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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Must-See Matchups

May 8, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – Arguably one of the best one-on-one matchups this season – San Jose's CLEVAN THOMAS against Tampa Bay's FREDDIE SOLOMON – will take place at St. Pete Times Forum this Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET. The spotlight of this super showdown intensifies with seeding implications on the line in the Drive to ArenaBowl XVII. The Storm (11-3) currently own the League's top record, while the defending ArenaBowl champion SaberCats (10-4) are tied for second-best.

Thomas (5-10, 197, Florida State), the 2002 Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year, has his sights set on another championship ring. After helping guide the SaberCats to their first League championship title in 2002, the former Seminole has put up record-setting numbers – including 11 interceptions in 12 games played this season – that could be worthy of postseason accolades. Thomas is known for his speed and shiftiness as a return specialist, while possessing defensive instincts, quickness, vision and ball-hawking abilities that can arguably be called the best in the game.

Solomon (5-11, 185, South Carolina State) has made a name for himself as the focus of the Storm offense. Tampa Bay QB JOHN KALEO looks for Solomon 29-percent of the time in passing situations – a number that is likely to increase in this important battle. Solomon leads the Storm in receptions (89), receiving yards (1,290) and receiving touchdowns (22). The former Bulldog has explosive speed in the kick return game, while his sure-hands and great route-running abilities bring lightning to the Storm offense.

NBC's isolation camera will have a busy day when Tampa Bay is on offense and Thomas lines up against Solomon this Sunday.

SAN JOSE WR/DB JAMES ROE vs. TAMPA BAY DS OMARR SMITH

When San Jose's top-rated offense has the ball, QB MARK GRIEB's eyes will be focused on finding WR/DB JAMES ROE and it will be Defensive Player of the Year candidate DS OMARR SMITH's job to make sure Grieb misses this connection.

Roe (6-2, 196, Norfolk State) leads the SaberCats in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,293) and receiving touchdowns (29) while being the primary target on 36-percent of San Jose's passing plays. The former Spartan has excellent hands, great tackle-breaking abilities and the ability to turn a short reception into long gains.

Smith (5-9, 174, San Jose State), a member of the ArenaBowl XVI champion SaberCats, now has to line up against his former teammates in an effort to stop one of the League's best. The former Spartan leads the Storm in tackles (80.0), interceptions (8) and passes defended (21). Smith's pass coverage ability and defensive instincts will make this matchup one to watch.

ARIZONA DS CLARENCE LAWSON vs. CHICAGO OS ANTONIO CHATMAN

Two teams battle for playoff positioning at Allstate Arena this Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET. The Chicago Rush need one victory in their final two games to guarantee a spot, while the Arizona Rattlers look to climb the seedings ladder to secure a higher position. The individual spotlight to watch will be Chicago's ANTONIO CHATMAN and Arizona's CLARENCE LAWSON.

Chatman (5-9, 180, Cincinnati) became the 4th player in AFL history (GEORGE LAFRANCE, EDDIE BROWN and ALVIN ASHLEY) to record 25 receiving touchdowns, 100 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 return yards in a season. The former BearCat has explosive speed and is arguably the best return specialist in the League – 25.1 kickoff return average (No. 1 in the AFL) and six kickoff return touchdowns (No. 1, tied with Indiana's EVAN HLAVACEK). The Offensive Player of the Year candidate is the primary receiver in 34 percent of the Rush's passing plays and his great hands (68-percent catch percentage) and route-running skills make him a dangerous threat whenever he touches the ball.

Lawson (5-8, 180, Utah), who is in his fifth AFL season, is the Rattlers' top cover specialist. The former Ute leads Arizona in tackles (48.0), while tallying an interception and 10 pass breakups. Lawson is known for his speed and his blanket-like coverage as he will be assigned to cover Chatman down the field.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2003


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