Post by 50yardfan on Apr 23, 2011 13:09:10 GMT -5
OMAHA-Saturday night, Omaha's Civic Auditorium will play host to the first ever game between the Omaha Beef and Nebraska (Grand Island) Danger. In case the the intra-state rivalry inauguration isn't big enough, the two teams are battling for a Indoor Football League playoff spot.
"We try not to make any one game more important than any other," Beef head coach Andy Yost said. "But we want to come out and look like the established team on the field. We want to set the tone right off the bat."
Both teams sit at 3-3, tied for second place in the Great Plains Division of the IFL's United Conference. Omaha has made the playoffs each of the last 10 seasons, missing out only there rookie season of indoor football. The Danger have a lot of indoor football experience on their roster and want to see the same success the Beef have.
"They may be a first year team, but they are playing really well," Yost said. "They have a lot of guys with experience. We are definitely not underestimating them."
The Beef split their last two games of the season, playing without star quarterback James McNear, who suffered from a groin injury. Rookie Silas Fluellen filled in well, but McNear will return to his role Saturday night.
Fluellen's play proved his value in the league, and Thursday the Beef were able to complete a trade that sent the first-year signal caller (along with WR Michael Okowonkro) to the Wenatchee (WA) Valley Venom for OL Markevis Woods of Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Yost said the trade provided needed depth at the position and anticipates an immediate impact from Woods.
If needed, Yost can always turn to Maurice Avery behind center. The receiver took a few snaps the last two games (including the whole second quarter last week), giving opposing defenses a different look. He even ran for a touchdown at quarterback in the Beef's last home game. His triple threat ability (he has rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns this year) is something Omaha looks forward to utilizing even more now that McNear is back.
"He can do a lot of things for us," Yost said, then joked, "if we had to, I bet he could play offensive line. But I hope it doesn't get to that point."
EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
While the game and rivalry will be great entertainment, the Beef are also celebrating Kids Night. Kids get in free with a paid adult, posters will be handed out to all fans in attendance, and several area mascots (from high schools, universities, local teams and businesses) will show their skills in a halftime Mascot Football Game. The halftime entertainment will be 13-year-old Fremont native Justice Johnson. The eighth grader has recorded two albums.
The Beef are also encouraging fans to show their support for the St. Jude's Children's hospital with a touchdown-athon. Prior to the game, fans will be able to pledge any dollar amount starting with $1for each Beef touchdown scored.
Yost sees this night as a great event for everyone involved.
"Kids get the experience of meeting the players they look up to, and the guys get the experience of realizing they're held to a higher standard," Yost said.
Throughout the year, Beef players do many community outreach events such as visiting with kids in schools and even reading to their class.
"They're role models, and they get to see how they can be a great influence in (kids) lives."
Additionally, information will be provided about next week's Walk for MS, hosted at the Civic Auditorium. That event will be the first part of a great downtown family outing as the Beef host the Wyoming Cavalry at 7:05 that night.
"We try not to make any one game more important than any other," Beef head coach Andy Yost said. "But we want to come out and look like the established team on the field. We want to set the tone right off the bat."
Both teams sit at 3-3, tied for second place in the Great Plains Division of the IFL's United Conference. Omaha has made the playoffs each of the last 10 seasons, missing out only there rookie season of indoor football. The Danger have a lot of indoor football experience on their roster and want to see the same success the Beef have.
"They may be a first year team, but they are playing really well," Yost said. "They have a lot of guys with experience. We are definitely not underestimating them."
The Beef split their last two games of the season, playing without star quarterback James McNear, who suffered from a groin injury. Rookie Silas Fluellen filled in well, but McNear will return to his role Saturday night.
Fluellen's play proved his value in the league, and Thursday the Beef were able to complete a trade that sent the first-year signal caller (along with WR Michael Okowonkro) to the Wenatchee (WA) Valley Venom for OL Markevis Woods of Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Yost said the trade provided needed depth at the position and anticipates an immediate impact from Woods.
If needed, Yost can always turn to Maurice Avery behind center. The receiver took a few snaps the last two games (including the whole second quarter last week), giving opposing defenses a different look. He even ran for a touchdown at quarterback in the Beef's last home game. His triple threat ability (he has rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns this year) is something Omaha looks forward to utilizing even more now that McNear is back.
"He can do a lot of things for us," Yost said, then joked, "if we had to, I bet he could play offensive line. But I hope it doesn't get to that point."
EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS
While the game and rivalry will be great entertainment, the Beef are also celebrating Kids Night. Kids get in free with a paid adult, posters will be handed out to all fans in attendance, and several area mascots (from high schools, universities, local teams and businesses) will show their skills in a halftime Mascot Football Game. The halftime entertainment will be 13-year-old Fremont native Justice Johnson. The eighth grader has recorded two albums.
The Beef are also encouraging fans to show their support for the St. Jude's Children's hospital with a touchdown-athon. Prior to the game, fans will be able to pledge any dollar amount starting with $1for each Beef touchdown scored.
Yost sees this night as a great event for everyone involved.
"Kids get the experience of meeting the players they look up to, and the guys get the experience of realizing they're held to a higher standard," Yost said.
Throughout the year, Beef players do many community outreach events such as visiting with kids in schools and even reading to their class.
"They're role models, and they get to see how they can be a great influence in (kids) lives."
Additionally, information will be provided about next week's Walk for MS, hosted at the Civic Auditorium. That event will be the first part of a great downtown family outing as the Beef host the Wyoming Cavalry at 7:05 that night.