The Abilene Ruff Riders rolled out a new quarterback Saturday night at Verizon Arena.
Unfortunately, so did the home team, the Arkansas Diamonds, and new Diamonds player James Pinkney outdueled the Ruff Riders’ Bart Gloyd, the team’s fifth starter in 18 games, in leading his team to a 53-34 victory.
The loss was third straight to open the season for Abilene.
"We've got to play a complete game," Riders coach Gerald Dockery said.
Pinkney accumulated 139 yards passing and three touchdowns on the night.
The result keeps the Ruff Riders winless and keeps the Diamonds, now 3-1, in the lead in the East Division of the Indoor Football League’s Intense Conference. This was the first time the two teams had played.
The game was close through the first half, with the Ruff Riders trailing only 19-13. But the Diamonds outscored the Ruff Riders 24-7 in the third quarter and cruised to the victory.
The Ruff Riders have another road game Saturday, a bit shorter trip than the Arkansas trip. They will travel to San Angelo to play the Stampede Express, which won 38-27 two weeks ago in Abilene.
