Stars Falls Short Marshals
June 20, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Arkansas Stars News Release
The Arkansas Stars played host to the Cincinnati Marshals on Saturday evening at the Randal Tyson Track Facility. Unfortunately, the outcome was not what they were wishing for; the Stars were defeated 27-12 by Cincinnati. The Stars are now ranked #20 overall, and they are posting a 3-8 record for the season.
The game started off with a Cincinnati touchdown on the opening drive, which didn't look good, but fortunately, the defense did a much better job controlling the Marshals throughout most of the game. The Star's defensive team has struggled some throughout the season, by allowing opposing teams to run up scores. Although the Star's were defeated, the defense deserves a pat on the back for battling the way that they did on Saturday night.
True, more touchdowns fell in the Cincinnati end zone, but Arkansas kept the game alive, not only with solid defense, but with two nice receptions from Star's receiver Darian Chestnut and Star's receiver Taron Mahone. Unfortunately, the Star's would see no more end zone celebration for the rest of the ball game.
The Star's were missing a crucial key player, in Chrys Chukwuma on Saturday evening. His presence is always felt and needed on the playing field, but he was awaiting results from a MRI that was administered on Friday afternoon. The lower back of Chukwuma has been bothering him, and he wasn't going to take any chances with that. Hopefully, Chukwuma will be back in action next week against the Dayton Bulldogs. As of June 14 th, Chrys was ranked number 2 overall, in the NIFL, in rushing yards per game. He is averaging 63.8 yards. That is quite an achievement for one of our own Arkansas Stars.
Arkansas did get the chance to see a key player on Saturday night, who has been missing for several weeks. Former University of Arkansas player, and Arkansas Star center, Nathan Ball returned to action after being out with an injury. The snaps between Ball and Star's quarterbacks seemed to be a little off, but with an upcoming week of intense practice, the two positions should be back on track. Nathan Ball is a fighter; he is a player that you always want to have out on the field.
Lastly, not only is the Star's football team and coaching staff steadily improving, the Star's organization as a whole is coming together. With a strong backing, hard work by all, and a lot of heart, the Arkansas Stars are well on their way to becoming a force to be reckoned with.
You can cheer the Arkansas Stars on to a victory at their next home game on Saturday, June 24th, at 7 p.m., at the Randal Tyson Track Center. The Stars will be taking on the Dayton Bulldogs. This should be an exciting game, as both teams are presently posting a 3-8 record. Tickets are available at the Northwest Arkansas Mall, Fayetteville, AR, Threads, Bentonville, AR, all Take 2 Video locations, or at the Randall Tyson Track Facility's ticket window, the evening of the game.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from June 20, 2006
- Drillers to give away free tickets to last home game - Beaumont Drillers
- Stars Falls Short Marshals - Arkansas Stars
- Maulers Reach .500 Mark with 56-49, OT Win - Montgomery Bears
- Night of honor - RiverCity Rage
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