Playoff Preview

It’s that time of the year IFL fans; the playoffs start this weekend as four teams from each conference continue the journey to Iron Bowl IX. This weekend will begin the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The winners will advance to the Conference Championships, while the losers will be watching from the stands.

Madison Mustangs vs. Lake Country Cyclones

Saturday August 11th will showcase the National Conference wildcard round at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin. The first match-up of the night begins at 6PM and will feature the Lake Country Cyclones taking on the defending NFC Champion, Madison Mustangs.

The Cyclones bring a bruising ground game with running back Randall Cornwell #43 leading the charge. If the ground game stalls, talented veteran quarterback Derek Distin #7 will take to the air as he has enjoyed one of his finest seasons so far.

The Mustangs enter the game poised and confident, as quarterback Marques Korpella # 8 will lead an explosive Madison passing attack that features game breaking threat, Reggie Davis #81.

In week 3, the Mustangs beat the Cyclones at Arrowhead 26-13 using a spread passing attack.  Look for the team who plays the best defense to advance to the Conference Championship.

Muskego Hitmen vs. West Allis Predators

Also that night, at 8PM the Muskego Hitmen will take on the West Allis Predators, who are making their playoff debut. The question is, will Predator quarterback Mike Bernal #11 have success against a very stingy Muskego defense led by linebacker Jason Huckstorf #64 that has only allowed 42 points all season long?

The Hitmen have been dominating this season as they are poised for another championship run.  Muskego’s offense will feature multiple threats as Mike “the thrill” Hill #20, Fred Derocher #84, Markell Thompson #89 and quarterback Derek Daily #4 will make life miserable for West Allis defenders. The Hitmen are heavily favored in this one, and with tons offensive fire power and a defense that has been dominating so far, who can argue otherwise?

Roscoe Rush vs. Burlington Blue Devils

Sunday, August 12th at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin will be the American Conference playoffs.

The first game of the night at 6PM will be the Roscoe Rush vs. the Burlington Blue Devils. The Rush enters the playoffs with a strong 8-1 record as they hope to sweep the rest of the American Conference on their quest for an Iron Bowl championship.

The Rush is lead by quarterback Jason Hufford #14 and his go to receiver Justin Opengo #10. The Blue Devils, who are making their first playoff appearance ever in team history, will rely on their quick and punishing defense to halt the Rush attack.

Franklin Outlaws vs. McHenry County Pirates

At 8PM, the Franklin Outlaws meet the McHenry County Pirates as this game will definitely be a war against two highly competitive teams in the AFC. The Outlaws are led by JP Josetti #6 as he has successfully led Franklin’s passing attack all season long. The two time IFL player of the week hopes to enjoy equal success against the Pirates this weekend. Josetti’s partner in crime is receiver Jim Leszczynski #7, who has consistently torn up opponent’s defensive backfields when given the ball. The Pirates must find a way to neutralize Leszczynski if they’re going to have any success defensively against the Outlaws.