23 Jun: @ SiouxFalls 79, LehighValley 27 (Playoff)

[Banana Cat]

Ha. Where did the Mom and Kid vacate to, higher up in a different section?

I only listened to the game, so didn't know Riggs came out at halftime.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

I don't know where they go.. and I say it that way because the same thing has happened for every home playoff game we've had since 2008 (when I had 13 tickets per game and could have used 15)

[Banana Cat]

I touched base with some Steelhawks fans yesterday and they pretty much want the team to join another league next year (that beat down brought reality too them in full force). I always find it funny when fans of other leagues think their top teams are just as good as teams in the IFL or old UIF. Majority of them get a harsh wake up call (a lot of Steelhawks fans were Reading fans when they were in the AIFA btw).

[sr]

Jun 25, 2012 10:26:42 GMT -5 Bouncer_Texxx said:

It looked like a good crowd until I can hope and watched the replay.. the east side (my side) was basically empty except for Section O. And Rocky never came and visited, I had 6 seats open to my left after the mom and kid found out they would have to stand.

Smallest crowd I've ever seen at a playoff game and probably the smallest crowd I've seen at any home game in the last 10 years.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

One has to wonder what, if any, effect the thing with Brown and Coach had on attendance. Brown's accusations are world class serious, I can only hope that it's not as it seems, because it seems really bad.

I say that because some of the smallest crowds I remember looking at (on the west side) were in that ill fated 2009 season. The last time the Storm were in trouble with the league. Riggs' contract is up, Todd's fed up with the owners in this league and it's mutual, I have my fears.. I have my fears.

[Banana Cat]

It would be a shame if both are teams went down this year. #HopeBothReturn

[rockybighorn]

Sorry Bouncer....my only excuse was that I was eating ice cream.

[rockybighorn]

I think this could bring up a serious conversation about starting a new league & just being very strict about whose in & whose out. Bring back the old UIF. I could maybe see SF, SC, GB, maybe TC, omaha (if they are back), Wichita (unless they voted against us on the Riggs deal) is a solid team. I think if you could get 10-12 solid teams with upper caliber players you could have something. It would break my heart to see 2 of the oldest and best indoor teams (SF & Omaha) go by the way side because of this BS the IFL has been slinging. People are talking that as soon as SF get the new events center that they should go to AFL. First, I dont think SF really fits the AFL demographic. 2nd although it is rumored that SF over pays players ( and not in 1985 Dodge vans) I dont think that in a very small market we could afford it. 3rd I just dont think I want to see AFL football in SF, the indoor game is a better style of football than Arena IMO. 4th I think we would need to completely start over with our roster, we are built for indoor ball and not arena style. I kinda went off on a rant there. My point is SAVE THE STORM!!!!

[rockybighorn]

also it looks like Lexington is trying to stage a comeback, so maybe we could include them in the New World Order Indoor League. One rule would be NO expansion teams, only time-tested teams allowed.

[Banana Cat]

www.examiner.com/article/storm-remain-perfect-after-1st-round-playoff-game

Storm remain perfect after 1st round playoff game

Mark Krebs / Sioux Falls Sports Examiner

The Sioux Falls Storm (14-0) came into Saturday night’s first round playoff game against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (6-8) after a long week of off the field distractions. Among those issues was the fact that head coach Kurtis Riggs was suspended by the Indoor Football League for the first two playoff games for overcompensating a player during the 2010-2011 campaign. The violation in question was regarding the use of a van to take players to and from charity events. The Storm also was fined $2,500 as a team by the league.

The second incident occurred off the field as well on Friday as wide receiver and backup quarterback Lorenzo Brown was arrested on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. Both of these incidents fired the Storm players and staff members up prior to this game and they wanted to get a win and some respect back.

The first quarter was clearly an indication of the dedication and passion which the team had. Sioux Falls racked up 28 unanswered points in the first quarter. James Terry ran for one and had one receiving touchdown and Clinton Solomon added two touchdown receptions himself courtesy of passes from quarterback Chris Dixon.

An unfortunate blow was struck to the Storm as starting defensive lineman Rachman Crable was hit hard along the boards and knocked unconscious momentarily. The Storm’s medical staff along with members of Rural Metro Ambulance quickly were on the field and stabilized his head and neck as well as putting him onto a backboard.

During the time that Crable was down, there was much concern on the faces of members of both teams as they each gathered with their teammates and sat in what could be described as prayer circles. As Crable was being taken off of the field, he moved his hands and mouthed something in obvious pain. Tom Slattery, team photographer for the Storm, said that Rachman did recognize him and it was apparent that he was aware of his surroundings.

The night was also about celebration for one former member of the Storm. Terrance Bryant, quarterback for the Storm from 2005-2010, had his number retired during a halftime ceremony which was highlighted by many different shout outs to fans, former coaches and teammates as well as his family.

Bryant said after the ceremony that there is one thing he would like to say to Storm nation “Go Storm. Let’s bring another championship home to Sioux Falls”.

Sioux Falls set a league record for points in a half with 63 in the first, but then was stifled in the second only scoring 14 through a quarter and a half. Lehigh Valley would not be able to come back from their deficit of 63-7 at the end of the first half and the Storm went on to defeat the Steelhawks by a final score of 79-21.

Sioux Falls moves onto the United Conference championship game where they will face a Green Bay Blizzard team who defeated the Bloomington Edge to set up a rematch of last year’s United Conference championship. Kickoff is set for 7:05 pm at the Sioux Falls Arena. The game can be heard on the Sioux Falls Storm’s website and can also be viewed on Midco Sports Net’s website as well.