af2 Week Four Recaps
April 22, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
Charleston Swamp Foxes (2-0) 53, Tallahassee Thunder (1-2) 44
CHARLESTON, S.C. - QB RAY ISAAC threw for 160 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Charleston Swamp Foxes win their arenafootball2 home opener, 53-44 over the Tallahassee Thunder Friday before a crowd of 3,625 fans at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Isaac completed 11-of-18 passes on the night with no interceptions and six scoring strikes to lead the Foxes' offense. His favorite target was DWAYNE WILMOT, who caught seven passes for 80 yards and three TDs. The receiver was voted the MVP for a second straight week.
Defensively, MICHAEL BROWN recorded two interceptions and CHRIS SEGAAR returned his one pick for a touchdown. Brown was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game and Segaar was named Ironman of the Game.
Tallahassee QB CHRIS WINDSOR was 11-for-29 for 108 yards with two TDs, but he threw three interceptions. He was pulled from the game in the third quarter and replaced by CHRIS PERKINS. Perkins completed 13-of-25 for 117 yards and matched Windsor's two touchdowns. JAMES DICKERSON led the Thunder in receiving, catching 10 passes for a game-high 108 yards and one touchdown.
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Macon Knights (3-0) 38, Carolina Rhinos 33 (0-2)
GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Carolina Rhinos' eight-game home winning streak came to an end Friday night as the Macon Knights remained perfect on the season with a 38-33 win before 6,245 people at the BI-LO Center.
The Rhinos trailed 38-19 with 11:47 remaining when back-to-back touchdowns allowed Carolina to pull within 38-33 with 4:39 left. Carolina's comeback bid ended there, as several late defensive penalties hurt the Rhinos.
Macon QB MIKE GLUSKI completed 14-of-27 passes for 181 yards and four touchdowns, while Carolina signal-caller CALEB SLOVER had 16 completions for 221 yards and four scores. Each QB had three interceptions.
Game MVP GABE AMEY caught five passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Ironman honors went to Carolina's MAL LAWYER, who hauled in five passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he had an assisted tackle, one interception and one pass defended. Rhino DS VICTOR WHARTON was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game.
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Mohegan Wolves (2-1) 54, Rochester Brigade (1-2) 45
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Mohegan Wolves grabbed sole possession of second place in the Northeast Division as they got past the Rochester Brigade 54-45 Friday night before 5,789 spectators at Blue Cross Arena.
With the game knotted 45-45 in the fourth quarter, Mohegan K CHARLES EGER nailed a 20-yard field goal with 58 seconds remaining to put the Wolves up by three. Wolves DS HERON O'NEAL forced a fumble on the Brigade's next possession, sealing the win for the Wolves. BRENT BURNSIDE added a passing touchdown to MONDEZ HAIRE for the final score of the game.
Mohegan QB and game MVP CABLE DAVIS provided the spark for the 'Pack' as he went 22-of-38 for 357 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for another score. Rochester QB MATT D'ORAZIO passed for 139 yards while completing 17-of-28 passes. He passed for two touchdowns while rushing for two more.
ADT Defensive Player of the Game CARLOS McLAURIN recorded 8.5 tackles, had one fumble recovery and five passes defended. Ironman AARON FIX had four tackles, a 14-yard rushing touchdown and four receptions for 43 yards and a score. He also returned a missed field goal for a 55-yard touchdown.
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Columbus Wardogs (1-1) 19, Jacksonville Tomcats (0-2) 14
COLUMBUS, Ga. - The af2's longest losing streak is finally over. After losing the first 17 games in team history, the Columbus Wardogs claimed their first victory with a 19-14 decision over the Jacksonville Tomcats Saturday before a crowd of around 4,000 people at the Columbus Civic Center.
The combined point total of 33 was the second-lowest ever in af2. Columbus' 19 points were the second-fewest scored by a winning team in league history.
The Wardogs won the game with a hobbled starting quarterback, JEROME WEAKS, and were without kicker KEITH DALZELL, who was injured on a play late in the first half. Jacksonville QBs MARCUS OUTZEN and RASHARD CASEY were dominated by the Columbus defense in the first half. Neither could help the Tomcats get anything going offensively.
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Richmond Speed (4-0) 62, New Haven Ninjas (0-3) 20
RICHMOND, Va. - After a sluggish start, the Richmond Speed outscored the New Haven Ninjas in every quarter en route to a 62-20 victory Saturday in front of 5,024 at the Richmond Coliseum.
Richmond's RICHARD HOLLAND garnered ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors for the third time in four games, registering three tackles, two pass breakups, an 11-yard fumble return for a touchdown, a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown, a tackle for a safety. He accounted for 16 of Richmond's points on the night.
The Game MVP award went QB BOB BEES, who completed 17-of-28 passes for 224 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions. Ironman of the Game OL/DL PATRICK HEARD contributed two assists, a pass breakup and an interception return of 11 yards.
WR/LB ANTHONY COMER led New Haven with eight catches for 75 yards and a score. QB PHIL STAMBAUGH was 18-of-36 for 155 yards and two touchdowns, and was sacked three times on the night.
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Albany Conquest (3-0) 34, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (0-3) 28
ALBANY, N.Y. - Arena Football returned to Albany, and so did it's winning ways; as the Albany Conquest, defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers 34-28 Saturday in front of 8,355 fans at Pepsi Arena.
With 6:22 left in the third quarter, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton K JIMMY KIBBLE tied the game at 28 with a 55-yard field goal, but the Pioneers would get no closer. Albany took the lead when, just a minute later, WR/DB COREY HILL grabbed a 45-yard pass for a touchdown from QB RYAN VENA.
Hill came away with game MVP honors, grabbing six balls for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Conquest FB/LB MATT VITTENGL was named the Ironman of the Game. Vena completed 14-of-26 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns while Pioneer QB TYLER TOMICH had 20 completions for 193 yards and three scores. Conquest OL/DL ALEX HOUSTON was named the ADT Defensive Player of the game. He had six tackles, two forced fumbles and three sacks.
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Augusta Stallions (2-0) 45, Cape Fear Wildcats (2-1) 44
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Augusta K KEITH GISPERT booted a 43-yard field goal as time expired to give the Stallions a 45-44 win over the expansion Cape Fear Wildcats before 5,409 fans in the first-ever regular season game at the Cumberland County Crown Coliseum.
The Wildcats took the lead with just 12 seconds to play on a short touchdown run by Ironman winner NORMAN MASON, but the Stallions got into field goal range with five seconds left on an 11-yard sideline pass to UNDRE WILLIAMS. Gispert then came on, and his game-winning kick cleared the crossbar by no more than a foot as the horn sounded to end the game.
Augusta QB GLEN GAUNT completed 23-of-37 passes for 219 yards and five touchdowns, while Cape Fear QB VIC PENN went 25-for-33 with 266 yards and four scores. Wildcat WR/DB lead all receivers with 13 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for one score. Augusta's DOCK POLLARD led the defensive effort for the Stallions with eight solo tackles. The Stallions also recorded three sacks in the game.
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Peoria Pirates (2-1) 55, Fresno Frenzy (0-3) 12
PEORIA, Ill. - Game MVP CORNELL CRAIG caught 13 passes for 195 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Peoria Pirates to a 55-12 victory over the Fresno Frenzy in front of 6,511 people Saturday.
The Pirate defense held the high-scoring Frenzy to only 120 total yards of offense. Fresno scored on a 56-yard kickoff return by LAMONT WEBB in the first quarter and a 9-yard scramble by quarterback RICKY RAY. Peoria held Fresno scoreless in the third and fourth quarters.
Pirates Head Coach BRUCE COWDREY utilized both WALTER CHURCH, who was 12-of-19 for 148 yards and two touchdowns, and RONNIE GORDON, who was 12-of-21 with five touchdowns and ran for the opening touchdown on a fake field goal. Peoria WR/LB JERMAINE SHEFFIELD took Ironman honors with four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, two tackles, and an interception. Peoria FB/LB ERIC JOHNSON was selected the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Johnson had four unassisted tackles, including a fourth-quarter safety.
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Birmingham Steeldogs (2-1) 70, Pensacola Barracudas (0-2) 40
PENSACOLA, Fla. - MONTRESSA KIRBY threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns as Birmingham topped Pensacola 70-40 Saturday before a crowd of 2,803 people.
The Steeldogs led 20-14 heading into the second quarter. Kirby, the game MVP, then threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to ANTHONY JORDAN and scored on a 10-yard scamper to help give Birmingham a 35-21 advantage at the break. The Steeldogs blew the game open in the second half, outscoring Pensacola 35-19 on TDs by five different players.
Game Ironman CEDRIC BUCHANNON led the Steeldogs in receiving, grabbing four passes for 79 yards, while WAYNE THOMAS added four receptions for 71 yards. BOBBY CLAYTON was 15-of-30 for Pensacola, passing for 207 yards and four touchdowns.
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Arkansas Twisters (2-1) 60, Wichita Stealth (0-3) 13
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Powered by RICKY HEBERT's seven touchdown passes and another outstanding defensive performance, the Arkansas Twisters rolled an impressive 60-13 win Saturday at Alltel Arena before 7,368 fans.
For the second straight week, Arkansas (which won 34-13 at Wichita a week ago) equaled the team record for fewest points allowed in a game. The defense held the Stealth scoreless for the first 27 minutes of the game. By the time Wichita scored, the Twisters held a 27-0 lead.
Game MVP Hebert threw for 258 yards as five receivers caught at least one touchdown pass. His favorite target on the night was former University of Arkansas star ANTHONY EUBANKS, who had four catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. LENNIE JOHNSON, the Ironman of the Game, provided a defensive spark with three interceptions for the Twisters, but also had two receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Wichita's WILLIE GRISSOM caught nine passes for 74 yards in the losing cause.
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Quad City Steamwheelers (3-0) 69, Hawaiian Islanders (1-2) 39
MOLINE, Ill. - TONY ZIMMERMAN threw for a season-high seven touchdowns and rushed for two more to lead Quad City to a 69-39 rout of the Hawaiian Islanders Saturday in front of 7,323 people.
Quad City has won 16 straight games dating back to last year. They are a perfect 24-0 at home.
The Steamwheelers scored seven touchdowns on their first seven possessions. Zimmerman accounted for six passing and one rushing touchdown. For the game, Zimmerman passed for 298 yards, 127 of them to IRA GOOCH, who had four TDs. Gooch was named the game's MVP.
Hawaii quarterback DARNELL ARCENEAUX completed 16-of-32 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns, but he threw three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.
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Memphis Xplorers (3-0) 61, Bossier City Battle Wings (1-2) 51
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. -TIM LESTER fired a new Xplorers' record seven touchdown passes as Memphis defeated Bossier City 61-51 before a crowd of 6,093 people in a successful home opener. Memphis improved to 3-0 after a 3-13 record in the team's 2001 inaugural season.
Lester tossed touchdown passes to RUSSELL COPELAND, KEITH SPANN and DEUMAINE REEDER to open the game, giving the Xplorers a 20-9 lead after 15 minutes. Memphis led 33-22 at halftime, but Battle Wings QB SHERARD POTEETE ran for a score and threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to receiver CORY KELLEY as the Wings pulled to within 40-37 in the third quarter.
The Xplorers fought off the rally, however, as JOHN DUGINSKI slammed in from two yards out and Spann caught his third TD pass of the night, a 27-yard strike after an interception by GENO HENDERSON.
Bossier City's VAL MORRIS led all receivers with eight catches for 124 yards. Lester finished the night completing 20-of-28 passes for 263 yards to earn MVP honors. Spann, who caught five passes for 94 yards, and Henderson won Ironman and ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors, respectively.
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Tennessee Valley Vipers (2-0) 72, Mobile Wizards (0-3) 28
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Rookie quarterback WES COUNTS rushed for a team-record four touchdowns and threw four touchdown passes as Tennessee Valley routed Mobile 72-28 in front of 5,664 fans in the Vipers' home opener Saturday.
Counts completed 18-of-22 passes for 195 yards to be named game MVP. The Viper defense contributed just as much, holding Mobile to only four first downs and 98 yards total offense. ADT Defensive Player of the Game KENNY BAILEY picked off two passes. KELLY SNELL and REGGIE WORTHY each added interceptions. Worthy also caught two touchdown passes on the offensive side of the ball to earn Ironman of the Game honors.
The Vipers scored the game's first 22 points behind 1- and 7-yard TD runs by Counts, a TODD LATOURETTE 31-yard field goal and a 25-yard pass from Counts to KELLY FIELDS. Tennessee Valley led 13-0 at the end of the first quarter, 36-14 at halftime and 50-20 through three periods.
DAVID SIMMONS provided Mobile's highlights, scoring on a 54-yard kickoff return and hauling in a 12-yard TD pass from JOHN HOLMES, who was 7-of-19 for 130 yards and three TDs with two interceptions.
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Bakersfield Blitz (3-0) 28, Louisville Fire (0-3) 23
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Blitz jumped out to an early 28-7 lead in the second quarter, then held off the Louisville Fire in the second half for a 28-23 win in front of 6,412 fans at the Centennial Garden.
Louisville jumped out to a 7-0 lead, but Bakersfield answered with JULIAN YEARWOOD's three-yard touchdown run, CHAD ELLIOTT TD passes of six yards to VAUGHN CORLEY and 26 yards to GERRICK BIVINS, and STEVE WOFFORD's three-yard run. The Fire clawed back into the game with a pair of MATT PIKE-to-CHARLES SHEFFIELD TD passes and a safety. Louisville had a chance to win the game with 3.5 seconds left, but a sack by Yearwood sealed the win for the first-place Blitz.
Bakersfield's RYAN SLOTH was named the Ironman of the Game with five catches for 66 yards, to go along with four tackles and an interception on defense. Elliott, who completed 16-of-30 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, was the game MVP while J'SHARLON JONES was the ADT Defensive Player of the Game.
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Tulsa Talons (2-1) 54, San Diego Riptide (1-2) 34
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Tulsa clawed its way back from an early deficit to jump to a 27-8 late first-half lead en route to an eventual 54-34 win over San Diego in front of 7,354 fans.
The Talons sacked San Diego QB KANE CLAUNCH four times, limiting him to 17-of-37 passing for 201 yards, three scores and one interception. His Tulsa counterpart, ANTHONY BUICH, was named game MVP after completing 20-of-28 passes for 203 yards and four TDs.
Buich's favorite target on the night was WR/DB MITCH ALLNER, who hauled in six passes for 83 yards. Allner also had a four-yard touchdown run. Talons WR/LB KEONTA GOLSON was named Ironman of the Game. He hauled in four passes for 45 yards, including scoring catches of 24 and 20 yards, and picked off a pass on defense.
The Riptide's RICO CURTIS was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game after recording six tackles, breaking up a pass and returning a fumble 12 yards to set up a San Diego touchdown.
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Roanoke Steam (1-2) 59, Greensboro Prowlers (1-2)
GREENSBORO, N.C. - JOSH JONES split the uprights from 26 yards out to push Roanoke past Greensboro 59-56 in overtime Sunday at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Greensboro led 56-49 late in the fourth when Roanoke's KENAN McWHORTER caught a one-yard touchdown pass from CHRIS SANDERS as the horn sounded, sending the game to the extra session.
QB AL CLARK started both halves for the Steam, but was replaced by the red-hot Sanders. Sanders, playing in his first af2 game, finished 16-of-34 for 211 yards and five touchdowns. Prowlers' QB CHRIS WEIBEL went 25-for-47 for 288 yards and four touchdowns in the losing effort. He also rushed for one score.
Greensboro OS ANTOINE CALLOWAY led all receivers with 13 receptions for 177 yards and two scores. The Steam defense recorded three sacks in the contest.
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THIS WEEK IN af2 HISTORY
4/22/00: Norfolk kicker LEE McDONALD converts 6-of-7 field goal attempts to give the Nighthawks a 39-38 win against Charleston in the first-ever af2 overtime game. McDonald's six field goals sets an af2 record for most three-point field goals made in a game that still stands.
arenafootball2 Stories from April 22, 2002
- af2 Week Four Recaps - af2
- Carolina Rhinos Weekly Notes - Carolina Rhinos
- Birmingham Tops Pensacola - Pensacola Barracudas
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