The BEEF move to 7-2 on the season with the win and now lead the Western Conference over the Sioux Falls Storm by a game and the Billings Outlaws by a game and a half. Wichita falls to 1-7 in their first season in the UIF.
Omaha kicked off their scoring explosion with a one-yard run by David Horne to give the BEEF an early 6-0 lead with 11:05 remaining in the first quarter. Wichita took the lead right back, going ahead 7-6, on a 14-yard pass from Efi Eyo to Donald Payne. On the subsequent BEEF possession, R.J. Rollins caught a five-yard pass from James McNear to finish a three-play drive and give the BEEF a 13-7 advantage. The seven points would be the first seven of a 41-point spurt by Omaha that saw the BEEF go ahead 47-9 before halftime. In all, five different Omaha players scored touchdowns as Horne caught a four-yard touchdown pass from McNear, Dustin Creager returned an interception 22 yards, McNear himself ran two in from four and 10 yards out and Ken Horton caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from McNear. Wichita added a safety just before halftime to finish the first half with nine points.
In the second half, Rollins and kicker Ricky Lebeda contributed all of the BEEF's 20 points. Rollins scored on a 21-yard run on the first play of the third quarter to put Omaha in front 54-9. Wichita's Cliff Edwards scored on a one-yard run on the subsequent possession to finish the Wild's scoring for the evening at 16 points. Rollins added another touchdown, this time on a 27-yard run, with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter as the BEEF were now in front 61-16. Lebeda added two fourth-quarter field goals from 40 and 49 yards out to finish the BEEF's scoring at 67 points. The 67 points are the highest by Omaha since June 10th, 2006, when the BEEF put 70 up against the Rock River Raptors at home.
Rollins led the BEEF in rushing with his six carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns. McNear led in passing, completing seven of 13 passes for 76 yards and three touchdowns. In the receiving categories, Blake Fuchtman caught a team-high four passes while Horton led with 34 yards. The BEEF's defense had a solid all-around effort as they tallied eight tackles for loss and three sacks. In addition, they also intercepted six passes, broke up four more and forced three fumbles (recovering two). The six interceptions tied a mark achieved by the team on April 10th, also against Wichita. On special teams, Lebeda contributed 13 points on the two field goals and seven extra points. Chris Eads led with two kickoff returns for 14 yards.
The BEEF will next be action next Saturday at one of their I-29 rivals, the Sioux City Bandits. Game time at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Meat Wagon will be making the trip to Sioux City for the game. For only $25, fans can ride a bus with other fans and enjoy games and prizes on the way to Sioux City. Fans must register before Friday to ensure a spot on the bus. For more information, contact the BEEF at (402) 346-BEEF (2333). The next home game will be May 17th against the Billings Outlaws on "Armed Forces Night" at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Omaha Beef opened their 2008 home season versus the Bloomington Extreme on March 15, 2008. All home games will be played at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The Beef are a member of the United Indoor Football Association, the premier indoor football league in America. The Beef are committed to making a positive difference in the Omaha area through football, fun and community service. For more information about the Beef, log on to www.beeffootball.com.
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