Venom drop close decision in Casper

CASPER, Wyo. — After opening their season impressively last weekend with a resounding win, the Wenatchee Venom were hoping to really shake things up early in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) this season.

Travelling to Casper to play the two-time defending Western Division Champion Wyoming Calvary, the expansion Venom gave the hosts a serious scare before falling 48-46 in overtime.

The teams were tied at 40-40 after regulation and the Venom (1-1) scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Ronnie Simpson to Maurice Bryant to go up 46-40.

They then forced the Calvary to make a play on a fourth-and-goal from the Venom nine-yard-line, and Wyoming (2-0) did on a Matt Strand to B.J. Charlton pass.

The subsequent two-point conversion for the Calvary secured the narrow win.

Neither team led by more than a touchdown throughout the contest.

The Venom outgained the Calvary 261-256 and were led by Simpson’s 12-for-25, 182 yards, and six touchdown performance.

Bryant had three touchdowns on his four receptions and 36 yards while running back Travis Rhone gained 52 yards.

Wenatchee was whistled for 128 yards on 13 penalties.

“It was a back-and-forth game and we had it but it came down to one play,” Venom coach Keith Evans said. “If we make one play we win the game and we didn’t make a stop. We’re at where we want to be we just need to get better and we will be in real good shape.  We will get Casper here at home.”