Another Solid Week for Six Former Steamwheelers in the AFL

April 26, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Arena Football League played its 12th week of the 2004 season this past weekend, and for six former Quad City Steamwheelers, it was a good one.

New Orleans VooDoo wide receiver/linebacker Ira Gooch made a major impact in the VooDoo's 63-59 nail biting victory over the Austin Wranglers. Gooch caught two passes for 30 yards, both going for scores. Gooch also had three rushing yards on the afternoon.

The quarterback who guided the Steamwheelers to the first ever ArenaCup championship in 2000, Billy Dicken, saw his first action of the season and it will be his last. Dicken came in late in the first half for the Detroit Fury, who were trailing 31-14 midway through the second.

Despite completing 15 of 25 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns, the effort would not be enough as the Fury fell to the Las Vegas Gladiators 60-34. Dicken, who also threw an interception, left the game late in the fourth quarter with a fractured left elbow. He will miss the remainder of the season.

On the opposing side of the ball, Gladiators fullback/linebacker Frank Carter rushed three times for 15 yards and a touchdown and added two tackles and a tackle for a loss in the win. His former and current teammate, wide receiver/defensive back Dennison Robinson had one reception for nine yards and had five tackles and an interception on defense.

In New York, Dragons wide receiver/linebacker Chris Anthony had three catches for 31 yards in a 60-58 loss to the Philadelphia Soul. This was the second game back for Anthony, who missed five weeks of action due to a pulled hamstring.

His teammate, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Tim McGill had 1.5 tackles and a tackle for loss for the Dragons. Be sure to tune into the AFL on NBC every Sunday afternoon, which can be seen locally on KWQC-TV6.

The Steamwheelers will look to avenge last weekend's loss this Saturday night when they welcome the Green Bay Blizzard to town. The Blizzard are 1-2 on the season, but are averaging 53 points a contest. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Good seats are still available and can be purchased through The MARK box office or through TicketMaster at 563-326-1111 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

"Pick 5" season ticket plans are still available. Fans interested in purchasing the package may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.

The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.

About Arena Football League

The Arena Football League, formed in 1986 is the second-longest running football league in the U.S. History and is in its 18th season. It is one the fastest growing sports, and recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues. A network-TV sport, the AFL is currently celebrating its second season on NBC in 2004.

Several players have moved on to the NFL from the af2 including the ‘Wheelers standout defensive rush end in 2003, Asa Francis, who last month signed with the Buffalo Bills to play in NFL Europe this spring.



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