Beef end season 11-6
July 30, 2004 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Omaha Beef News Release
July 17 marked the end of the Omaha Beef's 2004 season when the Billings Outlaws managed to defeat the Beef 59-68 on the Outlaw's home turf. Although the season may be finished, this was a year not short of greatness. Impenetrable defense, the league's best kicker and countless outstanding plays highlighted the 2004 season.
Dominant Defense in 2004
The Beef's offense had more than their share of offensive troubles, but Omaha's defense managed to shine through the turmoil. The b-fence finished in the top half of the league in virtually every defensive category, including rushing defense, red zone defense, total defense and passing defense. They also finished second in the NIFL with their pass defense rating of 96.1, which was no small feat considering they faced some of the best quarterbacks in the league, including Danny Ragsdale and Oscar Davenport.
Star defensive players such as Donavon LaViness, Charles Verdone, Bryan Eakin, Justin Comstock and Richard Johnson helped the Beef become one of the best defensive teams in the nation.
Omaha's top linebacker was Donavon LaViness. At the end of regular season play, the Oklahoma native led the Beef with 98.5 total tackles, ranking him third in the NIFL. In addition, LaViness contributed 12 tackles for loss and two sacks, with one interception and five quarterback hurries. He also posted two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick. LaViness finished the season strong, adding 10.5 tackles to his already impressive list of accomplishments, and was named as a Pacific Conference All-Star.
Charles Verdone is a name that will no doubt stick out in opponents minds. With eight total interceptions and 18 passes broken up, the Benedictine University graduate led the Beef in interceptions and put himself 10th in the nation in passes defended. In addition to being quick on his feet, Verdone managed 61.5 total tackles and one tackle for loss on the season. During playoff play, he led the Beef defensively, coming away with 18 tackles in two games and four passes broken up.
Richard Johnson is no stranger to the Beef. Having just completed his fourth year with the team, Johnson is known for his intensity and his crazy antics on the field. But opposing quarterbacks know the 6-4, 285-pound defensive lineman. Johnson finished the 2004 regular season with a team-high six sacks for a loss of 30 yards. He also contributed 11 tackles for a loss of 43 yards, four quarterback hurries and 38 tackles for the season.
Bryan Eakin may have started the season quietly, but he ended it with a bang when he finished among the top players in the league. Eakin placed himself ninth in the nation in tackles for loss, with 14 for a loss of 57 yards. He also ranked 13th in the NIFL in fumbles recovered with two. The California-born defensive lineman finished the regular season with 51 total tackles, also ranking him among the best in the league, and added seven to that number and two tackles for loss after the playoffs.
Justin Comstock was another essential part of the Beef defense. Comstock finished behind team leader Donavon LaViness in tackles with 83. He also contributed 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and ten pass breakups. But not only did Comstock finish as one of the best defenders on the team, Comstock also proved himself useful in other areas. The Nebraska-Kearney graduate contributed four missed field goal returns for a total of 164 yards, with two returns of 50 yards each to tie the Beef record, and one touchdown.
A Record-Breaking Season
In addition to their defensive success, the Beef broke a handful of records in their playoff quest.
Justin Comstock and Steve Lovell had their chance making history when both returned a missed field goal 50 yards. Comstock set his record June 4 versus the Lincoln Capitols, while Lovell's came May 8 against the Tri City Diesel, while Pacific Conference All-Star and Special Teams MVP Chace Long set a team and individual season record for field goals made with 44.
Standout wide receiver A.J. Street managed to break a couple records with his outstanding end-of season efforts. Street set the yards receiving record (161 yards) versus the Sioux City Bandits July 10 and touchdown reception record (4) versus the Billings Outlaws on July 17. He also set the season record for yard receiving with 825.
It was bound to happen sometime. Charles Verdone set his single game record for interceptions with 3 against the Utah Warriors May 15th and helped the Beef set their team game record for interceptions (7) during their pre-season game versus the Show Me Believers on February 28.
Omaha's many quarterbacks also had a hand in making the Beef's 2004 season into the record books. 32 pass attempts set the team game record in the playoff game July 17 against the Billings Outlaws. Seven touchdown passes broke the previous team game record and Dusty Burk set the record for touchdown passes in a game (6) when the Beef faced off with the Show Me Believers on July 26.
The 2004 team also set season records for total plays (823), pass completions (220) and penalty yards (803).
Long Out-Kicks the Competition
Any Omaha Beef fan knows the name Chace Long. Although he doesn't throw touchdown passes or make interceptions, Long has pulled the Omaha Beef through countless close victories with his leg. During his time in Omaha, Long has posted one of the most impressive records in the history of the NIFL.
This season alone, Long made 39 of 62 field goal attempts with his longest a 57-yard kick. He also finished with an almost perfect record in point-after attempts, going 61-63. He placed himself first in the league in scoring by kicking with 178 points and among the top 10 in point-after kicking. Long also holds the 2004 league record for most points scored kicking in a single game with 20 vs. Lincoln Capitols on April 24 and vs. Wyoming Cavalry on June 12. He also holds the NIFL league record for individual game Field Goal Percentage of 75% vs. Lincoln Capitols on April 24 (6-8). In addition, the Nebraska alumnus holds the all-time league record with his 60-yard field goal, set during his time as a Lincoln Capital.
After regular season play, Long was named a Pacific Conference All-Star and Special Teams MVP.
Currently the 6-1, 200-pound kicker is attending training camp with the Forty-Niners in San Francisco, California.
Long & LaViness named to Pacific Conference All-Stars
The National Indoor Football League announced the 2004 Conference All-Stars as voted on by head coaches, team executives, team broadcasters/media relations representatives, and media outlets around the league. Players receiving Division All-Star honors were eligible for Conference All-Star voting. Each team received four votes in the process, and could not vote for their own players nominated. During this voting process, teams also selected 2004 Most Valuable Players on Special Teams, Offense, and Defense.
In the Pacific Conference, the Sioux Falls Storm notched a conference high seven All-Stars, including Pacific Conference coaching honors. Omaha Beef kicker Chace Long was named Special Teams MVP after connecting on 61 of 63 point after attempts and 39 of 62 field goal attempts, including 11 from over 40 yards out. Tri-City running back Wesley Cates was named Offensive MVP for his efforts with the Diesel after carrying the ball for 1,014 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cates was also second in the NIFL in scoring, with 204 points to his credit. Tri-City defensive lineman, Leif Murphy, received Defensive MVP honors after tallying 45 solo and 24 assisted tackles in addition to league-highs with 15 sacks and 28 tackles for a loss.
In the Atlantic Conference, the Ohio Valley Greyhounds came away with the most Conference All-Stars with seven, including Defensive MVP Angel Estrada. Estrada was responsible for 18 solo and 47 assisted tackles in addition to league-highs with 14 interceptions and 35 passes defended. In the race for Offensive MVP, Show Me quarterback Justin Peery pulled ahead of the pack after an impressive season with the Believers. Peery passed for a league-high 3,227 yards with 59 touchdowns along with carrying the ball for 328 yards and 22 touchdowns. On Special Teams, Fort Wayne kick returner Adrian Reese, received MVP honors after totaling 81 returns for 1,622 yards and three touchdowns for the Freedom.
NIFL Playoff Update
For the first time in league history, a Pacific North Conference team, the Sioux Falls Storm, will host the NIFL Indoor Bowl 4. The Storm, ranked as the number 1 seed in the Pacific Conference, will face off with the Atlantic Conference number 3 seed, the Lexington Horsemen.
Sioux Falls defeated the number 2 seed, Billings Outlaws, 44-13 to claim their title as the Pacific Conference champions. The Storm was granted the home field advantage when the Horsemen defeated the number 1 seed, the Ohio Valley Greyhounds. The game will be held August 7th in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
What's Coming Up
Prime Dancer Tryouts â Interested in joining the Prime Dancer Team. If you would like to be added to the contact list for tryouts please e-mail Terri Ditzler at tditzler@beeffootball.com. We will be mailing registration forms in September for those on the list. Additional registration forms and information will be included in future Meat Wrappers and posted at www.beefffootball.com. Candidates must be high school graduates prior to the first 2005 regular season home game to be eligible for auditions. Minor participation will require parent/guardian permission.
Rump Roaster Tryouts â Do you have team spirit? Would you like to get the WAVE started at the game? Interested in interacting with the crowd? Do you BELIEVE home field advantage makes a difference? Not afraid to start cheers & chants or even dance once in a while? Do you know all the moves to YMCA? Then you are what we are looking for. If you would like to join the Rump Roaster team and be a driving force behind the noise then let us know. Please e-mail Terri Ditzler at tditzler@beeffootball.com. We will contact you with more information as details are finalized. There will also be additional information in future Meat Wrappers and posted at www.beeffootball.com.
National Anthem Auditions - If you are interested in auditioning to perform the National Anthem for our 2005 season and would like to receive a notice via USPS please send an e-mail requesting to be added to the contact list to tditzler@beeffootball.com. In the e-mail please include your name, mailing address, daytime phone number and e-mail address. If you represent a group please only include contact information for one individual. We are looking for soloists & groups, vocal & instrumental. More information with date & time will be posted as soon as the details are worked out. Look for auditions to take place in January or February of 2005.
Honor Guard Sign-Up - Omaha Beef Football is looking for groups to present our Nation's Flag at all 2005 home games. If you would like your group to be added to the list and considered please contact Terri Ditzler at tditzler@beeffootball.com. Final selections and assignments will be made in January 2005.
Half Time Sign-Up â We're looking for good half-time entertainment! Performers of all kinds should submit a video to for consideration. Please send VHS video to: Omaha Beef Football Administrative Office ATTN: HALF-TIME ENTERTAINMENT 1907 Harney Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Video will not be returned. Final selections and game assignments will be made in January 2005.
Player Tryouts - Want to play for the Omaha Beef? If you are interested in participating in the 2005 Omaha Beef Football tryout please contact Sandy Buda, Head Coach. If a prospective Omaha Beef player has college or professional football experience player biographies and/or game film may be sent to: Omaha Beef Football Administrative Office ATTN: Head Coach Sandy Buda 1907 Harney Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Biographies may also be e-mailed to Head Coach Sandy Buda at sbuda@beeffootball.com. Look for a registration form soon at www.beeffootball.com.
2005 Season Tickets â will be on sale soon! Current Season Ticket Holders will have first right of refusal for their seats and then all seats will be released. Deadlines and timelines are being worked on now! Please watch www.beeffootball.com for up-to-date information and an order form.
News & Notes
KNOLLS KICKOFF CLASSIC â Join Steve Lovell, Damien Bauman, Chace Long, Donavon LaViness, Damon Benning, Clinton Childs, Bob Wagner, Tony Veland, Jon Bostick and others from Omaha Beef Football for the Knolls Kickoff Classic on Saturday, July 31st. It's a 4-person scramble with an 8:00 AM Shotgun start. There will be one football player on each team for a 5th member. Package includes Dinner, Flag Prizes and more. For more information please call the Knolls Golf Course at 402-493-1740.
Please give us your suggestion..
Plans are currently underway for the Holiday and 2005 Pro-shop. If you would like to see a particular item in the pro-shop please let us know. Please send an email to omahabeef1@beeffootball.com, we will do our best to accommodate all suggestions.
HAVE SIRLOIN AT YOUR NEXT PARTY OR EVENT
If you would like Sir Loin to make an appearance at your party or event, please send an e-mail request to sirloin01@hotmail.com.
National Indoor Football League Stories from July 30, 2004
- Beef end season 11-6 - Omaha Beef
- Three Believers selected to All-Stars - RiverCity Rage
- Heard Represents Bucks on All-Conference Team - Houma Bayou Bucks
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