Newly signed running back Ben Birmingham scored three touchdowns for the Oklahoma City Bricktown Brawlers but it was not enough as the West Texas Roughnecks won their 2011 IFL season opener Monday night by a score of 39-22.
While the Bricktwon Brawlers failed to win their first game, there were a number of positives to take from the loss.
The West Texas Roughnecks are veterans in the IFL, making the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons. This is the first year for the newly formed Oklahoma City franchise to compete in the league. Despite the inexperience, the Bricktown Brawlers outgained West Texas on offense 161-92 yards.
The game was a defensive struggle. West Texas quarterback Arkelon Hall only completed 6/13 for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Former Georgia Tech standout Reggie Ball went 13/31 for 72 yards and one touchdown while running for 24 yards for the Bricktown Brawlers.
The star of the game for Oklahoma City was newcomer Ben Birmingham. The former Central Oklahoma star carried the ball seven times for 71 yards while catching five passes for 15 yards. He had two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air, accounting for all three Oklahoma City scores.
Billy Harrison was the Oklahoma City star on defense with 10 total tackles (five unassisted) and 1.5 sacks. Steve Allen finished the game with eight tackles, six unassisted, with 0.5 sacks.
Like most defensive struggles, it came down to turnovers. The Bricktown Brawlers lost two fumbles and Reggie Ball threw an interception on the final drive of the game. Both fumbles led directly to West Texas touchdowns.
The Oklahoma City Bricktown Brawlers will have their home opener on Sunday, March 6 at the Cox Convention Center for “Make a Wish Night.” The game will be against the Allen Wranglers and kickoff time is set for 3:05 p.m. CT. Tickets are available by calling (405) 602-8557.
Scoring Summary:
- 2 10:32 ROUGH Evin JONES Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 1 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO GOOD
- 2 09:10 ROUGH DeWayne HOGAN Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 1 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO GOOD
- 2 05:29 BRAWL Ben Birmingham Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 11 yds PAT Pass from Kendale Rayford to Reggie Bell GOOD
- 2 01:02 BRAWL Reggie Bell Passes to Ben Birmingham COMPLETE TOUCHDOWN. 22 yds PAT Pass from Reggie Bell to Anthony Harrison NO Good
- 2 00:38 BRAWL Arkelon HALL Carries(Hand Off) SAFETY. -2 yds
- 3 09:57 ROUGH Arkelon HALL Passes to Wilson KIMBLE COMPLETE TOUCHDOWN. 39 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO NO Good
- 3 00:55 ROUGH Evin JONES Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 3 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO NO Good
- 4 12:38 ROUGH DeWayne HOGAN Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 4 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO NO Good
- 4 09:49 BRAWL Ben Birmingham Carries(Hand Off) TOUCHDOWN. 47 yds PAT Pass from Reggie Bell to Unknown NO Good
- 4 02:15 ROUGH Arkelon HALL Passes to Josh FLOYD COMPLETE TOUCHDOWN. 36 yds PAT Kick by Zeke AREVALO GOOD
GAME STATS
RUSHING(Att / Yards):
Bricktown Brawlers: Ben Birmingham 7/71 Reggie Bell 11/24
WTex Roughnecks: DeWayne Hogan 6/20 Evin Jones 10/12 Carlton Jackson 2/0 Arkelon Hall 4/-1
PASSING(Comp/Att/Int/Yard):
Bricktown Brawlers: Reggie Bell 13/31/1/72
WTex Roughnecks: Arkelon Hall 6/13/0/69
RECEIVING(No / Yard):
Bricktown Brawlers: Jahmeel Hobson 3/26 Anthony Harrison 3/23 Ben Birmingham 5/15 Marcus Miles 2/8
WTex Roughnecks: Josh Floyd 3/39 Wilson Kimble 1/39 Evin Jones 2/-9
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