Blocked Field Goal Hands Beef Second Loss
Published on April 3, 2011 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Omaha Beef News Release
There are games when you beat a team statistically, but one play changes the scoreboard and outcome. A blocked field goal returned for a touchdown in the third quarter was the big difference maker in the Omaha Beef's 48-38 loss to the Sioux Falls Storm Sunday.
In the other three quarters, the Beef (now 2-2) and Storm (now 5-0) were even 38-38, but the blocked field goal on the first possession of the second half was the difference maker.
"We came out (of the locker room), got the ball, went 3-and-out and got a field goal blocked for a touchdown," Beef head coach Andy Yost said. "That was a bad turn of events. had to play catch up the rest of the game. That special teams mix up by us us was a big turning point."
Through two quarters, the Beef were down just 17-16 and had the playbook open. That first play forced a game of catch up which kept Omaha's attack focused on the pass.
"Run wise they were doing a good job," Yost said. "They made some adjustments. Playing from behind puts you in a situation you have to pass more. It was part of what they were doing part of playing from behind."
Despite the loss, the Beef led many statistical categories, including a 276-223 advantage in total offense. That was spearheaded by a an aerial attack by James McNear. The longtime fan favorite completed 29 of his 41 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns.
"I think every week James is getting better," Yost said. "The way he improves every week, the way he improved throughout the game was big. He is seeing things better every week."
McNear found five receivers with at least three catches. That included Maurice Avery's 10 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. All three of McNear's passing touchdowns were to different receivers. Anthony Parks caught three passes for 65 yards, and O.J. Simpson caught six for 46 for the QB's other two scores. Allen Burrell also caught four passes for 27 yards.
Yost said the reason for McNear's success has to do with his coachability and desire to learn.
"He's a great pupil," Yost said. "Every week if we can keep making these strides, we're going to win some games."
While McNear had a great passing game, his favorite target Maurice Avery also got in on the action, throwing two-yard touchdown pass to R.J. Rollins in a rare receiver-to-running back pass combination. Rollins caught seven passes for 33 yards in addition to his 18 rushing yards and rushing touchdown.
That pulled the Beef within 13-14, and C.J. Gradoville's field goal with 35 seconds left in the first half gave the Beef their only lead of the game 16-14. The Storm answered with their own field goal as time expired.
The fireworks came late in the fourth quarter with the teams trading six scores in the final six minutes.
With 5:16 left, McNear found Simpson and added a two-point conversion to Avery to pull the score to 24-27. With 3:01 left, the Storm answered with a 22-yard QB keeper by Chris Dixon.
The final minute featured four scores. At 58 seconds, McNear hit Avery. Three seconds later, Sioux Falls scored on a James Terry run. With 22 seconds left, McNear found Parks. The Storm finished scoring by running back the ensuing kickoff.
Next week the Beef return home to the Slaughter House to host the 0-4 Wichita Wild Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 and is Teacher Appreciation Night.
"We don't ever accept loss." Yost said. "But it was a great effort today; we just came up a little short. We need to keep the desire to show up every day."
Indoor Football League Stories from April 3, 2011
- Blocked Field Goal Hands Beef Second Loss - Omaha Beef
- Ice Get 2nd Road Win, Stay Undefeated - Colorado Crush
- Venom Held off by Wranglers - Amarillo Venom
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
