Game Day Preview: Roughnecks Vs. Amarillo Venom
March 24, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : After four weeks, including two bye weeks, the West Texas Roughnecks (2-1) return to the friendly confines of the Ector County Coliseum to play host to the Amarillo Venom (0-3) on Friday, March 25 in a key Lone Star divisional match-up. The Roughnecks are coming off their first loss of the 2011 regular season falling just short to the Bricktown Brawlers in Oklahoma City, 31-27, back on Sunday, March 20. The Roughnecks held a two-point lead throughout the majority of the second-half against the Brawlers, but a late fumble recovered in the end-zone by the Brawlers defense including a last-minute interception helped OKC post the victory. Roughnecks QB Arkelon Hall has been producing under center in his last few outings recording seven total touchdowns to only two interceptions in his last two games. Wide out Josh Floyd has been a major factor towards the offensive unit and held his most impressive performance of the season against the Brawlers by recording seven catches for 119 yards & two touchdowns, and his abilities as a kick returner will be a factor on special teams in the match-up versus Amarillo.
The Roughnecks defense has been productive through the first three games of the season and the unit is coming off another strong outing against the Brawlers. Defensive linemen Jeramie Richardson and the defensive line will be key factors up front in producing pressure and containing the Venom running game. Eric Henri will again be another factor on defense but look for the Roughnecks secondary to be an essential part in Friday's game as Derrick Boyd, Anthony Beck & Marrio Norman will all look to do their part in containing the Venom passing attack.
The Amarillo Venom are coming off a 37-33 loss to the Wyoming Cavalry back on Friday, March 18. They are led offensively by QB X'Zavier Bloodsaw who threw for over 220 yards and rushed for 61 yards in the loss to Wyoming. His go-to targets receiving wise will be DuVaughn Flagler as well as Anthony Clark. Defensively, look for defensive back Cashmin Thomas and linebacker Edward Cantrell to be important factors in terms of containing the Roughnecks passing attack, which will feature Ryan Bugg who returns for his first game of the 2011 season after having sports hernia surgery.
Early turnovers will be a factor in this divisional game including execution within the red-zone for both offensive units. As an additional note, the Amarillo Venom swept the season series against the Roughnecks in 2010, including an IFL First Round playoff victory.
Game Time / Location: 7:11 p.m. kickoff - Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
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 Wichita Wild on Friday, April 1
The Amarillo Venom host the Allen Wranglers next week on Saturday, April 2.
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