af2 arenafootball2

af2 week 17 Saturday night matchups

Published on July 21, 2006 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


MANCHESTER WOLVES (7-7) AT ALBANY CONQUEST (5-9)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Pepsi Arena (13,901) 7:00 P.M. ET
The Manchester Wolves and Albany Conquest square off Saturday at Pepsi Arena for the finale of their three-game season series. They split the previous two meetings with Albany winning the most recent one in May, 63-61. QB RYAN VENA threw five touchown passes and rushed for two more scores. WR/LB MANWELL TALBERT caught 10 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. DS SHAWN MURRAY added an interception. Manchester QB D. BRYANT was hot that night as well, throwing nine touchdown passes to four different receivers. OS STEVE GONZALEZ has totaled seven scoring receptions in the two meetings this season, while DS WILLIAM HAITH recorded 12 tackles in the first game. Manchester's most recent result was a 45-14 home victory over W-B/Scranton last Friday. The win kept their playoff hopes alive. QB STEVE BELLISARI, in his second start under center, threw five touchdown passes and rushing for another score. With Gonzalez (#2 in the league in receptions and receiving TDs) limited by an ankle injury (3 catches, 27 yards, TD), it gave Bellisari an opportunity to spread the ball around. WR/LB WENDELL WILLIAMS had nine grabs for 91 yards and two scores, and WR/LB MARC BACOTE caught two touchdowns and recorded a half a sack on defense. OL/DL DEMETRIUS FORNEY (1.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR) and Haith (4 tackles, 5 break ups, 1 TFL, 1 INT) led a stifling defensive attack. The Wolves held the Pioneers to 120 yards of total offense and only allowed them to convert 1-of-11 third downs. Albany was not as lucky as they lost at Florida last week, 66-56. Once looked at as a contender, the Conquest have dropped seven of their last eight games. Vena did everything last week but suit up on defense, throwing for 370 yards and six touchdowns, and rushed for another. He currently leads the af2 in rushing touchdowns, passing yards and passing attempts. OS THOMAS ANTHONY, ranked third overall in receptions per game and yards per game, had 12 catches for 138 yards and three scores. WR/DB DEONTE TAYLOR (8 catches, 102 yards, 3 TDs) and WR/DB BAKARI BROWN (12 receptions, 121 yards) also played well in defeat. The Conquest's defense, however, couldn't contain the Firecats. They gave up points on 10 of Florida's 12 possessions (one was ended by the half). Expect a shootout this week as two top offenses battle it out. The Wolves need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. Albany would love to play the spoiler. Helping in that role this week will be Talbert. The veteran playmaker, who was activated on Thursday, had been out several weeks with a foot injury.

WOLVES CONQUEST
SERIES LEADER Series tied 7-7
LAST MEETING Albany Won 63-61 on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4
LAST GAME Won vs. WBS 45-14 on 7/14/2006 Lost at FLA 56-66 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS WOLVES CONQUEST
PASSING Bryant: 339-221-7; 2424; 59 TDs Vena: 513-328-16; 4177; 68 TDs
RECEIVING Gonzalez: 118-1355; 44 TDs Talbert: 61-774; 12 TDs
RUSHING Kimener: 54-242; 6 TDs Vena: 72-211; 22 TDs
TACKLES Haith: 59.5 Tinson: 49
SACKS Forney: 4 Ward: 4
INTERCEPTIONS Haith: 6 Murray: 5
KICKING Pohlman: 27-29 PAT; 2-5 FG 33 PTS Cirrincione: 88-99 PAT; 9-13 FG 115 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 52.0 PPG; 283.6 55.1 PPG; 324.2
TEAM DEFENSE 47.6 PPG; 252.8 57.3 PPG; 294.1

LOUISVILLE FIRE (9-5) AT FLORIDA FIRECATS (11-3)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Germain Arena (7,128) 7:30 P.M. ET
The better defense should determine this outcome as two of the top three scoring offenses meet at Germain Arena. This pivotal game pits the two American Conference leaders against one another. Both teams have a lot to play for this week as Florida can clinch the South Division and a first round bye with a win while Louisville can clinch a playoff berth with a win. The last time these two teams met was in the playoffs in 2005. The Fire knocked out the Firecats, 70-40, to win the American Conference Championship and a trip to ArenaCup. Both teams come in on a hot streak, as Louisville has won five games in a row and seven of eight. The Firecats have won six of their last seven contests. Louisville's most recent result was a 67-60 home win last week over Quad City. As a team, the Fire rushed for six touchdowns, led by two each from WR/DB NATE GREEN and FB/LB SCOTT POWER. QB BRETT DIETZ (second in the af2 in completion percentage, third in passing yards, fourth in TD passes) threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns, hooking up with OS ROB MAGER for scores on three occasions. Mager (first in af2 in receptions, yards and touchdowns) finished the game with eight receptions for 141 yards. Louisville overcame a 14-point, 4th quarter deficit when WR/LB DENNIS FRYZEL scored with :16 remaining. Fryzel played well on both sides of the ball as he recorded 2.5 tackles, a pass break up and an interception on defense. On offense, he caught seven balls for 93 yards and the game-winning score. The Fire's offense has been blazin' during their recent win streak, averaging 70.8 points per game. Mager has totaled 21 TD receptions in that span. Florida is coming off a 66-56 win last Saturday against Albany. FB/LB CLENTON CROSSLEY scored twice on the ground and caught a touchdown. QB CHRIS WALLACE threw six touchdown passes. He is second in the league with 88 touchdown passes. WR/DB ETHENIC SANDS caught four passes for 47 yards and three touchdowns. OL/DL COMONE FISHER won the Cutters Catch of the Week Award with his 9-yd TD reception. DS CORY BAILEY recorded 11.5 tackles and three pass break ups on defense. The Firecat defense broke up 10 passes last week, as the secondary worked hard to try and keep Albany out of the end zone. OS MAGIC BENTON (six receptions for 82 yards and a score) currently ranks second in the af2 in receiving yards and third in receiving touchdowns.

FIRE FIRECATS
SERIES LEADER Series tied 1-1
LAST MEETING Louisville Won 70-40 on 8/20/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 5-0 4-1
LAST GAME Won vs. QCS 67-60 on 7/15/2006 Won vs. ALB 66-56 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS FIRE FIRECATS
PASSING Dietz: 459-327-9; 3777; 85 TDs Wallace: 442-270-12; 3479; 88 TDs
RECEIVING Mager: 131-1781; 49 TDs Benton: 101-1451; 36 TDs
RUSHING Green: 19-70; 5 TDs Crossley: 87-334; 16 TDs
TACKLES Siykala: 74 Bailey: 98
SACKS Connor: 5.5 Fisher: 5
INTERCEPTIONS Siykala: 6, Chandler: 6 Brown: 7
KICKING Hendrix: 91-112 PAT; 6-10 FG 109 PTS Kornblue: 72-101 PAT; 3-7 FG 81 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 58.2 PPG; 285.5 59.9 PPG; 275.9
TEAM DEFENSE 52.7 PPG; 283.7 46.9 PPG; 263.9



TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (2-12) AT MACON KNIGHTS (7-7)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Macon Coliseum (7,182) 7:30 P.M. ET
Tennessee Valley comes out Saturday with pride on the line as they try to put an end to the Macon Knights' playoff chances. The Vipers, however, have their work cut out for them. The team has struggled all season and is currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. Tennessee Valley's most recent result was a humbling, 82-37, loss to South Georgia, a team that entered the contest with the same 2-11 record. Trailing 28-7 at the half, the Vipers continued to falter in the third. Heading into the final quarter, the game was out of hand as Tennessee Valley trailed 55-14. One of the few bright spots of the game was OS TORREY DAY, who caught 12 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. QB CHRIS GUNN threw for 215 yards and four touchdowns, most of which came when the game was already decided. Backup QB WALTER WASHINGTON got the start over Gunn, but was pulled in the third quarter after completing just 6-of-18 passes and an interception. DS HENRY FREEMAN had six tackles on the night. With the effort, the Vipers are now last in the league in points allowed (57.6). One reason for the Vipers poor record is their inability to be safe with the football. The squad is currently last in turnover margin at minus-23. The Vipers were dealt more bad news this week when Day decided to leave the team. Day had been the team's top playmaker by far, leading the team in all receiving categories. Macon is coming off an important 52-47 win last week against Birmingham. The Knights win was their third straight and fifth in their last six contests. QB CHAD ELLIOTT threw for 243 yards and six touchdowns. OS CHAVIS MCCOLLISTER was a one-man wrecking crew with eight catches for 133 yards and five touchdowns. McCollister has accumulated 45 catches (9 per game) for 667 yards (133.4 per game) as the Knights feature receiver, including 16 touchdowns. DS DARYON BRUTLEY (7.5 tackles), OL/DL ED WRANGLER and OL/DL RASHAAD PITT (sack each) led the way on defense for the Knights. Macon defeated Tennessee Valley the last time these two teams met in Week 4, 58-55, in Huntsville. The Knights outscored the Vipers 34-20 in the second half for the come-from-behind win. Macon WR/DB JAMES HICKENBOTHAM recorded 12 receptions for 177 yards and three scores, while FB/LB DERRICK LLOYD rushed for 44 yards and four scores. Vipers OS TERRENCE JEFFERSON returned two kickoffs 57 yards each time for touchdowns and hauled in two touchdowns. This game should go Macon's way as the Knights have a potential playoff berth in their sights. VIPERS KNIGHTS
SERIES LEADER Tennessee Valley leads 5-4
LAST MEETING Macon Won 58-55 on 4/22/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 4-1
LAST GAME Lost vs. SGW 37-82 on 7/15/2006 Won vs. BIR 52-47 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS VIPERS KNIGHTS
PASSING Gunn: 255-138-9; 1805; 31 TDs Elliott: 491-313-16; 3458; 56 TDs
RECEIVING Day: 98-1313; 21 TDs Hickenbotham: 95-1116; 21 TDs
RUSHING Gunn: 45-171; 6 TDs Lloyd: 53-160; 10 TDs
TACKLES Freeman: 44 Jackson: 74
SACKS Adelekan: 7 Wrangler: 10
INTERCEPTIONS Robinson: 3 Jackson: 6
KICKING Lee: 48-62 PAT; 5-30 FG 63 PTS Yoon: 52-80 PAT; 4-18 FG 64 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 39.4 PPG; 221.6 42.3 PPG; 281.1
TEAM DEFENSE 57.6 PPG; 277.4 48.5 PPG; 280.0



BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT BATTLE WINGS (2-12) AT AMARILLO DUSTERS (4-10)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Amarillo Civic Center (4,870) 8:00 P.M. ET
Amarillo and Bossier-Shreveport meet for the second time this season on Saturday. Each team is looking to end the season on a high note as they head into the off-season. Neither team won last week as they both struggled to put points on the board. Amarillo lost 75-15 at Memphis, while Bossier-Shreveport lost at home to Tulsa, 53-14. Amarillo offense struggled all night. Starting QB BRIAN ZBYNIEWSKI had trouble operating under the Talons defensive attack. He finished just 12-of-28 passing for 106 yards and two interceptions. WR/LB and emergency QB JARROD ROUANZOIN was even pressed into action under center. Rouanzoin didn't fare well either in limited duty, completing just one pass in seven attempts with an interception. The Dusters turned the ball over five times and for the first time this season, managed to not throw a touchdown pass. DS TERRELL MINGO led the defense with five tackles. Mingo leads the team in tackles (59) and interceptions (6). In Bossier-Shreveport's latest loss, Battle Wings QBs J.J. RATERINK and DUSTIN ALMOND both endured a tremendous Tulsa pass rush. Both signal callers were sacks three times each. WR/DB BRANDON CAMPBELL caught six passes for 44 yards and a score. DS PHILLIP GEIGGAR and WR/DB TERRELL SUTTON teamed up for five tackles and a pass break up each on defense. The Battle Wings offense has had trouble scoring points all season, averaging just 31.6 points per game. These two Midwest Division rivals, Amarillo and Bossier-Shreveport, have met once before this season in Week 7, with the Dusters winning on the won the last meeting, 53-34. Each team recorded a safety in the contest, as Amarillo scored 14 points off of three Bossier-Shreveport turnovers. Something has to give at the Amarillo Civic Center as the Dusters are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, while the Battle Wings have yet to win a game on the road this season.

BATTLE WINGS DUSTERS
SERIES LEADER Amarillo leads 3-0
LAST MEETING Amarillo Won 53-34 on 5/13/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 0-5
LAST GAME Lost vs. TUL 14-53 on 7/15/2006 Lost at MEM 15-75 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS BATTLE WINGS DUSTERS
PASSING Raterink: 427-242-15; 2456; 35 TDs Panella: 255-141-1; 1602; 25 TDs
RECEIVING Chambers: 64-789; 10 TDs Roberson: 41-592; 9 TDs
RUSHING Myles: 24-76; 1 TD McGinnis: 39-114; 6 TDs
TACKLES Sutton: 51 Mingo: 59
SACKS Reed: 8 Williams: 5.5
INTERCEPTIONS Geiggar: 3 Mingo: 6
KICKING Haxelwood: 35-50 PAT;16-40FG 88 PTS Felton: 59-65 PAT; 10-29 FG 89 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 31.6 PPG; 205.1 39.1 PPG; 207.1
TEAM DEFENSE 54.4 PPG; 279.8 53.4 PPG; 247.3



MEMPHIS XPLORERS (10-5) AT BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS (7-7)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex (16,000) 8:00 P.M. ET
The Memphis Xplorers look to finish their regular season on a strong note going into their third straight playoff appearance. The Xplorers can clinch a home playoff game with a win or a loss by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Birmingham got the best of Memphis in the first meeting this season, winning in dramatic fashion, 43-42, on a field goal by K ALEX WALLS with no time remaining. Birmingham OS ALLYN SHEFFIELD led the way in the first affair with 14 catches for 148 yards and one score. The Steeldogs were a perfect 5-for-5 in the red zone as QB ROBERT KENT rushed for two touchdowns. Memphis QB BRIAN JONES threw for 278 yards and five touchdowns, but he as threw three interceptions. WR/DB KENNY HIGGINS and OS KEVIN PRENTISS each caught two touchdowns, while WR/DB DEON GIDDENS (12 tackles and 2 break ups) led the defense. WR/DB BRADLY CHAVEZ directed the Birmingham defense with 5.5 tackles, a sack and an interception. Last week, Memphis crushed Amarillo, 75-15, at home. Jones was efficient in short duty, completing 11-of- 14 passes for 216 yards and six touchdowns, while backup QB DANIEL FORREST threw for 65 yards and a touchdown. Forrest also added one on the ground. Prentiss (6 receptions for 111 yards), Higgins and WR/DB GREG GOLDEN each caught two touchdown passes. ADT Defensive Player of the Week DS SCOTT CUNNINGHAM piloted the defense with seven tackles and two interceptions in the win. DS SID HAUGABROOK was a defensive force with five and a half tackles and four pass break ups. Giddens also caught a touchdown, had four tackles and a pick. Memphis' defense is currently ranked #1 in scoring at 40.2 ppg. Birmingham's most recent result was a 52-47 loss last week at Macon. Kent (274 yards passing) threw three touchdowns and ran three in as well. Chavez caught two scores and WR/DB ERICK HARRIS totaled 165 all-purpose yards. DS BOBBY KEYES had an interception. Birmingham's defense is strong as well, allowing just 44.6 points per game. The Steeldogs finish the regular season with two home games as they make a run at a playoff berth.

XPLORERS STEELDOGS
SERIES LEADER Birmingham leads 4-2
LAST MEETING Birmingham Won 43-42 on 6/17/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2
LAST GAME Won vs. AMA 75-15 on 7/15/2006 Lost at MAC 47-52 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS XPLORERS STEELDOGS
PASSING Jones: 398-273-9; 3643; 76 TDs Hawk: 362-198-7; 2395; 34 TDs
RECEIVING Higgins: 89-1371; 27 TDs Wright: 53-801; 13 TDs
RUSHING Jones: 51-245; 15 TDs Sanders: 42-157; 7 TDs
TACKLES Giddens: 94.5 Keyes: 58.5
SACKS Crear: 7.5 Daniel: 4
INTERCEPTIONS Giddens: 4, Cunningham: 4 Keyes: 8
KICKING Azar: 93-113 PAT; 2-9 FG 99 PTS Walls: 59-77 PAT; 10-26 FG 89 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 57.1 PPG; 291.8 45.2 PPG; 270.9
TEAM DEFENSE 40.2 PPG; 269.1 44.6 PPG; 254.7



WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (8-6) AT QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (6-8)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - The Mark of the Quad Cities (9,437) 8:15 P.M. ET
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Quad City collide this week after both failing to win in Week 16. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot. The Pioneers have lost three straight games, while the Steamwheelers have won four of their last six games. The Pioneers most recent result was a 45-14 loss last week at Manchester. The Wolves came flying out of the gate and sprinted to a 31-0 lead and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton couldn't catch up. WR/LB LEROY MCFADDEN caught the only Pioneers' touchdowns, as the offense was unable to find a rhythm. OL/DL DAVID BARNARD and OL/DL TYREE YOUNG each recorded a sack on defense. The Pioneers have allowed more points than they have scored, despite being two games above .500. Quad City is looking to recover from a tough, 67-60, loss a week ago at Louisville. The defense has had points of trouble all season, and it was once again evident as the Fire exposed them late. Quad City's offense, however, is top notch. The receiving trio of WR/LB JACK WALKER, WR/DB TIM DODGE and OS KRIS PETERS (who are all over 1,000 yards) totaled five touchdown receptions for the Steamwheelers. QB TIM HICKS is second in the league in passing yards and the offense ranks in the Top 5 in scoring. DS TROY GRAHAM and DS TY ARDOIN lead a defense that is last in the league in yards allowed. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's last win came against Quad City in Week 12, 55-52. DS JAIME HATTLEY (6.5 tackles in the game) clinched the victory with a 22-yard INT return for a touchdown as Quad City was driving to setup the go-ahead score. Dodge (2 TD rushes and receptions) and Peters (9 receptions, 131 yards and 3 touchdowns) were the driving force behind the Steamwheelers attack. Pioneers rookie QB MIKE GRANIERI threw for 281 yards and six touchdowns, with McFadden had nine receptions for 162 yards and four scores. After starting the team's first 14 games, Granieri will sit this week in favor of veteran KELVIN ROBINSON. Robinson's performance will be key for the Pioneers. Both squads need a win if they want any chance at making the playoffs.

PIONEERS STEAMWHEELERS
SERIES LEADER W-B/Scranton leads 4-1
LAST MEETING W-B/Scranton Won 55-52 on 6/17/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 3-2
LAST GAME Lost at MAN 13-46 on 7/14/2006 Lost at LOU 60-67 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS PIONEERS STEAMWHEELERS
PASSING Granieri: 518-263-19; 3096; 52 TDs Hicks: 497-319-13; 3969; 70 TDs
RECEIVING Brantley: 76-870; 14 TDs Walker Jr.: 105-1158; 20 TDs
RUSHING Granieri: 40-56; 11 TDs Hicks: 31-62; 7 TDs
TACKLES Hattley: 73 Graham: 67.5
SACKS Harding: 5.5 Petty: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Forbes: 5 Graham: 4
KICKING Davis: 73-84 PAT; 4-13 FG 85 PTS Naehu: 72-93 PAT; 6-16 FG 90 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 44.2 PPG; 230.0 56.7 PPG; 317.1
TEAM DEFENSE 46.7 PPG; 270.9 57.4 PPG; 300.4



SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (3-11) AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (6-8)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Dodge Arena (5,500) 8:30 P.M. ET
Rio Grande Valley hosts South Georgia this week with the Dorados trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Wildcats stand in the way, however, and won't make things easy for Rio Grande Valley. South Georgia is coming off its first road win of the season, defeating Tennessee Valley, 82-37, in Week 16. The Wildcats' 82 points scored set a new team record. QB JULIAN REESE had his best outing of the season, throwing for a team-record nine touchdowns. He also ran in another. Reese, who completed 20-of-29 passes for 291 yards, was named Schutt Offensive Player of the Week. OS CHRIS MCKINNEY (#3 in receptions and yards, Top 10 in TDs) was Reese's favorite target with 10 receptions for 124 yards and five scores. WR/DB TIM ROBINSON caught a touchdown and returned an interception for one as well. In the Wildcats' three victories, Reese has thrown for 806 yards and 18 touchdowns. The defense laid out a strong effort in the win, forcing the Vipers into three turnovers. Rio Grande Valley had the week off and last played Birmingham on July 8. They lost that game, 84-46, as the No.2-ranked total defense did not force a turnover, break up a pass, or record a sack. QB JOSH KELLETT had the offense rolling with 304 passing yards and six touchdowns. WR/DB MEL LONG (7 receptions for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns) and OS DWIGHT COUNTER (6 receptions 115 yards and 3 scores) put on quite a performance as well. Rio Grande Valley should have the edge in this contest as the Dorados are strong at home (4-2) and have more to play for.

WILDCATS DORADOS
SERIES LEADER Rio Grande Valley leads 1-0
LAST MEETING Rio Grande Valley Won 39-37 on 5/28/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 2-3
LAST GAME Won at TVV 82-37 on 7/15/2006 Lost vs. BIR 46-84 on 7/8/2006
2006 LEADERS WILDCATS DORADOS
PASSING Reese: 344-205-8; 2354; 42 TDs Kellett: 331-187-10; 2197; 44 TDs
RECEIVING McKinney: 117-1379; 29 TDs Counter: 97-1179; 26 TDs
RUSHING Reese: 57-296; 7 TDs Canty: 10-66; 2 TDs
TACKLES McCoy: 87.5 Withers: 57.5
SACKS Davis: 3 Jeter: 4.5
INTERCEPTIONS Saunders: 3, Robinson: 3 Long: 4
KICKING Burnett: 47-66 PAT; 8-25 FG 71 PTS Bell: 61-78 PAT; 4-19 FG 73 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 41.8 PPG; 239.9 41.8 PPG; 254.5
TEAM DEFENSE 50.0 PPG; 264.4 49.7 PPG; 220.4



TULSA TALONS (10-4) AT ARKANSAS TWISTERS (8-6)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - ALLTEL Arena (16,058) 8:00 P.M. ET
The Tulsa Talons have already clinched a playoff berth, but a win would put them one step closer to a division title and a first round bye in the playoffs. Tulsa's defense came up big in the Talons' Week 16 win at Bossier-Shreveport, 53-14. Running out to a 30-0 lead early on, Tulsa recorded two safeties and OL/DL ANTWAN FLOYD returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The defense pressured the Battle Wings into six sacks. On the season, the Talons rank second overall in sacks with 36. DS JAMES SADLER led the team in tackles with 6.5. The offense was rolling as well as rookie QB MARK RADLINSKI threw six touchdown passes. OS ANDRE FORDE (7 receptions for 81 yards and 2 TDs) and WR/DB RICKY ROSS (2 catches, 31 yards and 2 TDs) were Radlinski's main weapons. Tulsa is one of the most complete teams in the league, ranking in the Top 10 in scoring and total offense and defense. Arkansas's most recent result was a 64-25 loss at Oklahoma City last week. It was the Twisters' second straight defeat. QB WALTER CHURCH attempted 52 passes in the game, throwing for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Church, the league's leader in interceptions thrown, added his total last week with two more in the game. OS ROBERT KILOW caught six passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, while WR/DB KEVIN WILLIAMS had nine receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. Williams also added an interception for the league's third-ranked total defense. DS DELENELL REID tallied six tackles and a break up in the defeat. The Twisters continue to lead af2 in sacks with 47. Arkansas won the first meeting between these two teams, 45-42, in Week 9. FB/LB STEVE WATSON led the charge with two rushing touchdowns, while Church threw three touchdowns. Radlinski threw five touchdowns, but it was his two costly interceptions that stand out from the game. Ross grabbed two touchdowns for Tulsa, while Sadler highlighted both defenses with his 37-yard INT return for a touchdown. Arkansas has already clinched a playoff spot, but the squad is still fighting for postseason positioning. This game should be another close call.

TALONS TWISTERS
SERIES LEADER Tulsa leads 8-5
LAST MEETING Arkansas Won 45-42 on 5/27/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3
LAST GAME Won at BOS 53-14 on 7/15/2006 Lost at OKC 25-64 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS TALONS TWISTERS
PASSING Radlinski: 447-279-7; 3264; 72 TDs Church: 492-268-22; 3203; 70 TDs
RECEIVING Forde: 78-891; 25 TDs Kilow: 78-862; 21 TDs
RUSHING Radlinski: 40-119; 12 TDs Watson: 18-40; 6 TDs
TACKLES Sadler: 63 Reid: 85.5
SACKS Murphy: 8, Ruffin: 8 Watson: 15.5
INTERCEPTIONS Sadler: 7 Williams: 6
KICKING Phillips: 82-104 PAT; 5-19 FG 97 PTS Carlton: 54-69 PAT; 5-24 FG 69 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 54.4 PPG; 272.1 46.4 PPG; 229.5
TEAM DEFENSE 43.9 PPG; 240.4 45.7 PPG; 237.1



EVERETT HAWKS (4-10) AT SPOKANE SHOCK (12-2)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Spokane Arena (9,909) 10:00 P.M. ET
Saturday night pits two of af2's expansion teams against each other as the Spokane Shock play host to the Everett Hawks. It's been very different experiences for the two new additions to the West Division. The Hawks lost their first seven games, but have played much better in the second half of the season. The Shock, in comparison, clinched the West Division title last week. They are currently an af2-best 12-2 and have earned a first-round bye. Spokane has gotten the best of Everett in their two meetings this season. The Shock edged the Hawks 44-41 in Week 3, and won again in Week 7, 58-29. Since QB BRIAN BAKER took over the quarterbacking duties in Week 9, he's given the Hawks a much-needed spark. Baker had a spectacular game last week against the Green Bay Blizzard, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough, as the Hawks eventually fell, 55-52. Baker finished the game 24-of-44 for his season-best 353 yards and eight touchdowns. With four seconds left, K CRAIG HAWLEY attempted a 28-yard field goal to tie the game, but it sailed right, giving the win to the Blizzard. The loss should not take away from a career-game out of J.R. THOMAS. He caught 13 passes for an af2 2006 season-high 228 yards, passing Louisville's OS Rob Mager's 208 receiving yards earlier in the season. The 228 yards is the sixth-most single game receiving yards in af2 history. It was business as usual for the Shock last weekend, as they won on the road, 63-44, at Stockton. The victory gave Head Coach CHRIS SIEGFRIED his 52nd career win, which tied him with former Rio Grande Valley and Tennessee Valley Head Coach KEVIN GUY for the most coaching victories in af2 history. It was the fourth win in a row for the Shock, and the third straight for QB KYLE ROWLEY, who took over the reins three weeks ago from former-QB Alex Neist. Rowley has been stellar since then. In five appearances, he's completed 86-of-116 passes for 808 yards and 19 touchdowns. He leads the league in passer efficiency (132.5) and completion percentage (74.1%). Rowley went 20-of-25 for 210 yards and four touchdowns against the Lightning. WR/LB CHARLES FREDERICK had another terrific game for the Shock, catching seven passes for 86 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for two more scores. Frederick is eighth in the league in scoring average at 15.2 points per game. If Spokane can defeat the Hawks on Saturday and the Dorados in Week 18, they will finish with 14 regular season wins, which would put them in a second-place tie for most wins in the regular season.

HAWKS SHOCK
SERIES LEADER Spokane leads 2-0
LAST MEETING Spokane Won 58-29 on 5/12/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 4-1
LAST GAME Lost vs. GBB 52-55 on 7/15/2006 Won at STK 63-44 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS HAWKS SHOCK
PASSING Baker: 216-125-5; 1545; 35 TDs Neist: 344-214-8; 2550; 44 TDs
RECEIVING Brockman: 75-736; 16 TDs Savage: 78-874; 18 TDs
RUSHING Shine: 2-47; 0 TD Vijil: 30-68; 10 TDs
TACKLES Butler: 52 Keefe: 75.5
SACKS Harrell: 7 Purvis: 3
INTERCEPTIONS Butler: 4 Keefe: 9
KICKING Hawley: 63-83 PAT; 5-14 FG 78 PTS Koker: 74-96 PAT; 4-9 FG 86 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 44.7 PPG; 257.4 54.9 PPG; 260.5
TEAM DEFENSE 48.7 PPG; 265.9 47.2 PPG; 250.9



STOCKTON LIGHTNING (5-9) AT BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (7-7)
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Rabobank Arena (9,000) 10:00 P.M. ET
It's the rubber-match this Saturday between the Stockton Lightning and the Bakersfield Blitz. Bakersfield is in a "win-and-they're in" playoff situation. They currently own the sixth-seed in the National Conference, with a one-game lead over the Rio Grande Valley Dorados. They also own the tiebreaker with the Dorados after beating them 53-45 back in Week 7. Stockton is coming off a 63-44 home loss to the Spokane Shock last Saturday. QB JOSH BLANKENSHIP threw for 344 yards and five touchdowns, but Spokane had too much talent for the Lightning to handle. One play changed the whole course of the game. Unfortunately for the Lightning, it went against them. Trailing 14-13 less than a minute into the second-quarter, K MARC HICKOK attempted a 45-yard field goal, which ended up in the hands of WR/DB Antwone Savage. He returned it an af2 record-tying 58 yards for a touchdown and gave his team the 21-13 lead. Stockton never was able to recover. On a positive note for the Lightning, a pair of receivers had very impressive games. OS ATNAS MAEKO caught 11 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns, and WR/LB PHIL GOODMAN caught seven passes for 125 yards and two scores. Bakersfield's disappointing second half of the season continued last week against the Central Valley Coyotes. The Blitz, who were at one time 7-3, are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Newly acquired QB ALEX NEIST started his first game for Bakersfield on Saturday, but three interceptions soured his debut in the 51-37 loss. Neist finished 15-of-30 for 159 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Bakersfield defense that kept the Blitz in the game, containing Central Valley's explosive offense and picking off QB Scott Rislov twice. Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns, one from WR/DB DERONN FINLEY (18 yards) and one from DWAYNE PARKER-DRAUGHON (25-yards). Parker's interception came with 11:28 left in the game, which gave the Blitz the 37-34 lead. After Central Valley took back the lead on their ensuing 5:28 drive, Neist was picked off by OL/DL Donyell Booker, who took it 30-yards for the touchdown, delivering the knockout blow to the Blitz. Finley did win the U.S. Army Ironman of the Game award, piling up a game-high 157 all-purpose yards, along with 3.5 tackles and the interception return for a touchdown. WR/DB NATHAN MUNSON was Bakersfield's leading receiver, catching four passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. The Blitz won the first meeting of the year with Stockton back in Week 5, 55-26, but Stockton got their revenge in Week 8, winning 49-42.

LIGHTNING BLITZ
SERIES LEADER Series tied 1-1
LAST MEETING Stockton Won 49-42 on 5/20/2006
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 1-4
LAST GAME Lost vs. SPO 44-63 on 7/15/2006 Lost vs. CVC 37-51 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS LIGHTNING BLITZ
PASSING Blankenship: 48-276-18; 3510; 69 TDs Wall: 276-160-8; 1787; 43 TDs
RECEIVING Goodman: 83-1108; 25 TDs Reynolds: 91-1217; 32 TDs
RUSHING Harris: 13-43; 2 TDs Onaindia: 18-79; 3 TDs
TACKLES Wallace: 53 Wallace: 43.5
SACKS Dorisme: 7 Turner: 12
INTERCEPTIONS Surrell: 3 Wallace: 9
KICKING Hickok: 57-76 PAT; 5-12 FG 72 PTS Johnson: 34-39 PAT; 3-11 FG 43 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 48.6 PPG; 267.4 46.6 PPG; 248.9
TEAM DEFENSE 52.5 PPG; 285.7 44.7 PPG; 208.9



OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (10-4) AT CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (10-4)
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2006 - Selland Arena (8,911) 10:30 P.M. ET
The last game on the af2 slate could very well become the game of the week. The game pits the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz and their No. 2 scoring offense (58.6 ppg) against the Central Valley Coyotes and their No. 6 scoring offense (55.9 ppg). Both teams are playoff bound and fighting for a high seed. Central Valley clinches a home playoff game with a win on Saturday. Two of the leagues best quarterbacks will be on display with Oklahoma City QB CRAIG STRICKLAND and Central Valley QB SCOTT RISLOV doing battle. Rislov leads the league with 90 touchdown passes and Strickland is third with 86. Rislov's on pace for 103 touchdown passes. Strickland could also pass the 100-touchdown mark too if he finishes the regular season strong. Strickland had a sub-par game last week, completing 16-of-27 passes for 192 yards and four touchdowns, but it was more than enough to help the Yard Dawgz cruise to a 64-25 victory over the Arkansas Twisters. The Yard Dawgz got control early on the defensive side, with WR/DB FRED SHAW blocking a field-goal attempt and running it back 33-yards for a touchdown, to give Oklahoma City a 10-0 lead. Oklahoma City's WR/DB AL HUNT was the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, hauling in three passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Hunt also returned a kickoff 14 yards for a touchdown, and intercepted a pass on defense. Oklahoma City was up 43-25 with 5:37 left in the game, when they got three consecutive touchdowns on Hunt's kickoff return, DS JON HOLLAND'S 50-yard interception return and WR/DB SCOTT MITCHELL'S 3-yard kickoff return, which made the final score 64-25. K A.J. HAGLUND is on pace for the most accurate season in af2 history in point after touchdown accuracy. He's made 103-of-109 attempts this year (94.5%). Central Valley won their fifth straight game last weekend, 51-37, against the Bakersfield Blitz. Rislov topped the 300-yard mark for the fifth time this season, going 27-of-44 for 301 yards and five touchdowns. He spread the ball around to seven different receivers and was named the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game. WR/LB MARVIN BROWN led the team in receiving with 10 catches for 113 yards, and WR/DB LAMONTE JONES had six receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Jones now has 35 receiving touchdowns, which is fourth best in the league. Central Valley found themselves down 37-34 with 11:28 left in the game after Rislov's second interception of the game, which was returned by Dwayne Parker-Draughon for a score. Rislov stayed composed, however, and led the team right back with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Jones. Central Valley led 41-37, when O/DL DONYELL BOOKER picked off Alex Neist on the ensuing drive and took it in 30-yards for the game-sealing touchdown. The Central Valley defense intercepted Neist three times. Central Valley leads the league in turnover margin at +22, averaging 1.57 turnovers a game. The Coyotes solid defense, coupled with a potent offense, has made them one of af2's most dangerous teams. Central Valley looks to get their first win ever against Oklahoma City. The Yard Dawgz have won the two previous meetings.

YARD DAWGZ COYOTES
SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads 2-0
LAST MEETING Oklahoma City Won 48-41 on 4/16/2005
LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 5-0
LAST GAME Won vs. ARK 64-25 on 7/15/2006 Won at BAK 51-37 on 7/15/2006
2006 LEADERS YARD DAWGZ COYOTES
PASSING Strickland: 454-272-7; 3516; 86 TDs Rislov: 482-312-11; 3750; 90 TDs
RECEIVING Jackson: 112-1368; 32 TDs Jones: 96-1271; 35 TDs
RUSHING Dingle: 13-89; 4 TDs Guardia: 30-112; 5 TDs
TACKLES Fletcher: 83.5 Taylor: 51
SACKS Allen: 3.5 Langenfeld: 6
INTERCEPTIONS Holland: 4 Taylor: 6
KICKING Haglund: 103-109 PAT;9-30 FG 132 PTS Gockman:92-107 PAT;8-19 FG116 PTS
TEAM OFFENSE 58.6 PPG; 260.1 55.9 PPG; 283.9
TEAM DEFENSE 43.8 PPG; 267.2 46.9 PPG; 253.5



arenafootball2 Stories from July 21, 2006


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