Dayton Silverbacks
2011 schedule
(Home games at Hara Arena)
March 5 | Indianapolis | 7:30 p.m. |
March 19 | at Port Huron | 7:30 p.m. |
March 26 | at Marion | 7:30 p.m. |
April 2 | Cincinnati | 7:30 p.m. |
April 9 | Marion | 7:30 p.m. |
April 23 | at Chicago | 4 p.m. |
April 29 | at Cincinnati | 7:30 p.m. |
May 7 | Indianapolis | 7:30 p.m. |
May 13 | Chicago | 7:30 p.m. |
May 26 | Port Huron | 7:30 p.m. |
Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for military and kids 12 and under.
Online: www.silverbacksfootball.com
DAYTON — Prior to kickoff, Dayton Silverbacks coach Derrick Sheppard — a former football player himself — will have that itch to suit up again.
Two things will prevent that, Sheppard said — the talent the Dayton Silverbacks indoor football team fields this season and, for Sheppard, the next day.
“I get real fidgety about it because it’s in my blood, but the thing that holds me back is how I’m going to feel the next day,” Sheppard said with a laugh.
“It’s hard when you’ve got a lot of talent out there. I had a strong group of 45 players, but I was only able to keep 30.”
The sixth-year team, which played as the Miami Valley Silverbacks last season, opens Continental Indoor Football League action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday by hosting the Indianapolis Enforcers at Hara Arena.
The Silverbacks play six homes games this season. They played their first four seasons at Troy’s Hobart Arena and last season entirely on the road.
“We have a lot of athletes and a lot of people with that drive and desire to win. I’m very impressed right now,” said Sheppard, who graduated from Meadowdale High School, played at Georgia Tech and spent time with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
“I’m hoping (we go) all the way to the championship. That’s my goal. ... To me, nobody in the league is unstoppable.”
The Silverbacks qualified for the postseason for the second time last season, falling to the defending CIFL champion Cincinnati Commandos in the first round.
In addition to winning, the Silverbacks also are focused on family. Sheppard said the Silverbacks — who have made visits to area schools and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity — strive to deliver a family-friendly experience.
“The kids get to come down and interact after the games, autograph sessions and things of that nature,” Sheppard said. “It’s more for the fans and I think the fans of the city will love it.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991, or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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