WHAT’S AT STAKE
• Steamwheelers have never lost a season opener (2-0)
•River Kings seeking 1-0 start since 2016.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: EJ HILLIARD V. RIVER KING SECONDARY
EJ Hilliard is poised to have a huge 2020 and this could be a perfect opponent to have a huge game against. The River Kings are vastly improved and will be extremely competitive but i’m intrigued to see how a unit that has mostly not played together fares tonight against arguably the IFL’s most talented receiving core.
PREGAME PLAYERS OF THE GAME
OFFENSE: QB EJ HILLIARD: The o/u on Hilliard touchdown passes tonight should be 7. He could have a career night tonight.
DEFENSE: Malik Duncan: Duncan is facing a QB in Derrick Bernard who will put up gaudy stats in 2020 but is interception prone. Duncan didn’t register a pick last season but did lead the squad with pass breakups with 7.
SPECIAL TEAMS: K Jacob Stytz: Stytz was solid in the kicking game last year and should be called on for PAT’s often against CR. He missed just 9 last year and could very well be tonight’s leading scorer.
PREDICTION
We have been openly critical of Cedar Rapids on this website since it’s inception. This will be the best team in CR in a few seasons and the team is headed in the right direction. A close game at halftime will see the Steamwheelers pull away in the second half due to River King turnovers. The QC offense may not leave the field without a touchdown all night.
STEAMWHEELERS: 70 RIVER KINGS: 46
The IFL Network 