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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL wild card must-see matchups

May 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


GEORGIA WR/LB DEREK LEE VS. NEW YORK WR/DB MIKE HORACEK

Two of the League's All-Ironman Team selections will clash in New York this weekend, when WR/LB DEREK LEE (6-5, 215, Tennessee Tech) and the Georgia Force (8-8) take on WR/DB MIKE HORACEK (6-2, 200, Iowa State) and the New York Dragons (10-6) this Sunday at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

Lee finished the season ranked sixth in the AFL in receiving yards (1,427) while hauling in 26 touchdowns. He added 15.5 tackles and three interceptions on defense, including one returned for a touchdown. Both Lee and OS CHRIS JACKSON (6-2, 220, Washington State) are the primary targets of QB MATT NAGY (6-2, 220, Delaware), who finished the season ranked fourth in touchdown passes (86) and fifth in passing yards (4,265), becoming the Force 's all-time passing leader. Jackson ended the season ranked fifth in the AFL in receiving yards (1,438) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (36).

Horacek has posted impressive numbers in the passing attack for the Dragons this season, finishing the regular season ranked third in the AFL in receiving yards (1,663) and sixth in touchdowns (35). He has added 28.5 tackles and one interception on defense, as well as one rushing touchdown. Horacek is complimented by OS KEVIN SWAYNE (6-2, 185, Wayne State - Nebraska), who has caught 94 passes for 1,105 yards and 27 touchdowns. The emergence of QB NICK BROWDER (6-1, 210, Valparaiso) has been essential to the success of the Dragons this season. Since taking over the starting reigns in Week 7, he has led the Dragons to a 6-3 record, including a 47-35 win in Week 15 vs. Georgia, preserving New York's undefeated series record (4-0).

CHICAGO QB MATT D'ORAZIO vs. NASHVILLE QB CLINT STOERNER

QB MATT D'ORAZIO (6-4, 215, Otterbein) leads the Chicago Rush (7-9) against QB CLINT STOERNER (6-2, 210, Arkansas) and the Nashville Kats (8-8) this Sunday at the Gaylord Entertainment Center at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

D'Orazio excelled during the regular season, passing for 3,546 yards, 63 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He was just as much of a threat on the ground as through the air, ending the season with 162 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. WR/DB BOBBY SIPPIO (6-3, 215, Western Kentucky) joined the Rush in Week 12 and has been a solid addition to their receiving corps. In just four weeks, he has recorded 38 catches for 654 yards and 17 touchdowns. DS JEREMY UNERTL (6-1, 210, Wisconsin - La Crosse) was traded to Chicago in Week 3 from Columbus and has provided a defensive spark. He led the Rush in tackles (77.0) and interceptions (nine) this season.

Stoerner finished the season passing for 3,134 yards and 54 touchdowns. He has recorded the two best career games versus the Chicago Rush defense, including a 368-passing yard performance in Week 3. WR/DB T.T. TOLIVER (5-11, 185, Bethune-Cookman) has been Stoerner's go-to-guy this season, hauling in 78 catches for 1,273 yards and 28 touchdowns. The two teams split the regular season series (1-1), with each team winning by one point. Both games were decided on the final play of the game.

PHILADELPHIA DS EDDIE MOTEN VS. AUSTIN DS DAMON MASON

It's a defensive-minded affair when DS EDDIE MOTEN (5-10, 185, Texas A&M Kingsville) and the Philadelphia Soul (9-7) meet DS DAMON MASON (5-9, 195, Louisiana-Lafayette) and the Austin Wranglers (10-6) in the first-ever playoff appearance for either team this Sunday at Frank Erwin Center at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

Moten brings an ability to get the ball carrier (104.0 tackles) and a nose for the ball (13 interceptions), to the match up this week. OL/DL ERNEST ALLEN (6-4, 305, Cincinnati), OL/DL E.J. BURT (6-2, 275, Liberty State), and OL/DL DWAYNE MISSOURI (6-5, 280, Northwestern) form one of the most feared lines in the playoffs, as well as one of the best-blocking units. QB TONY GRAZIANI (6-3, 210, Oregon) will take advantage of the protection and look to attack the Austin defense (299.2 YPG - 18th) through the air.

Mason became the first player in AFL history to record more than 800.0 tackles in his career (822.0). His 94.5 tackles this season ranks fifth in the League and he also added eight interceptions. QB JOHN FITZGERALD (6-4, 230, Tulsa) has energized the Wranglers offense, throwing for 3,694 yards and 59 touchdowns. FB/LB DAN KRAGER (6-3, 250, Angelo State) led the League in rushing yards this season (197) and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns (12). He looks to continue his rushing attack against the Soul. The teams met earlier this season in Philadelphia with the Wranglers beating the Soul, 43-38.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 18, 2006


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