SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

AFL On NBC This Sunday 03/02, Dallas at Arizona

Published on February 27, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss – The AFL game on NBC this Sunday will be the Dallas Desperados (2-2) at the home of the Arizona Rattlers (2-2). The following is a preview of the game.

DALLAS DESPERADOS (2-2) AT ARIZONA RATTLERS (2-2)

Sunday, March 2nd, 2 p.m. CST, (NBC Broadcasters- Tom Hammond, Pat Haden and Lewis Johnson)

The AFL's next dynamic duo could be Dallas' DIALLEO BURKS and ANDY MCCULLOUGH. The two sophomore receivers have combined for 52 receptions for 686 yards and 11 TDs, while providing QB JIM KUBIAK (65.2 completion percentage, 21 TDs and only 2 INTs) with a sense of security in the passing game. Arizona counters with the dangerous trio of CHRIS HORN, HUNKIE COOPER and RANDY GATEWOOD. Cooper is coming off an Ironman of the Week performance (recording TDs passing, rushing and receiving), while Gatewood recorded 2 INTs in his second straight game. The Rattlers defense (230.5 YPG, No. 3 in AFL) continues to be one of the stingiest around. Dallas is 2-0 when they win the time of possession battle and are 0-2 when they lose. Coach Avezzano will be glad to see the team's leading rusher JA'MAR TOOMBS in the backfield for the Desperados - Dallas is 2-0 in games he plays.

COACHING LEGENDS SQUARE OFF IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN

Avezzano, White to Match Strategies in Arizona on NBC

Take your pick of storylines to follow this weekend when the Dallas Desperados (2-2) face the Arizona Rattlers (2-2) on NBC at America West Arena this Sunday at 2 p.m. CST.

* Dallas faces one of both cities' favorite sons, former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro QB and current Arizona Head Coach DANNY WHITE.

* The quarterback duel between Arizona's SHERDRICK BONNER, Week 4 AFL Offensive Player of the Week and Dallas' rising star JIM KUBIAK.

* Emerging Desperados Ironman DIALLEO BURKS against Arizona's two-time Ironman of the Year HUNKIE COOPER.

The action will be fast and furious on the field but the battle of coaching strategies between Dallas Head Coach JOE AVEZZANO and Arizona's White could be one of the best to watch this season.

"I have great respect for the coaches in this League because I never have thought that the NFL was a utopia," said Avezzano, a former Dallas Cowboys special teams coach. "There are great coaches and teachers in high school, college, AFL, NFL, and then there are some that aren't so good in all those levels. But I knew coming into the AFL that there were some really quality coaches and I haven't been disappointed."

A football living legend in Arizona, White is the first and only head coach in the 11-year history of the Arizona Rattlers and owns a 117-54 career record (.684). White has led his Rattlers to the postseason in 10 of their 11 seasons, including three ArenaBowl appearances (won in 1994 and 1997, lost in 2002). He was inducted to the Arena Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and earned AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1993. Both Dallas and Arizona began their AFL existence with 10-10 records. The Rattlers have gone on to make 10 straight playoff appearances and captured two ArenaBowl titles. Will Dallas follow that same pattern?

XPLORERS PLAYER NEWS & NOTES

The Xplorers announced today that they have been assigned QB Cleo Lemon by af2. The 6-2, 226-pound Lemon is Arkansas State's all-time leader in passing yardage (7,706 yards) and career touchdown passes (48). He also owns ASU single-game (403) and single-season (2,721) records for passing yardage. Xplorers training camp begins on March 18th with the home opener set for April 12th against Bakersfield.

XPLORERS SEASON TICKET PACKAGES

Season ticket packages are available right now starting as low as $84.95 for a pair of season tickets and two t-shirts. For ticket information and purchases call (662) 280-3737 or go online to www.xplorersaf2.com .

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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