After an exciting and franchise-record breaking 76-30 win against the Green Bay Blizzard in their 2023 season opener, the Frisco Fighters are back home for their first home game of the season. The last time the Fighters played at Comerica Center, it was a devastating loss against Quad City for the 2022 IFL Eastern Conference Championship and to advance to the National Championship.
The Fighters are looking to continue last week’s momentum into this week’s matchup against the Tulsa Oilers.
PAST MEETUPS - FIGHTERS V OILERS
The Tulsa Oilers are new to the league this year, so while there are no past meetups fans can expect a good matchup. The Oilers have some impressive talent, including former Frisco Fighters Britto Tutt and Joshua Crockett. Also on the Oilers roster are Texas Tech alums Tre King and Kevin Moore.
HOW TO “FIGHT” FRISCO: The Frisco Fighters enter week two of the IFL season with an abundance of confidence, draped in the royal fabric of a 76-30 victory on the road against the Green Bay Blizzard, setting a franchise record for points scored in a single game. The prolific Frisco performance, no doubt, was led by QB, T.J. Edwards, who put up 138 passing yards, and one touchdown through the air, all while gaining 79 yards on the ground with six rushing scores. The Fighters’ defense made huge strides in week one as well, holding Green Bay to just 30 points and recording four interceptions, two of which were by DB Michael Lovett. Controlling T.J. Edwards’ impact as a runner, along with limiting turnover mistakes, will be key in facing Frisco in game one.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fighters:
A player to watch again this week is Quarterback TJ Edwards. Edwards recorded 217 total yards and 7 touchdowns March 19, 2023 against the Green Bay Blizzard, landing him Frisco Fighters Player of the Game and one of the IFL’s Players of the Week.
Also landing a spot on the IFL’s Players of the Week list last week was Defensive Back Kordell Jackson. The rookie scored a pick-six following a reception from Green Bay Quarterback Max Meylor, beating the franchise-record for most points scored in a game (previously April 16, 2022 with a 68-51 win against the Quad City Steamwheelers).
Running Back Ed Wesley proved in the previous game that he is a player to watch for the Frisco Fighters. The TCU alum recorded three touchdowns in the March 19, 2023 matchup against the Blizzard, helping to secure the Fighter’s lead early in the game.
Oilers:
The QB position is always one of if not the largest difference-makers on a roster. The Oilers will see a combo of Bobby Froehlich and Giovanni Sanders. Froehlich steps into his role in Tulsa with prior experience in the CIF with the Rapid City Marshals. Sanders brings experience from the IFL and CIF, playing most recently with the Bismarck Bucks. With the proven track record of success in the IFL from Sanders and the size and strength of Froehlich, the Oilers will have quality options to choose from come game one.
The defensive side of the ball sees former Omaha Beef player and CIF Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jordan Jones. Jones will be leaned upon heavily to be the top-performing LB and has been an eye-opening presence at camp.
The Oilers have some added motivation with the local presence on the roster. The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes make their presence known through players like OL Chris Ivy and WR Justin Hobbs.
The Oilers see four “Veterans” on the Opening Night roster. Tulsa will lean on former CIF standout DB Taylor “Hawk” Hawkins, former NFL RB Joshua Robinson, CIF Championship Game MVP from 2021, WR Tyler Jones, and IFL-experienced DL Keontae Chavies as the calming and experienced forefront of this new franchise.