:                      Free to get in/$0.75 per game of darts

Sunday, March 18 – Steamwheelers Billiards Tournament

Unwind with the Steamwheelers on Sunday afternoon as they host a Billiards tournament at Leisure Time Billiards in East Moline. Find out how good the Steamwheelers are at pool as they face-off against the fans in a fun tournament.

Location:             Leisure Time Billiards, East Moline

Time:                    5- 7pm

Cost:                      Free to get in/$5.00 for two hour open pool

Monday, March 19 and Tuesday, March 20 – Workout and Scrimmage with Tulsa

Former Quad City Steamwheeler Mitch Allner returns to the Quad Cities as head coach of the Tulsa Talons. The first-year coach will bring his team in for a two-day workout with the Steamwheelers. The media and fans are invited to watch the two workouts and controlled scrimmage that the teams are holding.

Location:             OS Sports Complex

Time:                    Monday: practice 7:30 – 9:30pm/Tuesday practice 7:30-9:00am, controlled scrimmage 10:00-Noon

Cost:                      Open to the media; $5/fan General Admission

Wednesday, March 21 through Friday, March 23 – Steamwheelers Road Show

The Steamwheelers take the fun on the road as they host fan meet and greets in surrounding towns outside the Quad City Area. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the players and go through a brief clinic with several players of the team before heading inside to warm up and enjoy food specials from Happy Joe’s. The team will make announcements early next week on the Web site and local city papers of the towns that they are visiting.

Locations:            Local Happy Joe’s Restaurants; Cities TBD

Time:                    5:30 – 7pm

Cost:                      Free

Sunday, March 25 – Happy Joe’s Pizza Bowl III Preseason Game and Pick-A-Seat Day

Join the Steamwheelers and the Green Bay Blizzard as they battle in Pizza Bowl III. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Happy Joe’s Special Needs Children Fund. Before the game the team will host a Pick-A-Seat for fans who want to purchase an 8-game ticket package before single game tickets go on sell to the general public.

Pick-A-Seat at The MARK

Location:             The MARK of the Quad Cities

Time:                    12 – 3pm

Cost:                      None

Pizza Bowl III – Blizzard vs. Steamwheelers

Location:             The MARK of the Quad Cities

Time:                    3:15 – 7pm

Cost:                      $5 General Admission

The Quad City Steamwheelers is the official, af2 professional football club of the Quad Cities. The Steamwheelers play home at The MARK of the Quad Cities in Moline, IL.  For ticket information, please call (563) 324-4888.  The Quad City Steamwheelers, af2 and Arena Football are licensed properties of Arenafootball2, all rights reserved.  Look us up online at www.steamwheelers.com or www.af2.com. Information for die-hard Steamwheeler fans can be found on the official, Quad City Steamwheelers Fan Club web site: www.SteamwheelerFans.com.

Preseason Scrimmage Features Quad City Steamwheelers and the Green Bay Blizzard in Pizza Bowl III

March 1, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers and Happy Joe’s have teamed up for the Happy Joe’s Pizza Bowl III, a preseason charity football scrimmage between the Steamwheelers and the Green Bay Blizzard. The scrimmage is scheduled for 3:15 p.m., Sunday, March 25, at The MARK of the Quad Cities. Tickets will go on sale March 8th at Happy Joe’s locations and The MARK box office. The Happy Joe’s Pizza Bowl series is currently tied at 1-1 with the Steamwheelers taking a 40-20 victory last season and the Blizzard winning the inaugural event 48-47.

“The Happy Joes Pizza Bowl has become an annual tradition in the Quad Cities, and it is something that I am glad we can continue,” says Mike Bawden, Managing Partner for the Steamwheelers.  “This is a great tune-up for our team, but more importantly, a portion of the proceeds from this event will go to benefit children with special needs from all around the area.”

Tickets

Tickets for the scrimmage are $5.00 per person and are general admission. Tickets will go on sale March 8th at The MARK of the Quad Cities and area Happy Joe’s restaurants.

Happy Joe’s will be selling tickets for the scrimmage in the following Illinois cities: Aledo, Coal Valley, Colona, East Moline, Galesburg, Geneseo, Milan, Moline and Rock Island. In Iowa, the following Happy Joe’s will have tickets available for purchase: Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Eldridge, LeClaire, Maquoketa and Muscatine.

“This event will be the culmination of two weeks of activities kicking off the Steamwheelers season,” says Bawden. “Our goal is to give fans a taste of what they are going to see during the season and raise money for a great cause. We want to fill the building for this event.”

Happy Joe’s Special Needs Children Foundation

Portions of the proceeds from tickets sold at both Happy Joe’s and at The MARK of the Quad Cities will go to benefit the Happy Joe’s Special Needs Children Foundation for the second straight year. The foundation continues the mission of Happy Joe’s over the past 33 years of providing support to organizations that serve special needs children in the Quad City community.

“This is Happy Joe’s third season of hosting the Pizza Bowl.” said Joe Whitty, Founder of Happy Joe’s. “Happy Joe’s has always been dedicated to the cause of special needs children in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities on both sides of the river. Happy Joe’s is known for what we have given back to the community and this event is yet another way the Steamwheelers and Happy Joe’s can help our community.”

More Than a Preseason Scrimmage

The Steamwheelers will also be holding a Pick-A-Seat on this day from Noon until 3:00 p.m. for fans who still want to purchase an 8-game ticket package. The Steamwheelers will have staff on hand to help fans that want to purchase a ticket package locate the perfect seats.

“This is the last opportunity for fans of the team that want to reserve a seat for all eight home games to do so before single game tickets go on sale to the general public,” says Bawden. “This is the perfect opportunity for fans who have been waiting until the last minute to decide to get on board. We are confident the events prior to the Pizza Bowl called ‘Steam Week’ will convince numerous fans that being a part of our team is a fun and exciting experience.”

Continuing a Tradition Of Community Involvement

Happy Joe’s, was founded by “Happy Joe” Whitty in 1972, and has 65 units in six different states. The company is headquartered in Bettendorf, Iowa. When “Happy Joe” Whitty opened his first store he made a vow that if his store was successful he would give back to the community. From the very first year Happy Joe’s has been involved heavily in philanthropy efforts in the Quad City region. Happy Joe’s has done work through numerous charitable organizations including the Handicap Development Center, Children’s Therapy Center and The Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, “Happy Joe” Whitty started a tradition that continues today of closing down the pizza parlor for a day to throw a Christmas party for special needs children. Through these annual Christmas parties, Happy Joe’s has served over 150,000 special needs children. Happy Joe’s prides itself on being an active member in the community in which they operate and as the company is now growing into new markets, they plan to continue their dedication and commitment to special needs children.  

Media Advisory: Steamwheelers to Hold Press Conference to Announce Preseason Schedule on March 1 at Happy Joes.

February 28, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers will be holding a press conference to announce the team’s preseason plans at the Happy Joe’s location at 201 West 50th Street (off of Welcome Way in Davenport) on Thursday, March 1, 2007. The press conference will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The team expects to unveil plans about “Steam Week,” the team’s preseason public schedule. The team is also expected to make an announcement on the preseason football game at that time. All media members are invited to attend the press conference. Representatives from the Steamwheelers and their partners will be on hand to answer questions regarding the preseason events that the team has planned.

Steamwheelers Preseason Press Conference

When: Thursday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Happy Joe’s Pizza located at 201 West 50th Street, just off of Welcome Way in Davenport

Steamwheelers Add Four Players Including a Former Hawkeye and a Davenport Native.

February 22, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today the addition of four more members to the team roster. Former Iowa Hawkeye Antwan Allen, Davenport native Brian Ewert, former Arizona Rattler (AFL) Trevor Misipeka and wide receiver Kris Peters have all been assigned to the team by the arenafootball2 league.

Allen joins the Steamwheelers after four award-winning years for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The defensive back broke into the starting lineup during his freshman season and earned numerous awards and honors throughout his career including: 1st Team Freshman All-America by Rivals.com (2002), Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2004) and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2005).

The Tampa, Fla., native finished his Hawkeye career with 235 tackles and eight interceptions. He tallied 60-plus tackles in three of his four seasons with the Hawkeyes and is the only player in Iowa history to start four straight January bowl games.

“Antwan Allen is a guy that played at The University of Iowa,” says Head Coach Sean Ponder. “We are excited to have another player that has played neared the Quad Cities on our squad. However, I told him it doesn’t matter where he played at as long as he can play football for us. I have talked with some scouts and his coaches; they think that Arena Football really fits what he can do and the defensive backs position is a spot that we are looking to fill. Having a guy of his caliber is definitely a positive for us.”

Ewert is a Davenport native who attended Navy. While he did not play football for Navy, he did play while in the Armed Forces.

“Ewert is a guy that I saw working for his family’s plumbing company in town,” said Ponder. “He is 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds and is about as big and strong as you can be. I said if he can play football, we have a diamond in the rough so we are going to give him an opportunity to come earn a position during training camp.”

Misipeka joins the Steamwheelers after playing in two games for the Arizona Rattlers in 2006. Prior to playing for the Rattlers the lineman played four seasons with the San Diego Riptide from 2002 to 2005. During that time he tallied 39 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, 52.5 total tackles, eight sacks, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

“Trevor (Misipeka) is a player that has played four years in the af2 and one in the AFL,” said Ponder. “We feel that he is one of the best center/nose guards in the league. I know that Coach Ed Flanagan is excited to have him and he has coached him before. He gives us an ability to rotate players around and protect ourselves. He is a heck of a nose guard, but we may play him at center this year.” 

Peters returns to the Steamwheelers for his second season. Last season Peters made af2 history when he became one of three receivers on the same af2 team to have 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. The two other receivers were Tim Dodge and Jack Walker Jr. The Baton Rouge, La., native finished the 2006 season with a team-high 28 touchdowns and 1,588 yards.

 “Kris (Peters) is a quality receiver,” said Ponder. “Every year he has played he had 100 catches and 1,000 yards. He is a consistent player that puts up big numbers and will be a veteran on the receiving corp. He is a coach on and off the field and he will help a bunch of the rookies that we are bringing in.”

The Steamwheelers open training camp with a team meeting on Friday, March 9.

Fans that are interested in learning more about the Steamwheelers Fan Club and to express their opinion on the team are encouraged to visit www.steamwheelerfans.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA: If you wish to verify that Jesse Schmidt was the number one rated prospect according to SCOUT CAMP, contact the combines.com office at (317) 585-5900 or for more information visit www.combines.com

“Lewis is going to fit very well in Coach (Troy) Biladeau’s defense,” says Ponder. “With the great rookies we want to bring in, he is not going to be left on an island out there.”

Quad City Steamwheelers Continue to Add Local Talent with Thomas Anthony

February 7, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned Thomas Anthony, a Bettendorf native and former Augustana Viking, to the roster.

“I think Thomas is one of the better receivers in the league,” says head coach Sean Ponder. “He did a great job when he played against us last time. We are expecting the same thing this year.”

Last season Anthony joined the Albany Pioneers midway through the season and played eight games. He finished the season with a team-high 883 yards and 19 touchdowns. In his first game with the Pioneers, at Quad City, he tore the Steamwheelers defense apart as he recorded 107 yards and three touchdowns on seven receptions.

Prior to playing with Pioneers, Anthony played three seasons for the Vikings as a wide receiver and a cornerback. The 6-foot-0, 190 pound athlete tallied 1005 yards and 10 touchdowns on 45 receptions during his career. His biggest contributions came on the defense side of the ball where he registered 56 total tackles. His best defensive season was his senior year when he notched a NCAA Division III high 13 interceptions, while recording 33 solo tackles.

In 2005 the local product was named 1st Team NCAA Division III by D3football.com, “Defensive Player of the Year” in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin and 1st Team All-Conference. He also finished seventh in the NCAA Division III in passes defended averaging 1.80 per game.

The Pleasant Valley graduate lettered twice in football and earned All-Conference and All-State honors his senior year. His brother, Chris Anthony played for the Steamwheelers in 2002 and is currently a member of the AFL’s New York Dragons.

Quad City Steamwheelers Add Davenport Native and Former Iowa Hawkeye Marques Simmons to Roster

February 7, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned Davenport native and former Iowa Hawkeye Marques Simmons to the roster as a WR/LB.

“Simmons had a great career at Iowa,” says head coach Sean Ponder. “He was one of the top running backs one of the years that he was there. We are looking for him to play a duel role of running back and receiver. Due to rule changes he has a chance to be very effective for us.”

Simmons joins the Steamwheelers after playing collegiate football for both the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. The Davenport native started his collegiate career at Nebraska where he ran track while redshirting in football in 2001 and tallied 56 rushing yards on 13 attempts in 2002.

In 2003 Simmons took a redshirt year at Iowa after transferring from Nebraska. In 2004 he saw action in six games registering 194 yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 attempts, including a four-yard scoring run to give Iowa a 24-12 lead over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Simmons’ senior season was hampered by injuries after being listed as a co-first team running back following spring practice.

In high school the Davenport North graduate earned First Team All-State honors and was named to the Des Moines Register Elite All-State squad. He totaled 4,238 yards in his high school career and won state titles in the 100- and 200- meter dash in track and field.

The Steamwheelers currently have 11 players on the roster for the 2007 season. These three join OL/DL Shonn Bell, DS Joe Hinton, DS Ronnie McDougle, OL/DL Matt O’Shea, QB Matt Pike, QB J.J. Raterink, OL/DL Jermaine Smith and WR/DB Jarnae Somerville on the current roster.

Quad City Steamwheelers Assigned Four Players

January 9, 2007, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned DS Ronnie McDougle, OL/DL Jermaine Smith, DS Joe Hinton and WR/DB Jarnae Somerville to the team.

McDougle (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) played defensive back for the University of Sioux Falls (NAIA) in 2003 and 2004. While with the Cougars he was named Honorable Mention All-American and First Team All-Great Plains Athletic Conference in 2004 and Second Team All-GPAC in 2003. During the 2004 season McDougle led the team in breakups (9), tied for the team lead in interceptions (4) and was second in total tackles (47). In 2003, the Pompano Beach, Fla., native led the team in breakups (20), interceptions (5) and blocked kicks (2).

Smith joins the Steamwheelers after playing for the Kansas Koyotes in another indoor football league in 2003-2005. The 6-foot-1, 300 pounder was named All-League during all three of his seasons with the Koyotes. The 6-foot-1, 280 pound lineman also spent time overseas in 2003 and 2005 playing for the Arlanda Jets in Sweden where he earned Import Player of the Year honors in 2003. Prior to his professional career, Smith played for Washburn University (Topeka, Kan) where he was an offensive lineman for the Ichabods from 1999-2002. In his sophomore and junior seasons he started in 11 and 10 games respectively, while playing in six as a freshman. While playing at Washburn the Kansas City, Mo. native majored in English.

Somerville (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) played football at Norfolk State, where he tallied 268 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions in 2003, while Hinton (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) played for Pearl River Community College (Poplarville, Miss.).

The Steamwheelers currently have eight players assigned to them for the 2007 season. These four join Shonn Bell, Matt O’Shea, Matt Pike and J.J. Raterink on the current roster.

Quad City Steamwheelers Add Legendary Bettendorf Coaches Merv Habenicht and John Lavelle As Volunteer Coaches.

November 29, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that head coach Sean Ponder has added Merv Habenicht and John Lavelle to the coaching staff as volunteer coaches.

“When I was hired one of the things I promised the front office was that I would bring in high-quality assistant coaches,” said Ponder. “The addition of Merv (Habenicht) and John (Lavelle) has solidified what I think is the best coaching staff in the af2.”

Habenicht was the legendary high school coach that led the Bettendorf (IA) Bulldogs to five state titles, including back-to-back championships in 1987-88 and 1991-92.  In addition to the State Championships in 87-88 and 91-92, Habenicht also led the Bulldogs to a State Championship in 1981 and 15 total playoff appearances. The Fort Dodge, Iowa native earned many awards and recognition during his tenure at Bettendorf including induction into the Iowa Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Quad City Times Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

Joining Habenicht on the Steamwheelers coaching staff will be his longtime assistant coach, John Lavelle. Lavelle spent 30 years working with the Bettendorf football program and also spent time coaching at Rock Island High School. The Western Illinois graduate was named the Iowa Football Coaches Associations “Assistant Coach of the Year” in 1991.

Habenicht is expected to help coach the nose guards and linebackers, while Lavelle will assist with the defensive ends.

Quad City Steamwheelers Welcome Back Shonn Bell

November 16, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned OL/DL Shonn Bell to the team.

“Shonn (Bell) played great for us on the line last season,” said head coach Sean Ponder. “Bell was an integral part in our being able to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and I’m glad to have him back with us.”

Bell played in 13 games for the Steamwheelers and made a major impact on the defensive line forcing a team-high seven quarterback hurries. The second year af2 player also had three pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for a loss, while registering a total of 22.5 tackles on the season.

The 6-foot-3, 270 pounder also showcased his offensive abilities catching one pass for 19 yards and a touchdown in the season finale at Manchester in 2006.

The Lyndhurst, Va. Native attended Virginia-Wise where he was an All-American TE and All-Virginia TE. Bell has also spent time with the Houston Oilers, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League

2007 Steamwheelers Schedule Announced

November 16, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The arenafootball2 league announced the 2007 schedule today and the Steamwheelers will be playing six of their eight home games in the second half of the season. All home games will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights.

                “I really like this schedule,” said Sean Ponder, the Steamwheelers’ head coach. “The schedule is setup in a way that allows us to play most of our division games in the second half of the season. I think it is great that we get to play four of our last five games at home in front of our fans.”

                The 2007 Steamwheelers schedule only has two long road trips that will require flights. The ‘Wheelers travel to Spokane in the second week of the season and then fly to Birmingham in week seven.

                “This appears to be a much more manageable schedule,” said Mike Bawden, the Steamwheelers’ Managing Partner. “In the past, we’ve had to do a lot of traveling by plane. This season that appears to have changed with all but two destinations easily reachable by bus.

                “In addition, I really think the league gave us a great home schedule that should appeal to our fans in this community. While we have a lot of away games at the beginning of the season, I really think that when this team comes home in May, they will bring a lot of momentum leading to a fantastic finish at The MARK.”

The Steamwheelers will play six of their sixteen games against four first-year teams in Cincinnati, Boise, Fort Wayne and Mahoning Valley. Cincinnati and Fort Wayne will be in the American Conference Midwest Division with the Steamwheelers. The other division members are Green Bay and Louisville.            

Quad City Steamwheelers Assigned First Three Players for 2007

November 8, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that the arenafootball2 league has assigned OL/DL Matt O’Shea along with quarterbacks J.J. Raterink (RAT-ur-rink) and Matt Pike to the team.

“These are three great players for the Steamwheelers,” said Head Coach Sean Ponder. “With a great defensive lineman and two outstanding quarterbacks I feel that this is a good nucleus to build the rest of our team around.”

 O’Shea was a defensive tackle at The University of Nebraska. As a senior he appeared in five games after sitting out his junior season with an injury. The communication studies major was a member of the 2004 Big 12 Commissioners Honor Roll. He is currently listed at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds.

“Everything I have been told about O’Shea is that he is NFL caliber,” said Ponder. “The only reason he currently isn’t playing on Sunday’s is because the scouts did not have enough film on him. I fully expect him to be an anchor to our defensive line.”

Raterink played for the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings last season. With the Battle Wings the rookie quarterback threw for 2,936 yards and 43 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 212 pound quarterback was the backup at Wyoming during his senior season. During that season he threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns.

“Raterink is one of the young up-and-coming quarterbacks in the af2,” said Ponder. “He is a quarterback that likes to air out the football. He fits very well in my ‘touchdown to check-down’ philosophy. If he ends up being as good as I think he can be, he will have an opportunity to play in the AFL in 2008.”

Fan favorite Matt Pike has returned for another season with the Steamwheelers. The long-time Steamwheelers backup quarterback will be in a Quad City uniform for a fourth season. Pike is considered one of the best backup quarterbacks in the af2. Last season he threw for 365 yards and 10 touchdowns on 47 attempts.

“Matt Pike is without a doubt one of the best backup quarterbacks in the af2,” said Ponder. “With his return we should be very competitive at quarterback. Pike will have an opportunity to earn the starting role in practice this year, but even if he doesn’t he is a team player that will show up every day and will be ready to take over the reigns of the team if called upon.”

The Steamwheelers plan to have several more players assigned to them in the coming weeks. They will also hold another open tryout on Sunday, December 3 for players interested in trying out for an opportunity to make the squad. Details on the tryout will be released early next week.

The Quad City Steamwheelers Move Games to Friday Nights

                The league plans to release the Steamwheelers schedule sometime in November. Home games are currently planned for a 7:30 kickoff, on Friday’s, at The MARK of the Quad Cities. For 8-game ticket package information call (563) 324-4888 or visit www.tickets.steamwheelers.com.

Troy Biladeau Introduced as Quad City Steamwheelers Defensive Coordinator

November 6, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that head coach Sean Ponder has hired Troy Biladeau as the defensive coordinator for the team.

                “I am really excited that Troy Biladeau has decided to join our staff,” said Ponder. “He is one of the best defensive coaches in the af2. He has been in the Quad Cities before and I know he will work hard to return this team to their all of their championship glory.”

                Biladeau joins the Steamwheelers after spending last season as the defensive coordinator for the ArenaCup Champion Spokane Shock. Under Biladeau’s leadership, the defense led the af2 in scoring defense (37.0) during the playoffs and held the Green Bay Blizzard, a team that averaged 53.7 points in the playoffs, to just 34 points in the ArenaCup Championship game. During the regular season Biladeau’s defense was ninth in total defense, allowing only 258.6 yards per game and 11th in scoring defense allowing 47.4 points per game.

                “I’m glad to be back in the Quad Cities,” said Biladeau. “I love this community and I am 100% dedicated to working with Sean Ponder and the rest of this staff to bring back an ArenaCup Championship in 2007. I know coach Ponder from when we have coached together in the past and also from when he played under me. He is a great individual and is dedicated to not only winning, but getting the most out of everyone around him. I can’t wait for us to get on the field in March.”

                Biladeau was reunited with Ponder originally in 2004 with the Wichita Stealth. His appearance in Wichita was sandwiched between appearances with the South Georgia Wildcats. The return to Wichita was also a homecoming of sorts as Biladeau was previously a head coach with a Wichita team in another indoor league in 2000. As the Stealth’s defensive coordinator in 2004, the defense was ranked seventh in the league in points allowed (43.4) and fourth in total defense (229.6) on their way to an 8-8 finish, just missing a playoff berth.

                Biladeau spent a total of three seasons with the Wildcats franchise as the defensive coordinator, with the first two seasons coming in 2002 and 2003 when the Wildcats were known as the Cape Fear Wildcats. During those two seasons the team went 23-9 and won the Atlantic Division championship in both years thanks in part to Biladeau’s stifling defense. In 2002 the defensive unit allowed an average of 29.8 points a game and was the only team in the league to hold opponents to under 200 yards a game (186.3). The defensive coordinator rejoined the Wildcats in 2005 when they were known as the South Georgia Wildcats until the team switched coaching staff midseason.

                  The Silver Lake, Kan., native’s previous tenure with the Quad City Steamwheeleres was in 2001. At the time, Biladeau was responsible for coaching the defensive backs on the defending af2 champion squad. While with the Steamwheelers, Biladeau helped coach a defense that pitched Arena Football’s first-ever shutout, led the league in scoring defense (28.3), pass defensive rating (56.4), fumbles recovered (34) and interceptions (36) while on the way to a second consecutive ArenaCup title.

Biladeau’s first and only position as a head coach came in 2000 as a 27-year old, when he took the reigns of the Wichita Warlords, a team playing in another indoor football league. Biladeau and Ponder met for the first time as Ponder was the quarterback for the Warlords that season.

                Before making his jump to professional football in 2000, Biladeau played for and was a student coach for Fort Hays State in Kansas. Following his graduation, he took a position at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., where he was a graduate assistant for three seasons.

Quad City Steamwheelers Announce Additions of Ed Flanagan and Shon King to Steamwheelers Coaching Staff

November 6, 2006, (Davenport, IA) – The Quad City Steamwheelers announced today that head coach Sean Ponder has added Ed Flanagan and Shon King to the Steamwheelers coaching staff.

                “Right now I just can’t wait to get out on the field,” said Ponder. “These two will be great additions to our coaching staff. It isn’t every day that players at this level can learn the game from a former NFL Pro-bowler and also one of the best players to ever play in the af2.”

The team is proud to introduce NFL veteran lineman, Ed Flanagan. Flanagan has over 10 years of coaching experience along with 12 years of playing experience in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and the San Diego Chargers. Most recently, Flanagan served as the line coach for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League. He will continue working with the line players for the Steamwheelers. The four-time NFL Pro-Bowler has coached with Ponder with the San Diego Riptide in 2005.

                The Steamwheelers also welcome back Shon King, a former Steamwheelers standout, who will be making his debut in the coaching ranks working with the Steamwheelers wide receivers. King played for one season in Quad City, during the Steamwheeler’s inaugural season, yet he is ranked first all-time for the Steamwheelers in average yards per game (116.1) and fifth all-time in touchdown receptions (39).