Sports stats

Brigade Falls Short on Amazing Comeback, Lose 48-41 at Orlando

February 3, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


A win in its second-ever game against a perennial contender in arguably the toughest venue in the league would have been a great accomplishment in the Kansas City Brigade's inaugural season. A last-second effort, however, fell short and the clock expired with the Brigade driving from the Orlando Predators five yard line to tie the game. In the end a terrific performance by Andy Kelly and an inspired defense was soured in the Brigade's 48-41 loss to the Predators on Friday night at the TD Waterhouse Centre.

On what could have been the game's second-to-last play, Andy Kelly lofted a pass to the middle of the end zone for Steve Smith that was knocked down by the Predators Jermaine Mays. The ball hit the turf with the clock showing 1.8 seconds but it ran down to 0.0 even while the officials whistled the ball dead.

Kansas City overcame a 10-point fourth quarter deficit just to get to that point with strong play on both sides of the ball. Orlando stopped the Brigade on four consecutive possessions in the second and third quarters before Kelly found James Jordan on a fade for a four yard touchdown. But the extra point was blocked and returned for two points so the Predators' lead stood at 33-27 with 12:16 left in the game.

Orlando drove to the Kansas City 12-yard line before Chris Pointer grabbed an interception in the end zone to give the Brigade a chance at the lead. The offense did not disappoint as Kelly found Steve Smith for a 29-yard touchdown pass on what will surely do down as one of the great plays of the year. Kelly, who surpassed 37,000 career passing yards, lofted a perfect touch pass into the corner of the end zone and over the outstretched arms of Orlando's Kenny McEntyre that was cradled with arm by Smith as he crashed into the boards. Kansas City took a 34-33 lead with 6:34 to play.

As quickly as the Brigade charged back, though, the momentum shifted. The Predators scored two consecutive touchdowns, the second on an interception return on fourth down. A 14-point lead with one minute left seemed insurmountable, but Kelly hooked up with Jordan again from nine yards out with 26.8 seconds to play. Tim Seder's ensuing onside kick bounced high and Calvin Spears batted it backwards for Jordan to cover on the turf. Kansas City started from its own 12 yard line with 24.5 second left and Kelly hit four straight passes to put the Brigade in a position to tie the game before the final seconds ticked off.

Kansas City's slow start in last week's game at Dallas was a distant memory as the offense scored on their first three possessions and went in at halftime down 24-21. Kelly threw touchdowns to three different receivers: Jordan on a three-yard slant on the Brigade's opening drive, Jacques Rumph on a 44-yard bomb on the first play of their second possession and Jerel Myers from 11 yards out on a fourth down of Kansas City's third series.

Their effort was not to be outdone by an inspired defense missing two starters in the secondary. Denario Smalls and Pointer broke up passes in the end zone as Orlando had to settle for a field on its second possession of the game. Later the Brigade made a classic goal line stand as the line made two straight stops on running plays and on the next play Calvin Spears forced a fumble and recovered it.

The Kansas City Brigade will face the Austin Wranglers in their inaugural home opener next Sunday, at 1pm (2/12) at Kemper Arena. There are less than 1,000 seats remaining for the game.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 3, 2006


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 Kansas City Brigade Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central