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af2 Saturday night matchups

June 9, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


SPOKANE SHOCK (8-1) AT LOUISVILLE FIRE (4-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Freedom Hall (15,646) 7:00 P.M. ET
The Spokane Shock head to Louisville, Ky. this week for their first-ever meeting against the Fire. The Shock, who are #1 in this week's Coaches Poll, have the league's best record at 8-1. They are coming off a 61-59 home win against West Division rival Central Valley last week. Spokane, winners of four in a row, have yet to lose a game on the road this season (4-0). Back-to-back af2 U.S. Army Ironman of the Week winner WR/DB CHARLES FREDERICK will try to make it a three-peat with another outstanding effort on both sides of the ball. Last week, Frederick scored four rushing touchdowns, caught another score and accumulated seven tackles on defense. QB ALEX NEIST is poised for another great outing with weapons like leading receiver ANTWONE SAVAGE, Frederick, and former Miami Hurricane KEVIN BEARD, who had a season-high 113 receiving yards last week. Neist hasn't been exciting but very effective commanding the Shock. He currently ranks 10th in the league in passing yards with 2,133. Spokane's defense must be better this week against a flammable Fire attack than they were a week ago when the team was unable to force a turnover. If the Shock can force the issue on defense, they have a great shot at getting Head Coach CHRIS SIEGFRIED his 49th career win. Last week Louisville saw its two-game winning streak come to a close with a 51-48 home loss to W-B/Scranton at Freedom Hall. QB RYAN DIETZ played well with six touchdown passes, but protection issues led to a season-high four sacks. Dietz leads the af2 in completion percentage at 71.0 percent. OS ROB MAGER is his go-to-guy. The second-year standout had another spectacular game last week against W-B/Scranton with seven catches, 143 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Mager is trying to win the receiving Triple Crown, leading the league in receptions and yards, but is second in the league in touchdown receptions with 28. WR/DB LANCE TAYLOR is a dangerous second option for Dietz. DS KABOTA SIYKALA leads the defense with 44 tackles, five interceptions and 13 pass break ups. The Louisville Fire rank last in the league in total defense, allowing 292.4 yards per game.

SHOCK FIRE
SERIES LEADER First ever meeting
LAST MEETING First ever meeting
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. CVC 61-59 on 6/3/2006 Lost vs. WBS 48-51 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS SHOCK FIRE
PASSING Neist: 296-179-7; 2133; 35 TDs Dietz: 297-211-7; 2436; 51 TDs
RECEIVING Savage: 46-579; 12 TDs Mager: 89-1156; 28 TDs
RUSHING Vijil: 21-53; 6 TDs Power: 8-27; 1 TDs
TACKLES Keefe: 48 Siykala: 44
SACKS Purvis: 3 Conner: 3.5
INTERCEPTIONS Keefe: 7 Siykala: 5
KICKING Koker: 43-57 PAT; 3-8 FG 52 PTS Hendrix: 51-65 PAT; 4-7 FG 63 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 52.8 PPG; 260.4 51.2 PPG; 277.8
TEAM DEFENSE 49.4 PPG; 246.8 48.8 PPG; 292.4

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (7-2) AT ALBANY CONQUEST (4-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - PEPSI ARENA (13,901) 7:00 P.M. ET
The Albany Conquest are on a mission to turn around their three-game losing streak as they square off against division rival Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the second of their three meetings this season. The Pioneers defeated the Conquest in overtime in their April meeting at the Pepsi Arena, 55-48. Albany QB RYAN VENA threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns in the game, while Pioneers rookie QB MIKE GRANIERI did one better, throwing for six scores, including the game-winner to OS J.R. THOMAS in overtime. The Conquest lost to the Quad City Steamwheelers, 71-62, last week despite another strong outing by Vena. Vena threw for a season-high seven touchdowns and ran in another in the defeat. Vena also surpassed the 10,000-yard mark for his career with his 323 passing yards against Quad City. He has been a busy man this season, sharing the af2 lead with 15 rushing touchdowns. The veteran signal caller from Colgate also ranks second in passing attempts and passing yards per game. Vena's supporting cast can not be overlooked in the loss either as WR/LB JIM JONES caught three touchdowns, WR/DB BAKARI BROWN led the team with eight catches and a score, and OS THOMAS ANTHONY, making his first appearance of the season, had seven receptions for 107 yards and three touchdowns. Albany is second in the league in yards per game with 313.1. The Pioneers enter this game looking to play at their pace and not trying to get into a shootout with the Conquest, who are sixth in the league in scoring. W-B/Scranton defeated Louisville last week, 51-48, in another closely contested East Division affair. Granieri hit WR/LB YARDON BRANTLEY for the game-winning score from 12 yards out with 36 seconds remaining. The connection was Brantley's second score on the day. Granieri, who has struggled at times, threw for five touchdowns in the win. WR/DB YAACOV YISRAEL scored three times in the victory. Thomas leads the team with 13 receiving scores. FB/LB DOUG HARDING and OL/DL TYREE YOUNG each accounted for 1.5 sacks against Louisville. The defense, which has been dominant at times, is third in the league allowing 40.3 ppg. Timely forced turnovers and clutch plays, like Brantley's grab last week, have helped the Pioneers get out to a 7-2 mark, but if the first game between these two teams is any indication, this should be another close, hard-fought battle.

PIONEERS CONQUEST
SERIES LEADER W-B/Scranton leads 7-6
LAST MEETING W-B/Scranton won 55-48 in OT on 4/14/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 4-1
LAST GAME Won at LOU 51-48 on 6/3/2006 Lost at QCS 71-62 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS PIONEERS CONQUEST
PASSING Granieri: 322-159-13; 1814; 33 TDs Vena: 330-206-11; 2640; 43 TDs
RECEIVING McKinney: 40-466; 6 TDs Talbert: 61-774; 12 TDs
RUSHING Granieri: 35-40; 8 TDs Vena: 46-76; 15 TDs
TACKLES Hattley: 48.5 Tinson: 32
SACKS Harding: 5.5 Ward: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Forbes: 4 Murray: 5
KICKING Davis: 43-53 PAT; 3-10 FG 52 PTS Cirrincione: 55-63 PAT; 5-8 FG 70 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 43.8 PPG; 212.0 53.6 PPG; 313.1
TEAM DEFENSE 40.3 PPG; 269.3 53.3 PPG; 279.7



ARKANSAS TWISTERS (6-3) AT MACON KNIGHTS (3-6)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Macon Coliseum (7,182) 7:30 P.M. ET
The Arkansas Twisters come into Macon Coliseum in attempt to pick up their fourth road victory of the season against the Macon Knights. The Twisters have yet to defeat the Knights in four all-time meetings. Arkansas will be led by OS ROBERT KILOW, who had an amazing outing in the team's 55-29 Week 10 win over Bossier-Shreveport, collecting 13 receptions for 135 yards and four touchdowns. The man throwing the ball to Kilow, QB WALTER CHURCH, will try to duplicate his six-touchdown effort against the Battle Wings again this week. For as much as this offense can score, the heart and soul of the team is its defense. FB/LB STEVE WATSON and DLS C.J. MCCLAIN are 1-2 respectively in the af2 in sacks. McClain recorded four in last week's victory, while Watson added two. The Twisters are also on pace to break the league sack record of 52. Arkansas' 236.2 yards allowed on defense is good for fourth best in the league. The Macon Knights ended a three-game losing streak last week defeating the South Georgia Wildcats, 55-42. QB CHAD ELLIOTT threw for 250 yards and five touchdowns. South Georgia never had much of a chance as the Knights went for 41 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. OS JAMES HICKENBOTHAM, who went scoreless in the loss to Birmingham, bounced back strong with four catches for 86 yards and two scores. Although the Macon Knights are 8th in the league in total offense with 277.2 yards per game, they have struggled to get the ball in the end zone. They currently rank 20th overall in points per game at 37.2. During last week's contest, DS DAMIAN PURSE led the defense with 6.5 tackles, while running mate WR/DB MATT JACKSON added six total tackles of his own. WR/LB JAMAAL GARMAN recovered two fumbles on the evening, one of which he returned 39 yards for a score. The numbers show the Knights to have a hard time against Arkansas, but having prevailed each time in the previous four meetings, the Twisters will not take them lightly.

TWISTERS KNIGHTS
SERIES LEADER Macon leads 4-0
LAST MEETING Macon won 48-44 at Arkansas on 7/16/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. BOS 55-29 on 6/3/2006 Lost at ALB 61-63 on 5/13/2006
2006 LEADERS TWISTERS KNIGHTS
PASSING Church: 309-173-14; 2209; 52 TDs Elliot: 318-198-11; 2104; 30 TDs
RECEIVING Kilow: 45-524; 14 TDs Hickenbotham: 73-917; 17 TDs
RUSHING Johnson: 4-31; 1 TD Lloyd: 38-126; 7 TDs
TACKLES Reid: 49.5 Purse: 44.5
SACKS Watson: 13 Wrangler: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Williams: 4 Fenceroy: 5
KICKING Carlton: 36-49 PAT; 2-12 FG 42 PTS Yoon: 26-43 PAT; 3-15 FG 35 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 52.9 PPG; 244.3 37.2 PPG; 277.2
TEAM DEFENSE 44.2 PPG; 236.2 50.0 PPG; 271.3



OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (7-2) AT TULSA TALONS (6-3)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Tulsa Convention Center (7,111) 8:00 P.M. ET
The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (7-2) head east up Interstate 44 this Saturday night to take on their turnpike rivals, the Tulsa Talons (6-3). Both teams are fighting for the Midwest Division title. It's the second of three meetings between the Sooner state foes this season. In the first matchup of the season between these two teams, the Yard Dawgz set a franchise record with 90 points, en route to a 90-54 win in Oklahoma City on May 6. Upon Oklahoma City's entry into the af2 in 2004, a natural rivalry was born. That rivalry has only grown more intense. Three of the six total meetings between these two teams have been decided by a touchdown or less. Oklahoma City currently holds the all-time edge in the series, 4-2. The Yard Dawgz roster features three members of the Talons' 2003 ArenaCup team, including QB CRAIG STRICKLAND and receivers JARRAIL JACKSON and TACOMA FONTAINE. Oklahoma City's Head Coach JEFF JARNIGAN was also the defensive coordinator for that team. This season Strickland is on pace to break one of the few league marks that has eluded him - most touchdown passes in a season. The former UTEP signal caller has thrown for 58 scores through nine games, averaging almost 6.5 touchdown passes per game. If he continues at his current rate, he could end up with 103 touchdown passes. That number would surpass Matt Sauk's current league record of 99 in a season. Jackson ranks second in the af2 in all-purpose yards (1,574) and fourth in touchdown catches (24). Fontaine, who played with the AFL's Austin Wranglers in 2004 and 2005, is playing in his second game with the Yard Dawgz. He scored two touchdowns in his first game last week to help Oklahoma City to a 46-13 win against Rio Grande Valley. The Talons also scored an impressive victory in Week 10 at Manchester, 50-35. The win was a bit costly, however, as the team lost receivers STEPHEN BATTLE and RICKY ROSS due to injuries. Battle may miss the rest of the season. Rookie QB MARK RADLINSKI has played like a veteran so far this season with 2,238 passing yards and 55 total touchdowns (47 passing, 8 rushing). With Battle and Ross out, Radlinski will rely heavily on the tandem of ANDRE FORDE and DON MCGEE. Last week Forde caught four touchdowns against the Wolves while McGee snared two. Defensively, OL/DL CHAZ MURPHY leads the Talons impressive pass rush with 5.5 sacks. Tulsa is tied for second in the league in sacks with 23. They'll need to put pressure on Strickland early and often to slow down the Yard Dawgz potent offensive attack, which averages 58.8 points per game (2nd in af2).

YARD DAWGZ TALONS
SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads 4-2
LAST MEETING Oklahoma City Won 90-54 on 5/6/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 3-2
LAST GAME Won vs. RIO 46-13 on 6/3/2006 Won at MAN 50-35 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS YARD DAWGZ TALONS
PASSING Strickland: 282-171-4; 2207; 58 TDs Radlinski: 284-184-6; 2238; 47 TDs
RECEIVING Jackson: 66-849; 24 TDs McGee: 49-552; 10 TDs
RUSHING Dingle: 9-82; 4 TDs Radlinski: 32-102; 8 TDs
TACKLES Fletcher: 72.5 Sadler: 40
SACKS Allen: 2.5 Murphy: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Fletcher: 3, McCollister: 3 Sadler: 5
KICKING Haglund: 67-72 PAT; 4-17 FG 81 PTS Phillips: 50-64 PAT; 3-12 FG 59 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 58.8 PPG; 258.1 51.9 PPG; 282.0
TEAM DEFENSE 42.3 PPG; 277.8 44.0 PPG; 225.8

SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (1-8) AT BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS (4-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex (16,000) 8:30 P.M. ET
The Wildcats enter this week's game at Birmingham hoping to spring an upset against a Steeldogs squad that has stumbled a bit of late. South Georgia, however, hasn't fared too well of late either. After winning their first game of the season in a big upset over Memphis in Week 7, the Wildcats have dropped three straight by an average of 27.3 points. The team's most recent result was a 55-42 home loss to in-state rival Macon. South Georgia has a very mobile quarterback in JULIAN REESE. Reese is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 15 (5 with South Georgia, 10 with Everett). Through the air, however, he's made a few too many mistakes, resulting in 12 interceptions and just 26 touchdown passes in nine games played (5 with South Georgia, 4 with Everett). His main target since coming over in a trade from Everett has been OS CHRIS MCKINNEY. McKinney is tied for fourth overall in the af2 in receptions with 73. He also has 889 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Reese also has a new target in JAMAAL PERRY, who is another player acquired in a recent trade. Perry caught seven passes for 60 yards a week ago and looks to get more involved in his second outing as a Wildcat. Overall, this is a young team that has made a lot of mistakes this year. South Georgia ranks last in the league in turnover margin at minus-16. The Wildcats have turned the ball over 32 times in nine games, while forcing just 16 on defense. They'll need to take care of the ball better if they hope to win their first road game of 2006 (0-4). Birmingham, a club that has lost three of its last four games, is happy to be back home after a 40-31 road loss to Everett last weekend. That's because the Steeldogs have fared much better at the BJCC Arena this season, going 3-1. Their one loss was a one-point overtime decision in Week 3 to Rio Grande Valley. Rookie QB RYAN HAWK, older brother of Green Bay Packers 1st round draft pick A.J. Hawk, has seen most of the snaps in 2006. Overall, he's been a consistent performer in his first season, throwing for 30 scores and rushing for three more. His two favorite receivers are BRADLEY CHAVEZ and LAWRENCE STORY. Chavez, who was hurt early in the season, has come back strong with five receiving touchdowns in his last two games, including four in a Week 10 win against Macon. Defensively, BOBBY KEYES is a playmaker in the secondary with 42.5 tackles and six interceptions, both team highs. Birmingham is also one of the best teams in the league in turnover margin at plus+7 (23 takeaways, 16 giveaways). If they continue with that trend, they should be able to run their home record to 4-1 and get back to .500 at 5-5 overall.

WILDCATS STEELDOGS
SERIES LEADER Series Tied at 2-2
LAST MEETING Birmingham Won 40-34 on 4/29/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 2-3
LAST GAME Lost vs. MAC 42-55 on 6/3/2006 Lost at EVE 31-40 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS WILDCATS STEELDOGS
PASSING Reese: 176-104-6; 1109; 13 TDs Hawk: 303-161-6; 2031; 30 TDs
RECEIVING McKinney: 73-889; 14 TDs Wright: 51-782; 13 TDs
RUSHING Reese: 31-130; 6 TDs Browden: 33-115; 6 TDs
TACKLES McCoy: 60.5 Keyes: 42.5
SACKS Null: 2 Brumbaugh: 3, Daniel: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Saunders: 2, Robinson: 2 Keyes: 6
KICKING Burnett: 24-32 PAT; 4-16 FG 36 PTS Walls: 34-47 PAT; 6-16 FG 52 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 34.9 PPG; 211.2 43.3 PPG; 276.1
TEAM DEFENSE 51.8 PPG; 264.4 43.2 PPG; 238.2



MANCHESTER WOLVES (4-5) AT QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (3-6)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - The Mark of the Quad City (9,437) 8:15 P.M. ET
The Wolves hit the road this week looking to rebound from a poor outing a week ago. Manchester is also searching for a winning formula against a Quad City team that is a perfect 3-0 against the Wolves in their all-time, head-to-head series. Chances are good that this game will be an up-and-down event with a lot of big plays being made and a lot of big points being scored. The Wolves will start third-year af2 pro D. BRYANT at quarterback this week despite his slow start a week ago in a home loss to Tulsa. Bryant threw three first-quarter interceptions before being sitting down in favor of backup STEVE BELLISARI. Aside from the Talons game, however, Bryant has played well overall. He leads the team with 40 touchdown passes and has thrown just five interceptions. OS STEVE "SPEEDY" GONZALEZ has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the af2 in just his second season. He currently leads the league in scoring (196 points), total touchdowns (32) and receiving touchdowns (31). He also leads the af2 in all-purpose yards (1,703) and ranks second in receptions (88). The Wolves should be able to score against the Steamwheelers defense, which has allowed over 60 points per game to its opponents. A Wolves win will depend on the team's defense, which has been a bit enigmatic in 2006. Manchester's pass rush effort will be a key element to watch for. The Wolves have just seven sacks in nine games. Quad City is coming into this week's contest on a high note after outscoring Albany at home in Week 10, 71-62. Veteran QB TIM HICKS is on pace to break Matt Sauk's league record for most passing yards in one season. Sauk set the all-time mark of 4,489 yards last season with the Louisville Fire. Hicks is averaging over 304 passing yards per game. He's got a dangerous trio of receivers at his disposal in JACK WALKER, TIM DODGE and KRIS PETERS. They have been a big reason why the Steamwheelers offense is among the most dangerous in the af2. The group is on pace to become just the third threesome of receivers on the same team to each record 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Peters leads the group with 872 yards, Walker is close behind at 858, and Dodge has 685. Together, the unit averages over 55 points per game (55.1 - 5th in af2). Quad City's sore spot in on defense. They've only forced eight turnovers all season, a league-low mark. Two of the eight came in last week's win. In contrast, the Steamwheelers have surrendered 19 turnovers. If they are able to force Manchester into a few key mistakes, Quad City may see its second win steak of the season and get themselves back in the American Conference playoff race.

WOLVES STEAMWHEELERS
SERIES LEADER Quad City leads 3-0
LAST MEETING Quad City won 41-39 on 7/9/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2
LAST GAME Lost vs. TUL 35-50 on 6/3/2006 Won vs. ALB 71-62 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS WOLVES STEAMWHEELERS
PASSING Bryant: 237-153-5; 1619; 40 TDs Hicks: 349-228-8; 2737; 46 TDs
RECEIVING Gonzalez: 88-957; 31 TDs Walker Jr.: 79-858; 15 TDs
RUSHING Kimener: 29-146; 4 TDs Hicks: 19-50; 4 TDs
TACKLES Haith: 36.5 Lewis: 41
SACKS Forney: 2 Macrea: 2
INTERCEPTIONS Haith: 4 Graham: 2
KICKING MacInnis: 19-29 PAT; 0-2 FG 19 PTS Naehu: 42-58 PAT; 4-10 FG 54 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 50.4 PPG; 281.1 55.1 PPG; 335.2
TEAM DEFENSE 50.0 PPG; 254.4 60.2 PPG; 284.8



BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (6-3) AT TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (2-7)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Von Braun Center (6,642) 8:30 P.M. ET
The Tennessee Valley Vipers have a tough task ahead of them this week as they play host to the Bakersfield Blitz. Bakersfield comes into the game allowing a league-best 196.7 yards of total offense per game and just 40.7 points per game. Meanwhile, the Vipers have struggled to put points on the board all season long, averaging only 40.2 points per game, which ranks 20th in the league. Bakersfield's last outing was a come-from-behind, 40-39, home win against an undermanned Amarillo Dusters squad. After starting QB MIKE WALL struggled early, Head Coach GARY COMPTON went to new backup BOBBY PESAVENTO. Pesavento responded by throwing for three touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner with 3:58 left in the game to WR/LB NIAN TAYLOR that put Bakersfield ahead, 40-39. Blitz DS ALEX WALLACE got his league-leading ninth interception on the next possession and after Bakersfield missed a field goal, Amarillo' K Jacob Felton missed a 36-yard attempt with no time left. The Blitz defense snatched three interceptions in the game, and now has an af2-best 18 on the season. Pesavento will get the starting nod at quarterback this week. The Vipers are coming off their worst defeat in team history, a 74-33 road loss to the Florida Firecats. Tennessee Valley was able to contain Florida's No. 1 scoring attack (60.4 ppg) for a while and trailed by just three (22-19) with 1:54 left in the first half after QB CHRIS GUNN connected with WR/DB TORREY DAY for a 7-yard touchdown. Then the Firecats' offense kicked into full gear, putting 33 straight points on the board, and after OS Magic Benton's third touchdown grab of the day with 12:29 left in the game, Tennessee Valley found themselves down 55-19. GUNN should get the start again at quarterback despite the recent result. Day leads the squad with 53 catches for 635 yards and 11 touchdowns, all team-highs. The Blitz and Vipers will meet for only the second time in af2 history. Tennessee Valley won, 60-35, in Week 1 of the 2004 season. The Vipers will need to take care of the ball and tighten up their defense if they are to snap their recent two-game slide.

BLITZ VIPERS
SERIES LEADER Tennessee Valley leads 1-0
LAST MEETING Tennessee Valley Won 60-35 on 4/3/2004
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4
LAST GAME Won vs. AMA 40-39 on 6/3/2006 Lost at FLA 33-74 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS BLITZ VIPERS
PASSING Wall: 276-160-8; 1787; 43 TDs Linn: 122-71-5; 743; 9 TDs
RECEIVING Reynolds: 55-751; 21 TDs Day: 53-635; 11 TDs
RUSHING Onaindia: 12-54; 2 TDs Gunn: 15-61; 2 TDs
TACKLES Wallace: 27.5 Blanchard: 37
SACKS Turner: 5.5 Gibbs: 3, Adelekan: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Wallace: 9 Robinson: 3
KICKING Barrett: 14-21 PAT; 1-5 FG 17 PTS Lee: 33-46 PAT; 3-18 FG 42 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 47.9 PPG; 242.7 40.2 PPG; 200.0
TEAM DEFENSE 40.7 PPG; 196.7 55.8 PPG; 272.2

STOCKTON LIGHTNING (3-6) AT GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (5-4)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - The Resch Center (7,995) 8:30 P.M. ET
Green Bay has been hot of late and will play host to the Stockton Lightning on Saturday. Stockton comes into the game trying to break out of its recent slump, which has resulted in two straight losses. Green Bay, on the other hand, is looking for its fourth consecutive win. Stockton's sixth loss of the season came last week at the hands of the Memphis Xplorers, who won on the road, 73-54. The game started off great for the Lightning, who scored on their opening possession with a 1-yard touchdown run by QB JOSH BLAKENSHIP. But Memphis answered with a 6-yard touchdown pass from QB Brian Jones to WR/DB Terrell Adams and then scored on a OS Kevin Prentiss touchdown reception. Stockton tied the game up at 13 after Blankenship found WR/LB PHIL GOODMAN for a 5-yard touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, the game was tied 20-20. However, that's the last time the game would be tied, as Memphis shut out Stockton in the second quarter while scoring two touchdowns of its own. Xplorers QB BRIAN JONES was unstoppable for Memphis, finishing the day 19-of-21 for 240 yards and six touchdowns through the air, with another two touchdowns via the ground. He earned the af2 Schutt Offensive Player of the Week Award for his strong showing. Blankenship put up impressive numbers as well, tossing six touchdowns on 21-of-40 passing for 275 yards, but he did throw two interceptions. He hooked up with his favorite target Goodman on nine occasions for 140 yards and four touchdowns. Green Bay looks to be starting to live up to the promise they showed earlier this season. The Blizzard's current three-game winning streak has propelled them to second-place in the American East Division, two games behind the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. They should be a well-rested and well-prepared squad after having a bye in Week 10. Green Bay's most recent result was a 56-51 win against Albany in Week 9. With Green Bay clinging to a 42-31 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Albany scored to cut the lead to four. After a defensive stop, The Conquest got the ball back poised to take the lead. However, Vena was quickly picked off by Green Bay WR/LB GERALD HARRIS. Harris' 49-yard interception return for a touchdown was the turning point. Green Bay forced a fumble on Albany's next possession, and WR/LB LUKE LEVERSON scored on an 11-yard pass from QB RONNIE GORDON. With that touchdown, Green Bay took a commanding 56-38 lead. Albany scored two more touchdowns, but they were unsuccessful at recovering a late onside kick and the Blizzard got the win. Gordon was the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, going 16-of-28 for 240 yards and five touchdowns. Green Bay is ranked No. 9 in af2 Coaches Poll. The Blizzard boast a strong defense, which is tied for No. 1 in scoring defense, allowing just 39.1 points per game. This Saturday night's matchup is the first meeting between the Blizzard and the expansion Lightning.

LIGHTNING BLIZZARD
SERIES LEADER First ever meeting
LAST MEETING First ever meeting
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2
LAST GAME Lost vs. MEM 54-73 on 6/3/2006 Won at ALB 56-51 on 5/27/2006
2006 LEADERS LIGHTNING BLIZZARD
PASSING Blankenship: 302-169-13; 2048; 44 TDs Gordon: 198-113-4; 1526; 24 TDs
RECEIVING Goodman: 44-576; 16 TDs Lane: 44-499; 10 TDs
RUSHING Harris: 3-36; 1 TD Lazare: 33-145; 9 TDs
TACKLES Wallace: 35 Corcker: 60
SACKS Dorisme: 5 Boss: 2.5
INTERCEPTIONS Goodman: 2, Newson: 2 Kaymore: 3
KICKING Hickok: 37-46 PAT; 1-5 FG 40 PTS Talachka: 21-35 PAT; 3-7 FG 30 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 47.8 PPG; 249.3 43.6 PPG; 249.1
TEAM DEFENSE 51.2 PPG; 276.1 39.1 PPG; 248.2

AMARILLO DUSTERS (4-5) AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (4-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10 2006 - Dodge Arena (5,500) 8:30 P.M. ET
Both teams may be under .500, but the Amarillo Dusters-Rio Grande Valley Dorados game has playoff implications as these National Midwest foes will fight to gain a one game advantage in the standings. Both teams are coming off losses and need a win to further their bids for the playoffs. Amarillo's most recent result was heartbreaking, 40-39, road loss at Bakersfield. The game looked like it would get out of hand in the first quarter, as Bakersfield scored on a QB Mike Wall touchdown pass and on the ensuing possession, a WR/DB Nathan Munson interception for a touchdown. Amarillo was resilient, however, coming right back with a 10-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on Bakersfield's onside attempt, by Amarillo's FB/LB JARED WILLIAMS. WR/DB TERRELL MINGO gave Amarillo their first lead of the game with 00:12 in the first quarter, going up 14-13 on an 18-yard interception return for a touchdown. After Bakersfield retook the lead, Amarillo scored 18 straight points, with 3:43 left in the first half. Bakersfield scored with no time left on the clock in the half, to close the gap to 32-27. After the Blitz once again jumped ahead of the Dusters, WR/LB turned QB JARROD ROUANZOIN found DS MARQUES KELLY for a 9-yard touchdown to jump in front 39-34. Rouanzoin had to start the game after QB STEVE PANELLA was placed on long-term injury reserve after suffering a thumb injury in the previous game. With 3:58 left in the game, Blitz QB Bobby Pesavento hit WR/LB Nian Taylor for the eventual game-winning 38-yard touchdown. K JACOB FELTON had a chance to win the game for Amarillo with a 36-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the game, but it sailed right. Amarillo found a way to stay in the game despite Rouanzoin's subpar performance. The rusty Rouazoin's effort included just six pass completions in 25 attempts for 82 yards, two touchdown and three interceptions. This week the Dusters addressed their quarterback need by acquiring Brian Zybniewski, who most recently played with Bossier-Shreveport. Zybniewski isn't the best option, but he's a true quarterback who has experience in the fire. Rio Grande played a game last week that they'd like to forget. The Dorados took on the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz and were handed a 46-13 defeat. The Dorados outscored the Yard Dawgz 13-7 in the second quarter, getting two touchdown passes from QB J.R. DAVIES, but those would be the only points the Dorados would get for the rest of the game. Oklahoma City scored on an interception return, a blocked-field goal return and three touchdown passes in the second-half to close out the game. Davies completed 25-of-46 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions. Neither Amarillo nor Rio Grande have been lighting up the scoreboard this year. The teams rank 17th and 18th in scoring offense, respectively. Amarillo won when the two squared off earlier this year in Week 8, 35-28. if Amarillo's defense continues its solid play, the Dusters should prevail against their in-state rivals.

DUSTERS DORADOS
SERIES LEADER Amarillo leads 1-0
LAST MEETING Amarillo won 35-28 on 5/20/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4
LAST GAME Lost at BAK 39-40 on 6/3/2006 Lost at OKC 13-46 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS DUSTERS DORADOS
PASSING Panella: 255-141-1; 1602; 25 TDs Kellett: 261-142-6; 1557; 32 TDs
RECEIVING Jones: 27-343; 7 TDs Counter: 64-719; 15 TDs
RUSHING McGinnis: 27-96; 4 TDs Canty: 7-55; 2 TDs
TACKLES Mingo: 41 Withers: 49
SACKS Williams: 5.5 Washington: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Mingo: 5 Withers: 2, Long: 2
KICKING Felton: 46-49 PAT; 7-20 FG 67 PTS Bell: 38-50 PAT; 3-10 FG 47 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 42.6 PPG; 210.8 41.9 PPG; 249.2
TEAM DEFENSE 45.7 PPG; 245.4 46.9 PPG; 209.8

EVERETT HAWKS (2-7) AT CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (5-4)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006 - Selland Arena (8,911) 10:30 P.M. ET
The inaugural season for the Everett Hawks could have started off better, as the team struggled mightily in their first seven games of af2 competition, going 0-7. Things have started to change for Everett, however, with the Hawks looking for their third consecutive win this week on the road against the Central Valley Coyotes. Everett got their second win in franchise history by defeating the Birmingham Steeldogs 40-31 last Saturday. QB BRIAN BAKER was named the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, going 17-of-31 for 160 yards and five touchdowns, despite only three players catching a pass. MILTON MYERS leads the squad with 41 catches for 557 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Hawks defense has been much improved in recent weeks as well. JOHN FIELDS has made an impact on that side of the ball with three sacks in his last two games. Everett seems to be a new team under the guidance of new Head Coach TONY WELLS. Since his start on the sidelines, the Hawks are 2-1. Central Valley is coming off a tough, 61-59, road loss at No. 1-ranked Spokane. The game went down to the wire, but K JOHN GOCKMAN missed a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of play. It was a game that was all about scoring, but Spokane and U.S. Army Ironman of the Week WR/DB Charles Frederick was just too much for the Coyotes to handle. Despite the loss, the Coyotes got another great game from rookie QB SCOTT RISLOV. Rislov completed 24-of-33 passes for 318 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. He leads the league with Oklahoma City's Craig Strickland in touchdown passes with 58. His favorite target is WR/DB LAMONTE JONES, who has 22 touchdown receptions on 61 catches. Defensively, the Coyotes have a stopper in the secondary in DS MAURICE TAYLOR. Taylor leads the squad in tackles (40), interceptions (5) and pass breakups (15). Everett and Central Valley have met once already this season. The Coyotes won that affair in Everett, 60-41, in Week 5. The Hawks should give Central Valley a better showing in Week 11.

HAWKS COYOTES
SERIES LEADER Central Valley leads 1-0
LAST MEETING Central Valley won 60-41 on 4/30/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. BIR 40-31 on 6/3/2006 Lost at SPO 59-61 on 6/3/2006
2006 LEADERS HAWKS COYOTES
PASSING Baker: 60-105-3; 664; 14 TDs Rislov: 287-194-5; 2387; 58 TDs
RECEIVING Myers: 41-557; 11 TDs Jones: 61-850; 22 TDs
RUSHING Baker: 9-27; 0 TDs Guardia: 21-81; 3 TDs
TACKLES Brockman: 35 Taylor: 40
SACKS Fields: 4 Booker: 3, Langenfeld: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Butler: 2 Taylor: 5
KICKING Hawley: 36-47 PAT; 3-10 FG 45 PTS Gockman: 60-68 PAT; 6-15 FG 78 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 41.2 PPG; 254.1 55.6 PPG; 272.2
TEAM DEFENSE 48.6 PPG; 260.1 49.1 PPG; 262.8

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