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June 23, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (1-10) AT MEMPHIS XPLORERS (8-3)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - DeSoto Civic Center (8,444) 8:00 P.M. ET
The South Georgia Wildcats look to complete the season sweep this week against Memphis, a team that is still smarting from last week's last-second loss to Birmingham. All the stats should be thrown out the window heading into this match-up, as South Georgia pulled off the upset last time of the then-undefeated Xplorers. QB JULIAN REESE threw for three scores and ran for another in the win, while FB/LB JAMES HARRIS rushed for three touchdowns of his own. MEMPHIS QB BRIAN JONES totaled six touchdowns, including a 41-yd scamper in the first half. The Xplorers were let down by their #1 scoring defense last week, when they allowed Birmingham to score 10 points in the final minute of the defeat which enabled Florida to jump Memphis for first place in the South Division. Jones had another steady performance throwing for 278 yards and 5 touchdowns, however, his three interceptions proved to be costly. His final pick resulted in the game-winning field goal for Birmingham. WR/LB KENNY HIGGINS had eight receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 4.0 tackles and a sack on defense. Higgins currently ranks 3rd in the league in receiving yards with 1,142. Veteran OS KEVIN PRENTISS was not too shabby either last week, as he caught two touchdowns. DS DEON GIDDENS had 12 tackles and two pass break ups in the loss, bringing his season tackle total to 80. South Georgia came close to notching their second victory once again last week as they lost at home to Green Bay, 52-50. The Wildcats saw the trio of OS CHRIS MCKINNEY, WR/DB JAMAAL PERRY, and WR/DB BLAKE SAUNDERS each catch two touchdown passes from Julian Reese. McKinney went for eight grabs and 102 yards, while Perry totaled 180 all-purpose yards. DS JAMES MCCOY had a solid game with six tackles and three pass break ups. Reese ranks second in the league in rushing yards (216) and rushing touchdowns (15). Reese spent the first four games of 2006 with Everett before being traded to South Georgia. The Wildcats rank second to last in scoring offense at just 36.3 points per game. That doesn't bode well against a strong defensive team like the Xplorers, who lead the league in scoring defense at 39.5 points per game. Memphis did, however, receive some bad news this week when it was learned that WR/DB TERRELL ADAMS would be lost for the season with a knee injury he suffered against the Steeldogs. The Xplorers won't take the Wildcats lightly, however, knowing that South Georgia presents a tough matchup.

WILDCATS XPLORERS
SERIES LEADER South Georgia leads series 3-0
LAST MEETING South Georgia Won 48-41 on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 3-2
LAST GAME Lost vs. GBB 50-52 on 6/17/2006 Lost vs. BIR 42-43 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS WILDCATS XPLORERS
PASSING Reese: 251-149-8; 1576; 22 TDs Jones: 319-214-7; 2886; 60 TDs
RECEIVING McKinney: 94-1101; 19 TDs Higgins: 70-1142; 22 TDs
RUSHING Reese: 41-170; 5 TDs Jones: 42-195; 13 TDs
TACKLES McCoy: 75 Giddens: 80
SACKS Davis: 2, Null: 2 Crear: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Robinson: 2, Saunders: 2 Giddens: 3
KICKING Burnett: 30-41 PAT; 7-23 FG 51 PTS Azar: 67-81 PAT; 2-7 FG 73 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 36.3 PPG; 220.2 55.7 PPG; 290.2
TEAM DEFENSE 50.9 PPG; 259.9 39.5 PPG; 287.0

- MORE -

TULSA TALONS (7-4) AT AMARILLO DUSTERS (4-7)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Amarillo Civic Center (4,870) 8:00 P.M. ET
Both the Talons and Dusters look to bounce back from defeats last week as each team struggled to find a rhythm in their respective games. Both teams have been bothered by injuries this season. Tulsa was held to a season-low 24 points in its non-conference loss to the Manchester Wolves. WR/DB JAMES SADLER scored a touchdown on the ground and another in the air in the first half, but any effort to comeback was squashed when Manchester went on a 21-3 run to start the second half. QB MARK RADLINSKI was pulled in the second half in favor of QB BEN BOWLING, but it does not look as if a quarterback controversy is brewing. Expect Radlinski to bounce back strong. The rookie signal caller has 64 total touchdowns (56 passing, 8 rushing) on the season and has thrown for 2,700 yards. Tulsa is currently tied for second in the Midwest with Arkansas. OS ANDRE FORDE's 21 receiving touchdowns have him tied for ninth in the league. Last week's performance notwithstanding, the Talons defense has played a large part in the team's success. The league's No.4-ranked team in total defense will need a strong effort if they intend to keep the dangerous Dusters down on Saturday on their home turf at the Amarillo Civic Center. Amarillo has dropped four straight and are in desperate need of a victory to stay in the playoff hunt. They have only cracked the 60-point barrier once this season (in a loss to Spokane), and may need that type of performance once again on offense if they want to beat the Talons. Last week, Amarillo lost to Central Valley 59-42. QB BRIAN ZBYNIEWSKI did not throw for a lot of yards, but did throw four touchdown passes. Amarillo has struggled offensively this season ranking second to last in total offense. OL/DL TRENTON JORDAN led the defense last week with three tackles and a sack. Amarillo's defense, which ranks sixth overall in total defense, should at least keep things close.

TALONS DUSTERS
SERIES LEADER Series tied 1-1
LAST MEETING Tulsa Won 42-34 on 7/23/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4
LAST GAME Lost vs. MAN 24-59 on 6/17/2006 Lost vs. CVC 42-59 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS TALONS DUSTERS
PASSING Radlinski: 377-230-7; 2700; 56 TDs Panella: 255-141-1; 1602; 25 TDs
RECEIVING Forde: 64-742; 21 TDs Roberson: 29-406; 8 TDs
RUSHING Radlinski: 35-102; 8 TDs McGinnis: 29-95; 4 TDs
TACKLES Sadler: 48 Mingo: 50
SACKS Murphy: 5.5 Williams: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Sadler: 5 Mingo: 6
KICKING Phillips: 58-74 PAT; 4-15 FG 70 PTS Felton: 55-59 PAT; 9-26 FG 82 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 50.0 PPG; 279.6 42.7 PPG; 201.7
TEAM DEFENSE 46.6 PPG; 238.1 47.2 PPG; 243.9



FLORIDA FIRECATS (8-2) AT BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS (6-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex (16,000) 8:00 P.M. ET
The No.1-ranked Florida Firecats will try and keep their hot streak alive Saturday night in a South Division battle as they take on the Steeldogs in Birmingham. Birmingham has a tough task ahead as they face the top-ranked team in the af2 for the second straight week. Florida's most recent result was a 66-54 win last week at home against Macon, 66-54. The win was the Firecats third straight. QB CHRIS WALLACE threw for 254 yards and six scores to four different receivers. He is currently 4th in the league in touchdown passes with 62. OS MAGIC BENTON led the receiving corps with eight receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Not too far behind him was WR/DB ETHENIC SANDS, who caught seven balls for 79 yards and two scores, while returning a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown. DS COREY BAILEY led the defense with 9.5 tackles and an interception. DS QUINCY SORRELL (af2's all-time leading tackler) had 7.5 tackles of his own, and forced the fumble that Sands ran back for a touchdown. Birmingham comes into this week's contest on a high after scoring a huge come-from-behind win last week at Memphis, 43-42. The "Stealdogs" scored 10 points in the final minute, winning the game on K ALEX WALLS 25-yd field goal. QB RYAN HAWK led the offense, completing 25-of-37 passes for 231 yards and one score. Fellow QB ROBERT KENT took command when the group got close, rushing for two short yardage scores. OS ALLYN SHEFFIELD had a huge day with 14 grabs for 148 yards and one touchdown. WR/DB BRADLY CHAVEZ had a nice game on both sides of the ball catching six passes, including one for a score, and recording 5.5 tackles, 1.0 sack and an interception on defense. Birmingham will be bolstered by the return of its top two pass catchers in OS KERRY WRIGHT (51 catches, 782 yards, 13 TDs) and WR/LB LAWRENCE STORY (39 catches, 480 yards, 8 TDs), as both were activated this week. Will Birmingham and their #3 scoring defense be able to slow the Firecats down this time? Earlier in the season, Wallace and Benton had their way with the Steeldogs defense, connecting on five scores. Wallace threw for seven touchdowns, while Benton caught 11 balls for 133 yards. QB RYAN HAWK held his own in defeat, throwing for 280 yards and five touchdowns. Birmingham was struggling on defense earlier in the season but look to be hitting their stride now, so expect a closer, lower scoring game than their previous affair.

FIRECATS STEELDOGS
SERIES LEADER Florida leads series 5-3
LAST MEETING Florida Won 62-44 on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 3-2
LAST GAME Won vs. MAC 66-54 on 6/17/2006 Won at ALB 43-42 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS FIRECATS STEELDOGS
PASSING Wallace: 327-202-10; 2597; 62 TDs Hawk: 346-190-6; 2305; 32 TDs
RECEIVING Benton: 77-1073; 29 TDs Wright: 51-782; 13 TDs
RUSHING Crossley: 59-237; 13 TDs Browden: 33-115; 6 TDs
TACKLES Sorrell: 66.5 Keyes: 48.5
SACKS Fisher: 5 Four tied with 3
INTERCEPTIONS Brown: 4 Keyes: 7
KICKING Kornblue: 48-71 PAT; 2-5 FG 54 PTS Walls: 42-57 PAT; 9-23 FG 69 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 61.0 PPG; 286.0 43.2 PPG; 270.7
TEAM DEFENSE 47.4 PPG; 254.0 42.4 PPG; 242.0



WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (8-3) AT GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (6-5)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - The Resch Center (7,995) 8:30 P.M. ET
The W-B/Scranton Pioneers travel to Green Bay for an important East Division match up against the Blizzard. The Pioneers currently lead the East standings by two games. This will be the second and final head-to-head match up between these two teams in 2006. In the first meeting in Week 6, W-B/Scranton pulled away from Green Bay in the second half with a strong defensive effort. The Pioneers earned a 42-27 win after shutting out the Blizzard in the second half. W-B/Scranton's most recent result was a come-from-behind 55-52 home win against Quad City. In that affair, the Pioneers were led by rookie QB MIKE GRANIERI (281 yards passing, 6 TDs) and veteran WR/LB LEROY MCFADDEN (9 catches, 162 yards, 4 TDs, 2.0 tackles, 2 PBUs). McFadden's effort was even more impressive considering it was his first live action of 2006. With a strong combined effort last week, Granieri-to-McFadden should be an often-used expression against Green Bay this week as well. In addition to the Pioneers' efficient offense, the team also boasts a stingy defense. W-B/Scranton currently ranks fifth overall in the af2 in scoring defense, allowing just 44.4 points per game. The Pioneers have a strong secondary with veterans MATT FORBES and JAMIE HATTLEY. Forbes leads the team in interceptions with five while Hattley has a team-high 63.0 total tackles. Hattley had a key 22-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Steamwheelers last week to secure the Pioneers win. Green Bay has rebounded from an early 2-4 start with four wins in its last five games. The Blizzard has the league's top rushing attack, averaging 39.6 yards per game. They rank second in rushing touchdowns with 29. FB/LB PETER LAZARE has been the team's best individual rusher, ranking among the league's best in rushing yards (182 yards) and rushing touchdowns (14). They've used two different quarterbacks this year, but have settled on rookie JAMES MACPHERSON by default after veteran RONNIE GORDON suffered a recent injury. MACPHERSON has thrown for 15 touchdowns in six game appearances. WR/LB ROBERT GARTH is one of the team's top threats in the passing game with 10 touchdown receptions. Defensively, the Blizzard has a super strong defense just like their opponents. As a unit, they allow just 42.7 points per game, an average which ranks them fourth overall in the league. DS DAVID CROCKER leads the squad with 72.5 tackles and 13 pass break ups. Green Bay also ranks third in the league in turnover margin at plus+12. This game should be a highly emotional, tightly-contested affair between two solid teams.

PIONEERS BLIZZARD
SERIES LEADER W-B/Scranton leads series 4-1
LAST MEETING W-B/Scranton Won 42-27 on 5/5/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 4-1
LAST GAME Won vs. QCS 55-52 on 6/17/2006 Won at SGW 52-50 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS PIONEERS BLIZZARD
PASSING Granieri: 400-202-14; 2465; 47 TDs Gordon: 205-116-4; 1574; 24 TDs
RECEIVING Brantley: 60-655; 13 TDs Lane: 44-499; 10 TDs
RUSHING Granieri: 35-40; 8 TDs Lazare: 47-182; 14 TDs
TACKLES Hattley: 63 Crocker: 72.5
SACKS Harding: 5.5 Boss: 3.5
INTERCEPTIONS Forbes: 5 Kaymore: 3, Jackson: 3
KICKING Davis: 60-71 PAT; 3-10 FG 69 PTS Talachka: 21-35 PAT; 3-7 FG 30 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 47.2 PPG; 234.5 46.0 PPG; 263.5
TEAM DEFENSE 44.4 PPG; 284.0 42.7 PPG; 263.8



QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (4-7) AT TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (2-9)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Von Braun Center (6,642) 8:30 P.M. ET
The Von Braun Center plays host to the first of back-to-back meetings between the Quad City Steamwheelers and the Tennessee Valley Vipers. The Vipers, who have lost four consecutive games, are glad to be home after their road defeat last week. QB CHRIS GUNN and OS TORREY DAY led the charge against Bossier-Shreveport, yet it was not enough, as a late fourth quarter touchdown turned the game in the Battle Wings favor. Gunn threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns, while Day racked up 190 yards on 11 receptions and three touchdowns. WR/DB TRAVIS BLANCHARD finished the day with 168 all-purpose yards and one score. He also forced a fumble. DS EMMAN FRANKLIN led the defense with 4.0 tackles, one interception, and two pass break ups. Tennessee Valley is third to last in scoring and total offense, as well as scoring defense. The downfall for Quad City all season has been their inability to stop their opponents, as was the case against W-B/Scranton last Saturday. The Steamwheelers' 18-point halftime lead quickly disappeared as Quad City allowed 41 points to the Pioneers in the second half. WR/DB TIM DODGE, who accumulated nine receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns, led the Steamwheelers offensive attack. He also added two more scores on the ground. OS KRIS PETERS led Quad City with nine receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Peters also leads the squad with 1,128 receiving yards. With solid efforts this week, Dodge and WR/LB JACK WALKER, JR. can join Peters in the 1,000-yard club and become just the third trio in the history of af2 to accomplish the feat. The Steamwheelers have yet to improve on their last rated scoring defense. They also rank dangerously close to the bottom in total defense. This first of two match-ups between Quad City and Tennessee Valley should result in a high-scoring affair as both teams have difficulty making stops. This will also be the first home game for new Vipers head coach MILT THEODOSATOS since his hiring. Tennessee Valley is just 1-5 at home this season while the Steamwheelers are just 1-4 on the road.

STEAMWHEELERS VIPERS
SERIES LEADER Quad City leads series 7-3
LAST MEETING Tennessee Valley Won 48-41 on 7/10/2004
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 1-4
LAST GAME Lost at WBS 52-55 on 6/17/2006 Lost at BOS 40-43 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS STEAMWHEELERS VIPERS
PASSING Hicks: 415-269-11; 3201; 53 TDs Gunn: 153-87-7; 1075; 19 TDs
RECEIVING Walker Jr: 87-917; 15 TDs Day: 68-867; 15 TDs
RUSHING Hicks: 25-57; 6 TDs Gunn: 29-108; 3 TDs
TACKLES Graham: 49.5 Blanchard: 42
SACKS Macrea: 2 Adelekan: 5
INTERCEPTIONS Graham: 2, Walker Jr: 2 Robinson: 3
KICKING Naehu: 50-70 PAT; 4-12 FG 62 PTS Lee: 39-52 PAT; 5-24 FG 54 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 55.5 PPG; 330.8 39.5 PPG; 201.9
TEAM DEFENSE 59.6 PPG; 299.2 54.5 PPG; 268.5



OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (8-3) AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (5-6)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Dodge Arena (5,500) 8:30 P.M. ET
Midwest Division leader Oklahoma City rides into Rio Grande Valley on a high note after squeezing out a victory last week over Bakersfield. WR/DB AL HUNT's touchdown reception with under a minute remaining gave the Yard Dawgz the 64-63 home win. Hunt led the team with 104 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and also contributed on defense with 5.5 tackles. FB/LB MARK PIERCE ran in two scores on the Yard Dawgz way to victory. OS JARRAIL JACKSON, who led the team with seven receptions, totaled 231 all-purpose yards, one touchdown reception and had a 57-yard kick return for a score. QB CRAIG STRICKLAND is 3rd in the af2 in touchdown passes with 70, one behind leaders Brett Dietz and Scott Rislov. DS WALTER PRIESTLEY led the Oklahoma City defense with 7.5 tackles in the game. Jackson and Hunt are the only duo in the Top 10 in touchdown receptions. The Yard Dawgz and their #2 scoring offense come into Dodge Arena looking to duplicate their June 3rd performance against Rio Grande Valley (46-13 OKC win). In the loss, the Dorados saw first hand how tough the Oklahoma City defense could be as well. DS JON HOLLAND returned a blocked FG 38 yards for a score and DS OLIVER FLETCHER recorded 10.5 tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass break ups. Rio Grande lost to Arkansas last week as they could not hold onto a 10-point 4th quarter lead. Both teams played sloppy as they combined for 27 penalties and nine turnovers. QB J.R. DAVIES threw four touchdown passes, but was intercepted three times and sacked on six occasions. WR/DB MEL LONG may have been the lone bright spot as he caught seven passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and led the team with 4.5 tackles and an interception on defense. This week the Dorados are also slated to start their third quarterback this season in RYAN PORTER. The Dorados are second in the league in total defense, yet have had problems keeping their opponents out of the end zone. BRENT WITHERS leads the team with 49 tackles, 42 of which have been solo stops. Long leads the team with three interceptions. If Rio Grande Valley gets behind early, the Dorados could be in trouble as they don't possess the offensive power to match the Yard Dawgz.

YARD DAWGZ DORADOS
SERIES LEADER Oklahoma leads 4-2
LAST MEETING Oklahoma Won 46-13 on 6/3/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4
LAST GAME Won vs. BAK 64-63 on 6/17/2006 Lost at ARK 38-41 on 6/17/2006
2006 LEADERS YARD DAWGZ DORADOS
PASSING Strickland: 355-211-4; 2778; 70 TDs Kellett: 261-142-6; 1557; 32 TDs
RECEIVING Jackson: 82-1060; 27 TDs Counter: 80-849; 17 TDs
RUSHING Dingle: 9-82; 4 TDs Canty: 7-55; 2 TDs
TACKLES Fletcher: 80.5 Withers: 49
SACKS Allen: 2.5 Jeter: 4.5
INTERCEPTIONS Fletcher: 3, McCollister: 3 Long: 3
KICKING Haglund: 81-86 PAT; 6-23 FG 101 PTS Bell: 40-52 PAT; 4-15 FG 62 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 59.2 PPG; 261.8 42.2 PPG; 246.0
TEAM DEFENSE 45.7 PPG; 286.0 46.2 PPG; 201.6



ALBANY CONQUEST (5-6) AT SPOKANE SHOCK (8-2)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Spokane Arena (9,909) 9:00 P.M. ET
For the third week in a row, the Albany Conquest will have to face one of af2's most dangerous teams. After beating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers and losing to the Louisville Fire, the Conquest travel to Spokane to take on the 8-2 Shock. Both teams scored over 65 points in their last games, but both teams also ran into Louisville QB Brett Dietz. All Dietz did in those games in throw 22 combined touchdown passes and rush for one more. Albany met Dietz in his af2 record-setting day last Saturday. Dietz set an af2 and AFL record with 12 touchdown passes, leading the Fire to an 86-66 victory. Conquest QB RYAN VENA kept his team in the game going 22-of-32 for 341 yards and five touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions, and he just couldn't keep pace with the explosive Fire offense. Vena did a good job spreading the ball around to seven receivers. WR/DB THOMAS ANTHONY was the leader with 115 yards on six receptions. OS BAKARI BROWN chipped in with seven catches for 85 yards. Albany will look to its offense to come away with the win this weekend. They're currently scoring 56.5 points per game, fourth-best in the league. Vena's been the anchor of the offense all season, totaling 73 touchdowns, which is tied for third in af2. Spokane used their bye week last weekend to recover from the 10 touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown Dietz scored against them in Week 11. The Shock's season-high 69 points were not enough, as they lost 79-69. Shock QB ALEX NEIST had a career-game, completing 26-of-34 passes for 324 yards and eight touchdowns. Neist and U.S. Army Ironman of the Game WR/DB CHARLES FREDERICK did all they could to keep Spokane in the game. Frederick finished with 14 catches for 192 yards and five touchdowns receiving, 14 yards and two touchdowns rushing, 44 kickoff return yards and three tackles. Spokane fell down early 13-0 and played catch-up all game. The closest the Shock would come to the Fire was after Frederick ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 04:34 left in the game, which made the score 72-69. Spokane 's eighth-ranked scoring offense (54.4 ppg) will try to exploit Albany's weak defense. Albany ranks No. 22 in scoring defense, giving up 57.8 points per game. Saturday will be the first-ever meeting between these two teams. Spokane is 4-1 at home this season while the Conquest have lost their last three road games after starting the season with two consecutive road wins.

CONQUEST SHOCK
SERIES LEADER No previous meetings
LAST MEETING N/A
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 4-1
LAST GAME Lost vs. LOU 66-86 on 6/17/06 Lost at LOU 69-79 on 6/10/06
2006 LEADERS CONQUEST SHOCK
PASSING Vena: 398-251-14; 3306; 55 TDs Neist: 330-205-8; 2457; 43 TDs
RECEIVING Talbert: 61-774; 13 TDs Savage: 50-640; 14 TDs
RUSHING Vena: 54-144; 18 TDs Vijil: 24-46;6 TDs
TACKLES Tinson: 40 Keefe: 53
SACKS Ward: 4 Purvis: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Murray: 5 Keefe: 7
KICKING Cirrincione: 70-79 PAT; 7-10 FG 91 PTS Koker: 48-65 PAT; 3-8 FG 57 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 56.5 PPG; 324.6 54.4 PPG; 267.1
TEAM DEFENSE 57.8 PPG; 294.5 52.4 PPG; 249.6



BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT BATTLE WINGS (2-8) AT STOCKTON LIGHTNING (4-7)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Stockton Arena (10,117) 10:30 P.M. ET
If the Stockton Lightning are going to legitimately make a run at the playoffs, they need to go on an impressive winning-streak to close out the year. That streak needs to start this Saturday when the Lightning host Bossier-Shreveport. The Battle Wings are looking for their second-straight win after getting a 43-40 home victory over the Tennessee Valley Vipers last weekend. Bossier-Shreveport was led to victory by a quarterback duo of starting QB J.J. RATERINK and backup STAN HILL. The two combined for only 15-of-34 passing for 215 yards, four touchdowns and an interception, but it was just enough to squeak by the Vipers. Bossier led 24-7 at halftime, but allowed Tennessee Valley to come back, and the Vipers tied the game at 30 with 11 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Tennessee Valley grabbed their first lead of the game after OS Torrey Day's third touchdown catch of the game with just under five minutes to go, 40-37. But with 1:55 left in the game, Raterink hooked up with WR/DB BRANDON CAMPBELL for the game-winning 30-yard touchdown. The Battle Wings were able to sack Tennessee Valley QB Chris Gunn for a 10-yard loss to end the game. Bossier-Shreveport is playing the rest of the season looking to end its season on a high note. The team's offensive problems have plagued them all year long. They rank last in af2 in scoring offense, putting up only 31.7 points per game. Stockton comes into this week's contest on the heels of a 51-40 loss to Everett last Saturday. While the Lightning were able to keep the game close, they were never able to take the lead. WR/DB KENYATTE MORGAN was the star for the Stockton, catching seven passes for 46 yards and two touchdowns, 222 kick-return yards, including two kick returns for touchdowns. His 56-yard and 57-yard returns give him three on the year, tied for the most in af2. Morgan's second touchdown return made the score, 44-41, with 0:04 left, but the ensuing onside kick was returned for a touchdown. QB JOSH BLAKENSHIP finished the game 17-of-31 for 203 yards and four touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. WR/LB PHIL GOODMAN was his leading receiver, catching seven passes for 107 yards, but was kept out of the end zone. Stockton is in third-place in the loaded West Division.
BATTLE WINGS LIGHTNING
SERIES LEADER No previous meetings
LAST MEETING N/A
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. TVV 43-40 on 6/17/06 Loss vs. EVE 41-50 on 6/17/06
2006 LEADERS BATTLE WINGS LIGHTNING
PASSING Raterink: 313-171-13; 1690; 24 TDs Blankenship: 383-217-15; 2621; 55 TDs
RECEIVING Chambers: 32-400; 4 TDs Goodman: 66-861; 21 TDs
RUSHING Myles: 9-48; O TDs Harris: 8-41; 1 TD
TACKLES Sutton: 37 Wallace: 49.5
SACKS Reed: 5 Dorisme: 6
INTERCEPTIONS Campbell: 2 Three tied with 2
KICKING Hazelwood: 27-37 PAT; 13-32 FG 69 PTS Hickok: 45-59 PAT; 2-7 FG 51 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 31.7 PPG; 189.6 49.0 PPG; 258.9
TEAM DEFENSE 54.5 PPG; 267.8 52.1 PPG; 284.2

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (7-4) AT EVERETT HAWKS (3-8)
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 - Everett Events Center (8,300) 10:30 P.M. ET
The National Midwest Divison is starting to get very interesting as the af2 season heads into the home stretch, and the Central Valley Coyotes are right in the mix of things, tied for second-place at 7-4. This week they play the Everett Hawks, who are playing their best football all season. Everett will try to play the role of spoiler and pick up their fourth win of the season. The Coyotes are led by QB SCOTT RISLOV, who is tied for the af2 lead with 71 passing touchdowns. Rislov threw six touchdowns on the road against Amarillo last week, helping his team to a 59-42 win over the Dusters. Rislov went 14-of-26 for 210 yards and earned the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game Award for his play. Five of those touchdown passes came in the first half, and the Coyotes led 35-30 at halftime. After his fifth touchdown toss of the game, with 2:54 left in the third-quarter, Central Valley went comfortably in front 45-30 and never looked back. WR/DB LAMONTE JONES caught five passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 26 touchdown receptions on the year. WR/LB WES BORBA was named the U.S. Ironman of the Game with four catches for 51 yards and a touchdown on offense, and 3.5 tackles on defense. The Coyotes came up with two interceptions to help the defense control the Dusters. Everett also came away with a win last week, beating Stockton, 50-41, on the road. After starting the season 0-7, the Hawks have won three of their last four games to make their record 3-8. QB WES BESCHONER and WR/DB MILTON MYERS led the Hawks to the victory. Beschoner went 18-of-29 for 219 yards and three touchdowns, with Myers on the receiving end of two of them. Myers finished with nine catches for 147 yards. He also intercepted a pass, had five tackles and had a pass break-up en route to winning the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game Award, and eventually being name the U.S. Army Ironman of the Week. Both Central Valley and Everett are giving up 48.4 points per game, but Central Valley's offense scores 55.7 points a game, while Everett has only been scoring 42.6. Central Valley has won both previous head-to-head matchups between these two teams this season.

COYOTES HAWKS
SERIES LEADER Central Valley leads 2-0
LAST MEETING Central Valley won 54-48 on 6/10/06
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 3-2
LAST GAME Won at. AMA 59-42 on 6/17/06 Won at STO 50-41 on 6/17/06
2006 LEADERS COYOTES HAWKS
PASSING Rislov: 359-233-8; 2873; 71 TDs Baker: 132-76-5; 872; 19 TDs
RECEIVING Jones: 73-989; 26 TDs Myers: 54-765; 15 TDs
RUSHING Guardia: 23-90; 4 TDs Beschoner: 13-34; 0 TDs
TACKLES Taylor: 41 Butler: 43.5
SACKS Langenfeld: 6 Fields: 6.5
INTERCEPTIONS Taylor: 6 Butler: 3
KICKING Gockman: 74-84 PAT; 7-16 FG 95 PTS Hawley: 47-61 PAT; 4-11 FG 59 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 55.7 PPG; 271.1 42.6 PPG; 246.7
TEAM DEFENSE 48.4 PPG; 249.2 48.4 PPG; 260.9

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arenafootball2 Stories from June 23, 2006


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