Venom Hope to Explode Again Versus Erie

April 30, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release


NASHVILLE (April 30, 2015) - The Nashville Venom (3-2) will take to the road for their third time this season as they travel to play the Erie Explosion (1-3). After starting the season under .500 twice, the Venom are now on a two game winning streak. In the two victories, the defense has stepped up forcing 12 turnovers and returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

"The defensive line has been playing lights out," said Venom head coach Billy Back. "It is important to pressure the quarterback. The guys upfront have done a good job of that especially in the last six quarters we have played. When the quarterback is off rhythm then you will get turnovers."

The defense clicking on all cylinders has helped take pressure off of the offense. In the past four games (3-1) Nashville has averaged 58.5 points per game and handed Lehigh-Valley and Columbus their only losses of the season. QB Charles McCullum is second in the league in TD passes with 28. WR Jordan Jolly has 11 TDs and is tied for second in the league in receptions with 45.

The emergence has a lot to do with an offense line that has been playing well of late. B.J. Taylor and Anthony "Big Ant" Jackson have been awarded with TD receptions.

"We have been working hard to get better each week," said McCullum. The line has been solidified. They have played together for the most part of three games. Coach has shown love to Big Ant and B.J. with getting then involved in the passing game. We are not resting on our laurels. We want to keep this train going in the right direction."

After struggling to start the season, kicker Christian Reed has come on as of late. In Week 5 he earned the PIFL Special Teams Player of the Week scoring 15 points and tying a PIFL record with a 52 yard field goal. The honor was especially gratifying because Reed was up against T.C. Stevens, who won the award the previous two weeks.

The Explosion who their first game this season against the ASI Panthers 50-26. WR Moe Williams scored on three TD passes from QB Erie Mason Espinosa. WR Alfonso Haggard has been explosive in his own right. Listed at 5'3 and 150 lbs., the second year player out of Clarion College in second in the PIFL with 15.8 yards per catch.

On defense, DB Jon D'Angelo picked off two passes returning one for a 41 yard TD to start the scoring against the Panthers. The unit also shut ASI out in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Snake Bites:

The Venom traded WR Maurice Dupree to the Alabama Hammers for future considerations. Dupree played one game with the team making two receptions for 37 yards and a TD.

The Venom signed C.J. Jones a DB out of Clemson.

You catch all the action on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. central time on www.MidStatesSport.net. 



Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 30, 2015


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