Screaming Eagles hire thousands of offensive coaches
Apr 03, 2017 11:30AM ● By Greg JamesThe Screaming Eagles picked up their first win in overtime over the Colorado Crush 42-41.
By Greg James | [email protected]
As the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles opened their indoor football league season fans like Walter Tincher from West Valley City called the offensive plays and experienced the excitement of the team’s late game heroics.
“I thought it was a lot of fun. It is a step up from fantasy football. I think my choice of play was picked about 65 percent of the time,” Tincher said. “Before fantasy football I would root for a specific team. Then fantasy football came I started to root for my players, I had a buy in. They were my team. Now I have a direct say into the result of the game.”
The downloaded app allows the fans to pick from four available plays. Much like the video game Madden NFL 17, fans can see the play design and decide which play would work the best.
“It goes by majority vote. Sometimes I think the fans need to think about the choice a little more. We tried a two-point conversion almost every time and unlike the game engine in Madden it is a lot more difficult to score on real-life players,” Tincher said.
The Screaming Eagles lost their opening game 78-47 to the Nebraska Danger.
The Eagles first touchdown was a Verlon Reed pass to Derwyn Lauderdale for five yards. Fans around the arena erupted and stormed the field. Referees contemplated penalties yet decided to let the play continue. Fans had experienced their first success in play calling.
“I was impressed with the defense and the receivers. I was not that impressed with the QB (Reed). I really think he had some jitters. I guess I am just a couch coach, generally fans opinions do not matter much,” Tincher said.
In the case of this team they do matter. In week two the Screaming Eagles traveled to Colorado to face the Crush. The Crush led 34-28 with 52 seconds remaining in the regulation. Reed led a five-play 25-yard drive to tie up the game at 34 with seven seconds remaining. The Eagles missed the extra point that would have won the game in regulation.
Eagles scored a touchdown and the fans voted to try a two-point conversion for the win. Eagles receiver Juan Dotson managed to get open in the back of the end zone where Reed connected with him to secure the victory.
“I think it would be fun to bench a player. I would like to see us get a kicker. Right now, we have a receiver (Cy Strahm) that kicks. It kept my interest even when the game got out of hand. I still felt like I had a responsibility,” Tincher said. “There is even a real or perceived frustration sometimes when the play you choose is not called.”
Reed is averaging 196.5 yards per game passing and has thrown for 11 touchdowns. He also leads the team in rushing with 117 yards.
The Screaming Eagles will host the Crush March 31 and the Arizona Rattlers April 14 at Maverik Center in West Valley City. Tickets can be purchased online, use the code “cityjournals” to receive special pricing.