Roughnecks Kickoff 2010 Season At Abilene On March 6
March 5, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks kickoff the 2010 regular season on Saturday, March 6, 2010 against the Abilene Ruff Riders. The Ruff Riders have won four straight over the Roughnecks dating back to 2009 including a 40-32 win over the Roughnecks in the '09 regular season finale. Things have changed immensely over the off-season for the Roughnecks especially with the signing of RB Jorvorskie Lane and OL Ken Shackleford. The Roughnecks additionally added veteran leadership with the re-signing of QB Tommy Jones and DL Jermaine Blakely. The Roughnecks look to win their season-opener for the first time since the 2007 season and they look to get back to playoff form following a 3-11 regular season record in 2009.
Offensively, the Roughnecks will use the power running game with Lane at running back and DeWayne Hogan leading the way at fullback. The Roughnecks will also count on Tommy Jones for his leadership and experience in the passing department. Wide out Sam Griffin has been a standout at training camp and look for receivers Ryan Bugg and Brandon Sparrow to be important factors in the passing game and down-field blocking. Defensive Coordinator Steve Perdue will utilize speed at linebacker with Eric Henri and Jerek Hewett at the rover position. DB Austin Smith will be a factor in the secondary and on special teams by returning kicks. Look for Jermaine Blakely to make an impact at noise tackle on the defensive line along side Jerrickus Speights and Ronnie Mason on the ends.
The Abilene Ruff Riders are coming off an 8-6 season in 2009, including their first playoff berth in team history. Abilene's early exit from the post-season will be a motivational factor for the club as they enter 2010 looking to compete for the division championship. Head Coach Gerald Dockery has re-signed several key players from the '09 roster including RB Carlos Alsup and DL Fred Thwreatt. The big question for the Ruff Riders is at the quarterback position between Haven Mosely and Kewan Dewberry. Dewberry has the experience and the ability to be a dual-threat quarterback as opposed to Mosely who is a pocket-passer. Look for receivers Robert Gill and former Texas Tech wide out Archie Reed to be factors in the passing game.
The Ruff Riders strong suit is in their defense which ranked among the top ten in total defense in 2009. Darvin Peterson will lead a secondary that intercepted the Roughnecks nine times in 2009. Linebackers Trae Ivory and Henry Russell will attempt to slow down the Roughnecks running game and defensive linemen Rico Brooks and Larry Brown will try to provide pressure in the pocket during passing situations. Look for a back-and-forth battle between both teams in a key Lone Star Western Division match-up to open the 2010 season.
Coach Williams Transcript: "Abilene has a talented roster with many returning players from 2009. We hope to run the ball effectively and have efficiency in the passing game with Tommy. We have had an excellent training camp and our players are healthy and ready to start. I'm excited for the start of the season and Saturday's game will be a good test to start the year." stated West Texas Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.
Game Time / Location: 7:00 p.m. Kickoff - Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, TX
Broadcast: 95.1 BOB FM (6:40 start)
Online: BOB FM - www.boblivesintexas.com / B2 Networks - www.b2livetv.com
Next Week: West Texas Roughnecks vs. Amarillo Venom (Saturday, March 13, 2010) - Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
Abilene Ruff Riders vs. San Angelo Stampede Express (Saturday, March 20, 2010) - Taylor County Expo Center, Abilene, TX
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Indoor Football League Stories from March 5, 2010
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- Roughnecks Kickoff 2010 Season At Abilene On March 6 - West Texas Roughnecks
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