JACK NOWLIN Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:00 am
The last two games of the regular season may be nothing more than window dressing for the Wyoming Cavalry, but that doesn't mean the Cavs are taking them for granted.
Having already clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Division of the American Indoor Football Association, the Cavs know they will host Utah Valley in a playoff game on July 10. The winner of that game will host AIFA Bowl III on July 26.
"We just need to keep our focus these last two [regular-season] games so that we can go into the playoffs on a roll," Cavs wide receiver Dante Dudley said. "We don't want to just go through the motions and then have to turn on a switch."
The Cavs get a first-hand look at their playoff opponent tonight when they play at Utah Valley. Wyoming (11-1) is 3-1 against the Thunder (9-3) this season, including a 52-32 victory on June 5, the last time the two teams met.
The Cavs continue to dominate the AIFA statistics, leading the league in scoring offense (61.0 points per game), scoring defense (27.8 ppg) and touchdowns scored (100). Wyoming is No. 2 in total offense behind Utah Valley.
In addition, the Cavs have five players ranked among the top five in several categories.
Dudley tops the AIFA in scoring and safety Tanner Tetrault is the league's top tackler (5.9 per game). Quarterback Matt Strand is the No. 2 passer, having completed 184 of 296 passes for 2,619 yards and 63 touchdowns. Running back James Jones and wide receiver A.J. Street also have put up impressive numbers.
For Cavs coach Dan Maciejczak, the final two regular-season games are more about avoiding injuries than about wins and losses.
"First and foremost, we need to stay healthy," he said. "Beyond that, we want to make sure we don't create any bad habits.
"We've had great focus all season and, even though these next two games don't mean anything, we need to make sure our urgency to execute is there."
It's a trait the Cavs hope to maintain for four more games.
Contact sports reporter Jack Nowlin at (307) 266-0528 or jack.nowlin@trib.com.
Cavalry Tracker
TONIGHT: Wyoming at Utah Valley, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Cavalry (11-1); Thunder (9-3).
SEE YOU SOON: The Cavs and Thunder will meet again in the Western Division playoffs on July 10 in Casper.
HE SAID IT: "We just need to keep our focus these last two [regular-season] games so that we can go into the playoffs on a roll." - Cavs receiver Dante Dudley.
UP NEXT: Ogden at Wyoming, July 4.
TONIGHT: Wyoming at Utah Valley, 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Cavalry (11-1); Thunder (9-3).
SEE YOU SOON: The Cavs and Thunder will meet again in the Western Division playoffs on July 10 in Casper.
HE SAID IT: "We just need to keep our focus these last two [regular-season]->UP NEXT: Ogden at Wyoming, July 4.]]>