Roughnecks Face San Angelo In Crucial Road Test
April 9, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks conclude a three-game road stretch on Saturday, April 10 when they face the San Angelo Stampede Express. The Roughnecks have lost three straight and they are looking to avenge their last meeting with the Stampede Express in San Angelo when the Roughnecks lost 56-55 back in April of 2009. The Roughnecks are coming off a bye week which has allowed time for key players to get healthy, specifically LB Eric Henri and FB DeWayne Hogan. Both Henri and Hogan are expected to start against a San Angelo team that is off to their best start in recent years at 3-1. The Roughnecks additionally made changes within the active roster this past week. Former Clemson linebacker Antonio Clay has joined the team, but he will likely not play until next week when the Roughnecks face Austin at home. The Roughnecks also signed WR Nathaniel Dunn and DB Braelon Davis this week and both will be starting this Saturday against San Angelo.
The Roughnecks split the season series with the Express in 2009, however San Angelo will see a completely different roster from last season. Roughnecks QB Tommy Jones has been playing well as of late by throwing for 368 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games. The Roughnecks receiving core has been productive as Ryan Bugg continues to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards. However, Steve Bergeski and Josh Floyd are becoming steady play-makers in the passing game and Nathaniel Dunn's presence will give the Roughnecks an advantage in the red-zone. From a rushing standpoint, the Roughnecks will be using DeWayne Hogan a bit more in Saturday's game but the key will be the offensive line and their attempt to open up holes for Hogan and also Jorvorskie Lane.
Defensively, the Roughnecks have added DB Braelon Davis to the active roster this week to help slow down the San Angelo passing attack. Eric Henri will remain at linebacker for this Saturday, but look for Johnny Anderson to possibly play on the defensive line with Ronnie Mason inactive for this Saturday. The Roughnecks defensive line must find a way to create pressure on starting QB Chad Draper. The Roughnecks defensive line will have a strong test in containing the running game with RB Derrick Ross who ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns against Abilene.
San Angelo first-year Head Coach Clint Dolezel likes to run an arena-styled offense, but there are question marks at the quarterback position. Chad Draper only completed 6-of-23 passes for 46 yards against Abilene but the Express bring a talented receiving core to the table led by Michael Carrillo who leads the team with 20 receptions and three touchdowns.
The San Angelo defense has not given up more than 40 points a game during their three-game winning streak and the success of the defense will be relied heavily up front with players such as Jeramie Richardson and Jeremiah Turner. Richardson recorded eight tackles including one sack against Abilene last Saturday. Look for DB Joey Longoria and DB Jeffery Hodges to be key factors in containing the Roughnecks passing game from a secondary standpoint. This is the first of two meetings between the long-time rivals with the next meeting on Saturday, April 24 in Odessa.
Game Time / Location: 7:05 p.m. kickoff - San Angelo Coliseum, San Angelo, TX
Broadcast: 95.1 BOB FM (6:40 p.m. start)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks - www.b2livetv.com
Next Game: The West Texas Roughnecks host the Austin Turfcats on Saturday, April 17, 2010
San Angelo hosts Arkansas on Saturday, April 17, 2010
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