Beef vs Tri-State Tridents

March 15, 2024

The Omaha Beef have had some big changes since going undefeated and winning the 2023 CIF Champions Bowl 8. The team will compete in a new league, a new orange turf at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, and have a new head coach in 2024.

Omaha has moved to the National Arena League (NAL). The NAL consist of six teams: Carolina Cobras, Colorado Spartans, Idaho Horsemen, Oklahoma Flying Aces, and longtime rival the Sioux City Bandits. The Beef will open the 2024 season with an St. Patrick’s Day exhibition game vs the Tri-City Tridents at Liberty First Credit Union Arena with a 3pm kickoff. The regular season will start the following week when they travel to Greensboro Coliseum for a Sunday 2pm kickoff vs the Carolina Cobras.

Mike Tatum, the 16^th Head Coach in Beef History, will take over as head coach for Omaha this season. Tatum, a veteran of indoor football, played for nine different teams from 2009-2019. He was the offensive coordinator for the 12-0 Beef last season. Joining his coaching staff are James Terry (offensive coordinator), Tyler Knight (Defensive coordinator), Cole Gore (offensive line/run game coordinator), Adam Loftis (defensive backs/strength conditioning), Marty Almendarez (Equipment manager) and Tom Albino (defensive line/ special teams coordinator).

After leading the Beef to a perfect 12-0 championship season and winning the 2023 CIF MVP award, quarterback Tommy Armstrong has returned. Armstrong led the Beef in rushing yards (384 yds, 32.0 average, 19 TD’s) while completing 62.2% of his passes for 1279 yards, 32 TD’s, and only 4 interceptions. Veteran running backs Tabyus Taylor (61 attempts, 251 yards, 13 TD’s) and Jeff Mack II (36 attempts, 139 yards, 2 TD’s) give the Beef the top three rushers returning for the 2024 season. Mack II is currently 6^th on the Beef all-time rushing charts. In three season he has rushed for 760 yards on 230 attempts and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. The offensive line will be led by linemen Olukayode Akinmoladun Jr and Reggie Patrick, who helped the top offensive team in the CIF and only allowed two sacks on the season. Wide receivers Terrance Tolbert-McIntyre (14 rec, 210 yards, 3 TD’s), Jordan Barton (6 rec, 95 yards, 3 TD’s) and Dre’Sonte Dorton (5 rec, 31 yards, 3 TD’s) also return for the Beef. Dorton was a key player for the Omaha special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns and averaging 23.6 yards per return.

The defense has four returning players in linebacker Cameron Hunt II, defensive back Chris Perry, defensive back Trey Dudley-Giles and defensive back Ponce Deleon. Hunt (37 tackles) was third on the team with 6 tackles for loss and tied for third with 3 sacks. Perry (30 tackles) had 4.5 tackle for loss and one interception. Dudley-Giles (31 tackles) had three interceptions and 11 breakups. Deleon (38 tackles) tied for third on the team with 3 interceptions and forced two fumbles.

OTHER NOTES: 

2023 Omaha Beef Stats

Tickets are now on sale starting at just $23.00, you can buy them by visiting the arena box office or online at Omaha Beef Football | Liberty First Credit Union Arena

A special ticket package is available for this Sunday’s game. You can get a ticket for the Marth 15 Lancers hockey games vs Sioux Falls and a ticket for the Beef vs Tridents for only $25.

The Fareway Butcher Block Season Ticket package – Sections 107 or 108, Free Beef butcher jacket, hat, and a chance to win Fareway gift cards at every home game.

The Beef will also be wearing green jerseys that will be auctioned off and the proceeds going to Omaha’s Ronald McDonald House.

The coaches show will be held every Monday at Phoenix 120 Food & Spirit starting at 6pm.

Any questions call the Beef office at 402.346.2333.

2024 Omaha Beef Schedule (0-0)

Projected Starters

NAL Player of the Week Awards-

Livestream – youtube.com/@NationalArenaLeague/streams

Website – beeffootball.com

Facebook- facebook.com/TheOmahaBeef

Beef All-Time records vs. (As of 3/15/24)

Beef Championships-

CIF Champions Bowl VI (2021) and VIII (2023)

Promotions for 2024-

March 17^th – Green Jerseys Auction for Ronald McDonald House

June 8^th – Hall of Fame Class of 2024