July 26, 2026
By Adam Ruffner
The Indianapolis AlleyCats dropped their first three meetings of the season against the Madison Radicals, but that didn’t prevent them from picking up the 17-15 win in their most important game of the year. The road playoff victory is the first for the league’s oldest franchise, one that has made eight postseason appearances and was founded during the UFA’s inaugural season in 2012. The ‘Cats nearly equaled their turnover total on the night (12) in blocks (11), and finished a clean 12-of-13 inside the red zone.
Indianapolis will now advance to face the three-time reigning division champion Minnesota Wind Chill at Sea Foam stadium on August 8 for the Central Division title. The AlleyCats last faced the Wind Chill in the playoffs in 2023, also in the division championship game.
The regular season league leader in assists and receiving yards, Elliot Hawkins, had another stellar performance against the Radicals, and finished the game with eight total scores and over 500 yards of offense in his pro playoff debut. In just his last two starts against Madison, Hawkins has registered 13 assists, eight goals, and nearly 1,300 yards of total offense.
“I think coming [to Indianapolis] and playing with the AlleyCats has been one of the best decisions of my life,” Hawkins said in a postgame interview. “I love this group, and I love everything we’ve done together.”
“I’m super stoked about it,” Hawkins added about the opportunity to face Minnesota. “I’m glad we got another game.”
The AlleyCats offense finished with their third most efficient performance of 2026, with Hawkins and fellow gunslinger Jake Felton stretching the Radicals defense with their throws once again. And without Belgian cutter Sofiène Bontemps in the lineup, James Pollard made his first start on offense in an Indy uniform, and came up with two big goals in the first half to help the AlleyCats establish an early lead.
Defensively, the ‘Cats were stout in the red zone and forced six Madison turnovers inside the 20-yard line. First-year AlleyCat Connor Concannon had a game-high three blocks, while speedster Jack Galle had a flying goal line takeaway to stifle the Radicals last scoring effort.
Indianapolis lost both prior matchups this season against Minnesota by a combined 12 goals. The AlleyCats have not won at Minnesota since May 18, 2019, the same season Indianapolis last claimed a divisional title.
