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af2 week 16 Saturday night matchups

July 14, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (6-7) AT LOUISVILLE FIRE (8-5)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Freedom Hall (15,646) 7:00 P.M. ET
Louisville looks to avenge an early season loss to Quad City as they take on the Steamwheelers at Freedom Hall. The 68-62 overtime thriller saw Quad City QB TIM HICKS throw for a season-high 405 yards and six touchdowns. OS KRIS PETERS (10 receptions, 148 yards, 2 TDs) and WR/DB TIM DODGE (10 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TDs, rushing TD) led the Steamwheelers offensive attack, as well as FB/LB JEFF MACREA, who scored three rushing touchdowns. Louisville QB BRETT DIETZ had a fine game himself, throwing for 346 yards and seven scores. OS ROB MAGER scored two touchdowns on seven grabs, while WR/DB DENNIS FRYZEL caught 11 passes for 129 yards and two scores. WR/DB LANCE TAYLOR was the Fire's ultimate weapon with eight receptions for 118 yards and three touchdowns as well as returning a kickoff 57 yards for a score. WR/DB NATE GREEN had a rushing touchdown, but his biggest contribution was on defense with 6.5 tackles and a pass break up. DS JEREMY CHANDLER (8 tackles) for Louisville and DS TROY GRAHAM (9.5 tackles, 1 INT, 1 break up) for Quad City both turned in solid performances. Quad City's most recent result was a 59-21 win against Tennessee Valley. The Steamwheelers have now won four of their last five as they continue to battle for a playoff spot. Hicks threw five touchdown passes against the Vipers, ranks second in passing yards. WR/LB JACK WALKER caught eight passes for 103 yards and two scores, while Dodge totaled four touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 rushing). The offense is ranked number one in the af2 in yards per game and fourth in scoring (56.5 ppg). The defense put up a strong challenge as DS TY ARDOIN (9 tackles, 2 FR, 1 INT, 3 break ups) was named ADT Defensive Player of the Week for his effort. OL/DL JERMAINE PETTY forced a fumble and recorded two sacks. Quad City will need a performance on defense similar to last week if they intend on slowing down the Fire and their potent scoring attack. Louisville (winners of four straight, 5 of their last 6) defeated Memphis last week, 63-55. Dietz did not throw for a lot of yards, but he did manage four touchdowns through the air. Mager (#1 in the af2 in receptions, yards and touchdowns) came back down to earth after two out-of-this-world performances and still caught six passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Other members of the receiving corps stepped up as Green recorded 205 all-purpose yards and a rushing and receiving TD, while Fryzel totaled two touchdowns. WR/LB LAWRENCE MATTHEWS also recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Expect a high scoring contest as Hicks and Dietz, who rank two and three, respectively, in passing yards, should be slinging the ball all over Freedom Hall on Saturday night. STEAMWHEELERS FIRE
SERIES LEADER Quad City leads 7-3
LAST MEETING Quad City Won 68-62 in OT on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 4-1
LAST GAME Won vs. TVV 59-21 on 7/8/2006 Won vs. MEM 63-55 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS STEAMWHEELERS FIRE
PASSING Hicks: 469-302-12; 3771; 65 TDs Dietz: 426-303-8; 3489; 81 TDs
RECEIVING Walker Jr: 98-1089; 18 TDs Mager: 123-1640; 46 TDs
RUSHING Hicks: 29-61; 6 TDs Green: 16-63; 3 TDs
TACKLES Graham: 58 Siykala: 68.5
SACKS Petty: 3 Connor: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Graham: 3 Siykala: 6, Chandler: 6
KICKING Naehu: 66-87 PAT; 6-16 FG 84 PTS Hendrix: 86-105 PAT; 6-9 FG 104 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 56.5 PPG; 325.6 57.5 PPG; 280.2
TEAM DEFENSE 56.6 PPG; 296.3 52.2 PPG; 289.7

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ALBANY CONQUEST (5-8) AT FLORIDA FIRECATS (10-3)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Germain Arena (7,128) 7:30 P.M. ET
Albany (af2 member since 2002) and Florida (af2 member since 2001) will meet for the first time Saturday at Germain Arena. Albany's most recent result was a Week 15 loss at home to Macon, 51-48. The Conquest's veteran QB RYAN VENA, who is the main cog in the league's No.2-rated total offense, threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 37 yards and two scores. Vena is currently ranked No. 1 in the league in passing yards (3,807) as well as rushing touchdowns (21). Rookie WR/DB THOMAS ANTHONY (second in af2 at 121 receiving yards/game) caught eight passes against Knights for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony also recovered a fumble on defense that DS BRANDON TINSON forced. Tinson also recorded six tackles. The Conquest's Achilles heel this year has been their defense, which ranks last in the league in both scoring defense and total defense. Florida clinched a playoff spot and moved a game and a half ahead of Memphis in the South Division with the team's 56-51 home victory against W-B/Scranton. The Firecats went on a run midway thru the second half, scoring 28 consecutive points to seal the win. QB CHRIS WALLACE threw seven touchdown passes and is now tied for second in the league with 82 on the season. WR/DB ETHENIC SANDS led the team with three touchdown receptions, while OS MAGIC BENTON and WR/DB BRITTNEY TELLIS each finished the night with two touchdown grabs for the league's No.1-ranked scoring offense. Benton is currently second in the af2 in receiving yards with 1,369. DS CORY BAILEY (9 tackles, 1 FR, 2 pass break ups) led a defense that forced three turnovers and posted two sacks. The Firecats defense ranks tied for seventh in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 46.2 points per game. Florida is tough to beat, especially at home where they've won five of six this season. The Firecats are especially good at controlling the ball, as apparent by their +18 turnover margin. This game, however, will not be easy against Vena and the Conquest. Albany's outlook will depend greatly on its defensive effort. The Conquest need a win in a bad way to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

CONQUEST FIRECATS
SERIES LEADER First ever meeting
LAST MEETING First ever meeting
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 4-1
LAST GAME Lost vs. MAC 48-51 on 7/8/2006 Won at SPO 56-51 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS CONQUEST FIRECATS
PASSING Vena: 462-294-15; 3807; 62 TDs Wallace: 417-255-11; 3290; 82 TDs
RECEIVING Talbert: 61-774; 12 TDs Benton: 95-1369; 35 TDs
RUSHING Vena: 68-207; 21 TDs Crossley: 80-278; 14 TDs
TACKLES Tinson: 46 Bailey: 86.5
SACKS Ward: 4 Fisher: 5
INTERCEPTIONS Murray: 5 Brown: 6
KICKING Cirrincione: 80-91 PAT; 9-13 FG 107 PTS Kornblue: 65-93 PAT; 2-6 FG 71 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 55.0 PPG; 320.6 59.5 PPG; 278.2
TEAM DEFENSE 56.6 PPG; 297.9 46.2 PPG; 255.7

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BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS (7-6) AT MACON KNIGHTS (6-7)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Macon Coliseum (7,182) 7:30 P.M. ET
These South Division squads, Birmingham and Macon, have begun to turn it on of late. This Saturday night's contest in Macon is an ultra important one to the American Conference playoff landscape. Birmingham enters the week after a big, 84-46, win at Rio Grande Valley in Week 15. ROBERT KENT, starting in just his second game at quarterback, went 15-of-17 for 221 yards and four touchdowns, and added two more scores on the ground. He also scored on a 6-yard touchdown reception, accomplishing the rare football feat of throwing, catching and rushing for a touchdown in a single game. The Steeldogs also received solid efforts from WR/DB THEO SANDERS and WR/DB BRADLY CHAVEZ on both sides of the ball. Sanders had three rushing touchdowns and returned an interception 25 yards for a score. Chavez, who caught two touchdowns, added four tackles on the defensive side of the ball. The Steeldogs defense has been strong of late, forcing three turnovers last week, and currently rank 3rd in points per game allowed at 44.0. Their +10 turnover margin isn't too shabby either. Macon's most recent result was a 51-48 road win at Albany in Week 15. QB CHAD ELLIOTT threw for 330 yards and six touchdowns. OS CHAVIS MCCOLLISTER (8 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD) played another solid game. Since his arrival, the Knights have won three of their last four contests. WR/DB D.J. HUMPHRIES and WR/DB JAMES HICKENBOTHAM each scored two touchdowns, while Humphries rang up six tackles and two pass break ups on defense. WR/DB MATT JACKSON added to his team-high six interceptions with one last week. The Knights' offense is fifth in yards per game, but ranked only 19th in points per game. These two teams have played once before this season, with Birmingham winning big, 71-30. Macon backup QB CECIL LESTER threw for four touchdowns and 247 yards, but it was nowhere near enough as Birmingham recovered three fumbles, including one for a touchdown. Birmingham also registered six sacks as their defense was relentless. Chavez had 11 receptions for 155 yards and four scores as Kent and RYAN HAWK combined to throw eight touchdown passes. Jackson was one of the few Macon bright spots with an interception. Birmingham's defense should be stout again, but a healthy Chad Elliott and a new offensive standout like McCollister this time around may be the difference for Macon.

STEELDOGS KNIGHTS
SERIES LEADER Birmingham leads 5-4
LAST MEETING Birmingham Won 71-30 on 5/27/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 4-1
LAST GAME Won at RGV 84-46 on 7/8/2006 Won at ALB 51-48 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS STEELDOGS KNIGHTS
PASSING Hawk: 362-198-7; 2395; 34 TDs Elliott: 461-294-15; 3215; 50 TDs
RECEIVING Wright: 53-801; 13 TDs Hickenbotham: 94-1111; 21 TDs
RUSHING Sanders: 38-134; 6 TDs Lloyd: 49-151; 9 TDs
TACKLES Keyes: 54.5 Jackson: 68.5
SACKS Daniel: 4 Wrangler: 9
INTERCEPTIONS Keyes: 7 Jackson: 6
KICKING Walls: 54-71 PAT; 10-26 FG 84 PTS Yoon: 48-72 PAT; 4-18 FG 60 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 45.1 PPG; 264.8 41.5 PPG; 281.6
TEAM DEFENSE 44.0 PPG; 253.2 48.6 PPG; 274.7

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AMARILLO DUSTERS (4-9) AT MEMPHIS XPLORERS (9-5)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - DeSoto Civic Center (8,444) 8:00 P.M. ET
Amarillo hits the road again this week searching for its first victory against Memphis. The Xplorers won earlier this year in Amarillo, 34-27, behind QB BRIAN JONES' 250 yards passing and four touchdowns. Memphis WR/LB KENNY HIGGINS caught seven receptions for 108 yards and three scores. Amarillo QB STEVE PANELLA threw a touchdown pass and ran in two other scores. OS JOHN ROBERSON (8 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD) threw a touchdown to WR/DB JARROD ROUANZOIN, but the gimmicks were not enough as Memphis held on for the victory. DS SCOTT CUNNINGHAM and WR/DB DEON GIDDENS teamed up for 13.5 tackles and two sacks to lead the Xplorers. Cunningham also forced and recovered a fumble, and broke up a pass. Amarillo's leading tackler, DS TERRELL MINGO, had 9.5 tackles in defeat. Amarillo's last game was a long one, falling hard at No.1-ranked Spokane, 67-24. This time Rouanzoin was on the other end of the gimmick play as he threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to WR/LB RICHARD BELLINA. New starting QB BRIAN ZBYNIEWSKI struggled against the Shock, throwing two interceptions. Amarillo had five turnovers in all. Spokane returned one interception for a touchdown and also recorded a safety in the contest. It has been a season of streaks for Amarillo as they began the season losing three straight. The Dusters then went on to roll off four victories in a row before embarking on their current six-game losing streak. Memphis is also looking to rebound this week from a Week 15 loss. Last time out the Xplorers lost on the road at Louisville, 63-55. Memphis has stumbled a bit of late as well, dropping three of its last four games after staring the season 8-2. Rookie QB DANIEL FORREST, subbing in for regular starter BRIAN JONES, filled in quite nicely with six touchdown passes and two rushing scores. Despite Forrest's fine performance, the Xplorers are happy to report that Jones is expected to return to action this week. OS KEVIN PRENTISS (264 all-purpose yards) played well against the Fire with a game-high 12 receptions for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Higgins caught two touchdowns as well. The Xplorers defense, however, had a tough time cooling off the sizzling Louisville attack. DS SID HAUGHBROOK (5.5 tackles, 1 INT, 2 break ups) and OL/DL JOSEPH CREAR (2 sacks) did their best for the league's No. 1- ranked scoring defense (42.0 ppg), but it was not enough. With a playoff berth on the line, Memphis should buckle down and win this game against a road-weary Dusters squad. They won't look past the Dusters this week, however, especially because of how tough Amarillo played against them in their first meeting this season.

DUSTERS XPLORERS
SERIES LEADER Memphis leads 4-0
LAST MEETING Memphis Won 34-27 on 5/28/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 2-3
LAST GAME Lost at SPO 24-67 on 7/8/2006 Lost at LOU 55-63 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS DUSTERS XPLORERS
PASSING Panella: 255-141-1; 1602; 25 TDs Jones: 384-262-9; 3427; 70 TDs
RECEIVING Roberson: 41-592; 9 TDs Higgins: 86-1315; 25 TDs
RUSHING McGinnis: 33-93; 5 TDs Jones: 51-245; 15 TDs
TACKLES Mingo: 54 Giddens: 90.5
SACKS Williams: 5.5 Crear: 7.5
INTERCEPTIONS Mingo: 6 Giddens: 3
KICKING Felton: 58-63 PAT; 10-28 FG 88 PTS Azar: 86-103 PAT; 2-9 FG 92 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 40.9 PPG; 212.7 55.9 PPG; 291.6
TEAM DEFENSE 51.8 PPG; 243.6 42.0 PPG; 278.6

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ARKANSAS TWISTERS (8-5) AT OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (9-4)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Ford Center (17,884) 8:00 P.M. ET
The Twisters can clinch a playoff spot this week with a win at Midwest rival Oklahoma City. The result won't come easy, however, as the Yard Dawgz are a very motivated team as well. The Twisters enter this week's contest fresh after having a bye week in Week 15. Arkansas' last outing was a disappointing home defeat against the No.1-ranked Spokane Shock. The Twisters entered the game looking for the upset, but the Shock showed their mettle in the 46-23 win. Arkansas QB WALTER CHURCH struggled against Spokane, finishing 16-of-31 for 147 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The difference, however, was that the Twisters vaunted sack combination of FB/LB STEVE WATSON (league-high 15.5 sacks) and DLS C.J. MCLAIN (league-high 19.5 TFLs, 13.5 sacks) were held at bay for most of the game with McLain getting the team's only sack when the game was already decided. Without an effective pass rush, Spokane's combination of QB Kyle Rowley (6 TD passes) and WR/LB Charles Frederick (15 catches, 144 yards, 5 TDs) flourished. Aside from Church, Arkansas' offense relies heavily on the talents of OS ROBERT KILOW (764 receiving yards, 20 TDs - team highs), WR/LB JON SCHOONOVER (703 receiving yards, 14 TDs) and WR/DB KEVIN WILLIAMS (12 TD catches). Williams leads the squad with five interceptions. DS DELENELL REID is among the league leaders in passes defended with 36 (2nd in af2). A strong defensive effort and solid play from Church will be key to the Twisters fortunes against Oklahoma City. The Yard Dawgz have already qualified for the postseason, but the team still has thoughts on a Midwest Division title and a first round playoff bye. Oklahoma City's most recent result was a disappointing 71-49 road loss a week ago at in-state rival Tulsa. Oklahoma City's normally potent offense, which ranks second in the af2 in points per game (58.2), was stifled by the Talons defense, which forced six stops (3 via turnovers, 3 on downs). The Yard Dawgz were paced, as always, by veteran QB CRAIG STRICKLAND. Strickland threw for a game-high 356 yards, six scores and two interceptions. He ranks among the league's elite in touchdown passes (T-2nd - 82), passer rating (5th - 118.2) and passing yards (6th - 3,324). Strickland has two of the top pass catchers in the league to throw to in OS JARRAIL JACKSON (102 catches, 1,287 yards, 30 TDs) and WR/DB AL HUNT (67 catches, 1,011 yards, 29 TDs). DS OLIVER FLETCHER leads the squad in tackles with 83.5 (4th in af2). The Yard Dawgz defense has been solid this season as well, limiting their opponents to just 45.2 points per game. Oklahoma City defeated Arkansas in Little Rock, 56-44, in the two team's only previous matchup this season. This should be an intense affair as both teams have a lot to play for. Oklahoma City, which hasn't lost back-to-back games this season, may have the slight edge being at home at the Ford Center.

TWISTERS YARD DAWGZ
SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads 3-0
LAST MEETING Oklahoma City Won 56-44 on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 3-2
LAST GAME Lost vs. SPO 23-46 on 7/1/2006 Lost at TUL 49-71 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS TWISTERS YARD DAWGZ
PASSING Church: 440-244-20; 2951; 67 TDs Strickland: 427-256-6; 3324; 82 TDs
RECEIVING Kilow: 72-764; 20 TDs Jackson: 102-1287; 30 TDs
RUSHING Watson: 18-40; 6 TDs Dingle: 13-89; 4 TDs
TACKLES Reid: 79.5 Fletcher: 83.5
SACKS Watson: 15.5 Allen: 2.5
INTERCEPTIONS Reid: 4 Three tied with 3
KICKING Carlton: 54-69 PAT; 5-24 FG 69 PTS Haglund:96-101 PAT; 6-27 FG 116 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 48.1 PPG; 228.5 58.2 PPG; 265.8
TEAM DEFENSE 44.3 PPG; 241.0 45.2 PPG; 269.2

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TULSA TALONS (9-4) AT BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT BATTLE WINGS (2-11)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - CenturyTel Center (12,500) 8:00 P.M. ET
If ever a team were looking for revenge, it would be the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings. They are just 1-7 all-time against the Tulsa Talons. The last time these two teams met back in Week 4, Tulsa handed them a 72-3 thrashing. The 69-point loss was the worst in franchise history. Bossier-Shreveport looks to make up for that embarrassing loss this week, while at the same time sending the Talons off course in their quest to win the Midwest Division. It will be a very difficult task, however, as Tulsa is flying high after its 71-49 win over rival Oklahoma City last weekend. That win put them in a first-place tie with Oklahoma City. The Talons lead the division thanks to their 2-1 head-to-head advantage over the Yard Dawgz this season. Last week Tulsa was led by rookie QB MARK RADLINSKI, who finished 13-of-21 for only 164 yards, but made the most of his completions, throwing for six touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores and earned the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game Award. WR/DB DON MCGEE led the team with three touchdowns (2 receiving, one rushing). OS ANDRE FORDE and WR/DB CESAR MANNING were also each on the receiving end of two Radlinski touchdown passes. The biggest plays of the game, however, came on the defensive end. After Tulsa grabbed the 20-14 lead with just over 13 minutes left in the second quarter, DLS CHAZ MURPHY sacked Oklahoma City QB Craig Strickland, who fumbled the ball away. Murphy picked it up and ran 41-yards for a touchdown. A few minutes later w, WR/DB JAMES SADLER picked off Strickland at Tulsa's 5-yard line, stopping the scoring threat and leading to K LUKE PHILLIP'S 38-yard field goal as the half ended. The Talons were able to contain Oklahoma City's No.2-ranked scoring offense (58.2 ppg) in the second half and came away with the 71-49 victory. Bossier-Shreveport's 2006 season struggles continued last week against the 1-11 South Georgia Wildcats. The Battle Wings went on the road in hopes of getting their third win of the season, only to be handed a 51-22 loss, tying them with South Georgia and Tennessee Valley for the worst record in the league. Bossier-Shreveport's lack of offense was once again the story of the game. The team's 22 points was their fewest points scored next to the 3-spot put up again the Talons early in the season. The Battle Wings are last in af2 in scoring offense, averaging only 32.9 points per game. QB J.J. RATERINK went 21-of-35 for 185 yards and two touchdowns. His leading receiver was WR/DB ANTHONY CHAMBERS, who caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. K BRIAN HAZELWOOD also connected on a 35-yard field goal, giving him a league-best 16 made field goals on the season. The Battle Wings have nothing to lose against the Talons this week and are playing to re-gain some pride and finish the season on a higher note. Tulsa has been hot of late, winning four of their last five games.

TALONS BATTLE WINGS
SERIES LEADER Tulsa leads 7-1
LAST MEETING Tulsa Won 72-3 on 4/22/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 1-4
LAST GAME Won vs. OKC 71-49 on 7/8/2006 Lost at SGW 22-51 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS TALONS BATTLE WINGS
PASSING Radlinski: 416-258-7; 3050; 66 TDs Raterink: 408-230-15; 2349; 34 TDs
RECEIVING Forde: 71-810; 23 TDs Chambers: 58-731; 10 TDs
RUSHING Radlinski: 40-119; 12 TDs Myles: 20-70; 1 TD
TACKLES Sadler: 56.5 Sutton: 46
SACKS Murphy: 7 Reed: 8
INTERCEPTIONS Sadler: 7 Geiggar: 3
KICKING Phillips: 75-97 PAT; 5-17 FG 90 PTS Hazelwood:33-48PAT;16-38 FG 86 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 54.5 PPG; 272.7 32.9 PPG; 211.9
TEAM DEFENSE 46.2 PPG; 249.8 54.5 PPG; 281.0

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SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (2-11) AT TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (2-11)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Von Braun Center (6,642) 8:30 P.M. ET
The South Georgia Wildcats and Tennessee Valley Vipers have had very similar seasons. Unfortunately, that means they've both struggled along the way and are currently 2-11. The good news is that one of them is guaranteed their third win of the year. South Georgia comes into the game on a high note after the team's strong 51-22 win against the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings last weekend. South Georgia put up 50 or more points for their third straight game. The Wildcats got a great performance out of Schutt Offensive Player of the Game QB JULIAN REESE, who went 18-of-27 for 285 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 57 yards. Reese is second in af2 with 272 rushing yards and ranked first with 5.0 yards per carry. In his two af2 seasons, Reese has rushed for 484 yards. With 16 more he will join Albany QB Ryan Vena and Memphis QB Brian Jones as the only other active players with 500 or more yards. With over three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Reese hit WR/DB JAMAAL PERRY for a 12-yard touchdown, and the Wildcats jumped in front 14-13. They would never let go of that lead, as four receivers caught touchdown passes, including three from Perry. With less than three minutes left in the first-half, Reese connected with WR/LB CHRIS MCKINNEY for a 28-yard touchdown, and the Wildcats went into halftime with a 33-22 lead. McKinney caught three passes in the game, giving him 107 for the year, which is third in af2. South Georgia's defense shut out the Battle Wings in the second-half. DS BLAKE SAUNDERS was the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game, and eventually the U.S. Army Ironman of the Week for his performance. He caught three passes for 47 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown. He also tackled FB/LB Charlie Myles in the end zone for a safety and picked off a pass by QB Dustin Almond and returned it 26 yards. Saunders had four total tackles in all. DS RAMONE NICKERSON led South Georgia with 10 tackles. Tennessee Valley, on the other hand, lost their sixth straight game last week, 59-21, on the road against Quad City. The Vipers fell behind early 17-0 and were never able to catch up. QB CHRIS GUNN struggled mightily in the contest, completing just 18-of-42 passes for 250 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. WR/DB TORREY DAY did have another strong game for the Vipers, catching 10 passes for 146 yards and a 20-yard touchdown. Tennessee Valley leads the all-time series with South Georgia, 2-0. The Vipers won 58-50 at South Georgia back in Week 2.

WILDCATS VIPERS
SERIES LEADER Series tied 1-1
LAST MEETING Tennessee Valley Won 58-50 on 4/8/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 0-5
LAST GAME Won vs. BOS 51-22 on 7/8/2006 Lost vs. QCS 21-59 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS WILDCATS VIPERS
PASSING Reese: 315-185-8; 2063; 33 TDs Gunn: 231-125-9; 1590; 27 TDs
RECEIVING McKinney: 107-1255; 24 TDs Day: 86-1136; 19 TDs
RUSHING Reese: 54-272; 6 TDs Gunn: 44-173; 6 TDs
TACKLES McCoy: 81 Blanchard: 43
SACKS Davis: 3 Adelekan: 7
INTERCEPTIONS Saunders: 3 Robinson: 3
KICKING Burnett: 37-55 PAT; 8-25 FG 61 PTS Lee: 45-59 PAT; 5-28 FG 60 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 38.7 PPG; 232.6 39.5 PPG; 214.0
TEAM DEFENSE 51.0 PPG; 260.2 55.7 PPG; 272.9

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CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (9-4) AT BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (7-6)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Rabobank Arena (9,000) 10:00 P.M. ET
In one of the biggest games in the Week 16 calendar, the Central Valley Coyotes travel to Bakersfield to tackle the Blitz. This West Division battle has playoff implications, as Bakersfield desperately needs a win to remain in contention, while Central Valley looks to close the gap between themselves and division leader Spokane. Bakersfield needs its No. 4-ranked scoring defense (44.2 ppg) to slow down Central Valley's fifth-ranked scoring offense (56.3 ppg). This will not be an easy task, however, because the Coyotes are playing their best football of the year. They won their fourth game in a row last week, ousting the Stockton Lightning 58-46 at home. The win clinched a playoff berth for the Coyotes. It should be no surprise that the Coyotes got another huge day from rookie QB SCOTT RISLOV, who went 35-of-51 for 327 yards and seven touchdowns. Rislov has been a touchdown machine this season. He leads the league with 85 touchdown passes, and he has only thrown nine interceptions. He is on pace for 105 touchdown passes, which would tie the Arena Football (AFL and af2) record set by Dallas Desperados' QB CLINT DOLEZEL this past season. Rislov found his favorite target, WR/DB LAMONTE JONES for three scores. Jones caught nine balls for 99 yards. Four of Rislov's touchdowns came in the first half, and his team went into the break with a 26-23 lead. The third quarter did not go their way, however, and Stockton led 36-28. That lead would not last long though, and Jones second touchdown grab of the day brought them to within a point of Stockton. After Stockton QB Josh Blankenship came back with a touchdown pass of his own, Rislov hit Jones for a 46-yard touchdown, once again cutting the lead to one. Stockton got a field goal and went ahead 46-42 with 6:07 left in the game. With 00:43 seconds left, Rislov found OL/DL DONYELL BOOKER for a 2-yard touchdown to jump in front 49-46. Booker sacked QB Josh Blankenship for a safety on the ensuing possession, and then FB/LB VAI NOTOA rushed for a 10-yard touchdown to finish things off. Bakersfield had a costly loss last weekend at Everett. The Hawks entered the game with just three wins (3-9), but were able to handily defeat the Blitz. Not only did Bakersfield lose their third consecutive game, but they may have lost QB BOBBY PESAVENTO for the remainder of the season. Pesavento went down with a knee injury on the opening drive of the second quarter. The Blitz picked up QB ALEX NEIST, formerly of the Spokane Shock, on Thursday to take over the quarterbacking duties. The score was already 15-6 in favor of Everett when Pesavento left the game, and on that same possession with QB Ryan Porter under center, he fumbled the ball away and it was returned for a touchdown. Eventually Porter settled down and finished 17-of-31 for 214 yards and two touchdowns, but Everett pressured him all evening, and sacked him four times. WR/DB GEORGE WILLIAMS was the leading receiver for the Blitz, catching seven passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. The Blitz also lost the services of OL/DL JERRY TURNER (team-high 12 sacks) for this week's game for his role in an on-field altercation last week. The season series between the Coyotes and Blitz is tied at 1-1. Bakersfield won in Week 3 at Central Valley, 38-28, but Central Valley won the next time at home, 56-46.

COYOTES BLITZ
SERIES LEADER Bakersfield leads 5-4
LAST MEETING Central Valley Won 56-46 on 5/27/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. STK 58-46 on 7/8/2006 Lost at EVE 34-63 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS COYOTES BLITZ
PASSING Rislov: 438-285-9; 3449; 85 TDs Wall: 276-160-8; 1787; 43 TDs
RECEIVING Jones: 90-1209; 33 TDs Reynolds: 88-1177; 31 TDs
RUSHING Guardia: 30-112; 5 TDs Onaindia: 15-66; 3 TDs
TACKLES Taylor: 45 Wallace: 35.5
SACKS Langenfeld: 6 Turner: 12
INTERCEPTIONS Taylor: 6 Wallace: 9
KICKING Gockman: 87-101 PAT;7-18 FG 108 PTS Johnson: 29-34 PAT; 3-9 FG 38 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 56.3 PPG; 279.0 47.3 PPG; 253.5
TEAM DEFENSE 47.7 PPG; 258.5 44.2 PPG; 198.2

SPOKANE SHOCK (11-2) AT STOCKTON LIGHTNING (5-8)
SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Stockton Arena (10,117) 10:30 P.M. ET
The Spokane Shock have had quite a first season. Their 11-2 record is tops in the league. The Shock are also currently ranked No. 1 overall in the latest league coaches poll. This week they travel to Stockton in search of their fourth consecutive win, with the Lightning in a must-win situation to keep playoff hopes alive. Spokane's latest victory came last Saturday at home against Amarillo Dusters, 67-24. QB KYLE ROWLEY started his second game for the Shock and went 14-of-21 for 160 yards and five touchdowns, with no turnovers. Spokane led 9-3 after the first quarter, and they opened up the second quarter with a safety by OL/DL NEIL PURVIS. The Shock got two touchdown runs following that and had full control of the game at halftime. They shut out the Dusters in the second-quarter and led 25-3 at halftime. After Rowley found WR/DB CHARLES FREDERICK for a 16-yard pass five minutes into the third quarter, Spokane held a commanding 39-3 lead. Frederick had another stellar day and was named the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game for his performance. He caught five passes for 40 yards and three touchdowns on offense, but put Spokane's final points on the board on the defensive side. He picked off Amarillo QB Brian Zbyniewski and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown, which made the score 67-16. Frederick also had four tackles and 33 kickoff return yards. DS ROB KEEFE led the defense with 6.5 tackles and a fumble recovery. The win gave Shock head coach CHRIS SIEGFRIED 51 career victories, which puts him second behind former Rio Grande Valley and Tennessee Valley head coach Kevin Guy for most career af2 wins. The season has not been so bright for the Lightning. Their 58-46 loss last week at Central Valley didn't help their dimming postseason chances. The underdog Lightning played a very tough game against the Coyotes, The Lightning were able to keep pace with the Coyotes, led by QB JOSH BLANKENSHIP. Blankenship went 18-of-32 for 271 yards and five touchdowns. Central Valley led at halftime 26-23, but Stockton claimed its first lead of the evening on the first play of the second-half. Blankenship connected with WR/DB KENYATTE MORGAN for a 32-yard touchdown. That was Morgan's second touchdown of the day to go along with three catches and 57 yards. Stockton led 36-28 going into the final quarter, but Blankenship and the offense couldn't finish things off. Spokane and Stockton have met once before in 2006 in Week 1 in what was the first af2 game ever for each team. Stockton OL/DL CHRIS HARRIS caught an 8-yard touchdown pass with 7:36 left in the game to cut the Spokane lead to 41-40, but the Shock defense would not allow another point, solidifying Spokane's first win in franchise history. The Lightning will be fighting hard this week in front of their home fans as they try to keep pace in the narrowing postseason race.

SHOCK LIGHTNING
SERIES LEADER Spokane leads 1-0
LAST MEETING Spokane Won 41-40 on 3/30/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3
LAST GAME Won vs. AMA 67-24 on 7/8/2006 Lost at CVC 46-58 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS SHOCK LIGHTNING
PASSING Neist: 344-214-8; 2550; 44 TDs Blankenship: 444-252-17; 3166; 64 TDs
RECEIVING Savage: 72-824; 18 TDs Goodman: 76-983; 23 TDs
RUSHING Vijil: 27-62; 9 TDs Harris: 12-42; 2 TDs
TACKLES Keefe: 67 Wallace: 50.5
SACKS Purvis: 3 Dorisme: 7
INTERCEPTIONS Keefe: 9 Surrell: 3
KICKING Koker: 65-87 PAT; 4-9 FG 77 PTS Hickok: 55-72 PAT; 5-11 FG 70 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 54.3 PPG; 263.5 48.9 PPG; 261.0
TEAM DEFENSE 47.5 PPG; 243.2 51.7 PPG; 290.7

GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (8-6) AT EVERETT HAWKS (4-9)
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 - Everett Events Center (8,300) 10:30 P.M. ET
A win for the Green Bay Blizzard would be a big boost for their chances of making it into the playoffs. After a hard-to-swallow, 62-58, home loss to the Manchester Wolves last weekend, Green Bay must get back on track this week. They'll have to do it halfway across the country in Everett, Wash. against the new-and-improved Hawks. Prior to the game against Manchester, Green Bay had won three straight to put them back into playoff contention. But they could not make it four in a row last week, as they let a 17-point fourth quarter lead slip away. Aside from their most recent result, the Blizzard have one of the best defenses in the af2. They rank No. 2 overall in scoring defense, giving up only 43.9 points per game. Rookie QB JAMES MACPHERSON finished 19-of-29 for 243 yards and five touchdowns and two interceptions last week. His favorite receiver was OS BRENT HOLMES, who collected nine catches for 99 yards and three touchdowns. U.S. Army Ironman of the Game ROBERT BOSS played well on both sides of the field for the Blizzard as he caught a touchdown offensively while also recovering a fumble and grabbing an interception defensively. Along with a solid passing attack, Green Bay is also a strong running team. They currently lead the league in rushing with 567 yards and 39 touchdowns. FB/LB PETER LAZARE leads the squad individually with 241 yards and 16 rushing scores. The Hawks have won four of their last six games after staring the season 0-7. They played their best overall game of the season last week, getting a 63-34 home win against the Bakersfield Blitz. The 63 points put up was a season-high, and the 34 points given up were their second-fewest allowed of their season. QB BRIAN BAKER led the way for the Hawks, going 15-of-24 for 206 yards and six touchdowns. Everett had a 15-6 lead after the first-quarter, and in the second-quarter, they blew the game wide open. WR/LB HASSAN BROCKMAN caught four passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. At halftime, the Hawks led, 43-13. Baker was named the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game. Everett is led on defense by TOURE BUTLER, who has 50.5 tackles and three interceptions. Expect OL/DL JOHN FIELDS (team-high 6.5 tackles for loss) to make his presence felt as well. Saturday night will be the first-ever meeting between the Blizzard and the Hawks.

BLIZZARD HAWKS
SERIES LEADER First ever meeting
LAST MEETING First ever meeting
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 3-2
LAST GAME Lost vs. MAN 58-62 on 7/7/2006 Won vs. BAK 63-34 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS BLIZZARD HAWKS
PASSING MacPherson: 177-116-7; 1649; 28 TDs Baker: 172-101-5; 1192; 27 TDs
RECEIVING Leverson: 47-676; 9 TDs Brockman: 71-701; 14 TDs
RUSHING Lazare: 59-241; 16 TDs Shine: 2-47; 0 TD
TACKLES Crocker: 86 Butler: 50.5
SACKS Boss: 4.5 Harrell: 7
INTERCEPTIONS Jackson: 3, Kaymore: 3 Butler: 3
KICKING Pelz: 33-39 PAT; 6-12 FG 51 PTS Hawley: 59-76 PAT; 5-12 FG 74 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 48.4 PPG; 270.5 44.2 PPG; 250.7
TEAM DEFENSE 43.9 PPG; 270.6 48.2 PPG; 261.2



arenafootball2 Stories from July 14, 2006


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