The Wild have been idle for two weeks and first-year coach Floyd Johnson has been busy since in that time, signing five players to revamp a squad that was crushed by the visiting Fairbanks Grizzlies in its Indoor Football opener.
"It's a whole new roster," said Jeff Worthington, the Wild's director of marketing and promotions.
The newest additions are linebacker Edwin James, defensive back Charles McCrea, receivers Anthony Byrd, Billy Sewell and Jay Williams.
Not only has this new crew tried to prepare the Wild with 6 a.m. practices, but they've also attempted to gain more support from local fans.
A group players stood on the corner of Benson Boulevard and Old Seward Highway on Wednesday, waving signs during the evening commute.
Worthington said the Wild's gridiron gathering could help boost tonight's attendance.
"I heard they got lots of love out there," Worthington said.
Washington said the Wild drew an estimated 2,300 to their home opener, a 54-35 loss to the Grizzlies.
Jamie Williamson started at quarterback, completing 6 of 14 passes for 83 yards and an interception. He was replaced by Pierce Blewett in the fourth quarter.
The Wild totaled 200 yards offense and gave up 282.
James, a 6-foot, 220-pound veteran of indoor football, is expected to split time at linebacker and defensive end.
James could help shore up a pass defense that will be without Anchorage's Donny Delaney, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Two weeks ago, the Wild's pass defense got rattled by Fairbanks quarterback Justin Rummell, who completed 11 of 21 passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns.
He continued his assault on IFL defenses last week, throwing for 182 yards on 9-of-10 passing against Maryland last Thursday in a 72-41 win at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.
The Maniacs (0-2) of Laurel, Md., are a first-year franchise and have one of the league's longest journeys to Alaska.
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