AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Must-See Matchups

Published on May 22, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – The last time the Dallas Desperados and Georgia Force met, the Desperados came away with a hard-fought 56-55 victory at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth on May 10. Now, the No. 12 Force will get their chance at revenge, when they travel to American Airlines Arena in the re-match on Saturday against the No. 5 Desperados at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The Desperados claim the AFL's fifth-best offense led by WR/LB DIALLEO BURKS (6-2, 195, Eastern Kentucky). Georgia, with the AFL's No. 3 defense, led by DS KEVIN GAINES (6-1, 190, Louisville) will attempt to stop them in their tracks.

In only his second AFL season, Burks (102 receptions for 1,221 yards and 28 touchdowns) has managed to establish himself as a marquee player. With a pair of touchdowns and 61 receiving yards in the last meeting with the Force, Burks will be looking for a repeat performance. Judging from the statistics in his last five games (27 receptions and 10 touchdowns), it is safe to say that Burks is playing at the top of his game and will be a major contributor to Dallas' Drive to ArenaBowl XVII.

Gaines, who is in his sixth AFL season, will be one of Georgia's defensive backs assigned to cover Burks. Gaines has had a standout season leading his team in tackles (53.0) and interceptions (9) making him best-suited for the matchup. In his last five appearances, Gaines recorded five interceptions and 16.5 tackles – proving that he is hitting his stride at the right time. This may prove to be the best one-on-one coverage battles of the Wild Card round.

DETROIT QB ANDY KELLY vs. GRAND RAPIDS QB CLINT DOLEZEL

Two of the AFL's top quarterbacks will meet this Sunday (NBC, 3 p.m. ET) as Wild Card action continues with ANDY KELLY (6-3, 220, Tennessee) and the No. 10 Detroit Fury traveling to the Van Andel Arena for a showdown with CLINT DOLEZEL (6-5, 210, East Texas State) and the No. 7 Grand Rapids Rampage. The outcome of this intense intrastate quarterback duel will determine which team will get the chance to advance to the Quarterfinals and make their Drive to ArenaBowl XVII.

Kelly, a 10-year AFL veteran, has racked up some outstanding numbers. He is the rightful owner to several career-passing records; pass attempts (3,430), pass completions (2,111), passing yards gained (23,882) and passing touchdowns (455); arguably making him the greatest quarterback the AFL has ever seen. Beyond his passing abilities, Kelly, provides the type of veteran leadership that his team will need to advance late into the playoffs.

In the three years that Dolezel has been a member of the Rampage, he has a 3-1 record against Detroit. The former All-Arena performer accounted for 4,433 passing yards, 89 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He ended the season on an amazing hot streak (27 touchdowns and one interception in last five games) and is hoping to prove that he is ready to lead the ArenaBowl XV champions to a return appearance at the ArenaBowl XVII.

CHICAGO OS ANTONIO CHATMAN vs. NEW YORK DS DONVETIS FRANKLIN

Two of the AFL's best specialists go toe-to-toe in a battle for playoff survival at Nassau Coliseum this Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.

Chatman (5-9, 180, Cincinnati) became the fourth 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 AFL – 77 returns for 1,906 yards and record-tying seven kickoff return touchdowns. The Offensive Player of the Year candidate shattered the single-season all-purpose mark with 3,678 yards (Oklahoma's LAMONT COOPER, 3,459 in 2001). The speedy receiver is known for his route-running skills and his play-making abilities, which make him a threat whenever he touches the ball.

Franklin (5-11, 190, Michigan State), who is in his second AFL season, has made a seamless transition as he has assumed primary kick return duties in addition to being a defensive specialist for Dragons head coach TODD SHELL. The former Spartan led the AFL in total tackles (93.5), while tallying four interceptions and 21 pass breakups. Franklin added 42 kickoff returns for 816 yards and one touchdown since taking over return specialist at midseason. Franklin is known for his quickness, bone-jarring presence and tight coverage, while providing the Dragon offense great field position in the return game.

LAS VEGAS OS MIKE HORACEK vs. ARIZONA WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD

Two of the AFL's best "go to" receivers – Las Vegas OS MIKE HORACEK and Arizona WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD – will duel when No. 11 Gladiators (8-8) travel to America West Arena to play No. 6 Rattlers (10-6) on Sunday on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.

Horacek (6-2, 205, Iowa State), Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, is the engine that drives the Gladiators offense. The former Cyclone finished the regular season as Las Vegas' leader in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,585) and touchdowns (36). Horacek's size, strength and quickness make him one of the AFL's toughest to cover – especially close to the goalline.

Gatewood (5-11, 185, UNLV), who is in his eighth AFL season, earned First-Team All-Arena and All-Ironman Team honors for his play on both sides of the ball (69 receptions, 32 touchdowns and nine interceptions.) The former Running Rebel plays the WR/DB spot as good as anybody in the AFL and is known for his great hands, route-running abilities and leadership qualities.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 22, 2003


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