af2 arenafootball2

af2 Week Thirteen: Saturday Night Matchups

Published on June 22, 2007 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


Albany Conquest (4-6) at Florida Firecats (8-3)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Germain Arena (7,128) 7:30 P.M. ET

The Conquest are looking to keep pace in the playoff race when they travel to Florida to take on the No. 6-ranked Firecats. Albany and Florida have met twice in the past. The Firecats defeated the Conquest both times, including once earlier this season (56-51 on May 5). Albany enters Week 13 after defeating the Cincinnati Jungle Kats 69-34 in Week 12. QB RYAN HART completed 26-of-38 passes for 384 yards and eight touchdowns in the win. Hart has had a solid rookie season for the Conquest, ranking second in the league in passing average per game and fourth in total offense. WR ANTWUN WILLIAMS became the go-to-receiver against the Kats due to the absence of BAKARI BROWN and flourished in his extended role, catching 10 passes for 182 yards and four touchdowns. WR CHRIS CURD recorded six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns, and WR/DB JAMIE GOODWIN recorded two receptions for 29 yards and one score. WR/DB JARED JONES connected with Hart seven times for 92 yards and scored the only rushing TD of the game. Defensively, the Conquest are ranked tenth for total defense in the league and are led by DB CALVIN WASHINGTON, who leads the team in total tackles with 47.0 and recorded 3.5 in last week's game. WR/DB JAMMAL LORD had a standout game against the Jungle Kats with 6.0 tackles. DL DURRAND ROUNDTREE (1.5) and OL/DL MICHAEL LEWIS (1.0) each recorded vital sacks in the game. The Firecats enter this week's contest after scoring an impressive 49-27 home win last week against Manchester. QB CHRIS WALLACE, currently ranked fourth for pass efficiency, led the team to victory completing 21-of-30 for 270 yards and five touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown. WR MAGIC BENTON, who leads the team in receiving yards, recorded eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. WR/LB ETHENIC SANDS connected with Wallace four times for 32 yards and two touchdowns and WR/DB BRENT BURNSIDE recorded two receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown. FB/LB WALLACE HOUSE rushed for 22 yards and one score. The Firecats defense, currently ranked second for total defense, flexed their muscle in the second half against the Wolves, keeping them scoreless in the third and fourth quarters. WR/DB LEVY BROWN led the team in tackles last week with 10.5. Brown currently leads the af2 in tackles (86.5) and interceptions (10). DB QUINCY SORRELL had a solid defensive game as well with 6.0 tackles. DL ANTONIO DINGLE recorded the only sack in the game. The Firecats, winners of four straight games, are a veteran team that is hard to handle at home. Albany, however, played Florida tough last time out and has a potent offense that can keep up with the Firecats. This could be another close call if the Conquest get off to a strong start.

ALBANY FLORIDA SERIES LEADER Florida leads 2-0

LAST MEETING Florida won 56-51 on 5/5/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 4-1

LAST GAME Won 69-34 vs. Cincinnati on 6/15 Won 49-27 vs. Manchester on 6/16

2007 LEADERS ALBANY FLORIDA PASSING Hart: 255-384-8; 2816; 61 TDs Wallace: 239-368-6; 1779; 55 TDs

RECEIVING Brown: 100-986; 19 TDs Benton: 80-1029; 16 TDs

RUSHING Hart: 11-20; 1 TD House: 37-166; 9TD

TACKLES Washington: 47.0 Brown: 86.0

SACKS Lewis: 4.0 Peterson: 7.0

INTERCEPTIONS Washington: 4 Brown: 10

KICKING Glas: 54-67 PAT; 6-8 FG; 72 PTs Nicoloso: 23-33 PAT; 1-2 FG; 26 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 53.8 PPG; 297.4 YPG 48.3 PPG; 281.5 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 45.8 PPG; 248.3 YPG 34.3 PPG; 217.2 YPG

LOUISVILLE FIRE (5-5) AT CINCINNATI JUNGLE KATS (1-9)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - U.S. Bank Arena (8,911) 7:30 P.M. ET

Cincinnati will be playing with Fire on Saturday night when they host Louisville at U.S. Bank Arena. The Fire and Jungle Kats have met once before earlier this season (April 13) with Louisville earning a 61-54 win. The Fire should be a motivated bunch after last week's 52-34 home loss against Fort Wayne. QB JOEL STEELE completed 25-of-40 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. WR/DB QUOREY PAYNE brought in two of those touchdowns, connecting with Steele six times for 79 yards. WR/LB LAWRENCE MATTHEWS recorded nine receptions for 66 yards, bringing in the third touchdown. FB/LB DEMETRIUS FORNEY recorded the other points for the Fire with two rushing touchdowns. WR TIGER JONES is the team's top pass catcher with 83 catches for 1,112 yards and 17 TDs. Defensively, Louisville allowed the Fusion to score multiple times in each quarter. WR/LB JEROME JONES, WR/DB NATE GREEN, and DB MATT FORBES each recorded 4.0 tackles in the game. This loss brought the Fire record to an even 5-5, placing them in the middle of the Midwest Division standings. The Jungle Kats enter this week's contest after a lopsided 69-34 loss at Albany last week, their fifth straight defeat. QB AARON MARSHALL struggled against the Conquest, completing just 14-of-36 passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns and three interceptions. WR DERIN GRAHAM led the team's effort on the receiving end with six catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. WR/DB JAMES LEWIS recorded three receptions for 30 yards and one touchdown and WR/LB MELVIN PARRIS connected with Marshall once for nine yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Jungle Kats effort was led by WR/DB HASSAN BROCKMAN who recorded 6.0 tackles and two interceptions, including one 13-yard INT return for a score. DB GEORGE WILLIAMS also recorded an interception for Cincinnati. The Jungle Kats will need to be more consistent on offense (average just 30.1 ppg) in order to keep things close against a fuming Fire squad looking to rebound from last week and get back over .500.

LOUISVILLE CINCINNATI SERIES LEADER Louisville leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Louisville won 61-54 on 4/13/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 0-5

LAST GAME Lost 34-52 to Fort Wayne on 6/16 Lost 34-69 to Albany on 6/15

2007 LEADERS LOUISVILLE CINCINNATI PASSING Steele: 164-104-8; 1007; 13 TDs Marshall: 169-79-8; 947; 11 TDs

RECEIVING Jones: 83-1112; 17 TDs Lewis: 51-500; 6 TDs

RUSHING Forney: 57-226; 12 TDs Robinson: 7-41; 3 TDs

TACKLES Midlam: 41.5 Washington: 49.0

SACKS Yauch: 6.5 Neely: 5.0

INTERCEPTIONS Green: 5 Brockman: 3

KICKING Hendrix: 50-61 PAT; 6-15 FG; 68 PTs Obert: 29-34 PAT; 4-31 FG; 41 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 49.0 PPG; 274.9 YPG 30.1 PPG; 224.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 50.4 PPG; 252.1 YPG 61.2 PPG; 296.0 YPG

LAREDO LOBOS (1-9) AT CORPUS CHRISTI SHARKS (1-9)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - American Bank Center (7,498) 8:00 P.M. ET

After their first win of the season last week, the Lobos travel to battle the Sharks in this Southwest Division contest. Laredo and Corpus Christi, two-first year teams, have not met previously. With these two teams currently tied in the standings, this game has significance to both teams. The Lobos enter this week after defeating the Texas Copperheads 66-41 last week. The victory snapped a nine-game winless streak for Laredo. Leading the Lobos to their first win was QB JASON JOHNSON. Johnson completed 15-of-29 passes for 262 yards and seven touchdowns to go along with one rushing score. WR/LB JOHNNY ANDERSON (5-118; 3 TDs), WR/DB COREY READY (5-46; 2 TDs) and WR/DB MIKE MCCULLUM (4-86; 2 TDs) recorded standout performances against Texas. McCullum also recorded a rushing score as well. On the defensive side of the ball, DB HENRY HALL recorded 6.0 solo tackles and DB ANDRE BURNS recorded 5.0. The Lobos defense also recorded three sacks in the contest. Corpus Christi enters Week 13 after a tough 81-35 loss at Bossier-Shreveport last week. QB JOHN DE LOS SANTOS completed 16-of-29 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns and one interception in the decision. He was also sacked four times. De Los Santos' four scoring passes were brought in by WR/DB BRANDON HUSSEY, who finished with seven catches for 135 yards. Hussey leads the Sharks in receiving with 75 catches for 854 yards and 14 scores. WR/DB STEVE SMITH (5-51) and DB/WR RANDY DAVIS (2-18) also contributed for Corpus Christi. WR/DB WILLIAM HEYWARD led the defensive effort last week with 6.5 tackles. Heyward leads the Sharks in tackles (34.5), interceptions (6) and pass breakups (15). Corpus Christi has lost three straight contests. Last week's win has the Lobos feeling better about their chances going forward, but the Sharks are lurking and angry. This should be a hard-fought affair from start to finish.

LAREDO CORPUS CHRISTI SERIES LEADER First Meeting

LAST MEETING No Previous Meeting

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 1-4

LAST GAME Won 66-41 at Texas on 6/16 Lost 35-81 to Bossier-Shreve. on 6/16

2007 LEADERS LAREDO CORPUS CHRISTI PASSING Forrest: 113-210-11; 1325; 20 TDs De Los Santos: 133-259-3;1522;27TDs

RECEIVING Rochon: 53-790; 12 TDs Hussey: 75-854; 14 TDs

RUSHING Lindsay: 20-96; 4 TDs Newkirk: 16-81; 3 TDs

TACKLES Hall and Ragsdale tied with 25.0 Heyward: 34.5

SACKS Bentz: 3.0 Hood: 3.5

INTERCEPTIONS Four players tied with 2 Heyward: 6

KICKING Scifres: 28-42 PAT; 5-19 FG; 45 PTs Onorato: 37-43 PAT; 9-28 FG; 64 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 43.0 PPG; 256.6 YPG 34.4 PPG; 195.1 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 58.0 PPG; 268.5 YPG 61.4 PPG; 270.3 YPG

BOISE BURN (4-6) AT SPOKANE SHOCK (7-4)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Spokane Arena (9,909) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Burn have lost their early season fire and hope to get hot again as they face the West Division leading Shock Saturday in Spokane. Boise began the season 4-1 before enduring their recent five-game slide. The Burn's most recent flame out came last week in a 62-32 home loss to Rio Grande Valley. In last week's effort, backup QB turned first-time starter CASEY REHRER completed 18-of-35 passes for one touchdown and three interceptions. Though he struggled with his throws, Rehrer did manage to score two rushing TDs. WR/LB EMMETT WHITE threw a TD pass as well. WR/LB CASEY ALLEN scored both touchdowns, recording 10 receptions for 120 yards. Defensively White led the team in tackles for the day, recording 6.0, followed by WR/DB TYLER BRUHN who recorded five solo tackles. DB SULLIVAN BEARD, who leads the team in total tackles this season, finished the game with three solo stops. Boise's offense has struggled of late, averaging just 32.3 points per game over the last three weeks. Spokane (No. 8 in Coaches Poll) enters this contest after a close 39-34 road loss at Tri-Cities last week. The defeat snapped a four-game Shock win streak. QB ANDRICO HINES was erratic against the Fever, completing just 8-of-33 passes for 106 yards. Despite his sub par play, he still he managed to throw three touchdowns without an interception. WR ANTWONE SAVAGE (5-75), WR/DB KELVIN DICKENS (4-60) and WR/DB CHICO MACKEY (2-19) all caught scoring passes from Hines. CHICO MACKEY also scored two rushing touchdowns for Spokane. The Shock defense, which is ranked eighth in the league for total defense, is led by WR/DB ALEX TEEMS. Teems has recorded the most tackles this season of any player on the team (59). In last week's loss, Teems recorded seven solo stops. DB NYGEL ROGERS also contributed defensively with 5.0 tackles. The only sack of the game for the Shock came from OL/DL DEVON PARKS, increasing his total for the season to 4.0. The Burn have a talented group, and although they'll be fired up to face the Shock, Spokane always has the edge at home in front of a capacity crowd.

BOISE SPOKANE SERIES LEADER Spokane leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Spokane won 62-44 on 5/19/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 4-1

LAST GAME Lost 32-62 to Rio Grande Valley on 6/16 Lost 34-39 at Tri-Cities on 6/16

2007 LEADERS BOISE SPOKANE PASSING Hendricks: 163-303-12; 1986; 39 TDs Hines: 210-328-8; 2162; 41 TDs

RECEIVING Allen: 71-752; 21 TDs Savage: 88-1159; 26 TDs

RUSHING Hendricks: 17-40; 4 TDs Brown: 41-108; 11 TDs

TACKLES Beard: 59.5 Teems: 59.0

SACKS Bruhn: 2.0 Parks: 4.0

INTERCEPTIONS Beard: 4 Keefe: 7

KICKING Beardall: 31-49 PAT; 6-7 FG; 49 PTs Koker: 53-74 PAT; 3-9 FG; 62 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 49.3 PPG; 240.5 YPG 50.5 PPG; 239.7 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 56.0 PPG; 299.1 YPG 45.2 PPG; 246.4 YPG

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (6-4) AT TRI-CITIES FEVER (6-4)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Toyota Center (7,000) 8:00 P.M. ET

In one of the many division matchups this week, Central Valley takes on Tri-Cities in an important West Division affair. The Coyotes and Fever are currently tied for second place in the division at 6-4. Central Valley and Tri-Cities have only met once before, earlier this season, ending in a Tri-Cities victory (49-44). The Coyotes (No. 10 in Coaches Poll) enter Week 13 after a close call at Bakersfield, 39-37. QB CLAY GROEFSEMA led Central Valley past the Blitz with 275 yards passing and four touchdowns, as well as scoring a rushing touchdown. Groefsema has had quite an impressive rookie year so far. He ranks among the league leaders in a number of categories, including total offensive TDs (3rd-69; 58 passing, 11 rushing), rushing TDs (4th-11), TD passes (5th - 58) and passer rating (6th-115.7). In last week's victory, Groefsema connected with four different receivers for a touchdown, WR/DB TONAE MARTIN (9-132), WR/DB JASON BARNES (3-47), OL/DL DONYELL BOOKER (1-13) and OL/DL DAMIAN WALKER (1-10). Martin also recorded a rushing touchdown in the game. On the defensive side, DB AARON MILLER recorded six solo tackles and DB TIERRE SAMS recorded five solo stops in the game. The unit also tallied three sacks. DL DOUG LAGENFELD leads the squad with 7.0 sacks overall. Tri-Cities (No. 9 in Coaches Poll) enters this week's contest after defeating division and in-state rival Spokane, 39-34, in Week 12. QB BRIAN BAKER completed 22-of-36 passes for 201 yards and six touchdowns. Baker is tied for second in the af2 in touchdown passes with 65. He also ranks among the league leaders in a number of other passing categories. In the game versus Spokane, WR J.R. THOMAS recorded eight catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns and WR/LB DEONTRAE JOHNSON recorded seven catches for 65 yards and two scores. Thomas leads the af2 in scoring (176 points) and receiving TDs (28). He also holds the No. 2 ranking in receiving yards with 1,190. Defensively, WR/DB RAMSEY DAVIS led the Fever with 10.0 tackles. WR/LB ROBERT GARTH also had a standout game with 2.5 sacks. DB JAMIE HATTLEY leads the squad in tackles with 57.0 on the season. Tri-Cities is currently 4-1 at home. This contest should be a back-and-forth offensive show between two evenly-matched clubs.

CENTRAL VALLEY TRI-CITIES SERIES LEADER Tri-Cities leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Tri-Cities won 49-44 on 4/21/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 3-2

LAST GAME Won 39-37 vs. Bakersfield on 6/17 Won 39-34 vs. Spokane on 6/16

2007 LEADERS CENTRAL VALLEY TRI-CITIES PASSING Groefsema: 350-221-9; 2702; 58 TDs Baker: 371-221-12; 2775; 65 TDs

RECEIVING Barnes: 77-954; 24 TDs Thomas: 89-1190; 28 TDs

RUSHING Groefsema: 254-101; 11 TDs Rogers: 4-14; 0 TDs

TACKLES Sams: 36.5 Hattley: 57.0

SACKS Langenfeld: 7.0 Garth: 3.5

INTERCEPTIONS Miller: 5 Three players tied with 3

KICKING Pearson: 34-41 PAT; 1-7 FG; 37 PTs Virgilio: 17-29 PAT; 2-3 FG; 23 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 59.8 PPG; 291.8 YPG 47.8 PPG; 270.1 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 51.1 PPG; 271.9 YPG 44.9 PPG; 241.9 YPG

AMARILLO DUSTERS (2-8) AT LUBBOCK RENEGADES (4-6)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - City Bank Coliseum (6,928) 8:05 P.M. ET

The Amarillo Dusters travel two hours south this week for their third and final meeting of 2007 against the Lubbock Renegades. The series is tied at 1-1 after Amarillo won the first outing and Lubbock secured the second showing. The Dusters scored a much needed win last week against Stockton, 66-53, which snapped the team's eight-game losing streak. Amarillo was able to capitalize last week on two INTs and return one of them for a score against the Lightning. That and the solid play of QB STEVE PANELLA helped push the Dusters toward their second win of the season. Panella completed 24-of-41 passes for 263 yards and five touchdowns to go along with two touchdown runs. Panella ranks second in the league in rushing TDs with 14 to go along with his 40 touchdown passes. WR STEVE BERGESKI continues to impress as a rookie. The Dusters leading receiver (74-920; 24 TDs) had another strong showing against the Lightning with 10 catches for 106 yards and four scores. DB DAVID IHEDIGBO had a game-high 9.5 sacks, one tackle for loss and an 11-yard INT return TD to lead the Amarillo defense. DB AARON WILLIAMS also recorded his team-best seventh INT of the season as well. The Renegades are hoping to come out fresh off a bye week to atone for their Week 9 loss at Central Valley. In their last game, the Renegades outrushed, outpassed, and outplayed the Coyotes, but did not outscore them, 74-68. The game was a see-saw battle that saw the Renegades march down the field with just 40 seconds in regulation to tie the game at 68. But, Coyotes DB ALERIC CLARK proved that he had a flare for the dramatic, and he took the ensuing kick off all the way to the end zone for the game-winning score. The Lubbock offense is keyed by QB ROBERT KENT. Kent has thrown 40 TDs for the Renegades and rushed for eight. FB LAVELL MANN has also been a key factor to the team's offensive attack with 190 rushing yards and nine scores. Defensively, LB PRESTON HARTFIELD leads Lubbock in tackles with 45 and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with five. The Dusters have a talented team overall, but have had trouble constructing wins away from home. Currently the team is 0-4 on the season away from the Amarillo Civic Center. If Amarillo holds onto the football and cuts down on mistakes, expect a score similar to the last time these two teams played and Lubbock prevailed by just three points, 55-52.

AMARILLO LUBBOCK SERIES LEADER Series tied 1-1

LAST MEETING Lubbock won 55-52 on 5/5/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 2-3

LAST GAME Won 66-53 vs. Stockton on 6/15 Won 68-74 to Central Valley on 6/9

2007 LEADERS AMARILLO LUBBOCK PASSING Panella: 195-340-11; 2286; 40 TDs Kent: 128-230-8;1841;40 TDs

RECEIVING Bergeski: 74-920; 24 TDs Highshaw: 38-531; 9 TDs

RUSHING Panella: 46-165; 14 TD Mann: 44-190; 9 TDs

TACKLES Fenner: 38.5 Hartfield: 45.0

SACKS Sessler and Saluni tied with 2.0 Three players tied with 4.0

INTERCEPTIONS Williams: 7 Walker: 3

KICKING Felton: 57-65 PAT; 7-11 FG; 78 PTs Balseiro: 43-48 PAT; 3-9 FG; 52 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 48.6 PPG; 239.6 YPG 51.3 PPG; 284.6 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 51.9 PPG; 283.2 YPG 54.5 PPG; 248.6 YPG

OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (6-4) AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (9-1)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Dodge Arena (5,500) 8:30 P.M. ET

Oklahoma City and Rio Grande Valley square off Saturday night in a game that has major standings implications for both teams. Oklahoma City sits just a game back of Arkansas for second place in the Central Division while Rio Grande Valley is currently in first place in the Southwest, but just a half game ahead of Bossier-Shreveport. The Yard Dawgz (No. 12 in Coaches Poll) are coming off a tough road loss to the Twisters, the very team the Yard Dawgz are trying to catch in the standings. Last week, Oklahoma City had its second lowest offensive output of the season with 39 points. QB STAN HILL completed 31-of-52 passes for 341 yards and three TDs, but also had two costly interceptions. WR/DB AL HUNT was Hill's favorite target, collecting a game-high 14 passes for 157 yards and three scores. WR DANNY HOWARD leads the squad in receiving with 68 catches for 948 yards and 21 TDs. The Yard Dawgz defense had a tough time containing the Arkansas running attack, allowing 62 yards and three TDs. DB JON HOLLAND leads the squad in tackles with 60 and LB AARON CHAVERS is the team's top sack man with 5.5. Rio Grande Valley (No. 3 in Coaches Poll) has not lost a game since Week 4, a streak of seven straight wins. The Dorados took out the Boise Burn in Week 12, 62-32, thanks to another steady performance by veteran QB JOSH KELLETT and a strong defensive effort overall. Kellett scorched the Burn with 237 yards passing and seven TDs. WR GEORGE WILLIAMS had another great day as well, catching eight passes for 114 yards and four touchdowns. The Dorados defense, however, was not to be undone, forcing four turnovers and breaking up 12 passes. Rio Grande Valley leads the af2 in scoring defense, allowing its opponents an average of 33.0 points per game. The Dorados also lead the league in sacks with 41 and in turnovers forced with 39. QUINTON STATON leads the team individually with a team-record 9.0 sacks. DB ANDRE GOINES has a team-high seven interceptions. Oklahoma City has a strong offensive group that could test Rio Grande Valley. The Dorados, however, have shown no signs of slowing down. If they continue their stellar defense, that should carry them to yet another victory.

OKLAHOMA CITY RIO GRANDE VALLEY SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads 5-2

LAST MEETING Oklahoma City won 56-14 on 6/24/06

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 5-0

LAST GAME Lost 39-51 to Arkansas on 6/16 Won 62-32 at Boise on 6/16

2007 LEADERS OKLAHOMA CITY RIO GRANDE VALLEY PASSING Hill: 350-221-12; 2822; 49 TDs Kellett: 187-321-10; 2305; 52 TDs

RECEIVING Howard: 68-948; 21 TDs Williams: 64-893; 15 TDs

RUSHING Howard: 4-41 2 TDs Gatlin: 31-106; 3 TD

TACKLES Holland: 60.0 Canty: 39.5

SACKS Chavers: 5.5 Staton: 9.0

INTERCEPTIONS Three players tied with 2 Goines: 7

KICKING Belmonte: 29-34 PAT; 2-6 FG; 35 PTs Broadwell: 57-76 PAT; 5-9 FG; 72 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 52.2 PPG; 319.4 YPG 54.4 PPG; 265.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 49.4 PPG; 248.9 YPG 33.0 PPG; 221.0 YPG

ARKANSAS TWISTERS (7-3) AT EVERETT HAWKS (3-7)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Everett Events Center (8,300) 10:30 P.M. ET

Two teams with opposite records will face off on Saturday when the Arkansas Twisters take their show on the road to lock up with the Everett Hawks. The Twisters, despite a solid season, still trail first place Tulsa by two games in the Central Division. Arkansas (No. 7 in Coaches Poll) wants to play well this week, especially in light of the Twisters big Week 14 showdown against the Talons. Arkansas' most recent result was an important win against divisional foe Oklahoma City. The Yard Dawgz passing offense was stifled as the Twisters secondary broke up eight passes and had two important interceptions. DB PIERRE THOMAS anchored the defense last week with 12 tackles, one INT, and one pass breakup. Offensively, QB DAVON VINSON delivered another solid performance completing 19-of-24 passes with 4 TDs and running for 1 TD as well. Last week WR/LB KEVIN WILLIAMS (9-69; 2 TDs) surpassed the 900-point mark, becoming just the second player in af2 history to hit that impressive career scoring plateau. Leading receiver JON SCHOONOVER had a solid showing as well with five catches for 57 yards and one TD. Thomas leads the Twisters with eight interceptions while teammate JASON SIMPSON has a team-high 80.0 total tackles. Record aside, Everett has been playing much better of late after enduring a rocky start to the season. The Hawks enter this week well rested after enjoying a bye in Week 12. The team's most recent outing was a 52-32 home win against Boise on June 9. Everett has won two of its last three games and three of four at home this year thanks to an offense that's heating up. Two rookies have made the difference, QB JASON CAMPBELL and WR JOSH RICHEY. Campbell has thrown 23 TDs against just two INTs in Everett's last three contests, while Richey is averaging 10 catches for 157 yards and over four TDs in that same span. The Hawks best defender is DB AARON DUNKLIN (47.0 tackles, 4 INTs). For the Hawks to have a chance against the Twisters, they'll need to continue to ride the combo of Campbell and Richey on offense. The Twisters, however, have a veteran cast that continues to find ways to win under the direction of legendary coach JOHN GREGORY.

ARKANSAS EVERETT SERIES LEADER First Meeting

LAST MEETING No Previous Meetings

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 2-3

LAST GAME Won 51-39 vs. Oklahoma City on 6/16 Won 52-32 at Boise on 6/9

2007 LEADERS ARKANSAS EVERETT PASSING Villanueva: 184-117-7; 1556; 35 TDs Campbell: 293-174-10; 2005; 49 TDs

RECEIVING Schoonover: 57-830; 15 TDs Richey: 89-1138; 27 TDs

RUSHING Freeney: 39-209; 4 TD Notoa: 69-168; 5 TDs

TACKLES Simpson: 80.0 Burley and Dunklin tied with 47.0

SACKS Clark: 4.0 Jones and Jackson tied with 6.5

INTERCEPTIONS Thomas: 8 Dunklin: 4

KICKING Carlton: 52-74 PAT; 6-17 FG; 70 PTs Williams: 6-15 PAT; 2-4 FG; 12 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 53.4 PPG; 271.3 YPG 45.0 PPG; 275.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 40.1 PPG; 284.7 YPG 55.7 PPG; 226.4 YPG

BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (4-6) AT STOCKTON LIGHTNING (4-6)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007 - Stockton Arena (10,117) 10:30 P.M. ET

Two teams that have playoff aspirations lock up as the Bakersfield Blitz travel to Stockton to take on the Lightning in another solid West Division war. Stockton and Bakersfield have met four times in a little over one and half seasons. The Blitz lead the all-time series, 3-1, winning the most recent head-to-head encounter on April 21, 45-42. The Blitz need a win in a big way as the team is in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Their most recent result was a 39-37 home loss to rival Central Valley in Week 12. Coyotes WR JASON BARNES caught the game-winning score on a 26-yard strike with 49 seconds left in regulation. Bakersfield's offense was inconsistent again, but part of that could've been because of an early-game injury to starter CHAD ELLIOTT. Backup DAN RILEY stepped in and played well overall, throwing four second-half TDs, but the effort wasn't enough. WR RENNARD REYNOLDS (7-111; 4 TDs) was Riley's top target, catching three of his four scores in the final two quarters of play. Defensively, WR/DB DERONN FINLEY had a strong outing with 7.5 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. Finley also caught a touchdown pass. Overall, DB NATHAN MUNSON leads the team in interceptions with eight while DL MAURICE TROUTMAN has a team-high 7.5 sacks. The Lightning enter this week's outing looking to rebound from their Week 12 loss at Amarillo. QB EVAN GRAY threw for 302 yards and six TDs in the contest, but also threw two costly interceptions, including one that was returned for a Dusters score. Gray spread the wealth to three different receivers as SALE KEY, KENYATTE MORGAN and CLARENCE CUNNINGHAM all caught two TDs each. Key is the Lightning leader in receiving with 80 catches for 952 yards and 24 TDs. Defensively, DB TRAVIS SEATON registered 5.5 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. SEATON is the team's top tackler with 62.0 total stops on the season. All signs point to another seesaw battle between these two teams on Saturday. The winner will take an important step forward toward a potential playoff berth.

BAKERSFIELD STOCKTON SERIES LEADER Bakersfield leads 3-1

LAST MEETING Bakersfield won 45-42 on 4/21/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 3-2

LAST GAME Lost 37-39 to Central Valley on 6/17 Lost 53-66 to Amarillo on 6/15

2007 LEADERS BAKERSFIELD STOCKTON PASSING Elliott: 121-203-8; 1273; 27 TDs Gray: 251-137-8; 1772; 40 TDs

RECEIVING Reynolds: 81-1024; 27 TDs Key: 80-952; 24 TDs

RUSHING Petty: 21-52; 3 TD Crudup: 17-88; 1 TDs

TACKLES Onaindia: 36.0 Seaton: 62.0

SACKS Troutman: 7.5 Hunt: 6.5

INTERCEPTIONS Munson: 8 Johnson: 3

KICKING Baker: 14-20 PAT; 3-4 FG; 23 PTs Walls: 57-64 PAT; 10-13 FG; 87 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 46.0 PPG; 237.9 YPG 50.04 PPG; 268.3 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 49.6 PPG; 252.9 YPG 53.8 PPG; 266.9 YPG

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arenafootball2 Stories from June 22, 2007


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