Peoria Rough Riders game notes
July 16, 2005 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Peoria Rough Riders News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Peoria Rough Riders (4-9)
Vs Evansville Bluecats (7-7)
Date: Saturday July 16th 2005
Kickoff: 7:05 pm
Site: Carver Arena
National Anthem: Brandon Chandler
Coin Toss:
Referee: Craig Patrick, Bloomington, IL
Umpire: Greg Koerner, Champaign, IL
Linesman: Rich Grube, Buffalo Grove, IL
Line Judge: Addison Owen, Matoon, IL
Back Judge: Tom Hahs, Bourbannis, IL
Radio: WIRL 1290 AM-Ed Hammond Play-by-play
Series Record: (1-0) The Rough Riders won the first meeting.
Last Meeting: May 28th, 2005
Streaks: Peoria lost 1. Evansville lost 1.
Coaches: Peoria Rough Riders: Bruce Cowdrey 65-35
Evansville Bluecats: Ollie Guidry
THE STAKES: Peoria going for their fifth win and trying to move up from the final playoff spot. The Blucats are trying to get back in the win column and even the season series.
THE SERIES: (1-0) The first meeting this season was won by Peoria.
THE IF's:
If Peoria defeats the Bluecats it would mean that ...
- Peoria has a 5-9 record and remain in position for a playoff run
- Give Peoria its fifth win in the UIF.
If the Bluecats defeat Peoria it would mean that
- The season series would be even at 1 game a piece.
- Evansville would move to 8-7 in the 2005 season and could keep Peoria's chances at the playoffs in doubt.
FORWARD MOTION: The Rough Riders will play at home next week in the final regular season game, July 23 vs. Ohio Valley.
NEW GUYS: New to the team is linebacker/defensive end Algie Atkinson, he established the career sack record at Kansas University as a senior with 24, surpassing Gilbert Brown and several other former Jayhawks. He also led the team in tackles for loss with 18 in his record-setting season. Also new are offensive lineman from Missouri Western Earl Jack and from Southwest Missouri State lineman Thomas Durham. Just recently were Phil "J.R." Taylor as a wide receiver and Codolyous "Dodie" Wilson at running back.
Peoria Rough Riders (4-9)
Date Opponent Result Score
3/26 @ Tupelo 7:30 W 53-25
4/9 @ Black Hills 7:05 W 51-34
4/16 Lexington 7:05 L 33-44
4/23 @ Sioux City 7:05 L 31-45
4/30 @ Tenn. Valley 7:30 L 32-39
5/7 Sioux Falls 7:05 L 56-21
5/13 @ Fort Wayne 7:30 L 32-52
5/21 Fort Wayne 7:05 L 41-13
5/28 @ Evansville 7:05 W 39-28
6/4 @ Ohio Valley 7:30 L 22-23
6/10 Sioux City 7:05 L 43-20
6/18 Tupelo 7:05 W 62-10
6/25 Ft. Wayne 7:05 L 35-56
7/16 Evansville 7:05
7/23 Ohio Valley 7:05
RIDERS TO WATCH
Running Back, Brandon Robinson. This shifty runner has been waiting for his chance while being used primarily as a kick returner should be the feature back this week. As a return man he has racked up over 1000 yards on 52 returns. In week 14 he posted 88 yards rushing and 3 scores.
Linebacker, Jason VanLoo. VanLoo made his debut in week seven against Tennessee Valley. Jason made an immediate impact dishing out big hits and providing the defense with a much-needed spark and has worked at times at the defensive end position. Week 15 saw VanLoo lead the team in tackles and was named the leagues Defensive Player of the Week.
WR/RB, J.R. Taylor. A weapon as a rusher or as a pass catcher Taylor has quickly become a big part of the Rough Rider offense and was sorely missed as he was at a NFL work out. J.R. has spent time with the Green Bay Packers and looks to shine for Peoria in hopes of moving back to a higher level.
AFTER LAST GAME: The Riders look to get a win versus The Bluecats and make a strong bid for the 8th and final playoff spot. At this point Peoria, Tennessee Valley and Ohio Valley all are within a game of each other and it could come down to the final week to see which team will make the post season.
Peoria Rough Riders Head Coach at a Glance:
Bruce Cowdrey returns for his 6th season (four af2/two IFL) as Head Coach of the Peoria Rough Riders. Coach Cowdrey, a familiar and popular fixture in Peoria, led the Peoria Pirates to the af2 Arena Cup Championship in 2002 and 2004. During his coaching stint in Peoria, Bruce has established an incredible 65-35 record including four league championship appearances. In 2000, Coach Cowry's Peoria Pirates tied an all time professional football record by completing a perfect 17-0 record en-route to the IFL Gold Cup Championship. Known for his on field intensity, discipline and ability to recruit talented players, Coach Cowdrey brings over 30 years coaching and recruiting experience to the Peoria Rough Riders organization. Bruce's indoor experience other than with the Peoria Pirates includes a brief stint with the af2 Pensacola Barracudas and the Madison Mad Dogs of the Indoor Football League. Coach Cowdrey was the Offensive Line Coach for the Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1991. Prior to coaching in the CFL, Cowdrey was an assistant coach at Indiana State, Fort Hays State, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Northwestern, South Carolina, and Missouri.
Evansville Bluecats Coach Ollie Guidry
Heidelberg named Ollie Guidry as director of football operations, recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach. During the 2001 season, Guidry was an assistant head coach and offensive coordinator with the Indoor Professional Football League's Tennessee ThunderCats.
Evansville Bluecats (7-7)
Date Opponent Result Score
3/19 Tennessee Valley 7:05 W 53-51
4/2 Lexington 7:05 W 57-52
4/8 @ Tupelo 7:05 L 51-62
4/16 @ Omaha 7:05 L 27-29
4/23 Rapid City 7:05 W 60-57
4/30 Omaha 7:05 W 52-23
5/14 Tennessee Valley 7:05 W 48-24
5/21 @ Sioux Falls 7:05 L 42-49
5/28 Peoria 7:05 L 28-39
6/4 @ Tennessee Val. 7:30 L 22-29
6/18 @ Sioux City 7:05 L 40-61
6/24 @ Tupelo 7:05 W 39-32
7/02 Tupelo 7:05 W 48-25
7/09 @ Lexington 6:30 L 62-69
7/17 @ Peoria 7:05
Bluecats Players to Watch:
Defensive Back, Connie Brown.
This former Rebel from UNLV has been a defensive playmaker all season racking up 97 solo tackles and 67 assist for a total of 130.5 to lead the team. Brown has also proven to be good against the pass with 5 interceptions and 6 pass break ups.
Wide Receiver, Gerald Clark.
This offensive threat had 126 yards receiving and 3 scores against Black Hills. Clark leads the team in receiving with 50 catches for 750 yards. Clark also leads the team in touchdown receptions with 15. Against Tennessee Valley he turned in 5 catches for 70 yards and 2 scores.
Running Back, Dale Jennings.
Jennings averages 3.2 a carry and leads the team in rushing touchdowns with 23 and is tied for fourth in the league. Dale has played in 14 games this season and has a total of 674 rushing yards making him third in the league.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 16, 2005
- Peoria Rough Riders game notes - Peoria Rough Riders
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