Riders Ready for Stampede Express

So here we are again back on the home turf this time having a little West Texas match up against the San Angelo Stampede Express.
Before we get into all about the Stampede, let’s recap last week’s game against the Corpus Christi Hammerheads.
While I was enjoying the islands of Hawaii on vacation, the Ruff Riders got off to a slow start against the Hammerheads as they came out on top 14 to zip. Get this, starting QB Michael Bishop was late due to a flight delay. First, of all my initial reaction is why doesn’t the Quarterback live in the city he plays? But that’s the way Corpus runs things I guess. I couldn’t imagine if Quincy Carter didn’t live or practice here.
But that’s neither here nor there.
So it’s 14-0 and K Nich Pertuit comes through and nails a 31-yard field goal to get the Riders on their way.
But it was the defense that came through in this game. DB Joey Longoria, WOW what a game for this fella having 2 interceptions on the evening, 1 in which he returned for a TD and take the lead in the game.
QB Quincy Carter went 15-of-29 for 117 yards passing and 1 touchdown. Not the greatest night, but got the job done. Carter hooking up with WR Fred Howze for a six-yard TD. Howze had a big night as he stepped up and stepped in for former ACU Wildcat, Chris Morris and doing a good job at that.
Carter has been getting a lot of attention lately as he makes his stable return into the football world. He caught the eyes of the Dallas media again. DFWReporting.com came to town on Tuesday to talk with the former Dallas Cowboys QB about his past, present and what his future holds. When talking with former KRBC weekend anchor and now senior reporter for DFWReporting. Com, Kimberly Torres she said ‘ol Q-Car was extremely honest and takes all the blame for how and where his career has gone. I was glad to see that happen.
This week lies a tough test ahead the San Angelo Stampede Express. This is a battle for first place in the Lone Star Division.
Abilene stands at 2-and-1 and looking to claim that top spot, while the Stampede is 2-and-0 having only played 2 games.
The Stampede Express’s coach is former Snyder Tiger and Texas Tech Red Raider, Sonny Cumbie.
It is Cumbie’s first year as head coach but he is no stranger to the game of arena football having played for the AFL, LA Avengers.
When talking with the Riders about the keys to success this weekend they said they are not going to focus on the Stampede, but rather focus on themselves and their game.
We know San Angelo will bring a good crowd… but Ruff Riders fans stand behind your team. How cool would that be if the Riders took the top spot in the Division? I sure wouldn’t mind.
So the keys to a victory… Offense needs to click… Defense needs to make big stops and the Riders need to play as a team.
A problem? Not at all.

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Thanks for reading!
Michelle Dapper, KRBC Sports Director
So are you Ruff Enough?
Tune into 96.1 The Wolf!

Until next time…go Ruff Riders!

Game 2:Riders look to Grill Beef

So here we are heading into Game 2 of the regular season.
But first, before we get into all of that lets wrap up the opener against Odessa.
The Riders came away victorious in Game 1 defeating the Roughnecks 39-24.
I was talking with Coach Dockery about the big win and I asked what was the one thing that impressed him the most in the game. He responded with only 2 words. Quincy Carter.
Carter went 18-of-31 for 235 yards passing and 5 total
touchdowns. Quite a performance I must say. Coach saying in our conversation that he was happy to see Quincy perform at the level he knows he can.
On the Ruff Riders Forum here is what one fan named Molly had to say...
Congratulations on a great win over a fine team!!
This old Katy Ruff Riders fan heard (online at 96.1 The Wolf) exactly what I was hoping to hear and what we missed last year in Katy. I heard a great quarterback take charge. Way To Go-Quincy! I heard New Ruff Riders, Badon and Morris exceed my expectations! As expected, I heard old Ruff Riders, especially Mr Longoria, and Mr. Peterson start off where they left off Yes sir, I'll be listening up in the next game, too. Nice job on the broadcast, The Wolf Ruff Riders team! WELL DONE to all! Thanks for a great Game One!
That is pretty exciting to see the fans are still following the Ruff Riders team.
What I think is even cooler is how the local talent has really stepped up and performed in a big way..
Former ACU Wildcat, Chris Morris registered 6 catches for 83 yards and 2 TD's. Abilene's own, Jerale Badon (who signed the week of the game) impressed coaches and fans, having 4 catches for 91 yards and also 2 Touchdowns. Way to represent guys!
Another fan, Karla wrote on my blog...
I am excited that the Ruff Riders are here. I don't know all the ins and outs about it, but I have watched it on TV many times. It will be more exciting to see it in person...
When talking with fans about the game they could not believe how fast it was. Indeed it is... the field is shorter and narrower and only 8 guys are on the field at a time.
When talking with Coach Doc about areas of improvement or where he thinks the biggest opportunities for the Riders are... well, penalties.
I think everyone is still learning the rules and regulations because they did change a bit when the United Football League and the Intense Football League merged last year. After a couple more go-rounds I think all the problems will be weeded out.
This week the Riders welcome the Omaha Beef to the Big Country. What do they know about beef? They ain't had Texas steak that's for sure!
Well, this is the first meeting ever between these 2 teams.
The Beef are in the United Conference Central Division. They currently stand in 3rd place at 1-2. They won game 1 against the Wichita Wild and have had 2 losses since to the Billings Outlaws and the Sioux Falls Storm.
It should be a battle this evening. Coach Dockery said the Beef play a whole different type of football, focusing more on their running game. So that means our defense needs to step up and make big stops and the offense needs to continue to put points on the board. Good Luck Fellas.
I want to thank you for reading.
For now…the team has nicknamed me "Powder Puff." Thanks guys.
Michelle Dapper,
KRBC Sports Director

Are you Ruff Enough?
Wanna hear the game?
Tune into 96.1 The Wolf w/ David Bacon & I!

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