Power in the house of the Venom

By Tonya Swim
Amarillo, Tx-The Amarillo Venom will host the Texas Power Saturday night at the Cal Farley Coliseum.

The Texas Power is a travel team that is currently in the Champions Edge Indoor Football League and is taking the spot of the now defunct Dallas Marshalls for their last two travel games. 

This is not the first time the Venom has faced the travel team, but with a travel team as an opponent, a whole different set of problems for the hosting team comes into view.
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​Rookie Quarterback Arealus Lee, who is getting his first start this season explains, "It's not necessarily more difficult, it's a little more nerve wracking from a standpoint that, and not to talk down about anyone that plays semi-pro or on a travel team because that's how I got back in football, I played on a travel team, semi-pro, things like that. It's a little more nerve wracking because these guys aren't getting paid, so they have less care for their bodies. They can be out there in one play, see an opportunity and just take a shot whereas, people that are under contract may see that as a fine, a suspension or even a ban. That hurts our family because we're not able to collect a check, not able to do what we've been hired to do more or less. So I don't think it makes it more difficult, um well, it could make it more difficult just because you don't necessarily have a game plan for them. With travel teams, there's so many guys in and out, you have guys that might not show up, might show up, so you really never know what to expect. You can kind of get a general idea, but it makes it a little difficult to get a game plan on them just because they might play a different game, play a different style of ball that we're not accustomed to in the CIF. So, those two things are a little bit nerve wracking about playing a travel team. They are unpredictable, more scary because you don't know what they are going to do. It makes you second guess it, doesn't put fear into you, just second guess it."

The Power team is fluid in players but that doesn't diminish what they are coming in to accomplish. "This is an important game. They(Power) are coming in here to win and make a statement. This is a must win for us." stated Julian Reese, head coach for the Venom. 

The Power is poised to join the CIFL next season so if you haven't already seen them, this would be a great opportunity. 

Saturday is also Salute to Every Day Heroes night with free tickets to all First Responders, Dispatchers and Military with a valid ID courtesy of Potter- Randall 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District, ER Now, NewsChannel10, and BRITKARE ORTHOTICS and IV Rejuvenation Station Amarillo.
Saturday's events also include a costume parade and characters and mascots will be in attendance for the kids to help celebrate the birthday of the Venom mascot, Striker, courtesy of Yellow City Comic Con. Have the kids wear their favorite costume to participate in the kids parade at the game.

Game time is at 6pm or the broadcast can be viewed live on Pluto TV Channel 221.