The Amarillo Venom made their home debut at the Amarillo Civic Center on March 23. The LEXFA All-Stars of Mexico came to town and took part in the inaugural International Arena Championship game that ended in an Amarillo victory with a final score of 109-31.
LEXFA made the game competitive in their initial drive by taking a 7-6 lead on a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brian Gomez to receiver Raul Mateos. It would be downhill from that point on for the Mexican All-Stars as they failed to match the speed and athleticism of the Venom.
Amarillo Venom Head Coach Julian Reese was proud of his team’s effort but also stressed the need to continue to improve.
“We know that we can continue to get better,” Reese said. “We still have a lot of things to work on. I’m happy we got the win, I’m always happy to get a win, but I’m happy the guys aren’t satisfied. They know we need to work so that’s always a positive.”
Reese addressed the preparation involved in getting ready for this matchup with the LEXFA All-Stars.
“You have to continue to stay focused as a unit,” Reese said.
The fast-paced, high scoring game featured many wild plays and showcased some of the strengths of individual players of the Venom. Wide receiver and return specialist Raymond Johnson put his speed to good use, scoring several touchdowns in the Venom rout. The speedy receiver sounded off on the experience of participating in the game and preparing being able to play against the LEXFA All-Stars.
“It was a good experience playing an international team, but once you get in between those lines you’re just another opponent, no matter where you’re from,” Johnson said.
Johnson commented on the need to remain focused no matter the opponent.
“Look at me. I mean I’m not the biggest guy in the world at all. You can’t underestimate anybody so we prepared just like it was a regular game,” Johnson said.
For the LEXFA All-Stars, the story was more about the experience of playing in an international game and the learning process of adapting to the different style
of play and rules.
“It’s so different,” Rene Ortega, a wide receiver for the LEXFA, said. “It’s so different because they’re professionals, we don’t have a pro league.”
Ortega talked about the opportunity to come to Amarillo and shared his thoughts on the city.
“Everything about Amarillo is nice, the people are great,” Ortega said.
The victory moves the team to their second victory in as many games as the team continues this season in defense of their 2013 title.
The Venom continues their season on March 29, as they take on the Sol of Rio Grande Valley at the Amarillo Civic Center at 7 p.m.
