Nashville Venom Season Opener Preview
Published on March 27, 2015 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
WHAT: The Nashville Venom 2015 season opener and ring ceremony
WHERE: Nashville Municipal Auditorium 417 4th Avenue North Nashville, Tennessee 37201
WHEN: Friday, March 27, 2015 7 p.m. CST
HISTORY: Nashville is 3-0 against Alabama winning March 29, 2014 57-40 at Alabama, April 18, 2014 59-29 in Nashville and 59-45 on June 2, 2014 in Nashville.
TALE OF THE TAPE
When Alabama has the ball: The Hammers will feature virtually a brand new roster and a new head coach. Scott Sharp will look to lead his team in his first arena season. Sharp will have leading receiver Mico McSwain at his disposal. McSwain grabbed 79 passes and scored 24 touchdowns for Alabama in 2014. Nashville led the league in points allowed per game in 2014.
New defensive coordinator Terrence Quattlebaum will have to mix old talent with new. Nose guard Walter Thomas is back for another run at a championship. Thomas is described as un-blockable and disruptive. He is playing this year with a chip on his shoulder from being snubbed for postseason honors. Rejoining Thomas on the line is Brian Ellis. Ellis came on and played great during the Venom's playoff run. All-PIFL performer Corry Stewart anchors a solid secondary. Stewart led Nashville with eight interceptions in 2014. Kenny Veal returns along with Jaime Graham and Ken Walton.
When Nashville has the ball: In 2014 QB Charles McCullum led the PIFL in total offense. In six regular season games he has threw for 30 TDs and only four INTs. . WRs Jordan Jolly and George Murray return to give McCullum a solid group to throw to. Jolly led the league in yards per catch at a 14.4 clip. Murray was steady all season. He can also step in to play QB when needed. Nashville will be looking to Zachary Ducker to be the third receiver. Like Murray, Ducker can also play QB and he is one of the top athletes on the team.
The Hammers return Ginakachi Ibe at defensive back. Ibe recorded 42 tackles and will be looked upon heavily to make a solid impact for his team.
Intangibles: This will be first of two meetings for both teams in three weeks. The Hammers are based in Huntsville which is about an hour's drive from Nashville. Alabama won the 2013 PIFL and their 2014 home opener was against the expansion Venom. Nashville spoiled their ring ceremony. The Venom will try to avoid the same thing happening to them in 2015.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 27, 2015
- Nashville Venom Season Opener Preview - Nashville Venom
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.
