AFL on NBC Starts This Weekend on KWQC-TV6

Published on February 5, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa – For Quad City Steamwheelers fans who can't wait for the arenafootball2 season to kick off, there may be a cure for their anxiety. The Arena Football League will kick off its 18th season tonight when the San Jose Sabercats take on the Detroit Fury.

To make things even better for fans, the AFL has teamed up with NBC for a second consecutive season to broadcast games around the country. Each region of the country will have a featured game of the week, which will be aired on local NBC affiliates.

To kickoff Week 1 of the AFL season, Steamwheelers fans in the Quad City-area will be able to tune into KWQC-TV6 this Sunday and see the Chicago Rush host the Grand Rapids Rampage. That game will kickoff at 2:00 p.m. (CT).

There are currently 15 former Steamwheelers who are in the AFL, spanning nine different teams.

Below is the AFL's Must See Matchup for the Chicago/Grand Rapids game:

GRAND RAPIDS OS STEVE SMITH vs. CHICAGO DS COREY SAWYER

Speedy Grand Rapids Rampage OS STEVE SMITH is looking to take over the teams No. 1 spot with the departure of TERRILL SHAW, but he has to get past Chicago Rush DS COREY SAWYER first. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Storm, Sawyer brings coverage skills and championship intensity to Chicago this season as he tries to shut down Grand Rapids new No. 1 weapon. In Week 1 of last season, Sawyer earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after registering 4.0 tackles and two INTs against Carolina. He finished the season with a total of 56.5 tackles and six INTs.

With 1,085 receiving yards and 31 TDs in 2003, Smith is going to put Sawyer to work. Smith has caught at least three receptions in all 16 games he played last season, and hauled in touchdowns in 12 games. Smith was named Ironman of the Game three times and his three kickoff returns for touchdowns are the most in Rampage history for a single season.

About Arena Football League

Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, will begin its 18th season in February 2004. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.

The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in small- to medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.

The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.

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