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Brigade ready to go back to work after scrimmage with Blaze

February 15, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


Kansas City, Mo. (Feb. 15) - According to head coach Kevin Porter, there are no days off at this point in training camp. However, Porter did start Wednesday's practice late to give the team extra rest following Tuesday night's scrimmage against the Utah Blaze at Kemper Arena. Given time to watch the film, Porter reflected on the Brigade's performance.

"You see a lot in full speed situations," Porter remarked. "The first week of camp always has good and bad, but we're encouraged by some things we did and what some guys did. Now we'll try to stay fresh and get the mistakes corrected so we can do a better job against Arizona."

The scrimmage was supervised by an Arena Football League officiating crew, but there was no game clock and the score was not kept. Each offense rotated between possessions that started at the five yard line. Drives ended on downs, turnovers, or touchdowns.

While the scrimmage was designed to avoid injuries, it did not prevent the Brigade from seeing how it stacks up against American Conference competition. The quarterbacks-starter Ray Philyaw and backups Michael Bishop and Jonathan Quinn-each got a good number of reps and red-zone offense, specifically rushing, was a point of emphasis. The defense forced a number of stops, including two interceptions.

"We feel good about the work we were able to get in," Porter said. "It's always good to go against another team and get live work. We got better during the two days Utah was here."

A similar scrimmage against the Arizona Rattlers will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 9 a.m. at Kemper Arena. It is open to media only. Even with the home opener less than three weeks away, Porter is not getting anxious about the 2007 version of the Brigade.

"We're really just getting into camp, so we have a lot of work left and a long way to go," Porter said. "We're working hard right now, trying to go day-by-day and get better."

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