AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Must-See Matchups

April 17, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – It's a grudge match when Las Vegas faces Orlando this Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET. The Predators bumped the Gladiators from the playoffs in 2002. Key match-up in this contest pits the AFL's No. 5 scorer, Las Vegas OS MIKE HORACEK, against the League's second-best pass defender, Orlando DS KENNY McENTYRE.

In their last meeting, Horacek (6-2, 205, Iowa State) recorded 12 receptions for 131 yards, but McEntyre and Orlando's defense allowed him to get to the end zone just once. Horacek, named Offensive Player of the Year in 2001, is averaging 124 receiving yards and at least two scoring catches in his last four games. He currently leads the Gladiators in touchdowns on all down situations – 11 of his 27 touchdowns have occurred on 2nd down opportunities. Among all receivers, Horacek has the ball thrown his direction most – a League-high 38 percent of Gladiator pass attempts.

Policing the backfield for Orlando, McEntyre (5-11, 180, Kansas State) has snared six interceptions and broken up 12 passes, helping to limit opponents to an average of 46.2 points each week (4th). The AFL's leading tackler (70.5), the former Wildcat collected three interceptions last week against Buffalo, including one for a touchdown return. McEntyre is currently tied for first in career interception returns for touchdowns (9, GREG HOPKINS).

COLORADO OS DAMIAN HARRELL vs. TAMPA BAY DS OMARR SMTIH

One of this weekend's best matchups will occur when Colorado OS DAMIAN HARRELL (6-3, 195, Florida State) battles Tampa Bay DS OMARR SMITH (5-9, 174, San Jose State) at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa this Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.

Harrell is a big target with great hands and provides Colorado quarterbacks with the security of being able to throw the ball into tight coverages knowing that he will make the tough catch. The four-year veteran is on pace to set new personal-highs with 113 receptions, 1,678 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns.

Smith, who is in his second AFL season, is one of the best cover specialists in the League. The former Spartan leads the AFL in fumble recoveries (5), while tallying 67.0 tackles (No. 2), six interceptions (tie-No. 3) and 18 passes defended (No. 4). Fellow Florida State alum COREY SAWYER will also provide blanketing coverage in the secondary for the Storm.

"Omarr and Corey are veterans and know what they're doing back there," said Tampa Bay Head Coach TIM MARCUM. "That allows me to mix up some coverages and confuse the quarterbacks, which I think is why we've been able to pick off so many passes this season."

DALLAS OL/DL TOM BRIGGS vs. CHICAGO OL/DL JOHN MOYER

The top sack leaders go head-to-head when Dallas' TOM BRIGGS (6-5, 255, West Virginia) faces Chicago's JOHN MOYER (6-3, 265, Eastern Illinois) in a battle of Lineman of the Year candidates at Allstate Arena, Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

Briggs' ability to apply pressure with both a strong bull rush and quickness make him one of the AFL's most dangerous pass rushers. The former Mountaineer leads the AFL in sacks (8.5), as do the Desperados as a team (20). Moyer leads the Rush in sacks (6.0, No. 2 in the AFL) and anchors an offensive line that has allowed only seven sacks (tie-No. 3). The five-year veteran's quickness off the ball and pure strength are the reasons why offensive coordinators can't overlook Moyer while also protecting against Chicago teammate JAMES BARON.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 17, 2003


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