Blue Racers Offensive Line Critical to Success
April 9, 2014 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Marion Blue Racers News Release
The protection of the Blue Racer quarterback is extremely important so the offensive line has to be made up of the toughest men that are ready to go all out in the trenches for 60 minutes. This season, that list is comprised of 6'-4", 320lbs Kris Stafford; 6'-2", 390lbs JT Haynes; 6'-2", 300lbs Chris Ciraldo; 6'-3" 290lbs Will Haase; 6'-0", 300lbs Robert Price; and 6'-3", 330lbs Robert Gay.
Kris Stafford has played four seasons in the indoor football game, one season with the Marion Mayhem and three seasons with the Blue Racers. Stafford has played for MBR from 2012-2014 and has been quite a reliable presence on the O Line. For his great efforts in the 27-20 win against the Northern Kentucky River Monsters on March 2nd, he took home the Big Ugly Award presented by First Choice Tax Service.
Chris Ciraldo and Robert Gay are in the rookie seasons of their professional careers. Robert Gay has even played both ways for the Blue Racers, having recorded several tackles on the defensive line. Additionally, he won the Big Ugly Award presented by First Choice Tax Service in the win against the Erie Explosion on February 16th.
JT Haynes has played in Marion for many years and is a fan favorite. After playing for the Marion Mayhem for several seasons, Haynes spent the 2011 season playing for the Northern Kentucky River Monsters who were in the Ultimate Indoor Football League. He has been with the Blue Racers since the 2012 season and has played every position from kicker, fullback, wide receiver, and defensive lineman. In the March 22nd game against the Bluegrass Warhorses, JT earned the Big Ugly Award presented by First Choice Tax Service for his protection on offense and one tackle for a loss of three yards on defense.
Robert Price has been with the Blue Racers for its entire existence. He was actually one of the first players signed to the 2011 Blue Racers Roster. In the 2014 season, he is Director of Football Operations, Defensive Coordinator, and center on the offensive line. It's no wonder Price can wear many hats as he has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a Master's Degree in Manufacturing Management from Penn State University where he also played college football.
Will Haase rejoined the roster this season after a great rookie debut. In 2013 he was named All CIFL First Team as a center and also played on the defensive line, his primary position. As with the other lineman, Haase's ability to play on offense and defense makes it easier for the Blue Racers to have more depth at each position.
You can see this great offensive front protect veteran quarterback Chris Wallace and Mike Tatum aka "The Weapon" next on the road, this Saturday April 12th, against the undefeated Saginaw Sting at the Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607 at 7:30pm.
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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from April 9, 2014
- #1 in the North vs. #1 in the South Saturday - Marion Blue Racers
- Blue Racers Offensive Line Critical to Success - Marion Blue Racers
- Blue Racers Kings of the South - Marion Blue Racers
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