Hiss Look Forward to Freedom in Finale
June 19, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
Nashville Venom Sideline
(Nashville Venom)
NASHVILLE (June 17, 2015) - For the second season in a row the Nashville Venom (6-4) will take on the Trenton Freedom (6-5) in the Professional Indoor Football League's final regular season weekend. Last season the Freedom traveled to Nashville and fell in a game that determined home field advantage throughout the playoffs. People predicted a return to Nashville for the championship game for the Freedom but they were upset by the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks.
This season, the Venom is in the playoffs but can move up as high as the second seed with a victory on Saturday and a loss by the Richmond Raiders (7-4). The Raiders travel to take on the Erie Explosion (2-8). The Freedom, on the other hand, is playing for their playoff lives. They are in a win or go home scenario. A victory on Saturday gives them the third seed and they will take on Richmond. A loss and the idle Steelhawks (6-5) will sneak in the tournament.
"We have a chance to look at some things and get some stuff solidified," said Venom head coach Billy Back. "By all means we want to win but getting in the playoffs helps us to not have a situation where it is a must win. Last season we went on a long winning streak to get the championship. This season teams circled games with us on their calendars like we were their Super Bowl. We didn't play up to my expectations and that's why we lost four games. We will find out quick who will be on the roster for the playoffs or not."
One of the units that will get a lot of work is the offensive line. With the addition of center Garrison Ushery last week, Nashville feels they finally have their line set. Ushery is the fifth player used under center in 2015. By comparison, last season Chris Thompson snapped on every offensive play. With Ushery playing well, Jeremy Buchanan has moved to his natural position at right guard, Anthony Jackson can man the left guard position and Stanlee Bradley can stay at fullback. All of this is music to the ears of QB Charles McCullum.
"Our line was a focal point of our success last season," said McCullum. "They kept me clean and I was able to stand tall in the pocket and hit guys that were wide open. The guys upfront have worked hard all season. We are in the playoffs but as a quarterback, I want us to stay in a rhythm. For us this is a business trip. Our playoff mindset started two weeks ago. We want to go to Trenton and win, no doubt about it. We can't afford to take a week off."
SNAKE BITES:
Two scenarios would allow the Venom to have a home playoff game. A win against Trenton would have to occur for either scenario to happen.
If the Venom wins against Trenton and Richmond would lose against Erie, they will host the first round of the playoffs on June 27th.
If the Venom wins against Trenton, then win their first round playoff game at Richmond and Columbus loses against Lehigh Valley, the Venom would host the PIFL Championship Game.
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 Nashville Venom Sideline |
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 19, 2015
- Hiss Look Forward to Freedom in Finale - Nashville Venom
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