Roughnecks In Fourth Of July Battle With Abilene
July 3, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release
ABILENE, TX. : The Odessa Roughnecks are clinging to their final hope of a playoff spot when they face the Abilene Ruff Riders on July 4th from the Taylor County Expo Center. It will be the first of back-to-back meetings between both clubs to close out the â09 regular season. Abilene has yet to certify themselves a playoff spot but their chances still remain very high that they will end up hosting a playoff game. Abilene has won the two previous games against the Roughnecks, the first being on April 6 (39-24) and the second on June 13 (40-27).
Question marks around the quarterback position has been the major factor for the Ruff Riders as of late. But it will look like that Quincy Carter will get the start over David Bowie after Carter came in for Bowie last weekend in the fourth quarter to throw for three touchdowns in the loss to San Angelo, 56-32. Carter could be the push that can get Abilene going into the post-season since he will likely spread the ball around to his main targets in Fred Howze, Mike Carrillo and Randy Hymes. Carlos Alsup will be the big X-factor in running the football when Abilene gets inside the Roughnecks red-zone. However, the offensive line will have a tough task with a Roughnecks defensive line that has been improving week after week especially with the current performances of Wesley Holmes and Jerrickus Speights.
The Roughnecks defense will have to play as good as they did in the win over Corpus last weekend if they are to shut down the Ruff Riders offense. The only question mark that revolves around the Roughnecks defense is Kendall Ricketts. Ricketts is coming into his own as a top-notch linebacker along side Arthur Harris but there is uncertainty as to whether he will play this weekend after suffering a hamstring injury last weekend. The defensive line must continue to pressure the pocket and expect the secondary to be flying to the football especially with Larry Thompson and Joey Robinson. Look for Arthur Harris to have a good game in containing the running game and short-yardage passing plays.
The Roughnecks offense came back strong in the win over Corpus last weekend as Dennis Gile was more consistent and managed the offense to near perfection. However, the Roughnecks now offer a dual-quarterback system with Jason Johnson who will be used more in running situations especially inside the Ruff Riders red-zone. Jimmy Conner will be the main target in the passing attack and on kickoff returns but Eric Taylor and Torrey Day will need good performances in order to take the pressure off Conner. If the offensive line can protect Gile, then the offense should be able to do just fine against a Ruff Riders defense that has given up 40 plus points in their last two games.
As a reminder to fans and media personnel, game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. because of post-game fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration. Further information regarding these topics can be obtained by contacting the Odessa Roughnecks front office at (432) 332 - PASS (7277) or by visiting the official website of the Odessa Roughnecks at www.odessaroughnecks.com.
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Indoor Football League Stories from July 3, 2009
- Generals Look To Hold Off Raiders On Fourth Of July - El Paso Generals
- Roughnecks In Fourth Of July Battle With Abilene - Abilene Ruff Riders
- Roughnecks In Fourth Of July Battle With Abilene - West Texas Roughnecks
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