Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009

Fever looks to change its luck against Burn

By Ben Reynolds, Herald staff writer

The idea to have Boise and Tri-Cities play four times this season was set up for convenience. Which in theory, with the economy the way it is and given the Fever looking for a new owner to avoid extinction, it made sense.

The teams are about a 5-hour drive apart and have started a nice little rivalry since they both joined the arenafootball2 league in 2007.

Looking back at it now, it was a great move -- if you are Boise.

The Burn has feasted on the Fever this season, winning the first three games by an average of nearly 40 points, and goes for the season sweep tonight at Qwest Arena.

Boise (11-2) is having its best season in franchise history and has already clinched a home playoff game. The Burn has won five in a row against the Fever (2-11) and six of the last seven.

"This is a huge game and I hope they are ready," said Fever coach Pat O'Hara.

As odd as it may sound, the Fever could join the Burn in the playoffs, but Tri-Cities (2-11) needs a road win tonight just to stay in the hunt.

Tri-Cities has lost 10 in a row away from Toyota Center, its last road win coming more than a year ago, winning at Stockton 44-21 on May 24, 2008.

The one thing the Fever does have going for it is it's coming off a win against Stockton two weeks ago.

The team also seems to have figured out its season-long quarterback issues.

Colin Drafts, the fifth starting quarterback for the Fever this season, had a solid start, completing 27 of 36 passes for 288 yards and five touchdowns.

At the same time, the Fever appears to have figured out its defensive rotation and how not to be burdened with penalties.

The Fever forced a season-high four interceptions and five sacks. It also committed a franchise-low three penalties for 23 yards.

But while everything appeared to be clicking June 27 against Stockton, history would say that things will be different tonight -- and not in a good way.

The Fever has been anything but a model of consistency, and has not won consecutive games since Weeks 3 and 4 of last year.

"The guys still feel good (about the Stockton win) and hopefully we can build off that," O'Hara said. "I think if we get some more pass rush, our defense will keep us in the game. We just need to score some points."