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Birmingham Steeldogs game notes

April 19, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release


STEELDOGS RETURN HOME TO FACE MEMPHIS

The Steeldogs finally get a chance to relax a bit after a grueling stretch of two games in eight days to begin the season. Birmingham hosts the Memphis Xplorers on Saturday night at the BJCC Arena in the fourth meeting between the two teams. The Xplorers (3-0) are coming off a 54-13 victory over the Arkansas Twisters, while the Steeldogs (0-2) dropped a 67-50 decision at Macon.

COACHES

BOBBY HUMPHREY, BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS
YEARS IN THE AF2: 6 YEARS AT BIR: 6
OVERALL RECORD: 49-38 (.563)
REGULAR SEASON: 47-35 (.573)
POSTSEASON: 2-3 (.400)
RECORD VS XPLORERS: 3-0 (1.000)

Coach Humphrey returns for his sixth season as the head coach of the Birmingham Steeldogs. He is the longest-tenured coach in af2 football, as well as the all-time winningest. In 2004, Humphrey surpassed friend and long-time rival Kevin Porter as the league’s most victorious head man with his 46th win. Humphrey’s next win will be his 50th career victory, another af2 milestone.

Bobby is a 2004 inductee into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Birmingham with his wife Barbara and their five children.

DANTON BARTO, MEMPHIS XPLORERS
YEARS IN THE AF2: 4 YEARS AT MEM: 4
OVERALL RECORD: 24-28 (.462)
POSTSEASON: 0-1 (.000)
RECORD VS STEELDOGS: 0-2 (.000)

This will be Barto's fourth year as the Head Coach of the Memphis Xplorers. The Xplorers put together their most impressive season in franchise history in 2004 under Coach Barto. The Xplorers won ten games and earned their first trip to the playoffs, before falling to the eventual champions on a last second field goal miss.

Coach Barto is still considered a University of Memphis legend; he currently is the only player to be named to the All-American team three different years. He is still ranked number one in career tackles for the University of Memphis with 473 total tackles. Coach Barto also enjoyed a 5-year professional career in the CFL and AFL leagues. Coach Barto currently resides with his wife Rachel and his 6-year-old son Will in Bartlett, Tennessee.

2005 STEELDOGS SCHEDULE
REGULAR SEASON: 0-2
DATE OPPONANT TIME SERIES/RES.
4/9 San Diego 7:00 L, 57-58
4/14 at Macon 6:30 L, 50-67
4/23 Memphis 7:00 BIR Leads 3-0
4/30 at Louisville 6:30 BIR Leads 3-1
5/7 South Georgia 7:00 SGA Leads 1-0
5/14 at San Diego 9:00 SD Leads 1-0
5/21 at Arkansas 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
5/28 Green Bay 7:00 BIR Leads 1-0
6/4 at Florida 6:30 BIR Leads 3-2
6/11 Louisville 7:00 BIR Leads 3-1
6/18 at Memphis 7:00 BIR Leads 3-0
6/24 at Green Bay 7:00 BIR Leads 1-0
7/9 Macon 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
7/16 at South Georgia 6:30 SGA Leads 1-0
7/23 Arkansas 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
7/30 Florida 7:00 BIR Leads 3-2

GAME INFORMATION:
Date: .............................................. Saturday, April 23
Kickoff: ........................................... 7 p.m.
Arena: ............................................. BJCC Arena
Capacity: ......................................... 16,000
Television: ....................................... None
Steeldogs Radio Network:
Flagship: ............................ WJOX AM-690
Play-By-Play: ...................... Matt Coulter
Color: ................................ Roger Shultz
Series Records:................................. BIR leads 3-0
Officials: R: Matt Austin, U: Conrad Carney, HL: Tommy Walsh, LJ: Rod Holloway, BJ: Todd Ransom

STEELDOGS-XPLORERS SERIES

This is the fourth meeting between Birmingham and Memphis, dating back to Birmingham’s 67-39 win over the Xplorers in the Steeldogs’ regular-season finale in 2001. Birmingham has won all of the two teams’ previous three meetings, defeating the Xplorers by an average of 22 points per contest.

In the first game, the Steeldogs soundly defeated the Xplorers, 67- 39, on July 7, 2001. Birmingham was led by strong performances by quarterback Chris Windsor and OS Wayne Thomas. Windsor completed 16-33 pass attempts for 176 yards. Thomas caught seven balls for 65 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2003, Birmingham traveled to the Desoto Civic Center for the first and only time in team history, defeating Memphis 51-36. OS Arvvia Holmes caught 10 passes for 122 yards to lead Birmingham. Holmes hauled in all but five of Windsor’s completed passes. Adrian Burnette led the Xplorers with seven receptions for 103 yards and three touchdowns.

The Steeldogs defeated the Xplorers again in 2004, 44-21, in Birmingham’s home opener. Detronn Harris caught five passes for 73 yards and scored one touchdown. Kevin Prentiss led the Xplorers with eight catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.

SERIES BY THE NUMBERS

Record vs. Memphis: 3-0
Last regular season game: Steeldogs, 44-21 at BIR (4/10/04)
Steeldogs’ largest margin of victory: 28 (67-39 at BIR (7/21/01))
Memphis’ largest margin of victory: N/A
Current streak: Steeldogs have won last 3 meetings
Steeldogs longest win streak vs. Memphis: 3 (7/21/01 to present)
Memphis longest win streak vs. Steeldogs: N/A
Most points, Steeldogs: 67 (67-39 at BIR (7/21/01))
Most points, Memphis: 39 (67-39 at BIR (7/21/01))
Most points, both teams: 106 (BIR 67-39 at BIR (7/21/01))
Fewest points, Steeldogs: 44 (44-21 at BIR (4/10/04))
Fewest points, Memphis: 21 (44-21 at BIR (4/10/04))
Fewest points, both teams: 65 (BIR 44-21 at BIR (4/10/04))

STEELDOGS BESTS VS. MEMPHIS
Most rushing yards: 34, Demontray Carter (6/14/03 at MEM)
Most receiving yards: 122, Aryvia Holmes (6/14/03 at MEM)
Most passing yards: 176, Chris Windsor (7/21/01 at BIR)
Most touchdowns: 7, Chris Windsor (5 p. 2 r.) (7/21/01 at BIR)
Most tackles: 8, George Williams (7/21/01 at BIR)

OTHER NOTES:

This is the first time in team history that the Steeldogs have started a season with a 0-2 record. The last time the Steeldogs have strung together at least two losses occurred in 2004, when the team dropped three in a row to Florida, Quad City and Peoria from July 10 to July 24. The Steeldogs also lost three in a row to close out the 2003 season (Columbus, Florida and Arkansas from July 12 to July 26). The only other three-game losing streak in team history came during the 2000 season (Tennessee Valley and Quad City in a home-and-home series, July 15 through July 29) The Steeldogs are 3-2 all-time during the April 19-23 time frame Birmingham currently owns a 28-14 career record inside the BJCC Arena.

The Steeldogs are just 11,011 fans short of the 300,000 lifetime attendance mark. So far, 288,989 fans have crossed the BJCC turnstiles in just over five years, an average of 6,880 a game.

LAST SERIES GAME

4/10/2004 - Steeldogs Stifle Memphis in Home Opener

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Steeldogs defeated the Memphis Xplorers, 44-27, in front of 6,424 fans at the BJCC Arena on Saturday night. The win improves the Steeldogs record to 1-1 on the young season, while Memphis falls to 0- 1.

Quarterbacks Jeff Aaron and Roger Linn shared time under center, filling in for injured Steeldog signal-caller, Kenton Evans. Aaron finished 10 of 16 for 115 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Linn completed 2 of 6 pass attempts for 17 yards in limited first half action.

The Steeldogs started strong in the first quarter, jumping out to a 21-0 lead. Demontray Carter opened up the scoring with a 3-yard scamper with 12:07 remaining the opening quarter. Rhett Gallego's point after was successful, giving the Steeldogs an early 7-0 cushion.

Minutes later, Carlos McNeary hauled in a Jeff Aaron pass from 17 yards out, giving the Steeldogs a 14-point advantage midway through the quarter. Then, with 14 seconds left, Memphis quarterback Brian Jones absorbed a vicious hit from Steeldog Jerry Turner, forcing a fumble. Birmingham's Bennitte Waddell scooped up the ball and returned it 31 yards to pay dirt, putting the Steeldogs on top, 21-0.

Defense took center stage in the second quarter, as Detronn Harris' one-yard touchdown run provided the period's only points. The Steeldogs entered the break with a 28-0 advantage. The Xplorers came to life in the third quarter, outscoring the Steeldogs 14-6, before eventually cutting the Steeldogs advantage to 34-21 early in the fourth quarter. But Birmingham regained their first half hot streak in the final period as Dontae Walker scored on a 4 yard run and Rhett Gallego added a 46-yard field goal. Walker finished with 31 yards on four carries, leading all rushers. Detronn Harris led the Steeldogs in receiving, pulling down five balls for 73 yards.

Aaron walked away with the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game Award, while Steeldogs WR/DB Anthony Jordan won the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game. Jerry Turner won the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award.

LAST WEEK: BIRMINGHAM

4/14/2005 - Steeldogs Come Up Short at Macon

MACON, Ga. - Andrew Zow completed 20 of 36 passes for 273 yards and scored four touchdowns in his first action of 2005, but it wasn't enough as the home-standing Macon Knights defeated Birmingham, 67-50, in front of 2,327 fans at the Macon Coliseum.

With the loss, the Steeldogs record stands at 0-2 for the first time in team history. The Knights improve to 2-1 on the season, winning their second game in a row.

Zow led the Steeldogs throughout much of the game and was solid in defeat. In addition to his impressive passing statistics, Zow was also fleet of foot. The former University of Alabama quarterback rushed seven times for 30 yards and a score.

Detronn Harris led the Steeldogs receivers with seven catches for 90 yards. Harris also amassed 102 yards on kickoff returns. Devlon Holmes hauled in seven catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steeldogs also discovered a breakout player in Milas Randle, who saw his first action of the 2005 season, filling in for injured starter Larry Huntington. Randle caught seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown, while adding four tackles on the defensive side of the ball.

The Knights were led by Chris Johnson, who caught 11 passes for 216 yards and four touchdowns. He earned the Offensive Player of the Game award. The U.S. Army Ironman of the Game was Macon's Matt Jackson, while Anthony Collins took home the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award.

The Steeldogs will have an extra few days to rest up after playing two games in eight days. Birmingham will suit up next against the Memphis Xplorers on Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the BJCC Arena. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 205.715.6000 or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, contact the Steeldogs Front Office at 205.458.8833.

LAST WEEK: MEMPHIS (from Xplorersaf2.com)

4/15/2005 - Xplorers Destroy Twisters in Home Opener 54-13

SOUTHHAVEN, Miss. - The Memphis Xplorers of the af2 moved to 3-0 on the season with an impressive victory over the Arkansas Twisters 54-13.

Coming off an eight touchdown performance against Amarillo, OS Kevin Prentiss had three TD’s against Arkansas. The offensive MVP for this game however was Xplorers Quarterback Brian Jones, who threw 6 TD passes and ran in another, his third rushing TD of the season.

Defensively for the Xplorers it was Khreem Smith once again. Smith earned his third consecutive ADT Defensive Player of the Game for his great defensive play. For the second time this season Memphis shut out an opponent in the second half. The first time was against Bossier in the season opener, when the Xplorers shut out the Battle Wings 30-0 in the 2nd half. It was 30-13 at halftime tonight.

The Army Ironman of the game was Xplorer WR/LB Ryan Karr who had his first touchdown catch this year, and also made great defensive plays in front of the home crowd. “I thought we played a great defensive game tonight,” stated Xplorers Head Coach Danton Barto. “I feel that the home fans had something to cheer about, and really got a good look at what this team is all about.”

The Xplorers are back on the road for the next two games of the season, before returning home on May 7th to face the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. Saturday the Xplorers will be in Birmingham, Alabama play the Steeldogs.

Memphis is 3-0 on the season, as they look to return to the playoffs in 2005. For group and season ticket information call 662-393-3761. Memphis Xplorers Arena Football! Back in Black!

COMPARISON STATS AND AWARDS

WHICH ONE? Coach Bobby Humphrey has ruled out a two-quarterback system for 2005. Now that both of his rookie quarterbacks have game experience, Humphrey must decide who starts and who sits. Here is a look at the statistical output of both players:

Player Comp.-Att.-Int. Yds TD
Ray Nelson 14-25-1 219 3
Andrew Zow 20-36-1 273 3
Player Rushes Yards TD
Ray Nelson 8 48 2
Andrew Zow 7 30 1

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here’s how the Xplorers and Steeldogs match-up statistically…

OFFENSIVE MVP AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Anthony Buich (San Diego)
2 Macon Chris Johnson (Macon)
3 Memphis
4 Louisville
6 South Georgia
7 San Diego
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
15 Macon
16 South Georgia

ADT DEFENSIVE MVP AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Eldrick Hill (Birmingham)
2 Macon Anthony Collins (Macon)
3 Memphis
4 Louisville
6 South Georgia
7 San Diego
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
15 Macon
16 South Georgia

U.S. ARMY IRONMAN AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Anthony Griffin (San Diego)
2 Macon Matt Jackson (Macon)
3 Memphis
4 Louisville
6 South Georgia
7 San Diego
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
15 Macon
16 South Georgia

Statistical BIRMINGHAM MEMPHIS
Category Stat Rank Stat Rank
Scoring Offense 53.5 5th 61.0 1st
Scoring Defense 62.5 t-20th 26.0 2nd
Total Offense 304.0 2nd 234.0 12th
Total Defense 170.0 3rd 260.5 11th
Pass Offense 243.0 7th 215.0 12th
Pass Defense 249.0 14th 155.0 3rd
Rushing Offense 61.0 1st 19.0 t-6th
Rushing Defense 11.5 t-6th 15.0 9th
Scoring (Kicking) 7.5 8th 13.7 1st
Pass Rating 108.1 10th 133.0 1st
Pass Def. Rating 118.4 13th 66.0 1st
Kickoff Returns 14-253 9th 10-308 1st
MFG Returns 0-0 t-20 3-93 t-2nd
Turnover Margin -4 t-17 +9 1st
Field Goals 2-2 1st 7-8 2nd
PAT Kicking 9-12 13th 20-23 8th
Sacks By 9 1st 1 t-14th
Sacks Against 2 t-9th 5 t-16th
First Downs 40 t-6th 47 t-4th
Opp. First Downs 36 12th 42 t-16th
Penalties 19 8th 37 20th
Opp. Penalties 22 8th 27 1st

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