Sports stats

BattleWings add seven to 2008 roster

February 11, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA (February 11,2008)- The Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings recently added seven players to their 2008 roster, pushing the roster total to thirty. Included in the group is former All-American DeJuan Skinner who had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006. The 6'6, 335 pound Starkville, Mississippi native was the anchor for an offensive line at West Texas A&M that allowed only twenty-one sacks in two seasons and paved the way for the #1 passing offense in NCAA II in 2005. Shane O'Neal, another lineman with NFL experience, will help solidify the defensive line for the BattleWings as he did for Henderson State during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The 6'4, 310 pound behemoth registered 92 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal in two seasons for the Reddies before spending time with the New York Jets in the 2007 season.

"We're adding some big men," said BattleWings second year head coach Jon Norris. "Last year's defense really set the bar high and I believe we've got the makings of another great unit on the defensive side of the ball."

The BattleWings have also been recently assigned three Wide Receivers/Defensive Backs: Dustin Johnson, Lee Thomas, and Moses Harris. Johnson, entering his second season in af2, played with BattleWing newcomer Steve Panella last year as an Amarillo Duster. Lee Thomas comes to the BattleWings from Lehigh University where he snagged 86 receptions for over 1100 yards in his three seasons as a Mountain Hawk. Moses Harris prepped at Carter High School in the Dallas Metroplex before playing his college ball at nearby Grambling State where he amassed 108 receptions, over 1600 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns for the Tigers.

The team also added kicker Chris Bennice, a soccer standout at The University of New Hampshire. Though small in stature at 5'10 and 182 lbs., Bennice raised the eyebrows of Coach Norris.

"Chris can kick. He's got a booming leg and is very accurate. I was really impressed in his ability and his desire to learn and compete."

Finally, the BattleWings added a familiar face in QB Dane King who had a brief stint with the team last season. King will provide depth and competition in training camp beginning March 8th.

The BattleWings will hold their final tryout for the 2008 season on Sunday, March 2nd at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. A non-refundable registration fee of $60 (cash only) is due the day of the tryout. Interested athletes can visit the BattleWings' website at www.battlewings.com for details and information.

The BattleWings open the 2008 season at the CenturyTel Center on March 29th against the Central Valley (CA) Coyotes. Season Tickets are on sale now and start as low as $85. For information and to place your order, call the BattleWings' office at (318) 746-8755.



arenafootball2 Stories from February 11, 2008


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.

Other Recent Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central