Imperial ready to sink the Shipmen this weekend

Imperial hosts their long standing rivals, the Norfolk Shipmen, this weekend in a key early season battle. This time however, the battle is stay out of last place in the FAA East Division, something the Maulers and Shipmen have historically not had to worry about.

"It is a crazy proposition given the history of both franchises." Maulers owner Steve Wagner said in his weekly press conference. "It's still very early in the season, but you never want to give games away to your division rivals."

With the Jersey Jackers sitting atop the East Division with a 3-0 mark, they enjoy a two game advantage already before division play even begins. The Pittsburgh Ballers are also 1-2, and travel to Jersey this weekend. The loser of the Maulers/Shipmen game stands to potentially be three games behind Jersey with 9 remaining contests, and would almost certainly be in a position to run for a wild card spot out of the East should Jersey win this weeks game.

The Shipmen have a lot of key players on bye this week, including their long time QB Peyton Manning. In his place Trent Edwards will start, and has a favorable match up against the St. Louis Rams. Running backs Frank Gore and Jamal Lewis both have good matchups, so the task ahead for the Maulers will be tough.

Maulers Owner Steve Wagner believes the key for his team to get a victory will be their QB, Ben Roethlisberger, getting back on his feet after a horrendous 4 point day vs. the Eagles last Sunday. "Ben has to throw the ball more effectively, and more importantly, stay upright." Wagner said. "Ben has historically done well against the Ravens D, and with Willie Parker on the bench Monday night, I think more of the offense will center around Ben."

In the two losses this season, the Maulers have led their opponent going into the Monday Night game. Tony Romo burned them in Week 2, and then Jason Witten and Terrell Owens snatched victory away last week. This week, the Maulers will have the only player on either side active on Monday Night with Roethlisberger under center. "Maybe its time to win one on Monday" said Wagner on his way out of the press conference. "We just may need to".