GhostRiders Vs. Thunder Preview
April 16, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Osceola Ghostriders News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.] - The Osceola GhostRiders (3-3) will travel to Daytona Beach to take on the Thunder (1-5) on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at The Ocean Center. The GhostRiders are coming off a tough 55-46 loss at Augusta. Meanwhile the Thunder gave Columbus all they could handle before succumbing to the Lions 46-39.
In Augusta, the GhostRiders secondary was torched by Spartans QB Mike Rathe who threw for 242 yards and 6 touchdowns. The lone bright spot for the depleted "Air Traffic Control" was Rashad Mays, who made 9.5 tackles and had one interception. GhostRiders QB Rob Harding hooked up with WIFL Special Teams MVP, Lamont Finnie twice for touchdowns of 25 and 10 yards in the fourth quarter. In the end, Augusta was just too much for the undermanned GhostRiders.
Osceola leads the season series with Daytona 2-0 including a 62-39 blowout in their most recent meeting in Kissimmee. This game marks the first meeting between the two teams in Daytona.
"Just because we have been successful against Daytona in the first two games, we cannot become overconfident and look ahead to the next game," states Head Coach Marquette Smith. Smith continues, "Daytona is a great team in their arena and we will have to bring our best to beat them."
On paper, it looks good for the GhostRiders who bring to Daytona the league's highest scoring offense (45.8 points/game), lowest scoring defense (34.7 points/game) and the best rushing attack (62.7 yards/game, 16 TD). However, the GhostRiders are only .500 after six games and are still looking for their first road win of the season.
For Daytona, look for QB Tavares Woodley to try and find his talented trio of receivers. AFL legend, Barry Wagner is the veteran leader of the wide receivers corps that also includes Kwasie Kwaku (6 receptions, 73 yards, 2 TD) and WIFL receiving leader, Cory McKinney (34 receptions, 550 yards, 10 TD). DB Nick Allison is back after spending time with the Orlando Predators. Nick "The Quick" had 14 interceptions last season for the Thunder.
"Wagner and Allison are big time players. The last time we played Daytona, Barry was just getting going and Nick wasn't there. I definitely expect those guys to be difference makers for the Thunder," states Smith.
If the GhostRiders are to win, they'll have to do it without several key players. General Manager Jordan Bartels addresses the injury situation, "We have several guys banged up right now, but this is football and injuries are a part of the game. This is a big game for us and I expect our team to rally and put forth a great effort in search of our first road victory of the season."
GhostRiders fans are encouraged to make the trip to Daytona and cheer on the GhostRiders in this must win game. For those not in attendance on Sunday, all of the action can be heard on the WIFL Internetwork audiocast beginning at 3:15 p.m.
Injury Report provided by Orthopaedic Associates of Osceola and Nalda Family Chiropractic...
James Panui, WR, MCL, out
Julius Eppinger, WR, broken ankle, out
Chad Mascoe, DL, shoulder, doubtful
James Smith, DB, turf toe, doubtful
Dante Johnson, WR, hamstring, doubtful
Brandon Sumner, QB, ribs, probable
Turmarian Moreland, DB, knee, probable
Rob Harding, QB, hip, probable
GhostRiders Tickets...
The GhostRiders next home game is set for 4:00 p.m. on April 29 at IOA Field at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The GhostRiders invite fans out for "Faith & Family Night." The first 1,000 fans will receive a free GhostRiders team poster. Fans can stay for a free post game concert with the popular Christian rock band "New Method." Individual game tickets for this and remaining home games can be purchased in person at the Silver Spurs Arena Box Office weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; by phone (407) 839-3900; on the Web at www.ticketmaster.com; or at any Ticketmaster outlet. For season or flex tickets or for more information, please call 407-210-2383 to speak with a Ticket Representative or email bradh@ghostridersfootball.com.
WIFL . . . Catch the ball. Hit the wall. The next generation of football!
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from April 16, 2007
- GhostRiders Vs. Thunder Preview - Osceola Ghostriders
- Injury Bug Hits GhostRiders...Early And Often - Osceola Ghostriders
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.
