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Carolina Cobras game notes

February 3, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Carolina Cobras (0-0) at Dallas Desperados (0-0)
Date: February 8, 2004
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
Site: American Airlines Center (16,971)
Officials: Perry Havener (Referee), Tom Laverty (Umpire), Kelly Saalfeld (Head Linesman), David Meslow
(Line Judge), Dino Paganelli (Back Judge)
Series Record: Dallas leads all-time series 2-0
Coaches: Carolina: Eddie Khayat (5th Season, 23-18)
Dallas: Joe Avezzano (3rd Season, 17-13)

MEDIA CONTACTS:
CAR: Dean DeMarais (704) 940-2100, Cell: (980) 722-9275
DAL: Doug Hood (972) 556-9955, Cell: (214) 437-3600

THE SERIES: Dallas leads all-time series 2-0
Dallas 57, @ Carolina 44 – April 20, 2002
Dallas 47, @ Carolina 43 – March 21, 2003

THE IFs: If the Cobras defeat the Desperados it would:
...Give the Cobras a 2-3 record in season openers.
...End the Cobras 17-game losing streak.
...Give the Cobras their first win in series history.

COBRAS OUTLOOK: The Carolina Cobras feature a revamped coaching staff and roster that looks to compete for the Eastern Division title. AFL standouts OS Todd Doxzon, WR/DB Jarrick Hillery, DS Damon Mason and FB/LB Travis Reece join a roster that features only one player on the active roster returning from the 2003 season. The Cobras are led by former AFL Coach of the Year Eddie Khayat and two former AFL head coaches, John Gregory and Ron Selesky. Carolina's offense is under the direction of QB Matt Nagy, who looks to make an immediate impact in his first extended period starting behind center.

DESPERADOS OUTLOOK: The Dallas Desperados look to continue the momentum of 2003, a season in which they earned a 10-6 record and the Central Division title. Following a hectic offseason, Dallas expects to receive contributions from several players that did not see significant playing time last season. After losing QB Jim Kubiak for the season due to injury, the quarterback duties will be turned over to former Cobras QB Glen Gauntt. After losing several other key players to free agency, the Desperados will rely heavily on 2003 AFL All-Rookie performers WR/DB Jermaine Jones, WR/DB Will Pettis and FB/LB Ja'Mar Toombs.
CAROLINA COBRAS (0-0)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 8 at Dallas 3:00
Feb. 13 at Columbus 7:00
Feb. 21 ARIZONA 7:30
Feb. 28 ORLANDO 7:30
Mar. 7 at Austin 3:00
Mar. 14 DALLAS 3:00
Mar. 21 TAMPA BAY 3:00
Mar. 27 at New Orleans 8:00
Apr. 4 NEW YORK 3:00
Apr. 11 at Indiana 3:00
Apr. 17 PHILADELPHIA 7:30
May 1 COLUMBUS 7:30
May 8 at New York 7:00
May 15 at Philadelphia 7:30
May 22 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30
May 30 at Georgia 4:00

DALLAS DESPERADOS (0-0)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 8 CAROLINA 3:00
Feb. 15 PHILADELPHIA 4:00
Feb. 22 at New York 3:00
Feb. 29 at Columbus 3:00
Mar. 6 GRAND RAPIDS 8:30
Mar. 14 at Carolina 3:00
Mar. 21 LOS ANGELES 4:00
Apr. 4 at Philadelphia 12:00
Apr. 10 SAN JOSE 8:30
Apr. 18 at Arizona 3:00
Apr. 25 at Orlando 12:00
May 2 NEW YORK 3:00
May 9 at Austin 3:00
May 16 at Chicago 3:00
May 22 COLUMBUS 8:30
May 30 TAMPA BAY 4:00

THIS WEEK'S AFL SCHEDULE:
Thursday San Jose @ Detroit 7:30 p.m.
Friday Las Vegas @ Colorado 9:00 p.m.
Saturday Columbus @ Indiana 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Los Angeles @ Arizona 3:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids @ Chicago 3:00 p.m.
New York @ Georgia 3:00 p.m.
New Orleans @ Philadelphia 3:00 p.m.
Orlando @ Tampa Bay 3:00 p.m.
HEAD COACHES: A 42-year veteran of professional football, Eddie Khayat begins his first full season as head coach of the Cobras. He originally took over as interim head coach for the final three games of the 2003 campaign. Khayat (23-18) first joined the indoor game in 1991 when he was named head coach of the New Orleans Night. He returned to the AFL in 1997 as head coach of the expansion Nashville Kats and was named AFL Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 10-6 mark and an Eastern Division title. After another playoff appearance with the Kats in 1998, he handed over the coaching reigns a year later when he took over as general manager. In three years as general manager, Nashville made the playoffs each year and advanced to the ArenaBowl in both 2000 and 2001. Khayat previously spent 35 years as a player and coach in the National Football League.

After establishing himself as one of the top assistant coaches in the NFL, Joe Avezzano (17-13) has made a name for himself as an AFL head coach. Avezzano has led the Desperados to two playoff appearances and a division title in their first two years of existence, including a trip to a quarterfinal playoff game following their inaugural season. This success helped the club win the prestigious Commissioner's Award in 2002. Avezzano was the Dallas Cowboys special teams coach from 1991-2002, earning NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year honors three times.

LAST COBRAS-DESPERADOS MEETING:
Dallas 47, Carolina 43 (3/21/03 at Carolina)
Top Passer: Jim Kubiak (DAL) 24-33-1-330 (5 TD)
Top Receiver: Bernard Holmes (CAR) 8-118 (2 TD)
Top Rusher: Robert Hall (CAR) 5-14 (4 TD)
In a contest that featured 11 lead changes, a valiant goal-line stand by the Dallas Desperados resulted in a 47-43 loss for the Carolina Cobras. Carolina had five chances to score from inside the 10-yard line in the game's final minute, but Dallas' Ja'Mar Toombs sack of Robert Hall ended the Cobras chance at victory. Dallas QB Jim Kubiak completed 24-of-33 passes for 330 yards and five touchdowns. He threw two scoring passes to Jason Shelley, who finished the game with five receptions for 82 yards. Hall set a team record with four rushing touchdowns, while going 16-of-37 for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the air. Bernard Holmes led the Cobras with eight catches for 118 yards and two scores. He finished the game with 229 all-purpose yards.

COBRAS NEXT WEEK: The Cobras travel to Nationwide Arena to square off with the Columbus Destroyers on Friday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. This will be the first meeting between the teams after the Destroyers franchise was relocated from Buffalo during the offseason. Cobras defensive coordinator Ron Selesky served as Buffalo's head coach in 2003.

TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how Carolina and Dallas performed in 2003:
Statistical CAROLINA DALLAS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense T15th 34.6 5th 56.9
Scoring Defense 15th 55.4 14th 54.7
Total Offense 15th 217.0 1st 300.4
Total Defense 11th 270.4 15th 291.3
Pass Offense 15th 204.8 1st 29.2
Pass Defense 7th 247.2 14th 269.8
Run Offense 11th 12.2 16th 8.1
Run Defense 16th 25.8 13th 21.6

COBRAS MILESTONES:
OS Todd Doxzon needs:
• 18 receiving yards to reach 1,500
• 9 receiving touchdowns to reach 50

WR/DB Damien Groce needs:
• 289 receiving yards to reach 1,000

WR/DB Jarrick Hillery needs:
• 1 reception for 200
• 358 receiving yards 2,500
• 18 receiving TDs for 50
• 11 rush attempts for 100
• 5 tackles for 150

OL/DL Otis Moore needs:
• 7.5 tackles for 125
• 3.5 sacks for 20

FB/LB Travis Reece needs:
• 24 rush attempts for 150
• 103 rushing yards for 500

OL/DL Robert Stewart needs:
• 3.5 tackles for 125
• .5 sack for 40

WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. needs:
• 3 receptions for 50

WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson needs:
• 20 receptions for 100
• 120 receiving yards for 1,000

COBRAS IN AFL HISTORY:
Player Rank Category Stat
Rickey Foggie 9th pass attempts 2,409
10th pass completions 1,354
10th pass yards 16,950
10th pass TDs 305
Damon Mason 3rd tackles 501
3rd forced fumbles 19
Otis Moore 10th tackles for loss 14.5
6th forced fumbles 11
Robert Stewart 3rd sacks 39.5
SNAKE BITES:
Streaking: A victory in the season opener will not only ensure that the Cobras get off on the right foot in their first season in the realigned Eastern Division, but it will also put an end to a forgettable losing streak. Last season, the Cobras became the sixth team in AFL history to go winless. The Cobras also tied the league mark for consecutive losses, as they have dropped 17th straight games over two seasons. Carolina's last victory came 559 days ago (72-64 -- 7/28/02 at Grand Rapids)

Have We Met?: The Cobras have experienced a very dramatic makeover following the disappointments of the 2003 season. Only one player from last year's squad will be on the field in the first week of 2004, OL/DL Robert Stewart. 2003 Team MVP Bernard Holmes will begin the season on the injured reserve list. Of the 22 remaining players on the active roster, 21 were signed as free agents. The only player not acquired in the free agency frenzy was QB Matt Nagy, who joined the Cobras via trade from the New York Dragons in exchange for OL/DL Tim McGill.

For Beginners: The Cobras have a 1-3 record in season openers, with the lone victory coming at New Jersey (52-21) on April 14, 2001. Carolina holds a 3-1 mark in road openers, with the only loss coming last season in the season opener at Tampa Bay (1/31). Head Coach Eddie Khayat has won two of three season openers in his AFL coaching career.

On the Offensive: Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator John Gregory is one of the most accomplished offensive minds in AFL history. In nine seasons as head coach of the Iowa Barnstormers/New York Dragons franchise, Gregory earned two AFL Coach of the Year awards and two ArenaBowl appearances. His success has been driven by a prolific offense that has averaged 52.8 points per game over his career. Gregory's most productive season came in 2001 as the Dragons set an AFL record with 64.1 points per outing, including a record 99 points on July 7 against the Cobras.

Dragons Migrate South: Joining Gregory in making the move to Charlotte are six former New York Dragons. OS Todd Doxzon, WR/DB Damien Groce, QB Matt Nagy and OL/DL Sean Tremblay all spent the 2003 season in the Big Apple, while OL/DL Cory Stone and WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. previously spent time with Gregory in the Nassau Coliseum. OL/DL Robert Stewart appeared in 28 games with the Dragons in 2001 and 2002.

Tackle Machine: DS Damon Mason has proven to be one of the most productive defenders in AFL history. A three-time All-Arena selection, he ranks third all-time with 501.0 career tackles in his six-year career. Overall, he holds three of the top four single-season tackle totals in league history.

Player Yr UA A Total
Cornelius Coe (IND) 2001 102 39 121.5
Damon Mason (ORL) 2000 100 16 108.0
Damon Mason (ORL) 1999 90 26 103.0
Damon Mason (ORL) 2001 87 28 101.0

Experienced Linemen: The Cobras boast one of the most experienced starting offensive/defensive lines in the entire AFL. Otis Moore, Robert Stewart and Cory Stone have appeared in 280 career games over a combined 25 seasons of play. The starting group, along with six-year veteran OL/DL Sean Tremblay, will look to provide leadership to a line that also includes three first-year AFL players and one second-year player.

Lineman Exp Games Teams
Otis Moore* 10 116 6
Robert Stewart* 10 120 5
Sean Tremblay 6 59 2
Cory Stone* 5 44 4
*denotes starter

Nagy Capitalizes: QB Matt Nagy will look to make the most out of his chance to begin the season as the starting quarterback. After missing the entire 2003 season in New York with a knee injury, Nagy was acquired by the Cobras in a trade with the Dragons. In 2002, he spent much of the season as a backup to AFL standout Aaron Garcia. However, he showed flashes of brilliance in the four starts he received during the campaign.

Date Opponent Comp Att Yds TD
4/28/02 Buffalo 27 37 300 7
5/4/02 Indiana 15 30 223 5
5/11/02 Dallas 17 26 185 5
5/18/02 New Jersey 29 47 317 8
Totals 88 140 1025 25

Charlotte's Finest: Two Charlotte-area high school products will make their AFL debut against the Desperados. OL/DL DeAngelo Lloyd earned Parade All-American honors at Independence High School, while FB/LB Troy Pelshak earned various accolades as a prep at Garinger High School and collegiately at North Carolina A&T.

Look What the Kat Dragged In: Cobras WR/DB Jarrick Hillery and FB/LB Travis Reece have been reunited with Head Coach and Director of Football Operations Eddie Khayat. Khayat served as general manager of the Nashville Kats during the duo's time with the franchise in 2000 and 2001. In both seasons, the trio led the Kats to an ArenaBowl appearance.
Sidelined Specialist: Following a spectacular 2003 campaign, OS Bernard Holmes will be forced to spend the opening weeks of the season on the Cobras' sidelines after being placed on the injured list after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Holmes set six single-season franchise records last season as he led the league with 240.1 all-purpose yards per game.

It Sure Is Foggie In Here: QB Rickey Foggie brings 14 seasons of professional football experience to the Cobras. The seven-year AFL veteran has also spent 10 seasons in the Canadian Football League. He currently ranks among the AFL's all-time leaders with 2,409 passing attempts (9th), 1,354 passing completions (10th), 16,950 passing yards (10th) and 305 touchdowns (10th). Foggie most recently spent time with the Toronto Phantoms and Detroit Fury during the 2002 season.

Super Cobras: Two members of the Cobras truly know the joy that the New England Patriots feel following their victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII. FB/LB Troy Pelshak and WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson each own a Super Bowl ring of their own. Pelshak was a member of the St. Louis Rams title winning squad of 1999, and Wilson earned a ring with the Denver Broncos in 1997.

Everything's Bigger in Texas: OL/DL Yusuf Scott is the Cobras lone Texas representative. Born and raised in LaPorte, Texas, he makes his AFL debut in 2004. Scott previously appeared in 24 games over three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. He originally joined the Cardinals as a fifth round draft pick in the 1999 NFL Draft following a decorated career at the University of Arizona.

Just for Kicks: Among seven rookies on the Cobras roster is K Rob Bironas. The first-year kicker most recently spent time with the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2003 preseason. A year ago, Bironas racked up 94 points in 12 games with the Charleston Swamp Foxes of af2. He set career, season and team records by connecting on 12 of 27 field goal attempts. Bironas was a semi-finalist for the Lou Groza Award in 1998 at Auburn.

On the Receiving End: The Cobras will look to employ Offensive Coordinator John Gregory's offensive attack with the help of a trio of fast, intelligent receivers. OS Todd Doxzon (103 rec–1,482 yds-41 TD), WR/DB Damien Groce (60-711-16) and WR/DB Jarrick Hillery (199-2,142-32) are expected to lead Carolina during the 2004 season. The threesome has combined for 362 receptions, 4,335 yards and 86 receiving touchdowns in only 105 career games.



Former Cobras Saddle Up: Three members of the Cobras 2003 roster are currently a part of the Dallas Desperados roster. Following the loss of QB Jim Kubiak, former Carolina QB Glen Gauntt will begin the season behind center for Dallas. Desperados DS Derek Stingley ranked second for Carolina in 2003 with 53.5 tackles and led the team with 14 passes defended. Also, OL/DL Craig Moore, who appeared in 14 games for the Cobras last season, will begin the season on Dallas' injured reserve list.

Butter Fingers: The Cobras will need to win the turnover battle if they hope to start the 2004 season victorious. Carolina holds a 12-9 record all-time when they turn the ball over fewer times than its opponent. On the other hand, the Cobras have won only one out of 29 games in which they turn the ball over more times. Last year, when the Cobras completed the season 0-16, they had a minus-23 turnover ratio.

Nifty Fifty: If the past is any predictor of the future, the winning team is likely to be the first team to score 50 points. In four seasons, Carolina has a record of 13-9 when scoring 50 points or more and a 4-30 mark when allowing at least 50 points.

Moving On Up: Cobras WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. and OL/DL Wes Stephens will make their debut with the Cobras after posting astounding numbers during the 2003 af2 campaign. Walker Jr. led the Peoria Pirates with 90 receptions for 1,442 yards, and led the league with 45 touchdowns and 276 points scored. Stephens was named af2 Lineman of the Year after tormenting quarterbacks league-wide as he led the Tennessee Valley Vipers to a league-best 14-2 mark. He set team records with 11.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles, while adding 23.5 tackles and 24 quarterback hurries.

FAMILIAR FACES: The Desperados currently feature three players from the Cobras 2003 squad...QB Glen Gauntt, OL/DL Craig Moore and DS Derek Stingley...Dallas OL/DL Jamie Lovern and WR/LB Andrew Layton attended Appalachian State...OL/DL Sean Tremblay and Stingley were teammates with Albany from 1998-2000...DS Damon Mason and Dallas OL/DL Ernest Allen saw time with the Orlando Predators in 2000 and 2001.

COBRAS PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Matt Nagy: The second-year quarterback will lead the Cobras' offense in 2004. Prior to missing the 2003 season with a knee injury, Nagy enjoyed a successful 2002 campaign with the New York Dragons. During his time with the Dragons, he split time with standout QB Aaron Garcia and current Denver Broncos QB Danny Kannell. Nagy was impressive in four starts, completing 88 of 140 passes for 1,025 yards and 25 touchdowns.

FB/LB Travis Reece: Reece brings a physical presence to the Cobras backfield, recording 397 rushing yards and 60 tackles during his three-year AFL career with the Georgia Force and Nashville Kats. Last season, he bruised his way to seven rushing touchdowns and a career-high 23.5 tackles in 14 games for the Force. As a rookie in 2001, Reece led Nashville to a berth in ArenaBowl XV, earning All-Rookie Team recognition after leading the league with 190 rushing yards.

WR/DB Jarrick Hillery: Hillery will be a force for the Cobras on offense, defense and special teams. The four-year veteran spent the 2003 campaign with the Georgia Force, where he was named the team's Ironman of the Year after recording 57 receptions for 607 yards and nine touchdowns on offense, and adding 44 tackles and seven passes defended on the defensive side of the ball. Overall, Hillery has received Ironman of the Game recognition on 11 occasions in 63 career regular and postseason games.

WR/DB Damien Groce: Groce had a break-out season in 2003, registering career highs with 48 receptions, 573 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with the New York Dragons. A former All-Big 12 performer at Iowa State, he also appeared in three contests for New York in 2002. Groce has emerged as a dangerous weapon as a receiver and kick returner.

The Making of the Cobras:
Player Pos. Previous Team
1 Jarrick Hillery WR/DB Georgia (AFL)
3 Damien Groce WR/DB New York (AFL)
5 Rob Bironas K Charleston (af2)
6 Sir Mawn Wilson WR/LB Buffalo (AFL)
7 Todd Doxzon OS New York (AFL)
9 Damon Mason DS Las Vegas (AFL)
11 Matt Nagy QB New York (AFL)
14 Rickey Foggie QB Toronto/Detroit (AFL)
22 Ernest Ross WR/DB Detroit (AFL)
24 Glenn Davis DS Orlando (AFL)
26 Jack Walker Jr. WR/LB Peoria (af2)
27 Daryon Brutley DS Philadelphia (NFL)
32 Chris Pope FB/LB Las Vegas (AFL)
35 Travis Reece FB/LB Georgia (AFL)
44 Wes Stephens OL/DL Tenn. Valley (af2)
57 Sean Tremblay OL/DL New York (AFL)
65 Cory Stone OL/DL New York (AFL)
66 Yusuf Scott OL/DL Berlin (NFLE)
77 Robert Stewart OL/DL Carolina
90 DeAngelo Lloyd OL/DL Washington (NFL)
91 Troy Pelshak FB/LB Barcelona (NFLE)
92 Kendrick Gholston OL/DL Georgia (AFL)
99 Otis Moore OL/DL Buffalo (AFL)




RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
January 29: Waived FB/LB Jason Bratton and K Matt George. Placed OS Bernard Holmes on injured reserve list.

January 31: Waived OL/DL Jason Geter, WR/DB Audrae Harris, OL/DL Chris Royle, OS Ernest Simms and OL/DL Greg Walls. Placed WR/DB Lenzie Jackson on injured reserve list.

February 2: Traded OS James Bowden to Orlando for future considerations. Waived WR/LB D.J. Humphries, QB Charlie Peterson and OL/DL Bryan Ray.

INJURY UPDATES: OS Bernard Holmes and WR/DB Lenzie Jackson are expected to be out at least two weeks with knee injuries.

COBRAS INJURY REPORT:
Pos. Name Injury Status
OS Bernard Holmes Knee IR
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson Knee IR

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