Venom Fly Past Steelhawks
Published on April 5, 2015 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
Nashville Venom WR George Murray
(Nashville Venom)
NASHVILLE- Nashville Venom QB Charles McCullum threw for seven touchdowns, four of which to WR Jordan Jolly as the Venom defeated the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks 55-28 in PIFL action in Nashville. The Venom lost a close one last weekend to the Alabama Hammers in their home season opener, but came out tonight looking for a different outcome.
The defense was particularly strong early giving up only eight first half points. DL/LB Dedrick Tucker (3 tackles ½ sack) played exceptionally well in his first action of the year. Line mate Brian Ellis was extremely disruptive all night compiling two sacks, three pass breakups and a blocked field goal.
"As far as those stats I can't take all the credit, it was a team effort," said Ellis. "The rest of the line and the whole defense meshed together. Tuck added a lot of help to the D line. He plays multiple positions which helps a lot. We just wanted to set the tone for the game. We had something to prove."
Both teams struggled early squandering their first possession, going three and out and missing the field goal attempt. The Steelhawks applied pressure, recording a safety to put the first points on the board. Shortly after, Lehigh kicker Pat Clarke kicked a field goal giving his team a 5-0 lead. Venom quarterback Charles McCullum found his rhythm late in the first quarter, connecting with wide receiver George Murray on a 40 yard touchdown. A bad snap on the point forced kicker Christian Reed to throw a pass to lineman B.J. Taylor for the conversion putting the Venom up 8-5. Reed also contributed four Unos in the contest.
"Coach (Billy Back) said he needed someone to step up," said Taylor who also had a touchdown reception in the second half. "In the first half we were kind of stumbling. The defense kept us in the game until we got on track. The Unos are very important because it gets the crowd fired up."
McCullum connected with WR Jordan Jolly on a 40 yard touchdown pass, putting the Venom up 19-8 at the half
After Reed's second Uno of the game, the Steelhawks scored on their first possession of the second half with an impressive nine play drive capped off on a one yard run by QB Shane McSweeney. The Venom was finally started to roll on all cylinders, answering by scoring the game's next 29 points. Three of McCullum's touchdown passes came during the run. McCullum (16 of 23, 221 yards and 7 TDs) played behind a revamped line because of injury. Jeremy "Buck" Buchanan spelled starting center Harris Bivins due to injury.
"I want to give thanks to my lineman they played exceptionally well," said McCullum. "Billy (Back) called a heck of a game too. Buck is solid, he can play. He stepped in and did his job. I hope Biv will get back but we will do well with Buck. Normally we practice twice a week, this week we practiced three times. He jelled more this week. We have a lot of work, we will get there."
The Venom will now gear up for a rematch against the Alabama Hammers in Huntsville, Alabama at 8 p.m. on April 11. The Hammers defeated the Venom last week in Nashville 34-26.
Scott Wallace and Marvel Wade contributed to this story.
Snake Bites:
?Kicker Christian Reed threw his first career pass on a bad snap on an extra point and hit B.J. Taylor for a two point conversion. He also had four Unos, a field goal and five extra points giving him a 14 point total for the night.
?Both teams were turnover free for the night.
?Will Johnson (Pearl-Cohn High School) had five solo tackles and eight assists in his first game action on the year. He also had a sack and two pass break ups.
?The Venom will be wearing new road jerseys on Saturday in Alabama.
Images from this story
 Nashville Venom vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks |
 Nashville Venom WR George Murray |
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 5, 2015
- Venom Fly Past Steelhawks - Nashville Venom
- Hammers Fall To Raiders - Alabama Hammers
- Alabama Hammers: Open House April 7 - Alabama Hammers
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