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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Arizona Rattlers game notes

May 9, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Arizona Rattlers at Colorado Crush
Date: Friday, May 12, 2006
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Denver, Colo.
Arena: Pepsi Center (18,093)
Television: FSN Arizona (Tim Neverett, Howard Griffith, Dave Benz) - tape delayed
Radio: ESPN Radio 860 AM - (Kent Derdivanis, Dale Hellestrae) - tape delayed
Live Radio: www.azrattlers.com
Series Record: Rattlers lead 3-2 (1-0 in playoffs)
Last Meeting: Colorado 74, Arizona 69 - February 19, 2005 at America West Arena
Officials: Bill Athan (R), Matt Jordan (U), Tim Podraza (HL), Tom Symonette (LJ), Greg Wilson (BJ)
Head Coaches: Arizona - Gene Nudo (first season, 8-7) Colorado - Mike Dailey (tenth season, 98-63)

2006 RATTLERS: A season that started with three straight defeats has turned into a playoff run, as Arizona clinched a 13th trip to the postseason with their sixth consecutive home win last week against Las Vegas. The 75-28 victory, which was the most lopsided in franchise history, locked up the No. 3 seed for the Rattlers, who saw rival San Jose capture the Western Division crown with a win. This week, Arizona prepares for the defending ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush. Even though the game means little to the Rattlers, who can't move up or down in the playoff race, Colorado needs a victory to clinch home field throughout. Head Coach Gene Nudo, who is on the sidelines this season for the first time since 1995 when he was an assistant, has led a team mixed with youth and veterans. QB Sherdrick Bonner has stayed healthy since returning from a shoulder injury in Week 3, throwing for 3,645 yards and 83 TD's in his last 14 games. WR/LB Randy Gatewood, who is the team's top target, has caught 26 TD's in his last four games and leads the team with 1056 yards receiving. The "Ironman of the Year" candidate also leads the team in interceptions (3) and tackles (61). Other key offensive weapons include WR/LB Cosmo DeMatteo, who has caught 50 passes in his last nine games, but missed last week's game to injury and WR/LB Wilson Thomas, who intercepted two passes last week. OS Damien Groce has eight TD's in his last three starts. Defensively, the team has relied on veteran DS Joe Todd and veteran DS Clarence Lawson, who is second on the team in tackles with 42.

THE SERIES: This will be the sixth overall meeting between the teams and fifth regular season matchup. Arizona took the first two contests in2003 when the teams were Western divisional foes including a 59-48 win in Colorado on May 18. When the Crush moved to the Central division in 2004, the Rattlers dropped a game in Denver, 46-54, but avenged the loss with a 45-41 playoff game at America West Arena on June 13. The most recent meeting was a 74-69 Colorado victory in Phoenix on February 19 last season.

ARIZONA RATTLERS (8-7)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 @ Los Angeles Loss 40-31
Feb. 3 Austin Loss 53-34
Feb. 12 San Jose Loss 55-50
Feb. 18 Utah Win 45-38
Feb. 24 @ Columbus Loss 42-26
Mar. 4 Nashville Win 51-49
Mar. 10 Orlando Win 60-57
Mar. 17 @ Las Vegas Win 47-33
Mar. 24 Los Angeles Win 58-45
April 2 @ San Jose Loss 61-49
April 7 @ Utah Win 64-52
April 15 Chicago Win 61-42
April 23 @ G. Rapids Loss 45-42
April 28 @ Dallas Loss 54-46
May 5 Las Vegas Win 75-28
May 12 @ Colorado 6:00 FSAZ(delay)

COLORADO CRUSH (10-4)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 Chicago Win 65-56
Feb. 5 @ Georgia Win 61-59
Feb. 12 Las Vegas Win 65-55
Feb. 18 @ Nashville Loss 58-36
Feb. 26 @ Philadelphia Win 48-38
Mar. 5 Grand Rapids Win 66-54
Mar. 10 @ Chicago Win 49-42
Mar. 19 @ Los Angeles Loss 60-57
Mar. 25 Columbus Loss 65-21
Apr. 1 Nashville Win 77-47
Apr. 8 @ Grand Rapids Win 73-48
Apr. 16 @ Kansas City Win 55-49
Apr. 21 Utah Loss 52-40
Apr. 28 Orlando Win 75-54
May 6 @ San Jose Loss 61-56
May 12 Arizona 7:30 FSRM(delay)


RATTLER HEAD COACH: Gene Nudo enters his first season as head coach to become the third head coach in franchise history. Nudo joined the Rattlers coaching staff in 1995 as an assistant head coach before becoming a part of the team's front office in 1996. A true pioneer in the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986) as well as its "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). He would later serve as the Director of Player Personnel and assistant coach for the Chicago Bruisers (1987-88), helping guide them to a berth in ArenaBowl II.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Rattler head coach Gene Nudo on last week's win against Las Vegas: "We came out with a lot more energy being at home for the first time in a couple of weeks. We understood what was at stake and our guys really rose to the occasion. I was excited about they way that they played. It was good to see them come together and click after all of the travel that we experienced during the last couple of weeks. It was good to come out and give that type of performance in front of our crowd."

Nudo on Colorado: "Well, they are the defending champion and the team to beat, so they are obviously a tough team. They have one of the best quarterback/wide receiver tandems in the league in Dutton and Harrell. Their front line is physical. Their defensive backfield has been good all year and they have one of the best kickers in the game. This will be a real challenge."

Nudo on being locked into the No. 3 seed: "Obviously win or lose, our playoff standing does not change, but that does not mean we are not going to play to win. We are all competitors and would like nothing more than to go into the postseason on a high note. With a 20-man roster it is hard to say that you are not going to use all of your guys. We are looking for a win."

ARIZONA RATTLERS
2005 Results (7-9)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 28 @ G. Rapids Win 58-38
Feb. 3 Orlando Loss 51-40
Feb.12 @ Georgia Loss 61-47
Feb. 19 Colorado Loss 74-69
Feb. 27 @ New York Loss 61-37
Mar. 6 Los Angeles Loss 33-29
Mar. 13 @ Tampa Bay Loss 59-56
Mar. 19 Las Vegas Loss 66-63
Mar. 26 @ Nashville Win 48-35
April 3 @ San Jose Loss 48-27
April 8 Columbus Win 70-53
April 22 Austin Win 52-26
April 30 @ Los Angeles Loss 59-56
May 6 Chicago Win 61-43
May 14 San Jose Win 54-44
May 22 @ Las Vegas Win 49-42

NEXT GAME: The Rattlers will return home, where they have won six straight, to host a playoff game against the No. 6 seed in the American Conference. Arizona will be the No. 3 seed in the conference. The contest is set to kick off at 2:00 p.m. (PST) and can be seen on OLN.

THE "IF" SECTION
If the Rattlers defeat Colorado it would:
- end a two-game road losing streak
- be their ninth victory in their last 13 games
- be their 15th win in their last 23 games
- give them a 6-3 record on Friday
- give them a winning regular season record for the 13th time in franchise history

Rattlers Coaching HistorySeason - Head Coach Record
1992-2004 Danny White 122-57 (playoffs 20-10)
2005 Todd Shell 7-9
2006 Gene Nudo 8-7

DIVISION ADDITION: The league's Western division took new shape this year with the addition of the expansion Utah Blaze. The Blaze are coached by former Rattler head coach Danny White, who is the team's head coach, while former Rattler WR/LB Hunkie Cooper is an assistant.

SECOND HALF SURGE: The Rattlers have hardly been known for breaking out of the gates quickly in recent years. In their last four seasons, Arizona has a combined 12-20 record during the first half of the season, but the team boasts a 24-7 record during the second half of the season, making championship runs in 2003 and 2004.

Record Year- Season Result 1st Half 2nd Half Final record
2003 lost ArenaBowl XVII 4-4 6-2 13-7
2004 lost ArenaBowl XVIII 3-5 8-0 13-6
2005 missed playoffs 1-7 6-2 7-9
2006 ???? 4-4 4-3 ???

25 PERCENT OF THE TOP 20: The league's historical committee announced the top 20 players in AFL history on January 18, 2006. A total of five players with Rattler ties made the list, including current Rattler QB Sherdrick Bonner and WR/DB Randy Gatewood. Former Rattlers included WR/LB Hunkie Cooper, QB Aaron Garcia, and FB/LB Bob McMillen.

Top 20 Players of All-time
1. Eddie Brown - Albany, Indiana
2. Barry Wagner - Orlando, San Jose
3. George LaFrance - Detroit, Tampa Bay, New Jersey
4. Jay Gruden - Tampa Bay, Orlando
5. Hunkie Cooper - Arizona
6. James Baron - Chicago, Nashville
7. Sylvester Bembery - New England, Albany, Tampa
8. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona
9. Stevie Thomas - Tampa Bay, Orlando, New Jersey
10. Dwayne Dixon - Washington, Detroit
11. Aaron Garcia - Arizona, Iowa, New York
12. Kurt Warner - Iowa
13 Sam Hernandez - Las Vegas, Anaheim, San Jose
14. Cory Fleming - Carolina, Orlando, Nashville
14. Greg Hopkins - Albany, Indiana, Los Angeles
16. Alvin Rettig - Detroit
17. Randy Gatewood - Arizona
17. Gary Mullen - Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati
19. John Corker - Detroit, Miami
20. Bob McMillen - Arizona, San Jose, Chicago
13 = 8 = GREAT: Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is one of the league's best all-time field generals, as he was honored as eighth-greatest on the league's top 20 of all-time. In addition to owning every Rattler passing record, he is steadily working his way up the league charts. Currently, Bonner ranks in the top four in four different all-time passing stats with 36,722 passing yards (No. 3 on the AFL career chart), 743 touchdowns (No. 4), 4,741 pass attempts (No. 3), and 2,898 completions (No. 3). Bonner has also won more games than any other quarterback in AFL history with 102 regular season victories and 17 playoff wins.

Career Passing Yards
1. Andy Kelly - Utah Blaze 39,642
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 37,152
3. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 36,722
4. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 36,102

Career Touchdowns
1. Andy Kelly - Utah Blaze 763
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 759
3. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 757
4. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 743

Career Attempts
1. Andy Kelly - Utah Blaze 5,789
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 4,794
3. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 4,741
4. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 4,468

Career Completions
1. Andy Kelly - Utah Blaze 3,571
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 3,117
3. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 2,898
4. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 2,833

SCORING MACHINE: WR/DB Randy Gatewood scored a touchdown in 13 of his 16 games last season. He has scored touchdowns in 13 of 15 games this season and has a total of 202 touchdowns in his career as a Rattler.

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Colorado DS Rashad Floyd: Floyd is the league's leading tackler (126) and second in the AFL in interceptions (10). The "Defensive Player of the Year" candidate also has 13 pass breakups and has earned "Defensive Player of the Game" honors three times in the past five weeks. Expect the defensive specialist to give the Rattlers' receivers problems getting open, particularly on deep situations. Floyd, who is just one interception behind the league leaders, would like nothing more than to take the top spot in the regular season's final week.

Arizona OL/DL Jeff Ruffin: Ruffin, who joined the Rattlers in Week 13, has been seeing more playing time each week. The Rattler offense has benefited from good protection from the front line and the pressure applied upfront in last week led to three interceptions. As Ruffin sees the field more, he should have an opportunity to become an impact player, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With two games under his belt this season, expect Ruffin to apply pressure to Crush quarterback John Dutton and have another productive game.
LAST GAME:
RATTLERS CLINCH PLAYOFFS IN RECORD-SETTING WIN OVER LAS VEGAS, 75-28

Phoenix, Ariz. (May 5, 2006) - The Arizona Rattlers (8-7) registered their largest victory in franchise history by scoring a franchise-record 47 points in the first half to clinch their 13th playoff berth in their 15-year history with a 75-28 win over the Las Vegas Gladiators (5-10) in front of 10,687 at US Airways Center.

The 47-point margin of victory set a new franchise high for largest-ever win, surpassing a 69-26 playoff victory over Las Vegas on May 25, 2003. It was also their sixth-straight at home which assured Arizona a first-round home playoff game since they can finish no lower than a four-seed in the conference.

Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, who finished the game 11-of-13 for 187 yards and seven touchdowns, earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors.

"It was just awesome to get in on this note," said Bonner. "We were just really crisp tonight, in every aspect of the game."

Three of his touchdowns were to wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood, who was named the game's "Ironman", while three other scores were caught by offensive specialist Damien Groce, who was back in the lineup after a one-week absence.

Bonner opened the record-setting first half completing his first six passes including three touchdowns. He went into halftime 9-of-11 for 158 yards and five touchdowns.

"Sherdrick was really sharp tonight," said head coach Gene Nudo. "With the two-game losing skid, he put a whole lot on the backburner and played well."

The Rattlers scored touchdowns on each of their first nine possessions to jump out to a 61-14 lead with help from the Arizona defense, who recorded three stops in the first half and two more to start the second half.

Arizona took a 47-14 lead into the half after wide receiver/linebacker Wilson Thomas ended the second quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a score as time expired.

"That gave us the momentum we needed going into the half," said Thomas. "We didn't relax in the second half, so that helped us out."

Thomas, who would intercept another pass in the third quarter, was named "Defensive Player of the Game". He also had four catches for 44 yards on offense.

Las Vegas seemed to record their first stop of the game when Gladiator fullback/linebacker Matt Kinsinger scooped up a Bo Kelly fumble just over a minute into the fourth quarter, but after the recovery, Kinsinger got hit and coughed up the ball at the Las Vegas five-yard line. The loose ball was recovered by Gatewood, who ran it in for the score to give the Rattlers a 68-21 advantage.

Gatewood added a fifth score after catching his fourth touchdown, this time from Travis Cole to cap Arizona's scoring onslaught.

Cole played all of the fourth quarter completing 4-of-6 passes for 52 yards and one touchdown.

"It was an all-around team victory," said Gatewood. "We've got to keep this thing going."

Fullback/linebackers Bo Kelly and Asi Faoa added rushing touchdowns, while Groce led all Arizona receivers with five catches for 111 yards.

LAS VEGAS (5-10) 7 7 7 7 -- 28
ARIZONA (8-7) 21 26 14 14 -- 75


QUEST FOR 100: Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner became the first QB in AFL history to win 100 games when he led the Rattlers to a 64-52 victory over the Utah Blaze on April 7, 2006.

GETTING PASS DEFENSIVE: The Rattlers are the league's top passing defensive team, allowing just 3825 passing yards and have held opposing quarterbacks to a 95.2 passer rating.

Passing Defense Opp. Yds pass rat.
1. Arizona Rattlers 3825 95.2
Columbus Destroyers 4000 95.2
3. Dallas Desperados 4223 97.0
4. Philadelphia Soul 4036 100.8

SNAKES STACK STOPS: Arizona has been one of the league's stingiest teams when it comes to giving up touchdowns. Opponents have found the endzone on just 55.15 percent of their possessions.

Defense Touchdown %Rank Team Opp Poss. TD's TD %
1. Columbus Destroyers 176 88 50.00
2. Dallas Desperados 177 92 51.98
3. Philadelphia Soul 183 98 53.55
4. Arizona Rattlers 177 95 53.67

NFL RATTLERS: Twelve Rattlers have spent time on NFL rosters - OL/DL Vince Amey (1998 Oakland), OL/DL Sebastian Barrie (1992 Green Bay, 1994 San Francisco and Arizona), QB Sherdrick Bonner (1998 Atlanta), DS Wendell Davis (1996-99 Dallas, 1999 Washington), WR/DB Curtis Fagan (2005 Tampa Bay), OL/DL Wendall Gaines (1993-96 Arizona, 1997 Kansas City, 1998-99 Philadelphia), WR/DB Randy Gatewood (1995 Miami), OL/DL Kelvin Ingram (1995-96 New Orleans, 1996-97 Seattle), WR/DB Jeremiah Pope (2004 Philadelphia), WR/DB Wilson Thomas (2003 Kansas City, 2004 Green Bay Packers), OL/DL Mark Tucker (1991 Atlanta, 1992 Indianapolis, 1993-94 Arizona, 1995 Jacksonville), and WR/DB Talib Wise (2005 Chicago). Three Ratters -- Amey (7th round), Davis (6th round), and Tucker (7th round) -- were NFL Draft picks. Davis is the most experienced, having played in 34 NFL games.

ARIZONA CONNECTIONS: The Rattlers have three players with local connections: OL/DL Vince Amey (Arizona State alum). Two Rattlers - OL/DL Wendall Gaines and OL/DL Mark Tucker - played for the Arizona Cardinals.

CATCH RATTLE AND ROLL: The Rattlers lead the league in yards per catch, averaging over 13 yards per reception.

Passing Yards per catchRank Team Comp Yards Avg.
1. Arizona Rattlers 300 4033 13.4
2. Nashville Kats 280 3595 12.8
3. Dallas Desperados 357 4435 12.4
4. Orlando Predators 315 3839 12.2

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
5/4 Activated from IR OL/DL Anthony Hutch
Placed on IR OS Curtis Fagan
5/3 Re-signed WR/DB Jeremiah Pope
4/27 Activated from IR WR/DB Jeremiah PopeDS Joe Todd
Placed on IR DS Erin DamondOL/DL Zach Rupp
Signed from practice squad OL/DL Jeff Ruffin
4/26 Waived WR/DB Johnny Marshall
4/14 Activated from IR WR/DB Corey Johnson
Signed from practice sqad WR/DB Johnny Marshall
Placed on IR WR/DB Jeremiah Pope
4/13 Waived DS Art Smith
4/6 Activated from IR DS Clarence Lawson
Placed on IR DS Joe Todd
4/5 Signed FB/LB Joey Dozier
Placed on IR FB/LB Frank Trentadue
Signed to practice squad OL/DL Jeff Ruffin
4/4 Waived OL/DL Ricky Gaspar
4/1 Activated from IR OS Damien GroceWR/DB Jeremiah PopeWR/DB Wilson Thomas
Placed on IR OL/DL Anthony HutchOS Darrell JonesWR/DB Talib Wise
3/23 Activated from IR OL/DL Wendall Gaines
Signed to practice squad QB Dennis Gile
3/22 Waived QB Dennis Gile

THE RATTLERS ARE ...
- 6-2 at US Airways Center
- 2-5 on the road
- 6-0 when they score more than 50 points
- 4-0 when they score 60 or more points
- 8-6 when they allow less than 60 points
- 6-3 when they allow less than 50 points
- 3-0 when they allow less than 40 points
- 5-2 when they score first
- 4-0 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 1-4 when they commit more turnovers
- 7-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 0-1 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
- 7-4 when Sherdrick Bonner throws five or more TDs
- 4-2 when Damien Groce scores two or more TDs
- 3-0 when Damien Groce catches seven or more passes
- 0-1 when Bo Kelly scores two or more TDs
- 2-4 when they commit fewer penalties
- 5-2 when they record at least one sack
- 1-5 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
- 1-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
- 2-1 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 5-1 when leading at halftime
- 1-7 when trailing at halftime

LAST MEETING WITH COLORADO
CRUSH OUTLASTS RATTLERS, 74-69

Phoenix, Ariz. (March 17, 2006) - John Dutton tossed five touchdown passes, and the Crush defense added two more scores to lead the Colorado Crush to a 74-69 victory over the Rattlers at America West Arena. Joe Germaine, making his third start in place of the injured Sherdrick Bonner, threw eight touchdown tosses, but had three costly turnovers in the loss.

The Crush offense struggled on their opening possession, as the Rattler defense held them to a Clay Rush 50-yard field goal. Arizona answered that with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Germaine to Siaha Burley and an early 7-3 lead. After trading touchdown passes, Ahmad Hawkins returned a kickoff 53 yards for the touchdown, putting the Crush up 24-14. It was the third kickoff return touchdown given up by the Rattlers this season. Things went from bad to worse for Arizona after that, as Germaine fumbled at his own goal line. Former Rattler John Peaua recovered it in the end zone for the score and a 30-14 lead. The Rattlers hung tough, as Randy Gatewood caught a 16-yard touchdown to pull the Rattlers to within nine. But after a Damian Harrell TD reception, the Crush defense struck again. They forced another Germaine fumble, this one recovered by Andy McCullough for the score.

It looked like a blowout in the making at the intermission, as Colorado held a 50-35 edge. But the Rattlers came out firing in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points, including Randy Gatewood's fumble recovery in the end zone on a kickoff. Damian Harrell ended the Rattler run, catching one of his three touchdown passes. The teams would trade off scoring touchdowns, until Germaine was intercepted by Ahmad Hawkins with the Crush clinging to a 64-62 lead with 2:20 remaining.

Colorado took a 74-69 lead on Clay Rush's 29 yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining, but the Rattlers had one more chance. Germaine heaved a pass off the nets as time expired, but the ball fell incomplete, giving Colorado the 74-69 win. Despite blowing a 15 point halftime lead, the Crush improve to 2-2, while Arizona drops to 1-3 for the first time in team history.

Dutton finished 23-40 for 241 yards and five scores. Damian Harrell caught nine balls for 144 yards and three touchdowns. Germaine was 28-40 for 319 yards and a career high eight TDs. Each quarterback was picked off once. Siaha Burley ended with eight catches for 108 yards and three scores. Arizona was penalized 15 times, for 83 yards, while Colorado was flagged 12 times for 67 yards.

COLORADO (2-2) 17 33 0 24 -- 47
ARIZONA (1-3) 14 21 14 20 -- 33

ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 9 6 0 .600 830 802
Arizona 8 7 0 .533 739 697
Utah 6 9 0 .400 816 850
Las Vegas 5 10 0 .333 742 851
Los Angeles 4 11 0 .266 765 879

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 10 5 0 .666 844 798
Nashville 7 8 0 .466 752 749
Chicago 6 9 0 .400 755 787
Grand Rapids 5 10 0 .333 675 805

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 12 2 0 .857 799 621
New York 9 5 0 .642 763 770
Philadelphia 7 7 0 .500 669 658
Columbus 7 7 0 .500 626 601

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Orlando 10 5 0 .666 773 693
Austin 9 6 0 .600 749 714
Georgia 8 7 0 .533 814 678
Tampa Bay 7 8 0 .466 760 796
Kansas City 3 12 0 .200 650 787

PLAYOFF PICTURE:

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
1. *Dallas (12-3)
2. x-Orlando (10-5)
3. y-New York (10-5)
4. y-Austin (9-6)
5. Georgia (8-7) - win head-to-head vs. CBS & PHI
6. Columbus (8-7) - win head-to-head vs. PHI
Philadelphia (8-7)
Tampa Bay (7-8)
Kansas City (3-12)

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
1. x-Colorado (10-5)
2. x-San Jose (9-6)
3. y-Arizona (8-7)
4. y-Nashville (7-8)
6. Chicago (6-9) - win head-to-head vs. UTH
5. Utah (6-9)
Las Vegas (5-10) - win head-to-head vs. GRA
Grand Rapids (5-10)
Los Angeles (4-11)

*- clinched home field y- clinched playoff berth
x- clinched division

INDIVIDUAL GAME-BY-GAME AWARDS

"OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's offensive success in the game, win or lose.

W Opp. Offensive Player of the Game
1 @ Los Angeles K Remy Hamilton (L.A.)4-for-4 on FG's, 3-of-3 on XP's, 15 pts
2 Austin QB John Fitzgerald (AUS)16-of-29, 122 yds, 2TD's, 1 rush TD
3 San Jose WR/LB Calvin Schexnayder (S.J.)9 catches, 147 yards, 2TD's
4 Utah OS Damien Groce (ARI)11 catches, 194 yards, 4TD's
5 @ Columbus OS Damien Groce (ARI)5 catches, 84 yards, 3TD's
6 Nashville OS T.T. Toliver (NAS)8 catches, 132 yards, 4TD's
7 Orlando WR/DB Darrell Jones (ARI)9 returns, 203 yards, 2 TD KO returns
8 @ Las Vegas WR/DB Darrell Jones (ARI)8 catches, 144 yards, 3TD's
9 Los Angeles QB Sherdrick Bonner (ARI)16-of-29, 236 yards, 7 TD's
10 @ San Jose WR/LB Ben Nelson (S.J.)11 catches, 203 yards, 5 TD's
11 @ Utah WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)12 catches, 149 yards, 7 TD's
12 Chicago QB Sherdrick Bonner (ARI)19-of-25, 195 yards, 7 TD's
13 @ Grand Rapids QB Chad Salisbury (G.R.)22-of-45, 266, 5 TD's
14 @ Dallas WR/DB Terrill Shaw (DAL)8 catches, 101 yards, 1 touchdown
15 Las Vegas QB Sherdrick Bonner (ARI)11-of-13, 187 yards, 7 touchdowns

"U.S. ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the two-way player who best demonstrated the ideals of the AFL's style of ironman football

W Opp. Ironman of the Game
1 @ Los Angeles WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)7 catches, 126 yards, 1TD, 1 INT
2 Austin FB/LB Dane Krager (AUS)9 rushes, 22 yds, 3TD's, 2 tackles
3 San Jose WR/DB Charles Pauly (S.J.)3 catches, 78 yds, 1TD, 1INT
4 Utah WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)3 catches, 32 yds, 1TD, 3 tckls, 1PB
5 @ Columbus FB/LB Leroy Thompson (CBS)10 carries, 28 yds, 1TD, 1tackle, 1PB
6 Nashville WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)8 catches, 88 yds, 2 TD's, 2 INT's
7 Orlando WR/DB Cosmo DeMatteo (ARI)7 catches, 70 yards, 1TD, 3.5 tackles
8 @ Las Vegas WR/DB Talib Wise (ARI)6 catches, 39 yards, 3 tackles
9 Los Angeles WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)7 catches, 112 yds, 5 TD's, 3.5 tackles
10 @ San Jose WR/DB James Roe (S.J.)10 catches, 111 yds, 4 TD's, 1.5 tack
11 @ Utah WR/LB Wilson Thomas (ARI)2 catches, 47 yds, net recovery TD, FR
12 Chicago WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)7 catches, 80 yards, 4 TD's, 6 tackles
13 @ Grand Rapids WR/DB Josh Bush (G.R.)4 catches, 74 yds, 2 TD's, 67 KOR yds
14 @ Dallas WR/DB Will Pettis (DAL)8 catches, 117 yards, 3 TD's, 3 tackles
15 Las Vegas WR/DB Randy Gatewood (ARI)5 catches, 68 yds, 4 TD's, FR TD, 3tkls

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the
most valuable to his team's defensive success in the game, win or lose.

W Opp. Defensive Player of the Game
1 @ Los Angeles WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)2 tackles, 1 interception
2 Austin DS Damon Mason (AUS)4 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 3 INT's
3 San Jose DS Clevan Thomas (S.J.)9 tackles, 1 forced fum., 1 breakup
4 Utah DS Joe Todd (ARI)7 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 INT
5 @ Columbus DS Jerald Brown (CBS)1 tackle, 2 INT's, 1 pass breakup
6 Nashville DS Monty Montgomery (NAS)7.5 tackles, 2 INT's, 1 pass breakup
7 Orlando DS Jeroid Johnson (ORL)2 INT returns for TD's, 4 tackles
8 @ Las Vegas DS Erin Damond (ARI)7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
9 Los Angeles DS Joe Todd (ARI)6.5 tackles, 7 pass breakups
10 @ San Jose DS Joe Todd (ARI)8 tackles, 2 pass breakups
11 @ Utah DS Clarence Lawson (ARI)2 tackles, fumble recovery, 1 INT
12 Chicago DS Erin Damond (ARI)8 tackles, MFG return for a TD
13 @ Grand Rapids DS Johnnie Harris (G.R.)4.5 tackles, 1 INT, 1 pass breakup
14 @ Dallas DS Jermaine Jones (DAL)3 tackles, 1 INT, 1 pass breakup
15 Las Vegas WR/LB Wilson Thomas (ARI)2 INT's, FF, 2.5 tackles



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 9, 2006


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