Beef / Liberty preview

April 14, 2023

The undefeated Omaha Beef (4-0) return to last place they suffered a defeat when they travel to Salina, Kansas to take on the Liberty (4-1). Last June 25^th the Liberty defeated the Beef 38-34 in Champions Bowl 7.  The Beef had won Champions Bowl 6 against Salina and this year both teams are looking to make it three straight championship appearances as they head into this week 7 matchup.  Salina has won three straight games after falling to Sioux City in week two.

The matchup features the top two scoring offenses in the CIF as both teams are the only ones to average above 50 points a game. The Liberty are led by CIF leading running back Tracy Brooks who averages 53 yards a game and has scored 11 rushing touchdowns.  Omaha will counter with its 4^th ranked rushing defense which allows 58 yards a game.

Tommy Armstrong, ranked 8^th in league rushing (24.8 ypg) and 5^th in passing (100.5 ypg), will lead the Beef into another battle for the top spot in the league.  The running game will feature Jeff Mack, who rushed for 38 yards last week vs Gillette filling in for Jailin Singleton, who could play this week.  The Beef did suffer a big loss, losing WR/KR Dre’Sonte Dorton to long-term injury reserve.  Dorton had three receiving touchdowns and two kick return touchdowns in four games.  Gourney Sloan (16-196, 4 TD’s) and Devanaire Conliffe (7-94, 4 TD’s) will be joined by Traveon Samuel and newly signed Datryan Evans.  Evans had been on the exemption list after he was signed by USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers, who released him this past week.

Salina has used two quarterbacks this season as Jerod Evans has taken most snaps, but in last week’s victory over Billings JaVonte Johnson played the entire game.  Johnson went 12 for 23 for 119 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite targets were Moe Strong and Demarius Washington. Washington ranks 8^th in receptions per game and 4^th in receiving yards per game in league play.  Anthony Love is the Liberty’s leading receiver with 20 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns.  Washington leads the team in touchdowns caught with 6 of his 15 catches for 257 yards, while Ed Smith Jr (11-136, 4 TD) and Strong (12-87, 3 TD) have TD receptions.

Omaha's defense front of JayShawn Washington, Tamar Heart, and Javari Nichols hope to pressure the Salina quarterbacks while containing the CIF’s leading rusher and scorer. Washington was named week six defensive player of the week by the CIF, his second time winning the award, for his six tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in the victory of Gillette.

The Beef’s top ranked pass defense only gives up an average of 71.2 yards per game and has only allowed nine touchdowns. They rank first in sacks and second in interceptions as a team and JayShawn Washington is tied for the league lead with five sacks and Dreko Statham tied for the interception lead with 5.

The Liberty leading tackler with 32 is CJ Jones who heads a very active defense.  Travis Taylor (30 tackles, 5 sacks), Trevonte Carter (16 tackles, 2 TFL), and Jacquil Bradford (11 tackles, 2.5 TFL) join linebacker Tarik Pusey (21 tackles, 1 sack) in the hope of providing pressure on Beef offense who have not given up a sack.  Joining Jones in the backfield are Dontra Matthews (26 tackles, 3 interceptions), Kevin Simmons (22 tackles, 1 interception) and Evan Ray (12 tackles, 1 interception).

Both teams have a strong kicking game with Liberty’s, James Kazalski and Beef’s Paul Ortiz. Kazalski leads all kickers with 12 pat (92%) while Ortiz is second with 9. (90%)

The Beef hit the road again next Saturday as they travel to Billings to take on the Outlaws, while the Liberty host the SW Kansas Storm. 

OTHER NOTES:  The Beef went 0-4 vs the Salina Bombers, so the overall records vs teams from Salina is 8-11.

The Omaha Beef - Tommy Armstrong Youth Football Camp will be held May 12 & May 13. In addition to the football camp, your registration will include an Omaha Beef shirt, pizza party, and a ticket to the May13th game where all participants will play football on the field before pre-game activities kickoff that evening’s game!!! For more information contact the Omaha Beef office @ 402.346.2333 or register with the enclosed link!!!! #ORANGEKINGDOM

https://a4footballacademy.eventsmart.com/.../ta-football.../

2023 Omaha Beef Schedule (4-0)

(CIF rank after week 6)

Projected Starters

CIF Player of the Week Awards-

Tommy Armstrong – Week 2 Offensive

JayShawn Washington – Week 3, Week 6 Defensive

Dre’Sonte Dorton – Week 3 Special Teams

Paul Ortiz – Week 5 Special Teams

Salina Liberty (4-1)

Visit https://omaha.footballshift.com/ for more information.

Livestream - https://www.youtube.com/@ChampionsIndoorFootballNetwork/featured