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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

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June 6, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK - The Mitsubishi Motors Drive to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans continues to gain momentum for the final stretch as 13 of the League's 15 playoff eligible teams stand within two games of the final playoff position in each conference with three weeks remaining in the regular season.

The Utah Blaze (7-7) continues to fight for its playoff life as it hosts the American Conference's number one-seeded San Jose SaberCats (10-3) on Saturday, June 9, at 9 p.m. ET (FSN Bay Area - Live, KJZZ Salt Lake - Live, AFL NET).

Utah looks to carry its momentum from the 51-14 victory over Colorado on Monday as it welcomes the SaberCats, who are on a seven-game winning streak.

San Jose QB MARK GRIEB (3,998 YDs, 83 TDs) completed 25-of-34 passes for 250 yards and six touchdowns as the SaberCats defeated the Blaze, 69-48, at HP Pavilion in Week 8.

Utah QB JOE GERMAINE (4,496 YDs, 97 TDs) and WR SIAHA BURLEY (145 REC, 1,893 YDs, 44 TDs) look to make this a record-setting night at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.

Germaine can break Grieb's record for single-season passing yards with 346 to put him at 4,842 yards and needs only three touchdowns to become the third player in AFL history to compile 100 passing touchdowns in a season.

Burley can set the single-season record for receptions in a season at 155 with 10 and set the single-season record for receiving yards in a season with 90 yards to give him 1,983. With 107 receiving yards, Burley will become the first player in AFL history to amass 2,000 yards in a season.

A Western Conference showdown concludes Week 15 as the Arizona Rattlers (4-10) welcome the Los Angeles Avengers (7-6) to the U.S. Airways Center on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday, June 11, at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2 & ESPN360.com, SIRIUS Radio Channel 119).

Led by QB SONNY CUMBIE (3,579 YDs, 68 TDs), the Avengers are currently in fifth place in the American Conference playoff standings and need a win to stay a full game ahead of Utah.

Cumbie completed 23-of-37 passes for 254 yards with five touchdowns as Los Angeles outscored the Rattlers 27-7 in the fourth quarter en route to a 64-45 victory at the Staples Center in Week 5. The Avengers are 4-2 all-time in Arizona and are vying for their second sweep of the Rattlers in team history.

Arizona, led by QB SHERDRICK BONNER (4,036 YDs, 83 TDs), looks to play spoiler in its final home game of the season.

Two playoff contenders in the New York Dragons (5-8) and Orlando Predators (7-6) square off at Nassau Coliseum on Saturday, June 9, at 7 p.m. ET (SUN Sports - Live, FSN New York - Live, SIRIUS Radio Channel 119).

Dragons QB AARON GARCIA (1,724 YDs, 45 TDs) and Predators QB SHANE STAFFORD (3,529 YDs, 63 TDs) match up for the third time in their careers with each winning one game.

Orlando defeated the Dragons, 52-47 in Week 7, as Stafford completed 21-of-29 passes for 223 yards with five touchdowns and secured the victory on a four-yard touchdown run to put the Predators ahead by 12 points with 6:54 remaining in the game.

The Dragons have won three of their last five games, are currently one game out of sixth place and need a victory to stay in the playoff race. The Predators have lost three of their last five and need a win to hold onto their third place position.

The Tampa Bay Storm (6-7) have won six of its last eight games and look to continue its winning ways as they host the Philadelphia Soul (6-7) on Saturday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET (Catch 47 - Live, CSN Philadelphia - NDD, 6/10, at 1 p.m. ET, CSS - Live).

Led by Offensive Player of the Week, QB BRETT DIETZ (1,578 YDs, 31 TDs), Tampa Bay looks to challenge Orlando for third place in the National Conference playoff standings with a victory.

Philadelphia, led by QB TONY GRAZIANI (1,985 YDs, 44 TDs), hopes to bounce back from its 59-56 loss to Dallas on Friday that left them in the sixth and final spot of the playoff standings.

All of this week's remaining games have playoff implications: Kansas City at Columbus on Friday (Columbus Sports Net - Live, SIRIUS Radio Channel 119, AFL NET); Grand Rapids at Chicago on Saturday (FSN Detroit - Live, CSN Chicago - Live); Georgia at Austin on Saturday (AFL NET); New Orleans at Dallas on Saturday (CST New Orleans - Live); and Nashville at Las Vegas on Sunday (FSN South - Live, FSN West - Live).

Following is each team's postseason-clinching scenario for Week 15:

The KANSAS CITY BRIGADE clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1) Kansas City Brigade win

2) Nashville Kats loss

3) Los Angeles Avengers loss

4) Utah Blaze loss

The COLORADO CRUSH clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1) Nashville Kats loss

2) Utah Blaze loss

The LOS ANGELES AVENGERS clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1) Los Angeles Avengers win + Nashville Kats loss

The UTAH BLAZE clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1) Utah Blaze win + Nashville Kats loss

The ORLANDO PREDATORS clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1) Orlando Predators win

2) Columbus Destroyers loss + Austin Wranglers loss + New Orleans VooDoo loss + New York Dragons beats Orlando by five points or less

The TAMPA BAY STORM clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1) Tampa Bay win + New York Dragons loss + Austin Wranglers loss

KANSAS CITY BRIGADE (8-5) AT COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (6-7)

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 7:00 P.M. ET

COLUMBUS SPORTS NET - LIVE

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 119

AFL NET

BRIGADE: Kansas City can clinch playoff spot with win, or a Los Angeles, Nashville, or Utah loss...Offense is tied for first in fourth-down comp. pct. (66.7)...Offense ranks second in rushing yards (27.2)...Offense is tied for second in rushing touchdowns (26)...Offense ranks fourth in sacks allowed (5), and third-down comp. pct. (56.3)...QB RAYMOND PHILYAW ranks third in completion percentage (70.6). Ranks fourth in passer-rating (125.8)...WR/DB CHARLES FREDERICK ranks first among rookies in rushing yards (128), and receptions (97). Ranks second among rookies in third-down receptions (14), touchdown receptions (24). Ranks third among rookies in receiving yards (1,209)...Defense leads League in total yards per game (260.4)...Defense ranks third in points per game (48.5), passing touchdowns allowed (4.615)...Defense ranks fourth in net turnover differential (+9)...DB ISIAH TRUFANT tied for fourth in passes defensed (17). Tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3.0)...DB KENNY MCENTYRE is tied for fifth in interceptions (7)...DESTROYERS: Offense ranks fifth in fourth-down pct. (63.0)...QB MATT NAGY leads team in passing with 2,861 yards and 58 touchdowns...WR DAMIEN GROCE ranks third in all-purpose yards (2,157). Tied for fifth in receptions (107)...Defense leads League in fourth-down comp. pct. (35.7)...Defense ranks fifth in scoring (49.8)...Defense tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (1.462)...DL KEN JONES ranks second in tackles for loss (12.0), sacks (8.5)...DB BRANDON HEFFLIN is tied for fourth in tackles (88.0)...Ranks fifth in average start of field position after kickoff for defense (11.4).

ORLANDO PREDATORS (7-6) AT NEW YORK DRAGONS (5-8)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 7:00 P.M. ET

SUN SPORTS - LIVE

FSN NEW YORK - LIVE

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 119

PREDATORS: Orlando can clinch playoff spot with win, or Columbus loss, Austin loss, New Orleans loss, and losing to New York by 5 or less points...Orlando looking to secure 14th straight season with .500 or better record...QB SHANE STAFFORD ranks second in third-down passer-rating (115.5)...WR JAVARUS DUDLEY leads team in receptions (92), yards (1,324) and touchdowns (26)...Defense leads League in scoring (45.7)...Defense tied for first in sacks (22)...Defense ranks second in net turnover differential (+14), passing touchdowns allowed (4.462)...Defense is tied for second in red zone pct. (75.0)... Defense ranks third in field goal percentage (34.8)...Defense tied for fourth in interceptions (17)...DL GREG WHITE leads AFL regular season record in sacks (14.0) and tackles for loss (15.0). Tied for first in forced fumbles (5)...DB LIN-J SHELL tied for second in tackles (94.5)...DB RAYSHUN REED ranks second among rookies in interceptions (5). Tied for second among rookies in forced fumbles (3). Ranks fourth among rookies in tackles (60.0)...K JAY TAYLOR ranks fourth in touchbacks (30)...DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON ranks second in special-teams tackles (19.0)...DRAGONS: 3-2 record since Garcia's return...QB AARON GARCIA ranks second in percentage of completions that are touchdowns (20.5)...WR MIKE HORACEK needs six receptions for 800 in career...Defense ranks second in rushing touchdowns (12)...Defense ranks fifth in field goal percentage (43.8)...DL KEVIN CARBERRY tied for third among rookies in sacks (2.0), tackles for loss (4.0)...DL JOHN NIX tied for third among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DB BILLY PARKER tied for first in passes defensed (22)...K CARTER WARLEY second among rookies in touchbacks (21). Ranks third among rookie kickers in scoring (95 points- 80 PATs, 5 FGs)...WR/DB DASHANE DENNIS tied for third in kickoff returns for TDs (3).

PHILADELPHIA SOUL (6-7) AT TAMPA BAY STORM (6-7)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 7:30 P.M. ET

CATCH 47 - LIVE

CSN PHILADELPHIA - NDD, 6/10 AT 1:00 P.M. ET

CSS - LIVE

SOUL: Offense ranks third in third-down comp. pct. (56.8)...Offense ranks fourth in rushing yards per game (24.2)...Offense ranks fifth in scoring (55.5)...QB TONY GRAZIANI ranks fourth in percentage of completions that are touchdowns (18.0). Seven passing touchdowns shy of 450 for career...WR CHARLES PAULEY leads team in receptions (84), yards (1,245) and TDs (24)...FB WES OURS is 5-5 on third-and-one attempts...Defense ranks second in third down comp. pct. (39.1)...Defense ranks third in takeaways (32), sacks (17)...DB EDDIE MOTEN is tied for first in passes defensed (22). Tied for third in interceptions (8)...DL DWAYNE MISSOURI is tied for first in forced fumbles (5). Tied for second in defensive fumble recoveries (4)...DL BRYAN SAVE leads rookies in sacks (4.0). Ranks second in tackles for loss (4.5). Tied for second in forced fumbles among rookies (3)...K TODD FRANCE ranks second in touchbacks (36)...STORM: Tampa Bay can clinch playoff spot with win, New York loss, and Austin loss...Offense is tied for second in rushing touchdowns (26)...QB BRETT DIETZ leads rookies in passer rating (119.0), completion percentage (68.7)...WR/DB TERRILL SHAW tied for fourth in third-down receptions (16)...Defense ranks third in third-down comp. pct. (41.7)...Defense ranks fourth in first downs (20.0), red zone pct. (78.8)...Defense tied for fourth in interceptions (17)...DB JEROID JOHNSON tied for third in interceptions (8)...DL MARK WORD tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3)...DB KHALID NAZIRUDDIN ranks third among rookies in tackles (60.5). Tied for fifth among rookies in interceptions (2)...K SETH MARLER ranks first among rookies in touchbacks (24). Ranks second among rookie kickers in scoring (105 points- 80 PATs, 5 FGs).

GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE (4-9) AT CHICAGO RUSH (9-4)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 8:00 P.M. ET

FSN DETROIT - LIVE

CSN CHICAGO - LIVE

RAMPAGE: QB CHAD SALISBURY leads team passing 212 completions for 2,242 yards, and 49 touchdowns...QB ADRIAN MCPHERSON leads team in total rushing yards (247)...FB CHRIS RYAN is 6-8 on third-and-one attempts...WR CORNELIUS BONNER leads team in total receptions (82), receiving yards (1,206), and TDs (25)...WR/DB CHUCK WESLEY tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3)...OL/DL WINFIELD GARNETT and DL BRYAN HENDERSON tied for team lead in sacks (2.5)...Rampage ranks second in kick return average (20.3)...RUSH: Leads Central Division...Offense ranks third in red zone pct. (86.9)...Offense ranks fifth in rushing touchdowns (24)...QB MATT D'ORAZIO leads quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (11), and attempts (53)...WR BOBBY SIPPIO ranks second in scoring (246 points- 41 TDs). Ranks fourth in yards (1,356)...FB BOB MCMILLEN needs 21 rushing yards to become second player in AFL history to rush for 1,500 yards...Defense holds highest net turnover differential (+20), and takeaways (35)...Defense ranks first in passing touchdowns allowed (4.0)...Defense ranks second in scoring (46.8)...Defense tied for second in interceptions (19)...Defense ranks fifth in total yards per game (280.6)...DB DEJUAN ALFONZO leads AFL in defensive fumble recoveries (5). One shy of setting single-season record. Ranks first in defensive touchdowns (4). One shy of setting single-season record....DB DENNISON ROBINSON tied for fourth in tackles (88.0). Tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3.0)...DB JEREMY UNERTL is tied for fourth in passes defensed (17)...K DAN FRANTZ ranks third in touchbacks (34).

GEORGIA FORCE (11-2) AT AUSTIN WRANGLERS (4-9)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 8:30 P.M. ET

AFL NET

FORCE: Southern Division Champions...Head coach DOUG PLANK can set record for most wins during first three seasons as head coach with win (31)...Offense tied for first in scoring (61.8)...Offense ranks second in total yards (323.4)...Offense ranks second in third-down comp. pct. (56.9)...Offensive-Line tied for second in sacks allowed (4)...Offense ranks fifth in first downs (22.0)...QB CHRIS GREISEN leads League in passer rating (131.7) and comp. pct. (73.9). Ranks second in touchdowns (94). Needs six to become third player in AFL history to throw for 100 in a season. 13 shy of setting single-season record of 107. Ranks fourth in yards (3,958), completions (320)...WR CHRIS JACKSON ranks second in receptions (119) and yards (1,572). Tied for third in scoring (240 points). Tied for fourth in third-down receptions (16), 10 of which have been touchdown receptions...WR TROY BERGERON ranks fifth in yards (1,348)...Defense tied for first in sacks (22)...Defense ranks second in rushing yards per game (13.0)...OL/DL JERMAINE SMITH ranks fifth in sacks (6.5)...FB UMAR MUHAMMAD is tied for fourth in tackles for loss (9.0)...WRANGLERS: Offense leads League in rushing yards per game (32.4)...Offense ranks fourth in rushing touchdowns (25)...QB LANG CAMPBELL leads team with 1,138 passing yards and 20 TDs in four starts...FB OTIS AMEY ranks fourth among rookies in third-down receptions (9), 6 of which were touchdown receptions. Ranks fifth among rookies in rushing yards (47)...WR DERRICK LEWIS is third in receiving yards (1,501). Ranks fourth in receptions (108)...DL ROB SCHROEDER ranks second among rookies in sacks (3.5). Tied for third among rookies in tackles for loss (4.0)...Ranks fourth in kick return average (19.7)...K MARK LEWIS ranks first in scoring in kicking (131 points, 89 PATs, 14 FGs)...WR/DB SEDRICK ROBINSON ranks second in kickoff returns for TDs (4).

NEW ORLEANS VOODOO (4-9) AT DALLAS DESPERADOS (12-1)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 8:30 P.M. ET

CST NEW ORLEANS - LIVE

VOODOO: Offense leads League in first downs (22.7)...QB STEVE BELLISARI ranks fifth in fourth-quarter passer rating (124.7)...WR TYRONNE JONES leads team in receptions (79), yards (882), and touchdowns (26)...FB/LB DAN CURRAN leads team in rushing attempts (27) and yards (60)...Defense ranks third in rushing yards per game (14.1)...Defense ranks fourth in fourth-down comp. pct. (46.2)...DL HENRY TAYLOR is tied for fourth in tackles for loss (9.0)...DB WILLIAM HAITH leads team in interceptions (3). Ranks second on team in tackles (57.5)...Defense leads League in kickoff return average (13.5), and average start of field position after kickoff for defense (7.8)...DESPERADOS: Eastern Division Champions...Offense leads League in third-down comp. pct. (59.1) and red zone pct. (88.8)...Offensive-Line leads League in sacks allowed (2)...Offense is tied for second in first downs (22.3)...Offense ranks fourth in scoring (60.9)...QB CLINT DOLEZEL ranks third in passer-rating (126.1), touchdowns (84). Ranks fourth in comp. pct. (69.5)... WR/DB WILL PETTIS ranks second in all-purpose-yards (2,322)...FB JOSH WHITE ranks second in rushing yards (262)...Defense ranks second in field goal percentage (30.0), fourth-down comp. pct. (43.8)...Defense tied for second in interceptions (19)...Defense ranks third in total yards (277.0)...Defense ranks fourth in third-down comp. pct. (43.2), rushing yards (14.2)...DL COLSTON WEATHERINGTON tied for first in forced fumbles (5). Ranks third in sacks (8.0)...LB DUKE PETTIJOHN tied for second in defensive fumble recoveries (4.0)...DB BOBBY KEYES ranks first among rookies in interceptions (6)...DB JERMAINE JONES ranks third in passes defensed (20).

SAN JOSE SABERCATS (10-3) AT UTAH BLAZE (7-7)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 9:00 P.M. ET

FSN BAY AREA - LIVE

KJZZ SALT LAKE - LIVE

AFL NET

SABERCATS: Western Division Champions...Offense tied for first in fourth-down com. pct. (66.7), scoring (61.8)...Offense is tied for second in first downs (22.3)...Offense ranks fourth in yards per game (316.1)...QB MARK GRIEB ranks first in fourth-quarter passer-rating (129.1). Ranks second in completion percentage (71.1). Ranks third in completions (342), and yards (3,998). Tied for fourth in touchdowns (83). Needs two touchdowns for 600 in career...WR JAMES ROE ranks third in third-down receptions (17)...Defense ranks first in red zone pct. (72.6), third down completion percentage (38.9)...Defense ranks second in first downs (19.2)...Defense ranks third in net turnover differential (+13)...FB/LB PHIL GLOVER and DB CLEVAN THOMAS tied for first in forced fumbles (5)...DL RONALD JONES ranks third in tackles for loss (9.5). Ranks fourth in sacks (7.0)...K A.J. HAGLUND leads rookie kickers in scoring (125 points)...DB TRESTIN GEORGE leads AFL in kickoff-return average (23.6)...BLAZE: Utah can clinch playoff spot with win and Nashville loss...Offense leads League in yards per game (324.6), and touchdowns (121)...Offense ranks third in points per game (61.4)...QB JOE GERMAINE needs only three touchdowns to become third player in AFL history to throw for 100 TDs in a season. Leads AFL in completions (379), yards (4,496), touchdowns (97), and third-down passer rating (123.7). Ranks second in passer rating (126.2). Ranks third in third-down passer rating (112.7)...WR SIAHA BURLEY ranks first in receptions (145), yards (1,893), third-down receptions (23), and scoring (264 points). 10 receptions and 90 yards shy of setting single-season records in both receptions and yards. Can become first player in AFL history to amass 2,000 receiving yards in a season with 107-yard performance...Defense recorded season-high three interceptions against Colorado on Monday...DB CLARENCE LAWSON leads team in tackles (57.0), passes defensed (8) and FF (3)...WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT leads team in interceptions (3)...Defense ranks first in field goal percentage (28.6)...K STEVE VIDETICH ranks first in touchbacks (38). Stands three field goals shy of setting all-time record for made field goals (178).

NASHVILLE KATS (4-9) AT LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS (2-11)

SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 6:00 P.M. ET

FSN SOUTH - LIVE

FSN WEST - LIVE

KATS: Offense ranks first in rushing touchdowns (2.923)...Offense tied for first in fourth-down com. pct. (66.7)...Offense ranks third in rushing yards (26.7)...QB JEFF SMOKER leads rookies in completions (219), yards (2,989), and touchdowns (48)...WR KENNY HIGGINS ranks second among rookies in yards (1,225), and third-down receptions (13). Ranks fourth among rookies in receptions (81)...FB DAN ALEXANDER ranks first in rushing touchdowns (33), attempts (128) and yards (317)...Defense ranks second in total yards per game (271.1)...Defense tied for fourth in interceptions (17)...DB AHMAD HAWKINS leads League in interceptions (12) and individual takeaways (13). Needs two to set single-season records in both categories...DB LIAM EZEKIEL ranks second among rookies in tackles (65.0)...DB KEON RAYMOND is tied for third among rookies in interceptions (3). Tied for fourth among rookies in tackles for loss (4.0). Ranks fifth among rookies in tackles (57.5)...GLADIATORS: FB/LB JOSHUA RUE ranks second among rookies in rushing yards (64)...WR THABITI DAVIS is tied for fifth in receptions (107)...Defense ranks third in first downs (19.7)...Defense ranks fourth in kickoff return average (17.0)...DL KEVIN THOMPSON leads rookies in tackles for loss (5.0). Tied for fifth among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DL KARON RILEY is tied for fifth among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DB RUFUS BROWN is tied for fifth among rookies in forced fumbles (2)...K STEVE AZAR ranks fourth among rookie kickers in scoring (89 pts.- 65 PATs, 8 FGs).

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (7-6) AT ARIZONA RATTLERS (4-10)

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 10:00 P.M. ET

ESPN2 - LIVE

ESPN360.com - LIVE

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 119

ANNOUNCERS: MERRIL HOGE & MARK JONES

AVENGERS: Los Angeles can clinch playoff spot with win and Nashville loss...4-2 all-time at Arizona...Going for only second sweep of Arizona in team's eight-year history...Offense ranks second in red zone pct. (88.7)...QB SONNY CUMBIE ranks first in third-down passer-rating (119.7)...Ranks third in fourth-down comp. pct. (45.8)...Defense ranks fifth in rushing yards (14.7)...Defense tied for fifth in sacks (15)...DL JASON STEWART tied for second in defensive fumble recoveries (4.0)...DB DAMEN WHEELER is tied for fourth in passes defensed (17)...K REMY HAMILTON is tied for third among kickers in scoring (125 points- 83 PATs, 14 FGs). Hamilton stands four field goals shy of setting all-time record for made field goals (178)...WR/DB EDDIE CANONICO ranks first in special teams tackles (20.0)...RATTLERS: Offense is tied for first in fourth-down comp. pct. (66.7)...Offensive tied for second in sacks allowed (4)...Offense ranks third in yards per game (317.0)...Offense ranks fifth in red zone pct. (86.2)...QB SHERDRICK BONNER ranks second in AFL in yards (4,036). Tied for fourth in touchdowns (83). Ranks fourth in third-down passer rating (107.4)...WR TRANDON HARVEY leads all rookies in yards (1,226) and touchdowns (27). Tied for second among rookies in receptions (84)...Tied for fourth in AFL in third-down receptions (16)...FB BO KELLY ranks fourth in rushing yards (216)...Defense leads League in rushing yards allowed per game (10.4), and first downs (18.7)...Defense ranks second in red zone pct. (765.0)...Defense ranks third in rushing touchdowns allowed per game (0.929)...LB GRANT STEEN tied for third among rookies in INTs (3)...DB KEYUO CRAVER tied for second in tackles (94.5). Ranks first among rookies in forced fumbles (4).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 6, 2007


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