Venom Game Preview: Amarillo at Corpus Christi
May 7, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 5/7/10- The Amarillo Venom will have an opportunity to clinch the IFL's Lonestar West Division title and a playoff spot with a win or a West Texas loss this Saturday when they enter hostile territory versus the Corpus Christi Hammerheads May 8th at 7pm CST in the American Bank Center.
Amarillo (7-0) took care of Abilene last week 58-50 to remain the only undefeated team in the league. Quarterback Julian Reese ran his way past the Ruff Riders, rushing for four scores after not collecting one all season. The Venom defense gathered four turnovers as well (three interceptions and one fumble recovery) to move their turnover differential to a plus-16 on the season. Defensive back Cashmin Thomas was named "Defensive Player of the Game" for his two interceptions and Amarillo's first kickoff return for a touchdown this season. Amarillo won the previous meeting with Corpus Christi 51-40 on April 10th. After the two clubs were tied at 33 at halftime, the Venom defense held the Hammerheads to only seven second-half points.
Corpus Christi (3-5) returns home for the first time since March 21st after a season-long five game road trip. The Hammerheads' lone victory on the away journey came two weeks ago (had bye week last week) with a 32-30 win in Austin. Running back Redford Borel, who the Venom held scoreless, rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries against the Turf Cats. Despite losing to Amarillo four weeks ago, running back/wide receiver Justin Hardman reeled off 169 total yards and four touchdowns. While the Hammerheads are averaging 33.9 points per game on offense this season, they've averaged 49 points over their previous two home games.
Key Stat: 80-24. The amount of points Amarillo has in the third quarter compared to their opponents' third quarter points this season. The Venom defense has shutout their opposition three times over the last five tilts in the third stanza.
Fans may catch Saturday's action in Corpus Christi beginning at 6:55pm CST on 1440 AM ESPN Radio or on B2 Networks.
QUICK FACTS:
Amarillo Venom (7-0) @
Corpus Christi Hammerheads (3-5)
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Kickoff: 7:05 p.m. CST
Site: American Bank Center (7,495)
Officials:
Referee: Ford Sasser
Umpire: Lubin Garcia
Head Linesman: Marc Harrod
Line Judge: Gregory Newman
Back Judge: Julian Alvarez
Radio: 1440 AM ESPN Radio
Internet: www.govenom.com
Broadcaster: Cody Eastwood
Series Record: Amarillo leads series (1-0)
Last Game: 58-50 WIN vs. Abilene (5/1)
Streak: WON 7
Coaches: Jon Lyles, Venom & Stephen Fillmore, Hammerheads
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 took out Corpus Christi by 11 points four weeks ago. Reese threw four touchdowns while the defense held Corpus Christi to seven second-half points.
Who's Hot:
* QB's legs: After not scoring a rushing score before last week's contest, Julian Reese ran for four scores (last year's largest rushing TD total was 3 6/27 vs. Iowa).
* Turnover galore: Amarillo's turnover differential is plus-16. DB Cashmin Thomas leads the Venom in interceptions with 8.
Amarillo plays their next home game Saturday, May 15th at 7pm CST versus San Angelo inside the Amarillo Civic Center. Receive 4 show tickets and 4 Venom shirts for only $60! Call 806-350-PASS (7277).
The AMARILLO VENOM is a proud new member of the Indoor Football League. The team's front office is located at 901 S. Buchanan in downtown Amarillo. Playoff packages are now available! Call (806) 350-PASS (7277) or visit govenom.com.
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