Ruff Riders Comeback To Defeat Corpus, 33-27

April 20, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release


ABILENE, TX: Looking to avoid a two-game losing streak, the Abilene Ruff Riders had to climb out of a hole to defeat the Corpus Christi Hammerheads on Saturday, April 18. Abilene, safe to say, got out to a rough start in the first quarter and trailed 14-0. Corpus QB Cory Miles started for the Hammerheads as original starting QB Michael Bishop missed the start of the game due to a flight delay. Miles got Corpus rolling by finding WR Nathaniel Dunn twice for touchdowns on two drives.

Abilene began working their way back into the game after K Nick Pertuit added a 31-yard field goal to get the Ruff Riders on the board in the second quarter, 14-3. Abilene DB Joey Longoria would then intercept Michael Bishop and return the ball to the Corpus three-yard line. RB Bernard Payton added a three-yard touchdown following the turnover to cut the Corpus lead to 14-10. The Hammerheads soon responded with a 3-yard touchdown by Redford Borel increasing the Corpus lead to 21-10. Abilene narrowed the lead to four points before halftime after QB Quincy Carter hooked up with WR Fred Howze for a six-yard touchdown reception. Abilene trailed at halftime 21-17.

The second half began as did the first half for the Abilene Ruff Riders as the Hammerheads were able to shut-out Abilene in the third quarter. Corpus added two field goals in the third quarter to increase their lead to 27-17. Abilene's impressive comeback began with DB Joey Longoria intercepting QB Michael Bishop for the second time. This time around he returned it for an Abilene touchdown to make it 27-24, Corpus Christi leading at the end of the third quarter.

Abilene's defense held tough in the fourth quarter by forcing Corpus K Rene Vasquez to miss a 43-yard field goal attempt. Abilene took over on offense and compiled a solid drive that ended with a field goal to tie the game at 27. The decisive factor for the Ruff Riders came late in the fourth quarter after Hogan Willis blocked a 50-yard Rene Vasquez field goal attempt. Willis recovered the loose ball in the end-zone for a touchdown. Abilene would then hold Corpus on a fourth down situation and get the ball back with eight seconds remaining. Abilene ran out the clock to clinch the win, 33-27.

Quincy Carter finished 15-of-29 for 117 yards passing and one touchdown. Abilene LB Rico Brooks led the team in tackles with 5.5 total. DB Joey Longoria was the difference-maker with two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Next week, Abilene returns home to face the San Angelo Stampede Express in a Lone Star Division match-up on Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. Further information on these topics can be obtained by contacting the Abilene Ruff Riders front office at (325) 677 - PASS (7277) or by visiting www.abileneruffriders.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 20, 2009


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