Game Day Preview: West Texas Roughnecks Vs. Austin Turfcats
May 7, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The Roughnecks travel to Austin looking to complete a regular season series sweep of the Turfcats on Saturday, May 8. The Roughnecks have dropped two straight ball games with their last victory coming against the Turfcats (49-46) back on April 17. Injuries and turnovers have hit the Roughnecks hard during their two-game losing streak but those issues are improving. The Roughnecks will have QB Tommy Jones back in the line-up for Saturday's game after missing last weekend's match-up with Arkansas due to a concussion. Throughout the majority of the season the Roughnecks have had issues at the center position but the Roughnecks will start newly acquired center Dustin Washburn on Saturday, and the offensive line will have Peter Fields back at tackle to help with protection.
The Roughnecks and the Turfcats are in identical scenarios in regards to climbing back into the playoff picture. The Roughnecks will need to come together following a 71-28 loss to Arkansas on last Saturday. The Roughnecks should have a spark in their offense with Jones back at quarterback, which should help in the aerial attack with receivers Ryan Bugg, Steve Bergeski and Josh Floyd. Floyd is coming off another solid performance in which he posted eight receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown against Arkansas. The key for the Roughnecks is to play a complete game and avoid early second-half troubles if they look to snap the two-game skid.
The Turfcats enter Saturday having lost three straight with the most recent loss being a 52-27 outcome to San Angelo. Turnovers from the offensive side have also affected the Turfcats as QB Deron Ellis threw three interceptions against San Angelo, and the Turfcats were outscored 19-9 in the fourth quarter. Look for the Roughnecks to come after the Turfcats defense through the air as they did in their previous meeting on April 17. Tommy Jones threw for 225 yards and four touchdowns previously against Austin, but the key factor in the Roughnecks win over Austin was the defense.
The Roughnecks consistently pressured Deron Ellis in their last meeting and look for Jermaine Blakely & James Vess to do more of the same this Saturday. Austin brings a strong receiving core to the table with wide outs Reggie Smith & Austin Willis, and the Roughnecks will be challenged by the Turfcats speed. However, the Roughnecks defense has been playing consistently as the unit has posted three sacks and two interceptions in their last two ball games. Eric Henri has played an important role ever since moving back to his natural position at safety. Roughnecks DB Austin Smith will be another key for the Roughnecks defense especially on deep passes and special teams play. On a side note, look for the Roughnecks to utilize Ronnie Mason at linebacker along with Johnny Anderson in Saturday's all-important match-up. This could become a back-and-forth ball game with the winner getting an edge on the final playoff spot.
Game Time / Location: 6:30 p.m. kickoff - Leudecke Arena, Austin, TX
Broadcast: 95.1 BOB FM (6:10 p.m. start)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks - www.b2livetv.com
Next Game: The West Texas Roughnecks host the Arkansas Diamonds on Saturday, May 15
The Austin Turfcats travel to Abilene to face the Ruff Riders on Saturday, May 15
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