News: Marshals / Beef Preview

The undefeated Omaha Beef (6-0) return to the Liberty First Credit Union Arena Saturday after two weeks on the road for a 7:30pm CT kickoff against the Rapid City Marshals (0-6). The Marshals are coming off their bye week while the Beef returned home with a 45-12 victory vs Billings.

The Beef defense continues to steal the show as they scored three defensive touchdowns vs the Outlaws. JayShawn Washington, named co-defensive player of the week, returned two fumble recoveries for touchdowns and Key James Black recovered another fumble in the endzone for a score.  

Omaha continues to have the number one ranked defense as they have allowed only 19 touchdowns and allowed an average of 21.3 points per game, which is almost eight points less than the second ranked defense. On average, Omaha allows 51 yards rushing per game (3rd best in CIF). The pass defense allows only 79.2 yards per game and overall, the defense gives up 130.2 yards per game. The best overall defense in CIF history was Wichita in 2021 when they allowed 144.5 ypg. Opponents have a pass efficiency of only 39.2 and have a pass completion rate of 44 percent, both best in the CIF. 

Washington, three-time defensive player of the week, is currently third in the CIF with 6.5 sacks and tied for first in tackles for loss with 11.5.  JayShawn also lead the team with 32 tackles, three forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Dreko Statham continues to lead the league with seven interceptions and the team has a + 14 in turnover margin. 

Jeff Mack continues to impress as he averages 46.3 rushing yards per game, ranking second in the CIF. He has rushed for 139 yards in three games, while Tommy Armstrong leads the team with 145 yards. Armstrong averages 11 points per game, ranking third in scoring average, and 124.2 yards per game. Gourney Sloan (27 catches, 329 yards, 7 TD) ranked third in CIF with 54.8 ypg. Paul Ortiz is averaging more than one field goal per game as he has made 6 of his 11 attempts and 16 of 19 extra points. Ortiz, who leads the CIF in scoring by kicking, field goal percentage, and second in extra points percentage has scored 33 points on the season. 

Rapid City and Head Coach Dante Dudley have struggled this season with the injury bug, they currently have five players on either short-term or long-term injury reserve. Tahj Thomas Tolbert has come in the last three games to pass for 416 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kevin Chrism (18-197 yds, 4 touchdowns) and Jauhem Byrd-Mix (16-177 yds, 1 TD) led the team’s receiving core. Defensively the Marshals will welcome the return of leading tackler Derrick Dyer (28 tackles, 4 TFL) he will join LaKeith Murray (20 tackles) in trying to stop the Beef offense. 

Omaha makes its final road trip of the season traveling up Interstate 29 to take on the Sioux City Bandits May 6th at the Tyson Events Center. The Beef’s final two regular season games are back at the Slaughterhouse as they play host to Topeka and the rematch with Sioux City. Rapid City will also hit the road as they travel to Gillette next week before returning to Summit Arena for their final two regular season games. 

OTHER NOTES: 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. https://a4footballacademy.eventsmart.com/…/ta-football…/ 

2023 Omaha Beef Schedule (6-0) 

(CIF rank after week 8) 

CIF Player of the Week Awards– 

Tommy Armstrong (1)– Week 2 – Offensive 

JayShawn Washington (3)– Week 3, Week 6, Week 8 – Defensive 

Dre’Sonte Dorton (1)– Week 3 – Special Teams 

Paul Ortiz (2)– Week 5, Week 7 – Special Teams 

Rapid City Marshals (0-6)