Ruff Riders Host San Angelo On Saturday, April 25
Published on April 22, 2009 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release
ABILENE, TX: The Abilene Ruff Riders (2-1) are coming off a huge 33-27 comeback victory over the Corpus Christi Hammerheads on Saturday, April 18. The Abilene defense was the story in the second half as they held the Hammerheads to no points in the fourth quarter. Abilene DB Joey Longoria led the defense with two interceptions including one that was returned for a touchdown. The key factor in the end result of the game was a blocked 50-yard field goal attempt by Willis Hogan. Hogan recovered the block field goal in the end-zone to give Abilene the edge, 33-27. Abilene sealed the deal when they stopped Corpus on a fourth and 25 with eight seconds remaining in the game.
Abilene returns home this week to face the undefeated San Angelo Stampede Express (2-0) in a game that is set to be a key battle for the top spot in the Lone Star Division. San Angelo is coming off a bye week following a 56-55 win over the Odessa Roughnecks. The Express are heading in the right direction for the first time in a while but they will have to make do without starting QB Trevor Scharer is out of the line-up this week with an injury. Backup QB Damion Carter will step in at quarterback to lead the Express on offense. Carter has had a productive season in the backup role going 6-for-10 with 131 yards passing, including three touchdown passes against the Odessa Roughnecks all in the second half.
Abilene's secondary will have to account for San Angelo WR Travares Williams who enters this weekend with five touchdown receptions. Look for Express RB Brandon Hatley to be a key weapon on offense. Hatley exploded for a couple of touchdowns in the win over the Roughnecks including 77 yards rushing back on April 11. Expect the Ruff Riders defense to provide pressure in the game on Carter especially from LB Rico Brooks and DL Fred Thrweatt.
The Abilene offense struggled a bit in the game against Corpus Christi, however the Ruff Riders face a San Angelo defense that gives up 53 points a game this season. Everything will start with QB Quincy Carter who has had a very consistent season throwing the football. The Ruff Riders wide receiving core may not be the biggest but definitely one of the fastest as that department is led by WR Jerale Badon and WR Mike Carrillo. San Angelo's defense will need to tighten up in the secondary and watch for LB Trae Ivory to be a factor after coming off a game-high 14 tackles against the Odessa Roughnecks.
This is the first meeting between both teams this season as kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from the Taylor County Expo Center. Next week, Abilene begins a two-game road trip with their first stop in Wichita against the Wild.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 22, 2009
- Vidswap.com and IFL Announce Players of the Week - IFL
- ICE Look to Win Three-in-a-Row, Travel to Alaska to Face Wild - Colorado Crush
- Ruff Riders Host San Angelo On Saturday, April 25 - Abilene Ruff Riders
- El Paso To Face Corpus For Third Time In Four Weeks - El Paso Generals
- Roughnecks Acquire Former Jayhawk, Marc Jones - West Texas Roughnecks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
