New Stars Shine in Arkansas debut in NIFL
March 22, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Arkansas Stars News Release
The newly expanded Arkansas Stars of the National Indoor Football League may have lost the opener last weekend, but Head Football Coach Raymond House says he saw a team on the field from start to finish that wouldn't quit. And that gives him reason to believe that fans in Fayetteville who enjoy hard hitting, up close, lightning fast football are in for a treat when the Stars host the Charleston Sandsharks on Saturday, April 1st at the Randal Tyson Track Center.
"For all the surprises thrown at us by Beaumont, I was proud that my guys fought all the way to the end. Remember, this is an expansion team, and it was the first time most of the players had played together. But we kept it close against a real solid football team, and individually, had some players who stepped up and took over. That's what I'm looking for, players who want to take over on the field, show leadership and set an example with their play. I saw some of that last weekend."
The final score told one story... Beaumont winning in the final 40 seconds, 55-49. The real tale of the tape may have been the offense employed by House that will be ready to light up scoreboards around the NIFL, as the combination of quarterback Josh Waggle and wide receiver Darian Chestnut locked in for 5 receptions and 116 yards. Overall, Waggle threw for 204 yards and connected with his receivers for 3 touchdowns. Running back Chrys Chukwuma totaled 44 yards on 14 carries, but more importantly, found the end zone 3 times. Kicker Ryan Gullet hit 50% of his field goal attempts. Throw in Andre Harrison, who led the team in tackles, and you see why House says "I've got reason to believe this football team will be not only exciting and entertaining to our fans, but will play hard nosed, intense, competitive football with any team on our schedule. Charleston, for example, when we play them it'll be the first game in a new league for the Sandsharks, just like it was for us last week against Beaumont. It's all new, but my guys will play together as a team, and learn from each other. Game film sessions, practice, the games, it'll all come together and find us all on the same page. THAT'S when a team emerges."
MEET THE STARS THIS WEEKEND IN FAYETTEVILLE!!
Fans of the newly expanded Arkansas Stars of the NIFL can again this weekend get up close and personal with their favorite players and cheerleaders when TGI Fridays host it's first fan/player get-together on Friday March 24th and Saturday, March 25th. After a rousing reception just two weeks ago at Garfield's, the Stars are ready to come out again and greet fans of all ages from 8pm-10pm both nights. Players and cheerleaders will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions about this exciting new team in the National Indoor Football League. TGI Fridays is located at 3619 Mall Avenue in Fayetteville.
• Discuss this story on the National Indoor Football League message board...
National Indoor Football League Stories from March 22, 2006
- Lady Phantoms to Hold Second Audition - Palm Beach Phantoms
- Osceola Secures Victory Number Two - Osceola Ghostriders
- New Stars Shine in Arkansas debut in NIFL - Arkansas Stars
- Eight Games On Tap For Week Three - NIFL
- Weather forces relocation of Aces game - Rapid City Flying Aces
- Rage face unknown quantity in home opener - RiverCity Rage
- The Big Sky Thunder Makes Big Changes - Big Sky Thunder
- Copperheads turn focus to the Gators - Texas Copperheads
- Fever open season Friday - Tri-Cities Fever
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.
