Ruff Riders Looking To Secure Playoff Spot In San Angelo

June 26, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Abilene Ruff Riders News Release


ABILENE, TX. : The Abilene Ruff Riders (6-5) are coming off a tough 44-35 loss to the Corpus Christi Hammerheads back on Saturday, June 20. Abilene had only trailed at halftime by six but turnovers ended up putting the game out of reach. Abilene concludes their three-game road trip when they face the San Angelo Stampede Express on Saturday, June 27 in San Angelo. San Angelo is coming off a 62-54 loss to the Omaha Beef and Abilene will be attempting to secure a playoff spot with a win over San Angelo. Abilene has some question marks at the quarterback position as they will be without Quincy Carter for another week and they will continue to go with David Bowie. Bowie and the Ruff Riders offense will have to correct their turnover problems that plagued them in the loss to Corpus.

Bowie will try to attack the San Angelo secondary with receivers such as Fred Howze and Mike Carrillo. Howze leads Abilene with 16 touchdown receptions and the San Angelo defense has allowed 50 or more points in five consecutive games. San Angelo DL Jonathan Hamm will play a key role in pressuring David Bowie but it's the San Angelo secondary that must play a solid game in order for the Express to have a shot at keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Look for Express DB Brandon Brunner, Terrance Whitaker and Marquis Price to generate turnovers for the Express and complicate things for David Bowie by using different coverage schemes. Abilene's defense has been very consistent through much of the season and expect that strong defensive line including Fred Thrweat and Willis Hogan to be coming after QB Sonny Cumbie. IFL MVP candidate Joey Longoria will be the X-factor in the secondary for the Ruff Riders so expect him to cause a few problems for the San Angelo offense especially on passing situations.

San Angelo is only averaging 43.7 points a game this season but it's an offense that is still considered to be very dangerous in the Lone Star Division. WR Bobby Chase leads the IFL in receptions averaged a game and Tarvarres Williams will be the deep threat weapon for Cumbie in the passing department. Voncarie Owens has become a nice addition for the Express in the running game and on kickoffs. But as stated previously, a win for Abilene and the Ruff Riders will clinch a playoff spot. However, Abilene must be more productive in the red-zone and avoid a high number of turnovers.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from the San Angelo Coliseum. Next week, the Ruff Riders return home for their final home game of the regular season on July 4th versus the Odessa Roughnecks, kickoff for that game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Further information regarding these topics can be obtained by contacting the Abilene Ruff Riders front office at (325) 677 - PASS (7277) or by visiting the official website of the Abilene Ruff Riders at www.abileneruffriders.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 26, 2009


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