Despite the headlines, expect a more competitive game than most are reporting. Yes, the Denver Rush were beat up on the scoreboard vs the Seattle Thunder however the play on the field was more competitive than the score would indicate.
The Atlanta Empire meanwhile are on a completely upward trajectory coming off the season’s biggest upset win of 50-34 over the previously No.1 ranked Austin Sound.
Oddsmakers are not giving Denver much of a chance with a season high +21 point spread heading into Friday’s match-up in Loveland, Colorado.
Denver’s hopes of keeping it competitive heading into the 4th Quarter will rest on the arm and perhaps more importantly, the legs of Jessica Poole. The athletic 5’6 153lb. QB is very athletic and can move the chains with her scrambling ability. Poole proved to also be Denver’s downfall in the match-up vs the Seattle Thunder with her poor decision-making turning the ball over and providing Seattle’s explosive offense with short-fields. A couple encouraging signs for Denver was the play of WR Krystal Wright who’s speed and explosiveness was rather evident as well as DE Ifeoma Emeka who seems to be a tackling-machine.
Atlanta is being heralded as potentially the best team in the league with their impressive debut two weeks ago. The buzz around the Empire has been the play and leadership of their 19yr. old ‘Young Gun’ QB Bailey Hodgins and the continued dominance of Jessica Salazar on both sides of the ball, especially at running back. WR Lindsey Ezell also flashed for Atlanta, stretching the field at times. Defensively, the Empire swarm to the football and its secondary is coming together around Safety Cali Stanley & Co.
Injuries: None.
Betting Line: Atlanta -21 / 68 O | U
Score Prediction: Atlanta 56 Denver 18
Where: Budweiser Events Center (Loveland, CO.)
Time: 7pm Mountain Kickoff
Tickets:Click Here
Watch on FAN PASS:Click Here
