Mohegan Wolves Game Notes

Published on July 28, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Mohegan Wolves (10-6) at Cape Fear Wildcats (10-6)
Date: 8/2/03
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Crown Coliseum (8,920)
National Anthem: n/a
Coin Toss: n/a
Officials: n/a
Radio: n/a
TV: none
Series Record: Cape Fear leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Cape Fear 63, MOHEGAN 32 (6/28/02)
Streaks: Wolves L 1, Wildcats W 2
Coaches: Mark Stoute (10-6, first season) Chris Siegfried (25-10, second season)

THE STAKES: This is the first playoff appearance for the Wolves and second for the Wildcats. A Wolves victory would make them 11-6 overall and 3-3 against Atlantic Division foes in 2003. A Wolves win would also give them their first playoff victory in franchise history.

THE SERIES: Tonight's game is the sixth all-time meeting between the Wolves and Conquest. Albany currently leads the series 4-1.

THE Ifs:

If Mohegan defeats Albany, it would ...
· Give Mohegan a 2-4 series record against the Conquest
· Give Mohegan a 11-5 record in 2003
· Give Mark Stoute a 11-5 record as coach of the Wolves and a 11-5 overall record as an af2 coach

HEAD COACHES: In his first season as an af2 head coach, Mark Stoute has led the Wolves to their first playoff berth in just their second season of af2 play. For the previous two seasons, Stoute coached the AFL's Toronto Phantoms. Stoute's best year was in 2001 when he led Toronto to an 8-6 regular season record and the Eastern Division Championship.

Cape Fear's Chris Siegfried has led the Wildcats back-to-back playoff appearances in his two years as Head Coach. Last season he commanded the team to an Atlantic Division title and an appearance in the American Conference Championship. In the team's inaugural season of 2002, the Wildcats posted a 15-4 record and had the top defense in af2. Cape Fear's 15 victories last year set a record for wins by an expansion franchise.

LAST MEETING: Cape Fear 63, MOHEGAN 32 UNCASVILLE, Conn. (June 28, 2002) – The Mohegan Wolves (3-10), as they have all season long, showed glimpses of brilliance, but could not maintain a consistent level of play and were defeated by the Cape Fear Wildcats (10-2), 63-32. Cape Fear QB Mike Gluski passed for 167 yards and five touchdowns. WR/DB Troy Esprit earned Ironman of the Game honors for his stellar play, catching 10 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown. Wildcat DS Clarence Moniba was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game for registering six tackles, one interception and one pass defended. Wolves OS Brandon Burnside was again the Wolves primary offensive weapon. He had seven receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 116 yards on kick returns and a return for a touchdown. QB Cable Davis passed for 206 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score. Heron O'Neal was named game MVP. He had an interception to go with 2.5 tackles and one pass defended.

SERIES NOTABLES: This is the second all-time meeting between the Wolves and Wildcats. Cape Fear currently leads the series 1-0.

MILESTONES:

· 1st ever playoff game for Wolves
· 1st af2 playoff game for Wolves' coach Mark Stoute
· Wolves gunning for their first-ever playoff win

DROPBACK: First playoff game in team history for the Wolves. The Wolves finished the regular season at 10-6 overall (7-1 home, 3-5 road), earning the number six seed in the American Conference. Mohegan lost a heart-breaking season finale on June 26 at Albany, 54-51, on a 2-yard touchdown run by QB Ryan Vena with no time left on the clock. FORWARD MOTION: If Mohegan gets by Cape Fear on Saturday, the Wolves will proceed on to the second round of the playoffs and play at top seed Tennessee Valley on Friday, August 8.

TEAM NOTES/TRENDS:

The "D" Is Real: The Wolves' rapid turnaround this year is due in no small part to their stellar defensive unit. Their 2003 defense finished first in the league in scoring, allowing just 38.7 points per game. In contrast, Mohegan allowed 45.5 points per game in 2002 and finished tied for 18th overall in scoring defense.

Sacks Piled Up: A year after recording just 18 sacks in 16 games, the Mohegan Wolves finished the year ranked fourth in the league with 29. Last year's total was one of the lowest in the league (T-29th).

New Haven's Best: New Haven's loss has turned into Mohegan's gain. Five of the Ninjas' top performers from 2002 joined the Wolves in 2003. With the Ninjas going dark this season, players Cy Butler, Anthony Comer, Kazmell Minott, Allistair Sebastien, and LaJhon Jones have all played a big part in Mohegan's 10-6 record. Another New Haven player, DS Damon Richardson, is also on the Wolves roster and has played in four games this year.

Long Haul-in In Touchdowns: Rookie OS Mel Long has been the Wolves most outstanding offensive performer this season. He concluded the regular season as the Wolves leader in receptions (81), yards receiving (1,277) and touchdown receptions (29). He also led the team in scoring with 180 points (29 TDs, 3 2-Pt conversions).

Jones In A Rush: A year after not having one carry as part of the New Haven Ninja offense, Wolves FB/LB LaJhon Jones has been Mohegan's feature running back in 2003. The former Rhode Island standout shattered two team records this year - most yards rushing in a season (242) and most rushing touchdowns in a season (19). Jones also scored two receiving touchdowns and finished second on the squad in scoring with 128 points (21 TDs, one safety).

Milestones/Team Records:

Allistair Sebastien – Needs one interception to break the team record of six held by Heron O'Neal

LaJhon Jones – Broke the 200-yard rushing mark on July 11 at Richmond...Currently has 242 yards rushing

Mel Long – Is the first Wolves rookie and second player in team history to reach the 1,000-yard plateau in receiving yards (1,277)

Cy Butler – Compiled over 1,000 all-purpose yards for the season (1,286)

Anthony Comer – Compiled over 1,000 all-purpose yards for the season (1,128)

PLAYERS/MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

Wolves Receivers: From 1-4, the Wolves have some of the sharpest receivers in the league. QB Greg Smith doesn't have one go-to guy – he has four. Mel Long leads the pack with 1,277 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Kazmell Minott, Cy Butler and Anthony Comer, however, are always a threat to go deep as well. Wolves OL/DL vs. Wildcats OL/DL: This battle in the trenches should play a major factor in the outcome of Saturday's game. Mohegan's defensive front is extremely hard to handle. Charlie Cook (ranks tied for second in the league with 11.5 sacks) and company are eager to test the Cape Fear offensive line. Whoever dominates this matchup should have a distinct advantage in the game.

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