Birmingham Steeldogs game notes

Published on May 17, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release


STEELDOGS LOOK TO LITTLE ROCK FOR FIRST WIN
Following their longest road trip in team history at San Diego, the Steeldogs prepare for another long trip west. Birmingham travels to Little Rock, Ark., to face the Arkansas Twisters in a battle between the only winless teams in the arenafootball2 league. Both the Twisters and the Steeldogs have enjoyed more than their share of mediocrity, with Arkansas losing games by an average of 23.2 points and Birmingham by 18.2.

This is the eighth meeting in what is now known as the second-longest series in Steeldogs football history, and the longest involving an active af2 team. (Birmingham played Tennessee Valley, now-defunct, a team-record 11 times)

COACHES
BOBBY HUMPHREY, BIRMINGHAM STEELDOGS
YEARS IN THE AF2: 6 YEARS AT BIR: 6
OVERALL RECORD: 49-42 (.538) RECORD AT BIR: 49-42
REGULAR SEASON: 47-39 (.547)
POSTSEASON: 2-3 (.400)
RECORD VS TWISTERS: 4-3 (.571)

Coach Humphrey returns for his sixth season as the head coach of the Birmingham Steeldogs. He is the longest-tenured coach in af2 football, as well as the all-time winningest. In 2004, Humphrey surpassed friend and long-time rival Kevin Porter as the league's most victorious head man with his 46th win. Humphrey's next win will be his 50th career victory, another af2 milestone.

Bobby is a 2004 inductee into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Birmingham with his wife Barbara and their five children.

JOHN GREGORY, ARKANSAS TWISTERS
YEARS IN THE AF2: 1 YEARS AT ARK: 1
OVERALL RECORD: 0-2 (.000) RECORD AT ARK: 0-2
REGULAR SEASON: 0-2 (.000)
POSTSEASON: 0-0 (.000)
RECORD VS STEELDOGS: 0-0 (.000)

Gregory's coaching experience spans five decades as a line coach, offensive coordinator, head coach, and general manager. As coach of the New York Dragons of the AFL from 2000 to 2003, Gregory's offense was in the top three in the league in 2000 and 2003. Gregory coached the Iowa Barnstormers to the division championship five of his six years with the teamGregory also won two Grey Cup championships in the Canadian Football League as a coach and coordinator.
Gregory becomes the third coach in Twisters history, replacing Gary Anderson who was relieved of his duties earlier in the season

2005 STEELDOGS SCHEDULE
REGULAR SEASON: 0-6
DATE OPPONANT TIME SERIES/RES.
4/9 San Diego 7:00 L, 57-58
4/14 at Macon 6:30 L, 50-67
4/23 Memphis 7:00 L, 24-60
4/30 at Louisville 6:30 L, 46-48
5/7 South Georgia 7:00 L, 49-69
5/14 at San Diego 9:00 L, 44-77
5/21 at Arkansas 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
5/28 Green Bay 7:00 BIR Leads 1-0
6/4 at Florida 6:30 BIR Leads 3-2
6/11 Louisville 7:00 BIR Leads 3-2
6/18 at Memphis 7:00 BIR Leads 3-1
6/24 at Green Bay 7:00 BIR Leads 1-0
7/9 Macon 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
7/16 at South Georgia 6:30 SGA Leads 2-0
7/23 Arkansas 7:00 BIR Leads 4-3
7/30 Florida 7:00 BIR Leads 3-2

GAME INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, May 21
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Arena: ALLTEL Arena
Capacity: 16,058
Television: None
Steeldogs Radio Network:
Flagship: WJOX AM-690
Play-By-Play: Matt Coulter
Color: Roger Shultz
Series Records: BIR leads 4-3
Officials: R: Fred Wiedower, U: Chad Walker, HL: Dick
Wittenberg, LJ: Mark Bailey, BJ: Dax Hill

STEELDOGS-TWISTERS SERIES
2000 - Birmingham 55 Arkansas 54 – June 9 - BJCC
*Birmingham's Brandon Stewart kicks the Steeldogs to victory
Key Play: Stewart's 30-yard field goal is successful on fourth down as a muffed snap was killed on third down by holder/quarterback Chris Windsor
Stats: BIR: Windsor 22-40-1-275; Anthony Jordan 12 catches, 132 yards, four touchdowns; Adlai Trone 5.5 tackles
ARK: Jon Nielson 24-55-1-375; John Dollar 7 catches, 110 yards

2001- Birmingham 73 Arkansas 46 – April 20 – BJCC
*Steeldogs reach 70-point plateau for second time in history
Key Play: Adlai Trone's 50-yard kick return with 2:58 remaining in the second quarter to give the Steeldogs their first lead, 21-20
Stats: BIR: Windsor 13-24-0-228; Steeldogs Defense, 4 INTs
ARK: Ricky Hebert 16-31-4-200; Reggie Swinton 8 catches 116 yds
Arkansas 60 Birmingham 27 – May 19 – ALLTEL Arena
*Steeldogs first trip to Little Rock a disappointment
Key Play: Arthur Abston's safety with 12:18 remaining, 3rd quarter
Stats: BIR: Windsor 14-31-2-200; Steeldogs, 10 penalties
ARK: Hebert 25-31-1-285; Swinton 6 catches, 116 yards

2002- Arkansas 45 Birmingham 44, OT– June 28 – BJCC
*Steeldogs fall to Arkansas for the first time at home
Key Play: Failed two-point conversion following a Steeldogs touchdown in overtime
Stats: BIR: Kirby 15-32-0-243; Thomas 9 catches, 171 yards
ARK: Hebert 27-47-1-303; Kevin Williams 15 catches, 164 yards

2003- Birmingham 55 Arkansas 54 – July 5 – ALLTEL Arena
*Gallego's boot powers the Steeldogs to a dramatic victory
Key Play: Rhett Gallego's 37-yard FG as time expired for the win
Stats: BIR: Josh Kellett 19-30-1-198; Steeldogs, 164 return yards
ARK: Hebert 19-30-1-212; Twisters, 16 rushes, 66 yards
Arkansas 41 Birmingham 32 – July 26 – BJCC
*Late TD gives the Twisters a hard-fought victory
Key Play: Kevin Williams' GW 7-yard TD pass to Lennie Johnson
Stats: BIR: Steeldogs, 18 of 38 passing; 10 penalties
ARK: Hebert: 8-20-3-153; Johnson 3 catches, 81 yards

2004-Birmingham 56 Arkansas 40– April 17- ALLTEL Arena
*Aaron's arm's the difference as Birmingham out-duels Arkansas
Key Play: Demontray Carter's 10-yard TD run to answer the Twisters early second half success
Stats: BIR: Jeff Aaron 13-24-1-341; Detronn Harris 6-140
ARK: Williams 16-35-2-225; Alford 8 catches, 121 yards


SERIES BY THE NUMBERS
Record vs. Arkansas: 4-3
Last regular season game: Steeldogs, 56-40 at ARK (4/17/04)
Steeldogs' largest margin of victory: 27 (73-46 at BIR (4/20/01))
Arkansas' largest margin of victory: 33 (27-60 at ARK (5/19/01))
Current streak: Birmingham won the last meeting
Steeldogs' longest win streak vs. Arkansas: 2 (6/9/00 to 5/19/01)
Arkansas' longest win streak vs Steeldogs: 2 (5/19/01 to 7/5/03)
Most points, Steeldogs: 73 (73-46 at BIR (4/20/01))
Most points, Arkansas: 60 (27-60 at ARK (5/19/01))
Most points, both teams: 119 (BIR, 73-46 at BIR (4/20/01))
Fewest points, Steeldogs: 27 (27-60 at ARK (5/19/01))
Fewest points, Arkansas: 40 (40-56 at ARK (4/17/04))
Fewest points, both teams: 73 (ARK, 41-32 at BIR (7/26/03))

STEELDOGS BESTS VS. ARKANSAS
Most rushing yards: 21, Demontray Carter (7/5/03 at ARK)
Most receiving yards: 171, Wayne Thomas (6/28/02 at BIR)
Most passing yards: 341, Jeff Aaron (4/17/04 at ARK)

LAST SERIES GAME

4/17/2004 - Steeldogs Slam Twisters
The Arkansas Twisters didn't have an answer for Birmingham's offense all night as the Steeldogs leave Alltel Arena with a 56-40 win. Birmingham hit three big plays in the first half, all huge passing plays. Steeldogs quarterback Jeff Aaron threw touchdown passes of 42, 45, and 48 yards to give Birmingham a 21-10 lead in the second quarter. Detronn Harris ran for a 14 yard touchdown late in the second quarter to give Birmingham a 28-10 halftime lead.

Arkansas began the third quarter with a drive that was capped by a short touchdown run by Twisters quarterback Kevin Williams. But Birmingham (2-1) answered when Demontray Carter ran for a 10 yard touchdown and the extra point put Birmingham up 35-17.

The Twisters (1-2) made a late run in the fourth quarter when Williams connected with Ted Alford for two late touchdowns, but the Twisters couldn't stop Birmingham's offense. Jeff Aaron passed for five touchdowns, two to Detronn Harris. Jeff Aaron was named the Baby Ruth Real Deal Player of the Game. Darnell Small sacked Aaron for his league leading 4.5 sack of the season, and was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Demontray Harris finished with two receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, earning him U. S. Army Ironman of the Game.


LAST WEEK: BIRMINGHAM

5/15/2005 - Steeldogs Awash in San Diego
SAN DIEGO - The Steeldogs' cross-country search for their first win of the 2005 season came up empty once again as the San Diego Riptide defeated Birmingham, 77-44, in front of 2,832 fans at the iPayOne Center at the San Diego Sports Arena.

Trailing 14-7 in the second quarter, Steeldogs QB Roger Linn dove into the end zone from a yard out; putting Birmingham within a single point after Vinny C's missed extra point. San Diego's next drive was all Ryan Smith, as he returned the kickoff to the Birmingham eight-yard line and eventually found the end zone on a hand off from QB Kane Claunch.

The second quarter was explosive for both teams as the Riptide outscored the Steeldogs 28-19. Birmingham did end the first half on a high note, as Deon White scooped up a missed field goal attempt off the rebound nets and powered his way into the end zone to give the Steeldogs valuable momentum going into the halftime break, trailing 42-26.

Both teams scored to begin the third quarter of play. Linn took the ball in on another quarterback keeper and completed a touchdown pass to WR/DB Dre Fulgham. Claunch connected with Nian Taylor for the fourth time and Steve Gonzalez for the second time. The Riptide ended the quarter ahead of Birmingham's Hometown Team, 56-38.

Fulgham's second touchdown catch of the night came in the fourth quarter as he made a spectacular grab in the corner of the end zone, but the 'Tide proved to be too much down the stretch. San Diego finished the game with three unanswered touchdowns.

Taylor and Claunch won the game's Ironman and Offensive Player of the Game awards, while Birmingham's George Williams took home the ADT Defensive Player of the Game honor.

The Steeldogs hit the road again on Saturday, bound for Little Rock, Arkansas to face the equally winless Twisters.


LAST WEEK: ARKANSAS (from af2.com)

5/15/05–Wildcats Halt Twisters
ALBANY, Ga.- The South Georgia Wildcats earned their second victory of the season with a 62-48 defeat over the Arkansas Twisters. The win moved the Wildcats into a tie for second place in the South Division.

Wildcats quarterback Bobby Pesavento finished the night 21-of-30 for 180 yards and six touchdowns. Pesavento's performance earned him Offensive Player of the Game. WR/DB Antwone Savage had six catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns, Chris McKinney led all receivers with 65 receiving yards on five receptions and two touchdowns. OS Archie Turner added tw3o touchdowns on 42 receiving yards and returned a kickoff 56 yards for a score. WR/DB Rob Keefe earned U.S. Army Ironman of the Game catching three passes for 13 yards, rushing for two yards and one touchdown, recovering a fumble for a touchdown and totaling 1.5 tackles and three pass break-ups.

Quarterback Travis Motley was 24-of-37 for 233 yards and four touchdowns for the Twisters. Darnell Small earned ADT Defensive Player fo Game with 3.5 tackles and one interception. He also rushed for 14 yards and two scores. Kevin Whitley had 11 receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown. WR/DB Kevin Williams added seven catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively the Wildcats were led by DS Larry Sutton who finished with 5.5 tackles.


COMPARISON STATS AND AWARDS
HOOP'S STAT O' THE WEEK: Six games, four quarterbacks. Never have the Steeldogs seen so much shuffling at the quarterback position through this point in the team's six-year history. Here's the science...
Player Cp-At-Yds-TD-Int Games Played
Ray Nelson 63-115-836-8-5 5
Andrew Zow 28-50-4-2 2
Roger Linn 17-32-4-1 1
Tim Gallahan 1-1-44-1-0 1


TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how the Twisters and Steeldogs match-up statistically...

OFFENSIVE MVP AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Anthony Buich (San Diego)
2 Macon Chris Johnson (Macon)
3 Memphis Kevin Prentiss (Memphis)
4 Louisville James Scott (Louisville)
6 South Georgia Matt Burstein (S. Georgia)
7 San Diego Kane Claunch (San Diego)
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
14 Macon
15 South Georgia
16 Florida

ADT DEFENSIVE MVP AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Eldrick Hill (Birmingham)
2 Macon Anthony Collins (Macon)
3 Memphis Dahnel Singfield (Memphis)
4 Louisville Terrance Harris (Birmingham)
6 South Georgia Ron Keefe (S. Georgia)
7 San Diego George Williams (Bham)
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
14 Macon
15 South Georgia
16 Florida

Statistical BIRMINGHAM ARKANSAS
Category Stat Rank Stat Rank
Scoring Offense 45.0 t-15th 39.2 20th
Scoring Defense 63.2 20th 62.3 19th
Total Offense 276.2 t-6th 238.0 15th
Total Defense 245.0 7th 250.2 8th
Pass Offense 236.2 11th 225.7 14th
Pass Defense 226.7 7th 233.8 9th
Rushing Offense 40.0 2nd 12.3 17th
Rushing Defense 16.3 t-6th 18.3 11th
Scoring (Kicking) 5.3 15th 4.5 19th
Pass Rating 98.1 15th 97.3 17th
Pass Def. Rating 120.4 18th 115.9 15th
Kickoff Returns 42-823 7th 42-680 17th
MFG Returns 2-24 13th 3-46 9th
Turnover Margin -12 20th -6 18th
Field Goals 3-9 10th 2-12 t-14th
PAT Kicking 23-31 15th 21-25 1st
Sacks By 7 t-12th 4 t-19th
Sacks Against 15 20th 12 15th
First Downs 111 t-7th 95 18th
Opp. First Downs 100 t-9th 92 t-1st
Penalties 57 14th 45 8th
Opp. Penalties 63 9th 41 20th

U.S. ARMY IRONMAN AWARD (selected by media)
Game Opp. Player
1 San Diego Anthony Griffin (San Diego)
2 Macon Matt Jackson (Macon)
3 Memphis Scott Cunningham (Memphis)
4 Louisville Demetrius Forney (Louisville)
6 South Georgia Herman Bell (Birmingham)
7 San Diego Nian Taylor (San Diego)
8 Arkansas
9 Green Bay
10 Florida
11 Louisville
12 Memphis
13 Green Bay
14 Macon
15 South Georgia
16 Florida

STEELDOGS ROSTER FACTS
The following statistics include the 28 active, inactive and injured players on the Steeldogs 2005 roster:

Average Height: 6'1"
Average Weight: 237 lbs
Combined Team Weight: 6,636 lbs
Tallest Players: 6'5" (Dion Meredith)
Shortest Players: 5'8" (Herman Bell)
Lightest Player: 166 (Eldrick Hill)
Heaviest Player: 317 (Dion Meredith)

Weight Breakdown: (in pounds)
300+: 5 players
250-299: 8 players
200-249: 7 players
150-199: 8 players

Average Height and Weight by Position:
QB: 6'1.5" 217
FB: 6'1.5" 258
WR: 6'0.5" 198
OS: 6'1" 197
OL/DL: 6'2" 294
LB: 6'1.5" 248
DB: 6'0.5" 198
DS: 5'9.5" 174

Most Common School: Mississippi State and Alabama (3)

Most Represented Conference: Southeastern (6 players
from 2 institutions: Alabama and Mississippi St.)


IN MEMORIAM
For the remainder of the season, the Steeldogs will wear helmet stickers bearing the number "76" in memory of former Troy lineman and Los Angeles Avenger Al Lucas. Lucas died tragically after suffering a neck injury during an AFL game in April. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Steeldogs organization are with the Lucas family in their time of grief.


TRAVELING WITH THE STEELDOGS
The distances are computed using an online mapping program from Birmingham to each of the cities that the Steeldogs will travel to during the 2005 regular season...

Macon, Ga.: 229 miles (Bus)
Louisville, Ky.: 366 miles (Sleeper Bus)
San Diego: 1,998 miles (Southwest Airlines)
*Note: This is the longest road trip in the six-
year history of the team
Little Rock, Ark.: 378 miles (Sleeper Bus)
Fort Myers, Fla.: 721 miles (Sleeper Bus)
Memphis, Tenn.: 243 miles (Bus)
Green Bay, Wis.: 907 miles (Southwest Airlines)
Albany, Ga.: 229 miles (Bus)


DID YOU KNOW...
...that the Steeldogs' game programs have been redone for 2005?

The new Game Guide is smaller (5.5 inches by 8.5 inches), cheaper ($2 instead of $3) and, for the first time in the team's history, undergoes editorial changes for each home game. Be sure to check out the new and improved Steeldogs Game Guide at each and every home game at the BJCC Arena!

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