Finishing its inaugural campaign in American Indoor Football (AIF) with a sanctioned mark of 5-1, and a 7-1 overall, the River City Raiders have future sights set on championship hardware.
Photo Credit: Karl Lund
The St. Charles County-based franchise hosts Lehigh Valley (6-2) in an AIF post-season quarterfinal Monday night at Family Arena. A pre-game ceremony takes place at 6:45 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The Raiders won two straight AIF-sanctioned games against North Division rival Chicago to secure playoff placement.
In its May 14 road victory over the Blitz, River City scored 20 uncontested points in the second half and snared the 37-31 win. Raiders’ running back Tyler Batts had a touchdown run and catch in the triumph while quarterback Tarean Austin had a touchdown plunge and pass.
Photo Credit: Erica Thompson
River City’s defense, anchored by Kyle Walker, Haylon Jacobs, Gary Washington and others, were key to the six-point, come-from-behind victory.
Monday’s turf tussle between the Raiders and the Steelhawks will be a first-time meeting between the pair. Allentown, Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley split its last two games, ending with a 37-29 setback to division rival Penn Capitals two weekends ago.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite Photography
The indoor donnybrook also marks the final quarterfinal that determines the AIF’s “Final Four.” In the other opening round match-ups, Florida topped Savannah, 71-21, Thursday night to advance to the semifinals while Columbus vs. New Mexico and Myrtle Beach vs. West Michigan are slotted for Saturday night.
With victory Monday at Family Arena, the Raiders take one step closer to its championship goal.
A coupon for four free tickets is available at the Raiders’ official website by clicking on this link.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
