Swashbucklers to Meet Richmond Raiders Saturday

April 18, 2012 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Louisiana Swashbucklers News Release


LAKE CHARLES LA.- The Louisiana Swashbucklers finds itself in a rare situation as the team starts the 2012 season with a 1-3 record. After a two-game road trip and a bye week the Bucs return home to the Smuggler's Den to face the Richmond Raiders. This will be the first meeting between the two teams. Richmond was one of the teams that came in with Louisiana, Albany, Alabama and Columbus to form the Professional Indoor Football League. The Raiders defeated the Alabama Hammers last Saturday 62-44 and are now 4-1 on the season. Louisiana is tied with the Hammers in fourth place in the league standings. The Bucs fell to the Columbus Lions last Saturday 75-61.

The quick short passes of Columbus' offense caused problems for the Swashbucklers defense. Louisiana's offense is still in a state of flux. Against the Lions, Sammy Knight, generally a wide receiver, started under center for the team and had 14 completions out of 22 attempts for 227 yards and four touchdown passes. Starter Freddie Harrison came into the game when Knight was struggling and went three for nine with two interceptions. Though Knight came back in the second half the scoring margin was in the Lions' favor and the Bucs could not overcome it.

The Swashbucklers did well with the ground game last week. Running back Kendrick Perry accumulated 44 yards rushing and found the end zone twice. A new acquisition to Louisiana, former McNeese State Immanuel Friddle, pulled in five passes with three for touchdowns. Linebacker Tray Blackmon had five solo tackles to his credit and one assist.

The Swashbucklers will be facing a Raiders defense that features defensive lineman Michael Woodhouse, who was named the PIFL defensive player of the week. Last week against the Hammers, Woodhouse had three tackles of which one was for a loss of yards, one forced fumble and two sacks.

Louisiana is hoping to turn the tide against the Raiders. Alvin Bartie, the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, has been cleared to play. Head coach Darnell Lee will determine his status at game time as to if he will be under center for Saturday's game.



Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 18, 2012


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