STEAMWHEELERS GET PAST BUCKS
MOLINE, IL — The 5-4 Quad City Steamwheelers returned to the TaxSlayer Center for the first time in two weeks to face their Eastern Division Rivals, the 3-6 Bismarck Bucks. The last time these two teams faced, the Steamwheelers walked away with a 36-17 win.
The Bucks received the opening kickoff and returned it all the way back for a touchdown, but the play was called back due to an illegal block in the back. QB Jayru Campbell moved the Bucks offense down the field with his arms and legs, capping the drive off with a touchdown run to put Bismarck up 7-0.
The Wheelers moved down the field, picking up two fourth down conversions—the latter coming on a 1-yard touchdown pass from QB E.J. Hilliard to WR Mike Carrigan. Game tied, 7-7.
The Bucks answered, as Campbell connected deep with WR Alexis Rosario for a quick-strike touchdown pass. Bismarck up 14-7.
The fireworks weren’t over. On the next drive, 3rd-and-10, Hilliard went deep for a 45-yard touchdown pass to WR Keyvan Rudd. Game tied, 14-14. Then Campbell connected with WR John Brunner for another touchdown pass. Bismarck up, 21-14.
Quad City WR Trevon Saunders returned the next kickoff 25 yards, streaking down the field before jumping over a defender and into the stands. Kicker Kimo Naehu hit a 45-yard field goal, his longest kick of the season, to bring the score to 21-17.
Rob Brown returned the following kickoff 34-yards to put the Bucks deep into Quad City territory. Campbell closed the drive with a touchdown pass to WR Edgar Allen Poe Jr. in the right-corner of the end zone. Bismarck up, 28-17.
On the next drive, a big completion from Hilliard to RB Kerrion Moore was called back due to a holding penalty, but was also offset due to an illegal defensive penalty on Bismarck. Quad City wasn’t having it. Hilliard hit Saunders wide open for a deep touchdown on the following play. Score, 28-23 Bismarck.
Bucks Kicker Chase Allbaugh connected on a deep field goal to bring the score to 31-23 heading into the half.
The Steamwheelers entered the second half down by 8 points.
Moore picked up 16 rushing yards on his first carry of the half. Hilliard completed a pass to Carrigan to bring Quad City into the red zone. Naehu connected on a short field goal to bring the score to 31-26.
Moore kicked off for the Wheelers and pinned Bismarck back to their own 13 yard line. On 3rd-and-2, Campbell attempted a QB-sneak, resulting in a fumble recovered by newly-signed Wheelers DB Ron Salters.
A Hilliard scramble brought Quad City into scoring territory. He wasn’t done, selling a convincing RPO to escape left and carry the football into the end zone for the touchdown. Wheelers up, 32-31.
Quad City’s defense stuffed Campbell on a 3rd-and-4 rushing attempt, forcing fourth down. They followed up by forcing a turnover on downs.
With an extra offensive possession, Quad City was methodical on their next drive, controlling the clock and picking up chunks of yardage. The drive ended the same way their last did, with Hilliard carrying the ball into the end zone for another rushing touchdown. Quad City up, 39-31.
Bismarck moved the ball down the field, with another touchdown pass from Campbell to Rosario bringing the score to 39-37. Wheelers DL Teon Burroughs blocked the PAT attempt to help Quad City retain a 2-point lead.
The next drive would be the Wheelers’ biggest test of the game. With over 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, they worked the clock all the way down to under 5, adding another touchdown for good measure as Hilliard scrambled straight into the end zone. Wheelers up, 45-37. Moore rushed for a successful two-point conversion to bring the score up to 47-37.
Bismarck wasn’t going down without a fight. Campbell rushed for a touchdown, bringing the score to 47-44 with 1:47 left in the fourth quarter.
Quad City successfully ran the ball on every play of their final drive, taking the clock down to 0:00 and closing the game out with an impressive 47-44 win.
The Steamwheelers return to the TaxSlayer Center next Saturday, May 28th, to face the Sioux Falls Storm.
For Steamwheelers tickets, call the TaxSlayer Center Box Office at 309-764-2000 or visit TicketMaster.com.