Brigade Weekly

Published on May 10, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


KANSAS CITY BRIGADE CONTINUES TO SOAR

The Brigade is in the mix for the best attendance in the league after the home schedule with one week left in the season. The franchise is currently second in total attendance and third in average attendance:

Game Attendance
Week 3 vs. Austin 16,523
Week 4 vs. Columbus 14,632
Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay 15,227
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia 15,379
Week 10 vs. Georgia 16,032
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles 15,173
Week 12 vs. Colorado 12,814
Week 15 vs. Orlando 16,095
Total (8 games) 121,787 (15,234 avg.)

Game Preview
Kansas City Brigade at Utah Blaze
Date: Friday, May 12, 8 p.m. CT
Location: Kemper Arena
TV: Broadcast live on the WB Kansas City and tape-delayed on Metro Sports (Armstrong, Frye, Pearson, Boatwright)
Radio: 97.3 MAX-FM (Gervino, Weber, McCabe)
Webcast: www.kcbrigade.com (game notes are posted and the new team website will launch in 21 days)

The Brigade closes out its inaugural season in a match-up with the other expansion team in the league this year. The two teams are as similar as they are different. The Brigade started the season with a rookie head coach and a veteran quarterback while Utah began with one of the best coaches in AFL history and a young backup quarterback getting his first starting job. The Blaze also endured a tough stretch to open the season, losing eight of its first 11 games before pulling into playoff contention the last month of the season.

This game is important for numerous reasons. The Brigade wants to end the season on a strong note to carry over the positive attitude into next season. The Blaze is in a more serious situation, needing a win to clinch a playoff spot. But the quarterback situation is uncertain for both teams. Chris Sanders started the game last week but Raymond Philyaw played the entire second half. Former Brigade quarterback Andy Kelly started the last four games for the Blaze, going 3-1, but was benched at halftime last week in favor or injured previous starter Joe Germaine.

The Brigade must improve its play on the offensive and defensive lines to leave Salt Lake City victorious. Last week Orlando was constantly in the backfield hassling Sanders and Philyaw, but the quarterback tandem should have more time to throw this week. The Blaze does not protect its quarterback or get after the opposing quarterback very well.

A healthy receiving corps will give the Brigade offense plenty of weapons to keep up with the Blaze. Jordan's possible return to lineup might not only free up Myers and Boone but also provide yet another playmaker to create problems for the defense. The Brigade offense has to maximize its possessions to be as efficient as possible. Turnovers and wasted opportunities only put more pressure on the Brigade defense to make plays.

NEWS, NOTES, AND LEAGUE RANKINGS

- Former Brigade QB Andy Kelly was picked up by Utah before Week 12 after being released and has started the last four games. The Brigade and Blaze were also partners in two trades this season. In the preseason the Brigade sent OL/DL Hans Olsen to Utah for K Tim Seder, who is no longer on the team. The Brigade also traded OL/DL Aaron Hamilton and OL/DL Matt Walls for OL/DL Bryan Henderson.

- Chris Sanders rushed for a touchdown in the eighth straight game. His 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for the league lead.

- Aaron Boone caught a touchdown for the sixth straight game.

- Sam Simmons returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in team history.

- Raymond Philyaw played for the first time since last year's American Conference championship game with Chicago.

NOTE: For a comprehensive look at all AFL stats, go to www.aflmedia.com.

STRONG FINISH

The Brigade has rarely been better than at the end of games when it matters most. The team has not been outscored in the fourth quarter in six of the last seven games:

Game 4th quarter score
Week 9 at New York 21-13
Week 10 vs. Georgia 13-13
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles 21-10
Week 12 vs. Colorado 22-6
Week 13 at Nashville 21-10
Week 14 at Tampa Bay 14-7

Total (through all 15 games) 204-173

CORRECTION

The May 9 release "Brigade among most popular expansion teams in Kansas City sports" incorrectly labeled the Brigade as having the third-highest average attendance in the history of expansion teams in the city. In fact, the Brigade has the highest average attendance ever among expansion teams in the city (and third overall in first seasons for new teams) because the other teams listed, though new to Kansas City, were actually relocated. The Athletics moved from Philadelphia; the Chiefs from Dallas; the Attack from Atlanta; the Comets from San Francisco and the Kings from Cincinnati.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 10, 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.

OurSports Central