Steeldogs Top Hawks In Season Opener
April 8, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Steeldogs quarterback Ryan Hawk finished 21 of 37 for 242 yards and five touchdowns as the Birmingham Steeldogs overcame a ten-point halftime deficit to defeat the Everett Hawks, 41-36, in front of 6,210 fans at Farmers Insurance Field at the BJCC Arena.
With the victory, the Steeldogs open the season 1-0 for the first time since 2003. The Hawks drop to 0-2 in their inaugural season.
Birmingham trailed 36-34 with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when quarterback Hawk hooked up with Lawrence Story from 20 yards out to put the Steeldogs on top 41-36. Birmingham withstood a late Everett charge to preserve the victory.
Aside from Ryan Hawk's outstanding performance, the Steeldogs offense was also paced by rookie offensive specialist Kerry Wright. Wright caught nine passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned seven kickoffs for 118 yards. One of those returns went for 50 yards and a pivotal touchdown.
The Hawks were led once again by veteran signal-caller Julian Reese, who finished 23 of 36 for 259 yards and three touchdowns. A.J. Street led the Everett receiving corps with nine catches for 114 yards and one touchdown.
Birmingham players swept the post-game awards. The Schutt Offensive Player of the Game was OS Kerry Wright. The U.S. Army Ironman of the Game was WR/LB Bradley Chavez. The ADT Defensive Player of the Game was DL/DS Jordan Brumbaugh.
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