arena football

The Dayton Silverbacks where off to a smashing start in their season opener at Hara Arena against the Indianapolis Enforcers, Saturday March 5, 2011. This was also the Silverbacks first game at their new Hara Arena field since moving from Hobart Arena in Troy, OH after three seasons. (see opening game photos here and watch game video at the bottom of this post)

The Dayton Silverbacks are the longest running Professional Indoor Football team in the Midwest and have been a member of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) for the past five years.

The fast pace, high impact, arena style football is sure to keep you on your toes and fully engaged with nonstop action from beginning to end.

Natasha Yoho, thirteen year veteran cheerleader, is in her first season with the Silverbacks and could not be happier. Natasha stated, “I am very excited to cheer for the Silverbacks. It’s a new team for me and we [Silverbabes] practice seven hours a week to make sure we are bringing lots of energy and smiles to the fans. We love interacting with them and pumping up the crowd for the team.” The Silverbabes sponsored the raffle prizes, halftime games and activities for the Silverbacks for Saturday night’s game.

Jeff Kolaczkowski, President and Owner of Dayton Silverbacks stated, “The move from Troy to Dayton was a positive one, because it moved a lot of the players closer to their families and we expect to draw larger crowds since there will be less of a commute to see them play.”

Jeff added, “Tonight’s crowd turnout was a bit disappointing, but we will be increasing our marketing efforts to change that around. We are still working out some of the kinks with the move, but tonight was a great game, because whenever you win it’s a good game.” The Silverbacks led the Enforcers 50-13 at the half.

Although the Silverbacks maintained a marginal lead throughout the game, they had a quiet second half until late in the fourth quarter with six minutes and fourteen seconds to go in regulation. Wide Receiver, Marcus Fails, scored a touchdown to get the fans standing to their feet and cheering once again.

All five Wide Receivers for the Silverbacks scored at least one touchdown in the game. Kicker Jeff Hubbard opened the second half of the game with a seamless 21 yard field goal, Defensive Back, Chris Respress had two interceptions, and player of the game and Wide Receiver Daniel Stover scored three touchdowns to crush the Enforcers 69-19.

Stover stated, “We have been working hard and it’s real easy to get open with good players. Everything worked out, no one stood out, and there are no weak links in our chain. Our chain is stronger than ever. The common denominator of this team is that we all want to win.”

Silverbacks Wide Receiver, Mike Brown, who sat out in the season opener due to injury added, “This team has made a complete 180 and I can’t wait to get back out there. Our offense put up points bottom line. Our defense held their offense to less than 20 points and that was a complete team effort.”

Brown is hopeful that he will be well enough to play by next home game.

Coach Derrick Shepard, who is in his third season with the Silverbacks, is pleased with the win and the energy of the team; however, Shepard believes there is room for improvement from the players. Shepard commented, “Good job to all that put up points, but we all have room for improvement. A whole bunch of little ME’s makes one big team.”

When Shepard was asked what he expected from the Silverbacks this season he stated, “I expect to go all the way. Every coach would love to go all the way. Realistically, I would like them to walk away being a better player. If they become better players, then it was a successful season and I would be happy with that.”

Kevin Bukvik, Marketing and Community Representative for the Silverbacks, speaks to their community outreach efforts off the field by stating, “When I first came on board with the Silverbacks, I did not know if the guy’s egos would be a problem. But when I was first asked by the players when would we be going out to the schools to read to the kids, I realized there was not a whole lot of convincing I had to do. I guess they just get it. They are an awesome group of guys and are so down to earth. I love working with them.”

You can catch the Dayton Silverbacks in action at their next home game at Hara Arena as they square off against the Cincinnati Commandos Saturday April 2nd at 7:30 pm. For more information on how to obtain tickets visit www.silverbacksfootball.com or call 937-425-8050.