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Command vs. Talons Game Preview

June 29, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Command (3-11) will travel to take on the division leading San Antonio Talons (11-3) this Saturday; kickoff is at 7 p.m. (CT) from the Alamodome.

Kansas City is coming off a loss to division foe Chicago Rush, by a score of 59-41. Command quarterback Zack Eskridge, starting in only his second AFL game, completed just over 50 percent of his passes including three touchdowns and two interceptions. Eskridge also rushed for two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Bret Smith continued to lead the Command charge on offense, hauling in nine of Eskridge's 15 completions. Smith led all receivers with 140 yards and also added two touchdowns bringing his season total to 18, despite only playing in nine games this season. Smith has also caught a touchdown pass in six straight games played and multiple touchdowns in each of the last four. Former Command and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver, Samie Parker was assigned to the team earlier this week and looks to make an immediate impact on the field.

Rush quarterback Russ Michna was extremely efficient against a normally stout Command defense. Michna was 32 of 43 for 301 yards and six touchdowns, four of which went to wide receiver Reggie Gray.

Command kick returner and wide receiver Jackie Chambers electrified the Sprint Center crowd by taking back a kickoff for the second straight week. Chambers finished the game with 187 all-purpose yards.

The Command will take on a Talons team that leads the division and is surging on the heels of an eight-game winning streak. The Talons latest win came against the Tampa Bay Storm, 77-56. Talons quarterback Aaron Garcia tossed eight touchdowns on his way to 259 yards passing. San Antonio wide receiver Jomo Wilson hauled in four touchdowns and led all receivers with 108 yards.

The Command defense look to contain Garcia and the rest of the Talons offense despite missing one of their key leaders, Diyral Briggs, who was placed on injured reserve this week. The defense has stepped up all season, have been consistently ranked near the top of the league and thrive on shutting down their opponents. They boast the top-ranked rushing defense, holding opponents to just 12.1 yards per game on the ground and the fifth-ranked total defense, allowing an average of 280.7 yards per game. They also rank eighth in the League in scoring defense with 52.1 points per game and pass defense holding opponents to 268.6 yards per game.

The Talons defeated the Command earlier in the season by a score of 41-31. San Antonio currently holds a two-game lead on the Rush in the division for the chance at a playoff berth. Kansas City has a chance to set the Talons back in their hunt for the division championship. Watch the game live on http://www.ustream.tv/kccommand, listen to ESPN 1510, or follow play-by-play action on Twitter @CommandGameday.

Next Home Game:

The Command will return home next week, July 7, for a game against their rival Iowa Barnstormers for Trophy Night at Sprint Center.



Arena Football League Stories from June 29, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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