Venom Fall in Richmond
June 8, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
Nashville Venom WR Jordan Jolly
(Nashville Venom)
RICHMOND, Va. - The Nashville Venom (5-4) traveled to Richmond, Virginia with a chance to gain second place in the Professional Indoor Football League. They left licking their wounds after a 54-30 loss to the Richmond Raiders (7-4). Nashville played well early grabbing an early 8-0 lead on a one yard run by FB Stanlee Bradley and an Uno by kicker Christian Reed.
After 10 straight points by Richmond, Venom QB Charles McCullum (21 of 38, 255 yards and three TDs) hit WR Dontel Watkins (four receptions 59 yards and a TD) on a 30 yard TD pass. After another Raider score, McCullum connected with WR Jordan Jolly (nine receptions 99 yards and two TDs) to go up 22-17. The wheels hen fell off for Nashville as Daron Clark returned the ensuing kickoff 53 for a TD sparking a 36-0 run by Richmond to seal the Venom's fate.
"Richmond wanted it more and it showed by their energy and ability to dominate us," said Venom head coach Billy Back. "This Venom team has a lot of guys waiting for someone else to make plays, our playmakers are nonexistent. What's keeps us from being a great team is our leaders need to start leading instead of pointing fingers. That goes for all al us including me."
The 24 point deficit is the largest defeat in franchise history. There is now a logjam for the final three spots in the PIFL playoffs with four teams (Nashville, Richmond, Trenton and Lehigh Valley) all with four losses. For the Venom to it into the playoffs, they will have to win out. Nashville's opponent this Friday the Erie Explosion (2-7) upset the Alabama Hammers this past Saturday. Then the Venom will take on the Trenton Freedom in the final regular season game. The game could be for the right to play in the postseason.
"For us the playoffs start this week," said Back. We still have a chance but we need to start playing Venom football. We are about to find out what we are made of. No excuses, we have to dig out of this hole."
Snake Bites:
Jordan Jolly and Stanlee Bradley returned to the lineup and scored three of the Venom's four TDs.
DB Kenny Veal picked off another pass giving him five on the season. He has received turnovers in seven straight games.
This Friday is Community Night presented by Wilson Bank & Trust. Nashville recording artist Cowboy Troy will be giving a concert at halftime.
Images from this story
 Nashville Venom WR Jordan Jolly |
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 8, 2015
- Hammers Host Jersey Night And Community Appreciation Night - Alabama Hammers
- Venom Fall in Richmond - Nashville Venom
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