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af2 2008 Midwest Division preview

March 28, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


CHICAGO - The af2's ninth season kicks off tonight (March 28) with an 11-game first week schedule. This week a special team-by-team preview is being presented for each division. The following is a profile for the American Conference's Midwest Division, which includes six teams: Green Bay, Iowa, Lexington, Louisville, Peoria and Quad City.

MIDWEST DIVISION

Green Bay Blizzard (2007: 9-7; 2-1 playoffs)

Home Field: Resch Center (7,695)

Head Coach: Bob Landsee, third year in Green Bay, 19-13 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: DB Ronnie Amadi, DB Donnie Amadi, DB Stephen Cason, DL Jason Hardee, FB/LB Antonio Ficklin, WR Nathan Hardwick

Key New Faces: WR Steve Gonzalez, DB Nate Green, DB Edward Kwaku, DL Eddie Yauch, DB Rusty Midlam, WR Quorey Payne, QB Shane Adler, QB Matt Bohnet

Key Returners: WR Scott Burnoski, OL/DL Kory Lothe, DB Takashi Walker

Burning Questions: Will Green Bay's defense be as good as the 2007 edition? Can the Blizzard offense be more effective in 2008? Who will emerge as Green Bay's consistent starter at QB?

Last Game: Lost at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 43-46, in American Conference Championship

Comments: Green Bay had a number of obstacles to deal with in 2007 yet still managed to produce the team's third straight winning season and third consecutive trip to the postseason. Prior to the start of the season, Head Coach Bob Landsee had to step down in order to recover from a near fatal complication resulting from knee surgery. As a result, assistant coach Doug Lytle stepped into his first head coaching opportunity and helped guide the team to a 9-7 campaign. Near the end of the regular season tragedy became reality when Blizzard offensive coordinator Kerry Brown was taken too early as a result of a fatal car crash. Instead of dwelling on the unthinkable event, the Blizzard honored Brown by making a deep run in the playoffs, losing to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by just three points in the American Conference Championship. This year Landsee is back along with Lytle and Mark Stoute, the same staff that led Green Bay to an ArenaCup runner-up finish in 2006. This year's team, however, looks to be nearly brand new after standouts like Ronnie Amadi, Stephen Cason and Antonio Ficklin moved up to the AFL. Landsse and his staff have retooled the roster and have some solid team veterans and newcomers in the mix. Green Bay's strength in recent years has been defense. This year looks to be no different. Kory Lothe returns for his second season with the team. As a rookie in 2007, he ranked fifth on the team in tackles and second in sacks with 4.5. He'll lead a young but talented group of lineman into 2008. The defensive secondary suffered a big hit by the departures of the aforementioned Amadi twins and Cason. The staff has remedied the situation by bringing in a pair of defensive backs that played for division rival Louisville in 2007, Rusty Midlam (72.5 tackles, 4 INTs) and Nate Green (68.5 tackles, 6 INTs). The Blizzard also welcome back Edward Kwaku after a year in NFL Europa. Kwaku is the only player on the Green Bay roster who played on the 2006 team that won the American Conference Championship. Together, this group should be solid. On offense the Blizzard have two unproven quarterbacks (Shane Adler, Matt Bohnet) vying for the starter's role. Expect the team to experiment early on before settling on a regular starter. The receiving corps looks to be a strong point with the addition of Steve Gonzalez (44 TD catches with Manchester in 2006) and Quorey Payne (73 catches, 837 yards, 13 TDs) and the return of Scott Burnoski (775 receiving yards, team-high 17 TDs). If the Blizzard quarterback picture clears up, expect this team to be at or near the top of the standings.

Iowa Barnstormers (2007: NA)

Home Field: Wells Fargo Arena (8,403)

Head Coach: John Gregory, first year in Iowa, 27-17 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: NA

Key New Faces: WR/LB Kevin Williams, DB Tanner Varner, DB Jason Simpson, WR/KR Robert Kilow, WR Tim Dodge, QB Davon Vinson, FB/LB Terrence Freeney

Key Returners: NA

Burning Questions: Can John Gregory lead the af2 edition of the Barnstormers to the playoffs in their first season back in the game? Will Wells Fargo Arena be sold out on opening night (Monday, April 13)? Can new addition Kevin Williams move past Magic Benton to become the league's all-time leading scorer?

Last Game: Won at Lafayette, 49-38, on July 21, 2001

Comments: Arena Football fans in Iowa are excited about the return of the Barnstormers. Fans will also be pleased that one of the original faces of the franchise has returned to lead the team on the field - John Gregory. Gregory coached the Barnstormers for all six years of the team's AFL existence from 1995-2000. He guided the team to a winning record in all but one season as head coach. In 2001, the team moved over to the af2 for one season and now, after six years in hibernation, the team will take the field once again. For the past three seasons Gregory has been busy building the af2's Arkansas Twisters back into a winner. His move back home has also triggered a number of his favorite players to follow their coach's lead. Iowa fans will get to know names like "K Dub," Tanner Varner, Jason Simpson, Robert Kilow and Davon Vinson pretty quickly. Kevin "K Dub" Wiliams is one of the league's all-time talents and currently ranks second all-time in scoring with 944 points. He'll likely see time at jack linebacker and receiver. Simpson and Varner were two of the top defensive backs in the af2 in 2007. Simpson had eight interceptions, 26 pass breakups and an af2-record 142.5 tackles while Varner garnered a closer look by the AFL (Grand Rapids) on the strength of his nine interceptions, 20 breakups and 83.5 tackles. On offense, expect Kilow (32 total TDs, 2,380 all-purpose yards, 1,128 receiving yards, 26 TDs) to lead the receiving corps. Tim Dodge is another player fans will come to love. Dodge should be well rested after a year away from the game. He previously spent four af2 seasons with Quad City from 2003-06 and ranks among the league's all-time leaders in a number of receiving categories. Vinson will step into the full-time starter's role at quarterback after backing up Brian Villaneuva last year in Arkansas. Vinson did get some extended playing time when Villaneuva broke his foot during the year. He finished with 26 TD passes and seven rushing TDs. The Barnstormers will also benefit from a group of former Arkansas linemen and Second Team All-af2 FB Terrence Freeney. With a passionate fan base ready for the return of Arena Football and a roster laden with playmakers, expect the Barnstormers to be highly competitive right away.

Lexington Horsemen (2007: NA)

Home Field: Rupp Arena (23,000)

Head Coach: Mike Harmon, first year in Lexington, 0-0 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: NA

Key New Faces: QB Eddie Eviston, WR/DB Craig Yeast, DB William Mulder

Key Returners: NA

Burning Questions: Can Mike Harmon lead the Horsemen into immediate success at the af2 level? Which Lexington skill players will run wild in 2008?

Last Game: NA

Comments: The Horsemen ride into their first af2 campaign confident they can compete right away. The team has enjoyed success at other levels of indoor football, but the af2 is a step above the rest. Head Coach Mike Harmon has put together a team he feels is athletic enough to adapt to the nuances specific to Arena Football. Their on-field leader at quarterback will be former Georgetown College standout Eddie Eviston. Eviston began the 2007 season with the af2's Cincinnati Jungle Kats and saw action in two games, throwing nine touchdowns against just two interceptions. A weapon Eviston is likely to get to know early on in 2008 is former Kentucky Wildcat Craig Yeast. Yeast concluded his college career at UK as the Southeastern Conference's all-time leader in receptions. He also ranked second all-time in receiving yards. He boasts NFL experience and four years of football in the CFL. On defense and special teams, William Mulder is a player to watch for the Horsemen. Another holdover from Lexington's previous professional entry, Mulder is a dangerous return man and deft defensive back with good ball skills. The Horsemen will need to learn fast and improve even faster to keep up in the highly-competitive Midwest Division.

Louisville Fire (2007: 9-7; 1-1 playoffs)

Home Field: Freedom Hall (14,500)

Head Coach: Tommy Johnson, sixth year in Louisville, 43-37 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: WR Tiger Jones, DB Rusty Midlam, DB Nate Green, WR Quorey Payne, QB Joel Steele, DL Eddie Yauch

Key New Faces: WR/LB Zachariah Babington-Johnson, DB Brandon Register, WR Ricardo Lenhart, QB Matt Bassuener

Key Returners: FB/LB Demetrius Forney, DB Matt Forbes, WR/LB Jerome Jones, WR/DB Lonnell Dewalt, OL Tim Long

Burning Questions: Will Head Coach Tommy Johnson join the 50-win club in 2008? Which QB will ignite the Fire offense? Who will emerge as the team's top playmaker at WR?

Last Game: Lost at Green Bay, 27-37, in second round of ArenaCup playoffs

Comments: The Louisville Fire are coming off their fourth straight winning season under veteran head coach Tommy Johnson. After a 9-7 mark in 2007 and second round playoff showing, the Fire hope to stay hot with a new-look roster that includes 10 rookies. The team's defensive unit looks to be its strong suit with returnees like DB Matt Forbes, WR/LB Jerome Jones, WR/DB Lonnell Dewalt and FB/LB Demetrius Forney. Forbes, the af2's all-time leader in interceptions with 33, tied for the team lead with six picks in 2007. He also recorded 70 tackles. Jones was a fierce defender from the Mac linebacker position, tallying 46.5 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, four forced fumbles and five recoveries. Forney is a bully up front at nose guard and a bull when carrying the ball on offense. The six-year veteran is Louisville's all-time rushing leader and also ranks among the league's all-time best in career rushing yards (723) and rushing touchdowns (47). The quarterback battle features rookie Matt Bassuener from Georgetown and Aaron Marshall, who has two years of af2 experience. Marshall spent time with Fort Wayne and Cincinnati in 2007. The Fire's new group of pass catchers includes Ricardo Lenhart and Nick Giordano. In 39 games at Otterbein, Lenhart was the school's career leader in receiving with 2,579 yards on 176 receptions and 16 touchdowns. Giordano played in two games with Green Bay in 2007 and Louisville was impressed by his ability at a tryout earlier in the year. Leading a diverse cast of linemen is Tim Long. Long has played three af2 seasons and 2008 will be his second with the Fire. He started 11 games in 2007 and was a big part of Louisville's running attack that led the league in rushing yards with 547. Johnson is one of the league's top coaches and currently stands just two wins away from 50 for his career. This division is one of the toughest in the af2, but if anyone looks past the Fire this year, don't be surprised if they get burned.

Peoria Pirates (2007: NA)

Home Field: Peoria Civic Center (9,873)

Head Coach: Bruce Cowdrey, fourth year in Peoria, 30-34 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: NA

Key New Faces: QB Justin Rascati, WR/DB Andre Rector, OL/DL Amos Lamb, WR Daniel Rumley

Key Returners: NA

Burning Questions: How good can rookie QB Justin Rascati be for the Pirates? Can Head Coach Bruce Cowdrey lead the Pirates back to the af2's ultimate treasure - an ArenaCup title?

Last Game: NA

Comments: The Peoria Pirates have been reborn and begin af2 play again in 2008 after a three-year hiatus. Leading the team this year will be Bruce Cowdrey. Cowdrey also coached the Pirates from 2002-04, guiding the club to an ArenaCup title in 2002. This year's Pirates team features a roster heavy with talented first-year players. Peoria's starting quarterback will be former James Madison standout Justin Rascati, who led the Dukes to the Div. I-AA national championship in 2004 and finished his career at JMU as the most successful signal caller in school history. He'll have receivers both big and physical and small and fast to throw to. One of the big guys is rookie Daniel Rumley (6-5, 230, Murray State). Second-year player Andre Rector is a slim 6-footer who caught 32 passes for 262 yards and three scores in seven games in 2007 with Spokane. The defensive secondary and offensive line are two areas the Pirates feel is a strong suit as well. Notable names in the defensive backfield include James Thornton and Joseph Sturdivant. Thornton has NFL and NFL Europe experience while Sturdivant was a tackling machine from the safety spot while at Southern Methodist. Second-year pro Amos Lamb (Spokane) and his brother Emmanuel, a rookie, are both listed at 6-5 and 320 pounds each. Cowdrey is one of the best coaches in the game, and with his knowledge, the youthful Pirates should be in good shape in 2008.

Quad City Steamwheelers (2007: 10-6)

Home Field: iWireless Center (9,315)

Head Coach: Troy Biladeau, first year in Quad City, 0-0 career regular season record

Key Players Lost: WR/LB Jack Walker, Jr., DB Kevin Adams, FB/LB Jermaine Petty, WR Tom Anthony, OL/DL Kika Kaululaau, K Kimo Naehu

Key New Faces: WR/LB Deontrae Johnson, LB Tyus Jackson

Key Returners: WR Kris Peters, QB J.J. Raterink, WR/LB Jesse Schmidt, DB Lavar Stepter, WR/DB Jordan Davis

Burning Questions: Can the Steamwheelers repeat as Midwest Division champs? How good can Quad City be under the new direction of Troy Biladeau? Who will step up to replace the production left by Jack Walker Jr.'s absence?

Last Game: Lost to Green Bay, 34-39, in first round of ArenaCup playoffs

Comments: The Quad City Steamwheelers got back on the winning track in 2007 with a strong 10-6 finish that was good enough to claim the Midwest Division title. This year the team will be under the direction of first-year head coach Troy Biladeau. Biladeau was a big reason for the Steamwheelers resurgence in 2007 serving as the team's defensive coordinator. With a solid group of veterans returning to the fold, the 'Wheelers have high hopes that they can re-establish themselves as an elite team. Four of last year's top performers who are back for more are QB J.J. Raterink, WR Kris Peters and defensive backs Lavar Stepter and Jordan Davis. Raterink enjoyed his best pro season with nearly 4,000 yards passing (3,956) and 88 total touchdowns (82 passing, 6 rushing). Peters was his go-to receiver with a team-high 1,617 yards and 40 TDs. Stepter stepped up with 50 tackles in 2007 in 12 games played while Davis made 35.0 stops and broke up six passes in nine games. Quad City is not without losses, however, heading into the 2008 campaign. This year's team will be without two of its top talents in WR/LB Jack Walker, Jr., the 2007 U.S. Army Strong Ironman of the Year, and FB/LB Jermaine Petty (team-high 18 tackles for loss, 13 sacks). Looking to fill the void on offense will be Deontrae Johnson, who caught a combined 83 passes for 1,050 yards and 21 scores in 2007. He started the year with Cincinnati for the first four games before being traded to finish out the season with Tri-Cities, seeing significant action in 10 games. Another newcomer looking to make an impact with Quad City is LB Tyus Jackson. Jackson played in 12 games with Fort Wayne in 2007 and finished tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (7), finished first in sacks (5) and was third on the team with 39.5 tackles. Last year Quad City was one of the best teams in the league in turnover margin, forcing 47 overall from the opposition while only giving back 25 in return (+22). If the Steamwheelers continue that trend again in 2008, they should challenge for another division crown.

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