AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Must-See Matchups

Published on April 3, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


SAN JOSE DS CLEVAN THOMAS vs. DALLAS WR/LB ANDY MCCULLOUGH

San Jose DS/KR CLEVAN THOMAS (5-10, 197, Florida State) leads the AFL with nine total interceptions (three for touchdowns) and picked off a pass in a League-record seven consecutive games this season. The reigning Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year needs three more interceptions to tie the League season record of 12 (DAMEON PORTER 2001, TRACEY PERKINS 1997). Don't blink or you may miss Thomas' lightning on turf show. He's averaging 20.9 yards per return on kickoffs (40 returns for 864 yards and three touchdowns). Known for his smart play, tight coverage and punishing hits, the former Seminole leads the League in passes defended (23), has recorded 23.5 tackles and recovered two fumbles.

Dallas WR/LB ANDY MCCULLOUGH (6-4, 210, Tennessee) is rolling on a three-game touchdown-reception streak and has recorded at least one scoring catch in eight of his nine games. The Desperados leading scorer (86 points), McCullough's size, speed and toughness has made him one of the top Ironman of the Year candidates. As the team's top receiver (58 receptions for 739 yards and 13 touchdowns), the former Volunteer makes dazzling catches and presents all defenders with a difficult task – containment. McCullough's presence is strong on the Dallas ‘D' – he's recorded 17.0 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, three pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and two fumble recoveries. The battle between sophomore sensations is slated for NBC this Sunday at noon ET.

GEORGIA'S OL/DL JERMAINE SMITH vs. TAMPA BAY OL/DL AL LUCAS

An individual spotlight will be focused on two of the leading Lineman of the Year candidates – Georgia's JERMAINE SMITH (6-3, 285, Georgia) and Tampa Bay 's AL LUCAS (6-1, 294, Troy State). With the Georgia and Tampa Bay defenses mirroring each other in style with defensive pressure up front and blanket coverage in the secondary, Smith and Lucas become the focal point of what could shape up to be one of the best linemen battles this season.

Smith, a former Bulldog who is known for his dominating presence on defense and toughness, leads the Force in sacks (2.5), while also helping hold rushing offenses to 12.3 yards per contest (No. 3 in the AFL). Lucas, a former Trojan, leads Tampa Bay linemen in tackles (13.5) and helps protect QB JOHN KALEO on a line that has allowed only five sacks (Tied-No. 3 in AFL) this season. Kaleo has not been intercepted or sacked on either third- or fourth-down situations. Both players epitomize the uniqueness of an AFL lineman, possessing both great pass-blocking skills and pass-rushing abilities. The two will go head-to-head numerous times on NBC at noon ET this Sunday.

ORLANDO WR/LB CORY FLEMING vs. ARIZONA WR/LB HUNKIE COOPER

The battle in the Snake Pit will feature two of the League's best Ironmen going head-to-head – Orlando Predators WR/LB CORY FLEMING (6-2, 215, Tennessee) and Arizona Rattlers WR/LB HUNKIE COOPER (5-9, 190, UNLV). Cooper, a two-time Ironman of the Year, is currently among Arizona's leaders in receiving and all-purpose yards. A former Running Rebel, Cooper has tallied 34 receptions for 414 yards and five touchdowns. Fleming enters the game with 51 receptions for 605 yards and 13 touchdowns. The former Volunteer is also amongst the leaders receiving and all-purpose yards for the Predators.

The last time the two stars met was in the quarterfinals of the 2002 playoffs (August 4, 2002) when Arizona edged Fleming's Carolina Cobras, 61-59, to advance to the semifinals and eventually ArenaBowl XVI. Fleming recorded seven receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns. His second touchdown came on a 15-yard interception with 16 seconds left in the first half, and his final touchdown appeared to seal the victory with nine seconds remaining in the game. However, QB SHERDRICK BONNER heaved a "Hail Mary" pass off the net and into the arms of OS CHRIS HORN as the buzzer sounded, giving the Rattlers the victory. Cooper earned Ironman of the Game for his four receptions for 57 yards and his 240 all-purpose yards. The excitement of the last meeting should be incentive enough to watch the next chapter of the Cooper-Fleming showdown this Sunday on NBC at 6 p.m. ET.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 3, 2003


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