The Utah Warriors indoor football team will soon attempt to invade uncharted territory.
Of the 24 NIFL teams that started the season with hopes of claiming one of eight playoff spots, the Warriors qualified for one in their inaugural season. Utah (11-3) plays host to the Sioux Falls Storm tonight at 7 in the E Center.
The Warriors organization said ticket prices will stay the same for the playoffs, ranging from $12-$16. The organization is also planning several pre-game activities for fans. The festivities include face-painting by the Warriors dancers and food. The E Center doors open at 4 p.m.
Winners of the Pacific West Division title and the No. 2 seed, the Warriors split their two games with the Storm this season with each team winning on its home turf. But Utah should have its hands full with perhaps the hottest teams in the indoor football league. Sioux Falls has been victorious in seven straight games.
No doubt the Warriors will rely on their offensive artillery to carry them on their playoff run, as it has plagued opponents all year long. Utah boasts the No. 1 offense in the NIFL, avenging 245.3 yards and 58.6 points per game. Last year's league MVP, Danny Ragsdale, is currently the top-ranked quarterback in passing yards (3,522), passing average (251.6), total offense (256.9) and passing efficiency (110.4). Ragsdale is also ranked second in touchdown passes with 73. Running back Omar Bacon won the scoring title with 38 touchdowns in 13 games. All-purpose player Emmitt White leads the league in receptions with 100, is No. 4 in receiving yards per game (74.6) and fifth in total receiving yards (895). Receiver Cory Grow is third in receiving yards with 984 and touchdown catches with 25.
The NIFL playoffs are single elimination. The winner of the contest will play the winner of the Omaha-Bismarck game in the conference championship next week. If Utah wins and Omaha loses, the Warriors will host Bismarck in the E Center. If both Utah and Omaha win, the event will take place in Omaha. The winner of the conference game plays the winner of the Atlantic conference for the National Championship on Aug. 2.