AFL's Must-See Matchups
March 20, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
GEORGIA WR/LB DARRYL HAMMOND VS. ORLANDO WR/LB CORY FLEMING
This Sunday's Southern Division face-off between Georgia and Orlando at TD Waterhouse Centre on NBC at noon (ET) pits a premier pair of AFL veterans â and former teammates â against each other. Georgia FB/LB DARRYL HAMMOND, the oldest active non-kicker in the AFL today (36), spent five seasons on the Nashville roster with Orlando WR/LB CORY FLEMING (1997-2001), which included back-to-back ArenaBowl appearances.
In his record-setting 13th season, Hammond (6-3, 220, Virginia) leads Georgia in scoring (56 points) and is the Force's No. 2 receiver (408 yards). The former Cavalier directs the Force's League-leading defense, hounding opposing offenses and recording 14.0 tackles. Hammond's teams are 11-5 in his career against Orlando.
Fleming (6-2, 218, Tennessee) remains on pace for a 1,000-plus receiving yards season, which would mark the fourth in his AFL career and his first since 1999. With high-flying end zone catches and punishing hits, Fleming has wowed AFL audiences all season and ranks No. 2 on the Predators roster with 524 receiving yards (12 touchdowns).
ARIZONA WR/LB HUNKIE COOPER vs. SAN JOSE WR/LB BARRY WAGNER
Two future Arena Football Hall of Famers,who share eight of the 16 all-time Ironman of the Year awards between them, go head-to-head in one of the AFL's best rivalries. Arizona Rattlers WR/LB HUNKIE COOPER (5-9, 185, UNLV), who has won two Ironman awards, continues to show why he is one of League's all-time greats. The former Running Rebel returned a JOHN DUTTON interception 20 yards for a touchdown in last week's win. It marked the seventh time (No. 2 all-time, GREG HOPKINS has eight) Cooper has recorded a touchdown in that fashion in his career.
The career resume of six-time Ironman of the Year BARRY WAGNER (6-4, 218, Alabama A&M) speaks for itself. Wagner leads or is near the top of the all-time lists in scoring (2,196), receiving yards (12,043), rushing touchdowns (92), tackles (575) and interceptions (40). Wagner holds a 12-7 advantage when his team plays Arizona. This Ironman showdown takes place at the HP Pavilion on NBC this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
NEW YORK OS MIKE FURREY vs. CHICAGO OS ANTONIO CHATMAN
This might be one of the best "Can-You-Top-This?" showdowns in 2003. New York's Furrey (5-11, 185, Northern Iowa) currently leads the AFL in receptions (56), receiving yards (989), scoring (156) and touchdowns (25).
Chicago's Chatman (5-9, 185, Cincinnati) is one of the premier offensive and return specialists in the AFL. The former Bearcat ranks among the League leaders in all-purpose yards (1,468), kickoff return average (24.2), return touchdowns (2) and receptions (53). Both players possess great hands, route-running skills and have competitive natures. But both know that the bottom line is the final score. The two will take center stage on NBC at noon ET this Sunday from Allstate Arena.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 20, 2003
- AFL's Must-See Matchups - AFL I
- Rampage's Next Home Game Officially Sold Out, WXSP to Televise Locally - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Firebirds' Bech out for Season - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- AFL Quick Hitters - AFL I
- Rampage Sign Veteran Mark Ricks - Grand Rapids Rampage
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