Season Preview: Evansville BlueCats
Published on March 19, 2007 under United Indoor Football Association (UIF) News Release
After a 2-6 start last season, the Evansville BlueCats finished a respectable 8-9 including a playoff win and giving eventual UIF champion Sioux Falls a run for their money in the semi-finals. Not bad for a team that had a slim roster to start the season and had stretches where they didn't play at Roberts Stadium for more than a month.
In yesterday's Evansville Courier & Press Head Coach John Hart felt better about this year's roster. "Last year out of 16 positions, we had a question mark at 12 entering the season. This year, though, we feel like there are just two positions that we need at a higher level."
Several key players return, if not from last year's team-from previous BlueCats teams.
Original BlueCat, running back Dale Jennings is back. He led Evansville in touchdowns, rushing yards and kick return yards. He's also the BlueCats' career leader in games played, rushing yards and touchdowns. He holds the team record for rushing yards in a single game with 122, a Roberts Stadium record that still stands. "Dale is a really talented player. There aren't very many guys who can play at as many positions as Dale can at that high of level. He makes plays every time he's on the field. He's also a leader and he's a guy who's been an outstanding player for the BlueCats over the years and his teammates look up to him.," Hart said.
Returning receiver Tommy Manus will begin the season as a BlueCat but in the latter half of the season will make his way to the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. "We're absolutely thrilled for Tommy...We knew he would get a chance sooner or later...," commented Hart.
Kicker Ton-Ton Luzayadio, widely regarded as one of the elite kickers in the UIF, should once again make a big impact on Evansville's offense and special teams. "I feel his talents give us an advantage on special teams and we're thrilled to have him back...," Hart said. Last season, Luzayadio led the league with 43 field goals. He destroyed the BlueCats record book, shattering all single game and single season kicking records. He also broke the team single season scoring record and holds several career kicking records.
UIF Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006, John Winchester agreed to a second season. He ranked second in the league with tackles with 112.5.
Rudy Foye, a linebacker/defensive end joins Evansville. He was a member of Hampton's back-to-back MEAC Championship teams in 2004 and 2005. Joining him on the BlueCats squad is college teammate, offensive lineman Gerald Perry. Perry was First Team All-MEAC in 2004.
Younger brother of former St. Louis Ram Trung Canidate, Cornell Canidate joins the BlueCats. As a redshirt freshman at Arizona State he earned Pac 10 All-Freshman honors. The remainder of his college career was limited by various injuries.
Originally from Muncie, IN, defensive back/wide receiver/kick returner Terrance Sevion will make his professional debut with Evansville after playing college ball at Southwestern College.
On the eve of their first game, the team will hold a "Meet the BlueCats" night at Hooters on Lincoln Ave, Evansville from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
The road should be easier this year for the BlueCats with four of their first eight games at home, including the first two, and less travel distance for away games. The BlueCats open at home Saturday night against the RiverCity Rage. Kickoff at Roberts Stadium is set for 7:05 p.m.
Audio preview: http://unitedindoorfootball.com.ismmedia.com/ISM2//MultimediaManager/1941.mp3
United Indoor Football Association Stories from March 19, 2007
- Single Game Tickets On Sale Tuesday - Sioux Falls Storm
- Season Preview: Evansville BlueCats - UIF
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