Post by fwp on Mar 25, 2010 20:54:15 GMT -5
www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/mar/25/venom-face-tougher-test-defending-champ-wyoming/?sports
WENATCHEE — In their opener, the expansion Wenatchee Valley Venom played another first-year team, in the friendly confines of Town Toyota Center, and came away with a big win.
This Friday, things get a bit tougher.
The Venom head out on the road to face offensive powerhouse Wyoming, the two-time defending Western Division champs.
“Wyoming, they’re an experienced ballclub,” Venom coach Keith Evans said. “Their coach is very experienced, a good arena coach.”
The Cavalry also have one of the most prolific passers in the league in Matt Strand, who threw 70 touchdown passes last season.
Venom quarterback Ronnie Simpson may not have such gaudy numbers on his resume, but he does have one thing going for him this week that he didn’t have Saturday in the win over Yakima Valley: He’s healthy.
“I’d had a fever of 103 since last Tuesday,” Simpson said following practice Monday afternoon. “Now I’m healthy, feeling a lot better.”
Simpson’s illness forced him out of Saturday’s game, but with him back to 100 percent, the Venom are healthy for their first road game.
Evans said he expects a hostile environment in Wyoming, which will be a big shift from the fan support the Venom enjoyed Saturday.
Venom lineman Matt Martinez, a Wenatchee High School grad, also was impressed with the fan support on Saturday.
“It was awesome,” Martinez said. “It was good to see the town supporting the team, and to see the stands packed, that was a cool feeling.”
Evans gave his team pretty good marks for their first game.
“I think we need to play a little better,” Evans said before admitting a coach is always going to think that about his team. “I know what I have here player-wise, so I like our chances.”
WENATCHEE — In their opener, the expansion Wenatchee Valley Venom played another first-year team, in the friendly confines of Town Toyota Center, and came away with a big win.
This Friday, things get a bit tougher.
The Venom head out on the road to face offensive powerhouse Wyoming, the two-time defending Western Division champs.
“Wyoming, they’re an experienced ballclub,” Venom coach Keith Evans said. “Their coach is very experienced, a good arena coach.”
The Cavalry also have one of the most prolific passers in the league in Matt Strand, who threw 70 touchdown passes last season.
Venom quarterback Ronnie Simpson may not have such gaudy numbers on his resume, but he does have one thing going for him this week that he didn’t have Saturday in the win over Yakima Valley: He’s healthy.
“I’d had a fever of 103 since last Tuesday,” Simpson said following practice Monday afternoon. “Now I’m healthy, feeling a lot better.”
Simpson’s illness forced him out of Saturday’s game, but with him back to 100 percent, the Venom are healthy for their first road game.
Evans said he expects a hostile environment in Wyoming, which will be a big shift from the fan support the Venom enjoyed Saturday.
Venom lineman Matt Martinez, a Wenatchee High School grad, also was impressed with the fan support on Saturday.
“It was awesome,” Martinez said. “It was good to see the town supporting the team, and to see the stands packed, that was a cool feeling.”
Evans gave his team pretty good marks for their first game.
“I think we need to play a little better,” Evans said before admitting a coach is always going to think that about his team. “I know what I have here player-wise, so I like our chances.”