Venom Defeats Erie
Published on May 5, 2015 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
Nashville Venom in Action
(Nashville Venom)
ERIE, Penn. (May 3, 2015)- Nashville Venom WR Jordan Jolly scored four TDs and the defense recorded five turnovers, two of which were returned for TDs as the Venom (4-2) defeated the Erie Explosion (1-4) 63-35 in PIFL action in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Venom started the game fast going up 35-15 at the half. The defense played exceptionally well early. After a one yard TD run by FB Stanlee Bradley on the game's initial possession, DB Kenny Veal picked off a pass and scored from 17 yards out. After an Uno by kicker Christian Reed, Nashville was up 15-0 in the game's first three minutes.
"We wanted to start fast especially playing on the road," said Venom head coach Billy Back. "The fast start took the crowd out of it. It was an important in getting the win."
After the Explosion scored on the final play of the first quarter, the Venom took full control of the game in the second; scoring on offense, defense again and special teams. Jolly started off by catching a TD pass of 30 yards from Charles McCullum (17-29, 211 yards and four TDs). A bad snap on the extra point turned into a block and PAT return by Erie's Richard Stokes.
Both defenses then scored Venom DB Will Johnson picked off a pass for a TD. Expolsion DB Jon D'Angelo picked off a McCullum pass and scored to cut the Venom lead to 28-15. On the ensuing kickoff, Mike Whittaker of the Venom raced 58 yards to finish the half time scoring.
"We thought all week if we got a chance we could make some good yards in the kicking game," said Whitaker. To be honest it was the work of the guys up front that got me there. I saw a seam and hit it."
The second half started shaky for Nashville as Erie scored on their first play a 40 yard pass from Jeff Sinclair to Moe Williams. Nashville then turned the ball on downs after a controversial fourth down spot. The Explosion took advantage scoring on a 21 yard connection by Sinclair and Williams making the score 35-28. The Venom then took control back by scoring on their next two possessions to go up 48-28 at the end of the third quarter. The first was Bradley's second TD run of the game and the other on a McCullum and Jolly hook up.
In the fourth quarter, the Venom put the game away outscoring Erie 15-7. McCullum and Jolly hooked up to score two more times and Reed added his second Uno of the game. DBs Corry Stewart (two INTs), Ken Walton and Whittaker all picked off passes to stop any ideas of an Erie comeback.
The defensive line brought havoc to get control back. The defensive line was particularly hard to deal with. The unit ended the game with 10 sacks, six of which by LB Doug Rippy.
The line played relentless," said Rippy. "Each game we played we've progressed. That was our main goal just to progress each week and to play hard."
The win gives Nashville a three game winning streak going into their bye week. The Venom will be back in action with a Saturday afternoon game on May 17th at Municipal Auditorium. Game time is 2 p.m.
Snake Bites:
The Venom defense is now giving up a league low 42.7 points per game.
The Venom has five return TDs in the past two games. Three INTs, one fumble and one kickoff.
Jordan Jolly has been on a roll of late. He is now second in the PIFL with 130.0 yards per game and in TD receptions with 15.
Images from this story
 Nashville Venom in Action |
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 5, 2015
- Bane Named Player of the Week After Record-Setting Game - Richmond Raiders
- Rippy and Whittaker Take Week 7 Player of the Week Honors - Nashville Venom
- PIFL Names Players of the Week - PIFL
- Venom Defeats Erie - Nashville Venom
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.
