af2 Week 7: Quick Hitters
May 8, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
GAMES ON - af2/NiFTy PARTNERSHIP CREATES NEW FREE ONLINE NETWORK: The arenafootball2 league (af2) and Network Foundation Technologies (NFT) have developed a partnership that has created a new, FREE online network to provide the league's passionate fan base an opportunity to view the af2's 2008 season live over the Internet. Thanks to the power of NFT's patented online broadcasting technology, fans across the globe are now be able to bring all the action of af2 football right to their home computer or laptop on a "Free-for-View" basis. Broadcasts began in Week 1 to rave reviews and continue in Week 7 with a 14-game slate.
FORMER af2 PLAYER MIKE LEVY MAKES $274,000 DEAL: Former af2 player MIKE LEVY won $274,000 this week on the widely popular NBC TV show "Deal or No Deal." Levy, a lineman from Lafayette College, played four years in the af2 with three different teams (Albany 2002-03, Cape Fear 2004, Florida 2005). The show was taped in the Philippines and aired Monday night. Levy elected to continue playing rather than accept an offer of $161,000 to stop. Following the advice of his mother and fiancé, Levy rolled the dice again, turning down a $199,000 offer with briefcases containing $400, $500, $10,000, $500, and $750,000 remaining. His decision was vindicated as Levy continued, but the show's banker then phoned in an offer of $274,000 to quit. With his fiancé advising him to settle and his mother saying "No deal," Levy followed his wife's advice and accepted the offer.The briefcase he would have won contained $750,000. A video summary is available on the game show's web site.
TALONS TOP WEEK 7 COACHES POLL: The defending ArenaCup Champion Tulsa Talons have maintained the No. 1 ranking in the Week 7 Coaches Poll, the arenafootball2 (af2) league office announced today. Tulsa collected 442 of a possible 448 points and 26-of-29 first place votes in securing the top spot for the seventh consecutive week. The Talons (6-0) continued their perfect start to the 2008 season after defeating Bossier-Shreveport, 57-43, Saturday night at the Tulsa Convention Center. The victory over the BattleWings was Tulsa's 14th straight, counting eight in a row from last season. The Talons recent run of 14 consecutive victories is the longest active win steak and tied for the third longest win streak in af2 history. The Talons have also won 10 straight home games dating back to 2007 and need two more victories at home to set a new Tulsa record. The Spokane Shock (5-0, 411 points, 2 first place votes) maintained their grip on the No. 2 spot for the sixth straight week after earning a 43-41 come-from-behind win at Lubbock in Week 6. Florida (5-0, 391 points) stayed strong at No. 3 after a 39-27 home win on Saturday against Peoria. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton remained at the No. 4 position for the second consecutive week after a 77-47 road victory over East Division rival Mahoning Valley. The Pioneers (5-1, 365 points, 1 first place vote) have won five straight games after a season-opening loss at Quad City. A newcomer to the Top-5 this week is the Boise Burn. Boise (4-1, 303 points) earned its fourth straight win on Saturday at home at the expense of the Stockton Lightning, 77-14. One of the most intriguing matchups heading into Week 7 will be a Saturday night West Division showdown at Spokane Arena between the No. 5 Burn and No. 2 Shock.
HOPE, VENA, MCCRAY, PRAY EARN WEEK 5 HONORS: Texas wide receiver/defensive back ARMAR WATSON, Boise wide receiver GEORGE WILLIAMS and Daytona Beach defensive back JOCQUES RICHARDSON have been named the JLS Ironman, Schutt Offensive Player and ADT Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 6 of the 2008 season. In addition to these three awards, the Cutters Catch of the Week Award for Week 6 goes to Rio Grande Valley wide receiver EDDIE JACKSON.
Watson (6-0, 195, Duquesne), in his first season, had an amazing all-around effort for Texas in the team's 37-30 home win against Arkansas in Week 6. The rookie from Duquesne was a factor all over field to lead the Copperheads to their first win of 2008. On offense, Watson recorded two receiving touchdowns on seven catches for 90 yards. He also had a rushing touchdown. On the defensive side, he registered a game-high 9.5 tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and two interceptions. Watson returned the first interception 19 yards for a touchdown while his second interception was a game-clinching pick in the end zone to halt Arkansas' potential game-tying touchdown drive with seconds to play. He also compiled 52 yards in kick returns to finish with 163 all-purpose yards. This is the first weekly league award of Watson's career. He currently leads Texas in scoring (54 points - 9 TDs), all-purpose yards and kick return yards (576) and ranks second in tackles (28) and interceptions (3). Williams (6-1, 210, Kansas State) led Boise to an impressive, 77-14, Week 6 home win over West Division rival Stockton. The seven-year veteran's offensive exploits included four receptions for 71 yards and three touchdowns. Williams had three rushing touchdowns as well to finish with 36 points scored, a total which tied a 2008 af2 single-game high. The former Kansas State product's night was also historic because he became the new af2 career leader in scoring (1,036) and total touchdowns (171), surpassing former league standout Magic Benton in each category. This is the first league honor of Williams' career. He currently leads the Burn in a host of offensive categories, including scoring (92 points), rushing TDs (7) and receiving TDs (8). Richardson (5-11, 195, None) was an impact player on defense for Daytona Beach in the team's, 56-42, Week 6 road win at Manchester. The second-year defensive back was a major reason behind the expansion ThunderBirds' first af2 win. Richardson registered four tackles and a game-high two interceptions. His second interception of the day was crucial to Daytona's victory. With Manchester trailing by eight (50-42), the Wolves faced a 1st and goal from the 6-yard line and looked poised to potentially tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. That's when Richardson stepped in and intercepted QB James Pinkney's pass as time expired and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. This is the first weekly af2 award of Richardson's career. He currently leads the team in tackles (20.5) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (3). Jackson (6-4, 222, West Virginia) earned the Cutters Catch of the Week Award for his leaping, 25-yard touchdown stab as time expired to help the Dorados tie Corpus Christi, 52-52. K Brian Hazelwood converted the extra point to give Rio Grande Valley the 53-52 comeback victory. The 6-4 rookie from West Virginia out jumped a Sharks defender in the back of the end zone to snare the Hail Mary-type heave from QB Travis Cole. Jackson's grab capped off a strong overall showing that included six catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. This is the first Catch of the Week Award of Jackson's career. He currently ranks second on the Dorados in receptions (25) and receiving touchdowns (6).
QUAD CITY ON THE WAY TO 100: The Quad City Steamwheelers, one of three original af2 members still a part of the league in its ninth season, is just one win away from 100 overall (including playoffs). The Steamwheelers would join the Tulsa Talons as the only teams in league history to record 100 victories. Below is a breakdown of the five winningest active teams in af2 history.
R/P/T
Tulsa 104/9/113
Quad City 93/6/99
Florida 79/9/88
Tenn. Valley 76/4/80
Arkansas 66/3/69
R = Regular Season; P = Playoffs; T = Total
TALONS EXTEND STREAKS: The Tulsa Talons set a new team record for consecutive wins over two seasons with their 70-34 home win in Week 4 against Oklahoma City. The victory over the Yard Dawgz was Tulsa's 12th straight, counting eight in a row from last season. With another victory in Week 6, the Talons recent run of 14 consecutive victories is the longest active win steak and tied for the third longest win streak in af2 history. Tulsa will have an opportunity to extend their current win streak to 15 when the team hosts Rio Grande Valley (2-3) on Saturday at the Tulsa Convention Center.
The Talons have also won 10 straight home games dating back to 2007 and need two more victories at home to set a new Tulsa record. The 2003 Talons set the current team standard with 11 consecutive home wins at the Tulsa Convention Center.
As impressive as Tulsa's current home streak is, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has been even better at Wachovia Arena, winning 14 straight games dating back to 2006. The Pioneers current home win streak is the third longest in league history. The last time Wilkes-Barre/Scranton lost a home game was on July 8, 2006 when the Florida Firecats edged the Pioneers, 56-51. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's next opportunity to extend its current home win streak will be this Saturday when the Pioneers host Quad City.
Below is a chart detailing the most impressive win streaks in league history.
Most Consecutive Games Won, Regular Season & Playoffs
24 Quad City, 19 games in 2000; 5 games in 2001
17 Quad City, 13 games in 2001; 4 games in 2002
14 Rio Grande Valley, 14 games in 2007
14 Quad City, 14 games in 2003
14 Tennessee Valley, 14 games in 2003
14 Tulsa, 8 games in 2007, 6 games in 2008*
13 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 13 games in 2007
11 Tulsa, 11 games in 2004
10 Manchester, 10 games in 2005
10 Cape Fear, 10 games in 2002
* Still active
Most Consecutive Home Games Won, Regular Season & Playoffs
25 Quad City, 11 games in 2000; 11 games in 2001; 3 games in 2002
16 Richmond, 3 games in 2000; 9 games in 2001; 4 games in 2002
14 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 1 game in 2006, 11 games in 2007, 2 games in 2008*
11 Tulsa, 11 games in 2003
11 Birmingham, 6 games in 2001; 5 games in 2002
11 Albany, 3 games in 20002, 8 games in 2003
11 Green Bay, 2 games in 2006, 9 games in 2007
10 Tulsa, 2 games in 2000; 8 games in 2001
10 Tulsa, 6 games in 2007, 4 games in 2008*
9 Tennessee Valley, 9 games in 2003
9 Tulsa, 9 games in 2002
9 Augusta, 9 games in 2000
9 Norfolk, 9 games in 2000
* Still active
MURPHY ON THE RUN: Mahoning Valley FB TIM MURPHY came within two yards of tying and three yards of breaking the af2 record for most rushing yards in a single game. Murphy gained an af2 season-high 94 yards rushing in a Week 6 home loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Kenyatta Spruill of Charleston set the current league record of 96 yards rushing on July 14, 2001. Murphy's 94 yards came on just seven carries, two of which went for scores.
Yard Dawgz hope McEwen's return creates offensive spark: After a disappointing 1-4 start to the af2 season, Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz Head Coach Gary Reasons made a change to his coaching staff this week, adding Charles "Sparky" McEwen as Assistant Head Coach. McEwen spent the last three seasons (2005-2007) as the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League. Prior to his head coaching position, McEwen served as Offensive Coordinator under Reasons in 2004 with the Yard Dawgz. That season, Oklahoma City earned a 10-6 record and their first playoff appearance. Oklahoma City also finished 2004 as the af2's second-highest scoring team (56.8 points per game) and ranked third in total offense (276.8 yards per game) and passing offense (260.8 yards per game).
WILLIAMS SETS LEAGUE SCORING MARK: Boise WR GEORGE WILLIAMS, in his first season with the Burn and seventh af2 campaign overall, became the league's all-time leading scorer on Saturday night with 36 points scored (6 TDs; 3 receiving, 3 rushing). The former Kansas State product now has 1,036 career points, 16 more than former record holder Magic Benton (1,020). Iowa WR/LB KEVIN WILLIAMS (958 points), JARRAIL JACKSON (908 points) and Oklahoma City WR/DB AL HUNT (894 points) round out the Top-5 on the all-time scoring chart. Hunt needs just one touchdown to become the fifth player in league history to reach 900 career points and will get an opportunity to hit the mark when the Yard Dawgz play at Arkansas on Saturday. Below is a breakdown of the leading scorers in af2 history:
MOST POINTS SCORED, NON-KICKING, CAREER
PTS PLAYER YEARS PLAYED
1,036 George Williams* 2001, 2003-present
1,020 Magic Benton 2001-2007
958 Kevin Williams 2001-present
908 Jarrail Jackson 2000-01, 2005-present
894 Al Hunt* 2003-present
870 Jack Walker, Jr.* 2002-03, 2005-present
* Active in 2008
WILLIAMS BREAKS ALL-TIME TD RECORD: In addition to breaking the league's all-time scoring record in Week 6, Boise WR GEORGE WILLIAMS also set a new all-time league touchdown mark with 171 career scores. Former Florida WR MAGIC BENTON was the former af2 leader with 167 total touchdowns. Benton is also the career leader in receiving touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards. With a strong performance throughout the rest of the 2008 campaign, Williams has a chance to challenge Magic's career records for receiving touchdowns, receiving yards and receptions.
Most Touchdowns, Career
171 George Williams*
167 Magic Benton
157 Kevin Williams
150 Jarrail Jackson
148 Al Hunt*
141 Jack Walker, Jr.*
* Active in 2008
Most Receiving Touchdowns, Career
165 Magic Benton
139 George Williams*
137 Jack Walker Jr.*
130 Al Hunt*
124 Jarrail Jackson
120 J.R. Thomas*
* Active in 2008
Most Receiving Yards, Career
7789 Magic Benton
6435 George Williams*
5998 Jack Walker, Jr.*
5940 Jarrail Jackson
5728 Al Hunt*
5693 J.R. Thomas*
5564 Tim Dodge*
* Active in 2008
Most Pass Receptions, Career
584 Magic Benton
499 Jack Walker, Jr.*
469 Jarrail Jackson
462 George Williams*
419 J.R. Thomas*
415 Al Hunt*
414 Tim Dodge*
* Active in 2008
VETERAN PASSERS TAKE AIM AT ALL-TIME MARKS: When Craig Strickland retired after the 2006 season, many of his league passing records seemed unattainable. This season, however, Florida's CHRIS WALLACE is on pace to potentially move into the top spot of three all-time passing categories: yards, touchdowns and completions. Below is a breakdown of the leaders in each category.
Most Passing Yards, Career
22688 Craig Strickland
19752 Chris Wallace*
17895 Chad Elliott*
17074 Ryan Vena*
14913 Matt Sauk
* Active in 2008
Most Touchdown Passes, Career
481 Craig Strickland
437 Chris Wallace*
360 Matt Sauk
327 Ryan Vena*
326 Chad Elliott*
* Active in 2008
Most Passes Completed, Career
1736 Craig Strickland
1583 Chad Elliott*
1561 Chris Wallace*
1494 Matt Sauk
1392 Ryan Vena*
* Active in 2008
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