Venom Game Preview: Abilene @ Amarillo
April 30, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Amarillo Venom News Release
Amarillo, TX 4/30/10- The Amarillo Venom will play their fourth different in-state club this season when they host the Abilene Ruff Riders Saturday, May 1st at 7pm CST in the Amarillo Civic Center.
Amarillo (6-0) swept the season series with the Colorado Ice with a 47-41 win last week. The victory marks the second straight second-half comeback this season (the Venom has outscored their opponent 48-18 in the second half over their last two games). In his Venom debut last week, former West Texas A&M graduate and wide receiver Anthony Clark led all Amarillo wideouts in receptions (6) and receiving yards (67) while catching two touchdowns. The Venom suffered a loss at the wide receiver position last Saturday when DuVaughn Flagler went down in the third quarter (knee). Flagler will not return to the lineup for the remainder of the season. Amarillo's defensive line has created havoc in the opposition's backfield of late, as four of Amarillo's five sacks this season have come over the club's last two tilts.
Abilene (1-6) began the season losing their first five games before naming former Texas Tech wide receiver Rodney T. Blackshear head coach (holds the Texas Tech record for career average yards per catch with 20.4). The Ruff Riders have scored most of their touchdowns via the pass this season (21 passing, 9 rushing) using wide receiver Robert Gill exclusively. The former Lubbock Renegade (af2) leads Abilene in receiving (12) and total touchdowns (14). Despite the offensive weapon, the Ruff Riders have yet to score more than 38 points in a single game this season.
Key Stat: +13, Amarillo's turnover differential this season. The Venom defense has collected at least one turnover in five of their six contests this season.
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QUICK FACTS:
Abilene Ruff Riders (1-6) @
Amarillo Venom (6-0)
Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Kickoff: 7:05 p.m. CST
Site: Amarillo Civic Center (5,001)
Officials:
Referee: Chris Snead
Umpire: Oscar Shorten
Head Linesman: Richard Simmons
Line Judge: Brad Rogers
Back Judge: Lo van Pham
Radio: 1440 AM ESPN Radio
Internet: www.govenom.com
Broadcasters: Cody Eastwood (PXP), Lee Baker (Color)
Series Record: NEVER MET
Last Game: 47-41 WIN vs. Colorado (4/24)
Streak: WON 6
Coaches: Jon Lyles, Venom & Rodney T. Blackshear, Ruff Riders
THE SKINNY: Amarillo has been forced to complete second-half comebacks over the previous two weeks. The Venom have not led going into halftime since 4/2 in Austin. Amarillo is the only undefeated team in the IFL, starting at a franchise best 6-0.
THE SERIES: The Venom and Ruff Riders have never met. Amarillo will travel to Abilene 5/29 to complete the season series.
Who's Hot:
* WR Anthony Clark: In his season debut with the Venom last week, the West Texas A&M product led the team in catches (6) and receiving yards (67) while scoring two touchdowns.
* QB Pressure: Four of Amarillo's five sacks this season have come over their last two games.
Fans may catch Saturday's action with Cody Eastwood and Lee Baker beginning at 6:55pm CST on 1440 AM ESPN Radio or on B2 Networks.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 30, 2010
- Game Day Preview: West Texas Roughnecks Vs. Arkansas Diamonds - West Texas Roughnecks
- Venom Game Preview: Abilene @ Amarillo - Amarillo Venom
- Harrison To Make Debut Against Omaha - Bloomington Extreme
- Outlaws Looking To Hunt Down Predators - Billings Outlaws
- Roughnecks Sign Former Tarleton State OL Dustin Washburn - West Texas Roughnecks
- Wild Back In Action On Saturday In Sioux City - Wichita Wild
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