Game Day Preview: Roughnecks at Wichita Wild
March 31, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : Following a three-point home victory over the Amarillo Venom back on Friday, March 25, the West Texas Roughnecks (3-1) face a short week and return to the road for a non-conference meeting with the Wichita Wild (0-3) on Friday, April 1. This will be the first of two meetings between the Roughnecks and the Wild in 2011, and it is the first time the Roughnecks will be visiting Wichita since the inaugural season of the IFL in 2009.
The Roughnecks defense was an important element in the win last Friday compiling three interceptions, two by DB Marrio Norman, and a key fumble recovery off a Venom kickoff return late in the fourth quarter. The Roughnecks defensive unit will once again be another key component towards the meeting with Wichita. The Roughnecks have allowed 33.3 points a game through four games this season, and they will be led up front by linemen Jeramie Richardson and Ronnie Mason who have combined for five total sacks. The Roughnecks defense will face a Wichita club that is averaging 40.0 points a game including 154.7 yards passing. Wild receiver Clinton Solomon will be the go-to target in the Wild passing game as he currently leads the team with 150 yards receiving and six touchdowns. In terms of the quarterback situation, the Wild added former IFL Offensive Player of the Year Ben Sankey to the roster, however, current starter Shane Mascarenas has thrown for 343 yards and nine touchdowns through three games as he will get the start on Friday.
The Roughnecks offense played consistently well in the win over Amarillo as QB Arkelon Hall has now thrown for close to 500 yards and 11 touchdowns through four games. He will look to receivers Josh Floyd and Ryan Bugg in the passing game as both caught touchdowns last Friday, and Floyd has posted a combined 15 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. The running game will be an important factor for the Roughnecks inside the red-zone. Evin Jones recorded 41 yards on the ground against Amarillo, and DeWayne Hogan picked up two key touchdown runs in the second-half. The Roughnecks defense will also have to contend with a talented Wichita Wild running back in Darius Fudge who has 73 yards on the ground and 71 yards receiving this season. Special teams will also be another key factor in this match-up as both units feature talented kick returners in Randy Kelly for Wichita, and Roughnecks wide out Josh Floyd.
Game Time / Location: 7:05 p.m. kickoff - Hartman Arena, Park City, KS
Broadcast: 95.1 BOB FM (6:40 p.m. Pregame show start time)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks - www.b2livetv.com
Next Game: The West Texas Roughnecks will be on the road next week to face the Allen Wranglers on Friday, April 8
The Wichita Wild will travel to Omaha next week to face the Beef on Saturday, April 9
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