Amarillo Dusters game notes
June 1, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Amarillo Venom News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Amarillo Dusters (4-4) vs. Bakersfield Blitz (5-3)
Date: Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
Kickoff: 9:05 pm CST
Site: Rabobank Arena
Officials:
Referee: Mike Weseloh
Umpire: Ali Shetula
Head Linesman: Clay Reynard
Line Judge: Danny Short
Back Judge: Shawn Hochuli
Radio: KPUR 1440 AM & internet broadcast at
www.dustersfootball.com
Donny Hooper Play by Play
Warren McCarty Color Commentary
Ray Boring Sideline Reporter
Tyler Hooper Field Mic
Series Record: 2nd Meeting, Dusters lead 1-0
Streaks: Blitz L2, Dusters L1
Coaches: Gary Compton, Bakersfield Blitz
Steve Perdue, Amarillo Dusters
THE STAKES: After 4 consecutive wins, the Dusters came up just short last week against the defending af2 champion Memphis Xplorers. The Dusters seek to get their 5th victory of the season, and re-gain ground in the National Conference playoff race. Bakersfield looks to snap a 2-game losing streak, and maintain their grip on second place in their division.
COACH PERDUE'S THOUGHTS ON BAKERSFIELD:
"Losing at home to Memphis like we did was heart-breaking, but we have to move on and focus on Bakersfield. They are a tough team, and they are coming off of a tough loss as well. They need the win for playoff positioning, and so do we. Coach Compton and his staff are veteran AFL guys, and they know what they are doing. We won't catch Bakersfield off guard. We have to decide what it is that we are good at offensively, and keep doing that. We've got the defense playing up to their capability, now the offense has to do its part. The talent and scheme is there. We just have to simplify and execute. Coach Compton's from Texas, and I expect a playoff atmosphere and a dog fight for four quarters."
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES:
Dusters C/NG Kert Turner started every game in 2005 for the Dusters, and had a great year offensively. During the off-season, he focused more on conditioning and footwork. The now 20 lbs. lighter version of Kert Turner has produced 5 sacks and 5 batted balls from the Noseguard position in 8 games this season. He has allowed 0 sacks as well.
KEY MATCHUP: DEFENSE VS. DEFENSE
The Amarillo Dusters and Bakersfield Blitz are 2 of the top 10 defenses in af2, and are proud of it. The Dusters enter the game with the #9 scoring defense, allowing 46.4 points per game, while the Bakersfield Blitz are ranked #4 in af2 allowing 40.9 points per game. Bakersfield is #3 in af2 in turnover margin (+7), while the Dusters are #4 in af2 in turnover margin (+6). Both teams are in the top 10 respectively in quarterback sacks and interceptions as well.
IMPROVED DEFENSE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
The Dusters' defense has emerged over the past four weeks, allowing only 130 points in those contests (32.5 ppg). Through 8 games this season, the Dusters' defense has racked up 21 quarterback sacks and intercepted 9 passes. As a playoff team in 2005, the Dusters' defense had 21 sacks and 10 interceptions in 16 regular-season games.
DUSTERS INJURY REPORT & ROSTER MOVES
Placed QB Steve Panella on Long-Term IR
Placed OL/DL Tyrone Burwell on Short-Term IR
DUSTERS COACHING STAFF
Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator: Steve Perdue
Offensive Coordinator: Chris Hixson
Line Coach: Jim Beverly
FB/LB Coach: Dewayne Miles
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