AFL must-see matchups: week 10
Published on April 8, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
As the playoff picture slowly begins to take shape, Chicago QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (6-1, 200, Louisiana-Monroe) needs a win for Chicago, currently ranking No. 3 in the AFLWA Poll, to stay in contention for the top spot in the AFL standings. On the other sideline, Tampa Bay (3-6) and their defensive secondary continue to battle while on the playoff bubble. The two teams square off at Allstate Arena on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.
Philyaw has been incredibly accurate having his streak of 199 consecutive passes without an interception come to an end in the second quarter last Sunday against Las Vegas. For the season, Philyaw has completed 127-of-198 passes for 1,687 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also has rushed for a career-high nine touchdowns this season.
The Chicago line has been working hard to protect Philyaw and are tied for No. 1 in the League for fewest sacks allowed (Las Vegas, New Orleans), giving up only three quarterback sacks this season. In 2002 the Rush led the league, allowing only three QB sacks all season. Last season, the Rush ranked fifth in the AFL, giving up 12 sacks.
Despite injuries to the line, the Storm have still managed to be tied for No. 4 in the League in sacks (11). The Storm is No. 3 in the League when called on for a defensive stand inside the red-zone, allowing only 152 points (21 touchdowns, two field goals) this season. AFL veteran WR/DB CARLOS JAMES (6-0, 180, Iowa) picked up his first interception of the season in Week 8 against Georgia. The interception marked James' first interception since the 200 season, but his 35th career interception. WR/LB LAWRENCE SAMUELS (6-2, 210, Livingston) has 18 career interceptions and will be looking for more against Philyaw.
GEORGIA OS MARKEITH COOPER vs. AUSTIN OS TACOMA FONTAINE
Georgia OS MARKEITH COOPER (5-7, 170, Auburn) and Austin OS TACOMA FONTAINE (6-1, 185, SW Missouri State) are neck-and-neck among the scoring leaders in the AFL this season. Austin hosts Georgia at Frank Erwin Center on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. Fontaine is currently ranked No. 13 in AFL scoring, remaining just one touchdown back from Cooper. Cooper is currently tied for No. 9 in the AFL for leading scorer non-kickers with 102 points through nine games.
Cooper is ranked No. 12 in the League in catches (52) and No. 13 in receiving yards (653). He is on pace to becoming the first single-season 1,000-yard receiver in the Force's three-year history.
Last week, standout Fontaine tallied 12 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns in last week's loss to Los Angeles. With 16 touchdowns and one two-point conversion since his first AFL game in Week Five, Fontaine has accounted for 98 of the team's 246 points in that span.
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