The Tri-Cities Fever opens its inaugural season in the Indoor Football League in less than a week.

And with each passing day, Coach Adam Shackleford’s job is getting that much more difficult.

Shackleford has pared his roster below 30, but picking the final 21 who are going to make the trip to Fairbanks for Monday’s season opener is not going to be easy.

“We have some guys that we thought were going to be pretty good,” he said. “And then we have some guys that we thought were going to be good and turned out to be better than we thought.

“We have some tough decisions to make.”

Shackleford will make some roster moves today, and is expected to announce his starting quarterback  -- either Zillah native Andy Collins or rookie Houston Lillard -- after practice today.

“It’s a tougher decision than I thought it was going to be,” Shackleford admitted.

Some recognizable faces that have made it through the first week of training camp are receiver/defensive back Ray Little, defensive back DeVon Walker, and receiver Brandon Copeland, who all played for the Fever last season.

The Fever will continue to practice this week before leaving for Fairbanks on Sunday.

Tri-Cities has not won a season opener since the 2006 season. They are looking for their first road win in more than a year.

What’s on tap:

• At Fairbanks Grizzlies (1-0), 7:05 p.m., Monday, March 8
• 2009 record: 7-7.
• Last week: beat Alaska Wild 29-28 in season opener.
• Of note: Quarterback Matt Bossoenor threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score. … Former Fever lineman Baron Harrell caught the game-winning touchdown pass.
• Coach Shack’s take: “They are a very quality opponent.”
• On the air: Watch the game at Kimo’s or listen to the game on KONA 610 AM.

• More Information