Game Day Preview: Roughnecks Vs. Omaha Beef
April 15, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks (4-2) return to the Ector County Coliseum to host the Omaha Beef (3-2) in a non-conference battle on Saturday, April 16. On their recent road stretch the Roughnecks defeated the Wichita Wild on Friday, April 1 54-47, but most recently the Roughnecks came up short in Allen against the Wranglers 33-28 back on Friday, April 8 to fall into a first place tie with the Allen Wranglers at 4-2 in the Lone Star Division. The Roughnecks now turn their attention to the Omaha Beef; a team they have not faced since the 2009 season when the Beef defeated the Roughnecks in Omaha, 70-58.
The Roughnecks defensive unit has continued to perform well as the team reaches the midway point of the 2011 season having allowed 35.5 points per game (4th) and currently ranking second in the IFL in total sacks with 18. The Roughnecks defensive line will be the important starting point in matching up with Beef QB James McNear who has thrown for over 780 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, however McNear left last week's game against Wichita with an injury leaving Silas Fluellen to run the offense in the second-half. McNear also has the ability to run outside the pocket as he has recorded over 100 rushing yards in 2011 and pressure off the line will be an important factor for the Roughnecks defense.
The Roughnecks secondary will see several talented receivers from Omaha on Saturday. Former Roughneck Maurice Avery currently leads the Beef with 24 receptions for 304 yards and five touchdowns. Avery along with Allen Burrell provide big-play abilities that the Roughnecks secondary will be focused on. Beef running back R.J. Rollins is also a talented weapon in the backfield who has strong receiving capabilities.
The Roughnecks offense will look to bounce back from their performance in Allen last week and they will be led by QB Arkelon Hall who has thrown for close to 800 yards and has posted 21 total touchdowns in six games this season. Receiver Josh Floyd will be an important target on Saturday following a 217 all-purpose yard & two touchdown performance against Allen last Friday; Floyd is currently second in the IFL in all-purpose yards with 732 and his kick return abilities on special teams will be another important factor. Furthermore, look for Wilson Kimble & Tim Bush to be key passing targets and look for the running game to play a big part inside the red-zone for the Roughnecks with running backs Evin Jones & DeWayne Hogan. Look for the turnover battle to be key early on in this game as well as the match-up between the Roughnecks secondary and the Omaha passing game.
Game Time / Location: 7:11 p.m. kickoff - Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
Broadcast: 95.1 BOB FM (6:45 p.m. pregame show start time)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks / America One Network - www.b2livetv.com
Next Game: The West Texas Roughnecks will travel to Amarillo next week to face the Venom on Saturday, April 23
The Omaha Beef will return home next week to host the Nebraska Danger on Saturday, April 23
Indoor Football League Stories from April 15, 2011
- Grizzlies announce Family Night - Fairbanks Grizzlies
- Game Day Preview: Roughnecks Vs. Omaha Beef - West Texas Roughnecks
- Game Preview: Amarillo Venom at Wichita Wild - Amarillo Venom
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