Game 4 Preview: Sioux City Bandits

April 3, 2008

Fort Collins, Colo. – The Colorado Ice (1-2) are looking to even their record this Saturday when they travel to Sioux City, Iowa to face the Bandits (2-1) in a 7:05 p.m. CST/6:05 p.m. MST kickoff at the Tyson Events Center.  This will be the first contest this season between the two teams, but Colorado holds a 3-0 series record advantage after sweeping Sioux City last year, outscoring the Bandits 136-60 in three games.  “Sioux City is coming off a big win over Billings and Coach DeGeorgia has done a great job getting Sioux City going in the right direction.  It should be a battle as both teams need a victory,” head coach Collins Sanders said.

Colorado is currently sitting fourth in the West Division, while Sioux City is second in the East below undefeated RiverCity Rage.  The Ice are coming off a 43-23 victory over the Bloomington Extreme last Friday.  QB Garrett Mehl led the team with 167 passing yards, 48 rushing yards and three touchdowns thrown, one to WR Justin Gallas and two to WR George Hill.  RB Thomas Smith rushed for 27 yards and two scores, helping the team to 273 yards in total offense.  LB Ryan Palmer led the defense with 7.5 tackles.  DL Steve Frye and DB Dorsey Golston each recorded an interception.

Sioux City also pulled off a close 31-30 win over Billings last week, recording 199 total offensive yards.  QB Chris Dixon went 19 of 30 for 175 yards and two touchdowns while RB Jason Peters rushed for eight yards and three scores.  WR Willie Austin pulled in six receptions for 79 yards and two scores.

The Ice will host the Billings Outlaws for the second straight season in their regular season home opener at the Budweiser Events Center on Friday, April 11, 2008 for a 7:30 p.m. MT kickoff.  Be there at 5:30 p.m. to kickoff the 2008 home season for a tailgate party in front of the Events Center to enjoy discounted food and beverage, face painting and more!