Playoff Game Preview - West Texas Roughnecks Vs. Amarillo Venom
June 25, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks travel to Amarillo to face the Venom in the first round of the 2010 IFL Playoffs on Monday, June 28. The Roughnecks enter the post-season riding a four-game winning streak including winning five of their last six games to reach the playoffs. The Amarillo Venom posted an impressive 11-3 record during the regular season and captured the 2010 Lone Star Western Division Championship. However, the Venom are entering Monday's playoff match-up having lost two of their last three games to close out the regular season. Things have changed from a roster stand-point for both teams since their two previous meetings taking place back in March. Amarillo went on to defeat the Roughnecks in both meetings with the first on March 13 (53-27) in Odessa and the second on March 27 (55-33) in Amarillo.
The Roughnecks offensive unit has been on fire during their four-game winning streak with QB Tommy Jones leading the way. Jones has thrown for 19 touchdown passes in his last four games, including nine touchdowns in his last two games with no interceptions. The Roughnecks receiving core has been as impressive during the final month as Steve Bergeski and Ryan Bugg have combined for 23 receptions for 254 yards and five touchdown receptions in their last two outings. Dexter Henderson and Josh Floyd have also been productive factors in the receiving core as well as on special teams. The Roughnecks will look to continue their success through the air, but the running game has been the improving factor within the unit. The Roughnecks will look to use newly acquired RB Rashaud Slaughter in the rushing attack. Slaughter adds quickness to the rushing department and versatility in the receiving core and special teams. Look for Slaughter and Jermaine Blakely to be key factors in the red-zone on Monday.
The Amarillo Venom bring a dynamic offense to the table led by QB Julian Reese. Reese threw for over 2,000 yards in 2010 and posted 42 touchdown passes to just eight interceptions. Even though Reese recorded an impressive statistical season passing-wise, the Venom hold a strong rushing attack. RB DonTrell Moore is a solid running back who posted over 500 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns in 2010. Julian Reese is also an effective runner who can become a dual-threat player in this match-up after recording nine touchdown runs during the regular season. The Venom receiving core has seen some changes during the course of the season but it remains a talented core with Anthony Clark, Carl Johnson and Alex Watson. All three receivers posted over 400 yards receiving in 2010 and all three posted nine touchdown receptions. Look for the Amarillo offense to utilize these three receivers in the running game and look for each player to be a factor inside the red-zone.
The Roughnecks defense had difficulties slowing down Reese and the Venom rushing attack in their two previous meetings. However, the Roughnecks have improved in containing the rushing attack during their winning streak, but more importantly, they will need to provide pressure on Julian Reese up front on the defensive line. Look for Jermaine Blakely & James Vess to be key factors in this situation. Additionally, look for LB Eric Henri to be an important figure on defense as well as rover back Antonio Sims. Turnovers will be a key factor in this playoff match-up. Tommy Jones was intercepted a combined six times in both meetings against Amarillo and avoiding early turnovers will be essential for both teams in this game. Look for special teams play to be another important factor as well as red-zone offensive execution in the second-half.
Game Time / Location: 7:00 p.m. Kickoff - Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, TX
Broadcast / Televised: 95.1 BOB FM (6:40 p.m. Start) / America One Network & My TV 16 (Permian Basin)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks - www.b2livetv.com
Next Round: Winner will move on to the Intense Conference Semi-Finals
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