Roughnecks Defeat Abilene 36-33 With Late Touchdown Off Blocked Field Goal
March 7, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks kicked off the 2010 regular season in exciting fashion by defeating the Abilene Ruff Riders on Saturday, Mach 6 by the score of 36-33. The Roughnecks snapped a four-game losing streak to the Ruff Riders by compiling one of the biggest come-from-behind wins in team history. The Ruff Riders got on the scoreboard first following a 31-yard touchdown pass from QB Haven Mosely to WR Juan Reese on the first play from scrimmage. The Roughnecks cut the deficit to 7-6 following a 13-yard touchdown pass from QB Tommy Jones to WR Brandon Sparrow. The Ruff Riders extended their lead to 13-6 when wide out Robert Gill returned a Zeke Arevalo kickoff back 48 yards for a touchdown with 6:59 remaining in the first quarter.
Turnovers became a factor late in the first half as interceptions and fumbles led to scores for the Abilene Ruff Riders. Quarterback Haven Mosely ran in a one-yard touchdown to extend the Ruff Riders lead to 20-6 with 8:27 remaining in the second quarter. Later in the second quarter, QB Kewan Dewberry entered the game for Abilene and hooked up with Robert Gill for a 47-yard touchdown pass to give the Ruff Riders a 27-6 lead. The Roughnecks countered the two previous scores with a three-yard touchdown run by Jorvorskie Lane. The Roughnecks entered halftime trailing the Ruff Riders 30-13.
Things changed immensely in the second half as the Roughnecks cut the deficit to 30-23 with ten unanswered points. Following a 47-yard field goal from kicker Zeke Arevalo, QB Tommy Jones found WR Ryan Bugg for a 29-yard touchdown pass to make it a one score game. Abilene's only points of the second half came early in the fourth quarter when Nick Pertuit made a 30-yard field goal to extend the Ruff Riders lead to 33-23.
Following an impressive ten play drive and with the help of defensive penalties, Jorvorskie Lane found the end-zone for the second time from one yard out to make it a 33-29 game. The turning point of the game came with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Ruff Riders were looking to seal the game with a Nick Pertuit field goal attempt. Roughnecks linebacker and wide out Johnny Anderson blocked the attempted kick as LB Eric Henri recovered the loose ball in the end-zone for the go-ahead score at 36-33. The Ruff Riders were on the move following the score but DB Darius Johnson intercepted Haven Mosely to give the ball back to the Roughnecks offense. The Roughnecks effectively used the running game to run out the clock and capture their first win of the 2010 season.
Tommy Jones finished going 14-of-37 for 187 yards passing and two touchdowns with four interceptions. Ryan Bugg led the Roughnecks receiving core with eight receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown as Jorvorskie Lane finished with 24 yards rushing on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Ruff Riders quarterback Kewan Dewberry threw for 69 yards and one touchdown as Haven Mosely went 2-of-6 for 40 yards and a touchdown. RB Carlos Alsup led Abilene with 21 yards rushing on three carries and Robert Gill posted two receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Eric Henri led the Roughnecks defense with five total tackles along with two tackles-for-loss, one fumble recovery, one sack and a defensive touchdown. Ruff Riders DB Darvin Peterson led his club with six total tackles along with one interception and two pass break-ups.
Additional Notes -
The 36-33 win for the Roughnecks snaps a four-game losing streak against Abilene dating back to 2009. The win gives the Roughnecks their first season-opening win since the 2007 season.
Next Meeting -
The Roughnecks will face the Abilene Ruff Riders two more times during the 2010 season on Saturday, May 22 from Abilene and on Saturday, June 12 in Odessa.
Head Coach Chris Williams Comments -
"We came together in a big way tonight for the win. We knew this was going to be an early test especially on the road but I am proud of the way our players fought back into this game and it was certainly a big team win. The combination of the young talent and the veteran leadership that we have on this club was a big factor in the game especially in the second half. There are a few things will still need to work on and adjust, but overall it was a key win and it was a perfect way to start the season." stated West Texas Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.
The Roughnecks will have their home opener next Saturday, March 13, 2010 versus the Amarillo Venom. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. from the Ector County Coliseum and the gates will open at 6:00 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive free Roughnecks Magnet Schedules and the players will be wearing Green Helmets for "Go Green" Night. Following a bye week, the Abilene Ruff Riders will play host to the San Angelo Stampede Express on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
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