In another Midwest divisional game, the Indianapolis AlleyCats (2-1, 2-1 Midwest Division) travel to Chicago, Illinois. At practices this week, head coach Eric Leonard said his team has “focused on our sideline resets.”
“We know Chicago likes to trap against the sideline, and they are pretty effective with that strategy,” Leonard said. “If we can be successful getting the disc off the sideline, our offense will be in good shape.”
After beating Pittsburgh Thunderbirds at home, the AlleyCats being a three-game road trip against three Midwest divisional foes. For this weekend, Leonard said the goals for the team are similar to last week’s game.
“We want to play 4 quarters of fundamental and full effort ultimate,” Leonard said. “If we do that, then we’ll have a good shot at a win.”
To accomplish this goal this weekend, Jon Wenger said “we’ve practiced a lot on throwing.”
“Chicago likes to wrap when they are marking,” Wenger said. “There will be lots of opportunities to throw a lot of break throws.”
Last weekend, Wenger managed to throw an 83-yard huck for a score to team captain Travis Carpenter. Wenger said his throws have been more consistent than last season.
During these practices, the AlleyCats have prepared to face the Wildfire’s defense. Cameron Brock said the Thunderbirds “do some things defensively that are different from other teams.”
“Without getting into too many specifics, we’re hoping to take advantage of some things we notice they do,” Brock said. “As every defense will give something up.”
Coming into this weekend’s game, the AlleyCats are in second place in the Midwest standings while the Wildfire are in tied for third in the division. Brock said “this is a critical game” for the team.
“At this point in the season, it appears that there will be four teams fighting for three playoff spots in the Midwest,” Brock said. “Chicago and we are two of those teams. It’s early, but this game could be a playoff-deciding game for both teams at the end of the season.”
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. on April 28 at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
Patrick Murphy 