Slaughter overcomes adversity, head to playoffs

New quarterback Juice Williams will try to get his first win in the IFL and extend the Chicago Slaughter’s season on Saturday as the team travels to open the playoffs against the Reading Express.

Williams, a University of Illinois standout and the Slaughter’s fourth starter at the injury-laden position, was signed on June 1 and has played in both losses since then.

General Manager Glenn Graham insists he isn’t worried about his QB’s struggles, especially because Williams hasn’t taken a meaningful snap since college a year and a half ago.

“(He’s) adjusting to the indoor game ... it’s just getting his body back into football shape.”

The Slaughter beat the Express 59-55 earlier in the season.

“We know exactly what we need to prepare for. The biggest thing with them is they have one of the top receivers in the league, and we have to shut him down,” Graham said.

Turnovers also could be a key. Playing the Green Bay Blizzard in their last game, the Slaughter gave up two defensive touchdowns — one off an interception and another on a fumble in the end zone.

“You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win,” Graham said.

The Slaughter beat Reading at the Sears Centre, but Graham said the change in venue won’t change much else for the team, including its chance to win.

“The preparation is going to be exactly the same, whether it’s a home game or away game. (The only difference is) instead of guys sitting at home the Friday night before a game, we’ll be traveling.”

A win on Saturday means taking on the Sioux Falls Storm in the next round.

The Storm breezed by the Slaughter 76-28 in the final home game of the season. The team isn’t letting that deter them in their playoff goals, Graham said.

“We expect to win. We’re not in here just for the paychecks. We expect to win and we expect to win this week. When it comes to the playoffs, that’s the only goal you have, to win and continue to play.”