Roughnecks vs. Abilene Ruff Riders - Game Preview

Published on March 27, 2009 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release


ODESSA, TX: The Roughnecks will kickoff the 2009 season on Monday, March 30 in an exhibition game versus the Abilene Ruff Riders. Kickoff is set for 7:11 p.m. from the Ector County Coliseum. Being that it is an exhibition game and the final day of training camp for both teams, the Roughnecks will have close to 45 players on the field that night competing for a spot on the regular season roster. The first string is expected to play the first quarter with the rest of the training camp roster participating throughout the majority of the game.

The Roughnecks are coming off a 2008 season in which they finished with a 7-7 regular season record. Odessa defeated the Frisco Thunder in the first round of the playoffs but were knocked out of post-season play following a heartbreaking defeat to the Louisiana Swashbucklers, 59-57. With a new season on the brink, the Roughnecks look to finish what they started as part of the Indoor Football League.

Odessa enters the 2009 season looking very strong from both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Roughnecks welcome back QB Dennis Gile, WR Jimmy Conner, and WR Torrey Day. The offensive line will once again be well equipped with Peter Fields, Courtney Abbott, and Akeem Rettig. Look for Head Coach Chris Williams to solidify the running game this season behind the O-line. FB DeWayne Hogan will be an important part of the red-zone offense but look for speedster RB Tony Taylor to be a surprise addition in the backfield.

Defensively, the Roughnecks look as strong as the offense under the direction of Defensive Coordinator, Kenny Thompson. Odessa has former Green Bay Packers DL Rodney Allen back on the line this year along with DL Ahmad Childress. Newcomers such as Elex Reed and Jeremiah Turner will provide a strong pass rush on the line as DB Michael Hinton, DB Brandon Douglas, and DB Alex Ross will look to disrupt the passing game in the secondary. Look for JLB Alton Smith and DL/LB Keith Turner to be stand out prospects in the defense as well.

The Ruff Riders made the transition from Katy to Abilene this off-season after registering a 5-9 regular season record in 2008. Their offense will be led by former Dallas Cowboys QB Quincy Carter, who will look to hook up with WR Juan Reese and WR Mychal Carrillo in the passing attack. The Ruff Riders provide a solid core of offensive linemen who will attempt to open the holes for RB Carlos Alsup, who led the IFL (Intense Football League) in rushing in ‘08.

The Ruff Riders will showcase good prospects on the defensive line, but DB Darvin Peterson, who was amongst the top in the Intense Football League in interceptions and total tackles in ‘08, will lead the secondary against the high-powered passing attack of the Roughnecks.

In 2008, the Odessa Roughnecks defeated the Katy Ruff Riders, 74-61, in the final week of the regular season. The loss sealed off any playoff chances for the Ruff Riders in ‘08. This will be the first of five meetings the Roughnecks and Ruff Riders will have during the 2009 season. It will be an early test for the Roughnecks even though it is an exhibition match-up. However, the story will be the Roughnecks defense matching up with the Ruff Riders offense.

Further information on these topics can be obtained by contacting the Odessa Roughnecks front office at (432) 332 - PASS (7277) or by visiting www.odessaroughnecks.com.

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Indoor Football League Stories from March 27, 2009


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