Sports stats



AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL week 17 must-see matchups

May 19, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW ORLEANS QB ANDY KELLY vs. ORLANDO DEFENSE

The New Orleans VooDoo and Orlando Predators will both be in control of their postseason destiny in a heated "win-and-in" scenario this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The Predators can clinch a playoff spot with a win or a loss by Tampa Bay, while the VooDoo must win to make the playoffs.

Leading the postseason push for the VooDoo is Week 16 Offensive Player of the Week QB ANDY KELLY (6-3, 220, Tennessee). The former Volunteer is the AFL all-time leader in completions (3,326), attempts (5,315) and passing yards (36,498). Kelly, currently the League leader in completions (443), attempts (662) and touchdowns (93), is one of only two quarterbacks in professional football history to throw 700-or-more touchdown passes (713).

The VooDoo will have their work cut out for them against a very tough Orlando defense (47.7 PPG, 275.1 YPG), led by DS KENNY MC ENTYRE (5-11, 186, Kansas State) and OL/DL E.J. BURT (6-2, 265, West Liberty). McEntyre, a three-time ADT Defensive Player of the Year, is the AFL all-time leader in interceptions (61) and interception returns for touchdowns (11).

Over the last three seasons, Burt, a 2003 All-Rookie selection, has racked up 24.0 sacks, ranking him No. 2 in the League behind Chicago OL/DL JOHN MOYER (25.0). Burt ranks No. 4 this season in sacks (8.0) and is tied for No. 3 in combined tackles for loss (10.0).

CHICAGO QB RAYMOND PHILYAW AND WR/LB ETU MOLDEN VS. NASHVILLE DEFENSE

To clinch the a playoff spot this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, the Chicago Rush duo of QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (6-1, 200 Northeast Louisiana) and WR/LB ETU MOLDEN (6-2, 195 Montana) must find a solution to the No. 1-ranked scoring defense of the red-hot Nashville Kats. The Rush can secure a playoff spot with a win or a loss by either San Jose or Las Vegas. Although eliminated from the playoff race, the Kats have played the role of playoff spoiler lately, winning five of their last seven games and defeating playoff hopefuls Tampa Bay and San Jose as well as the Western Division champion Los Angeles Avengers.

Philyaw looks to lead the push to the postseason for the Rush with the help of his favorite target, Etu Molden. Philyaw, one of the most accurate arms in the AFL , ranks No. 2 in the League in completion percentage (68.1) and No. 7 in QB rating (115.0). Molden, a 2004 All-Rookie performer, is tied for No. 10 in the League in scoring (174).

Overall, Nashville leads the AFL in defensive scoring, holding opponents to an average of 44.7 points per game. The Kats also rank No. 5 in total yards allowed with an average of 272.1 yards per game. WR/DB KAHLIL CARTER (6-1, 191, Southern Arkansas) leads the team and is tied for No. 2 in the League in interceptions (7). DS DERON JENKINS (5-11, 192, Tennessee) ranks No. 8 in the League in tackles with 81.0 (74 solo).

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 19, 2005


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central