Carolina Cobras game notes
February 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Carolina Cobras (1-0) at Columbus Destroyers (1-0)
Date: February 13, 2004
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,078)
Officials: Riley Johnson (Referee), Paul Frerkling (Umpire), Darrel Leftwich (Head Linesman), Paul Engleberts (Line Judge), Bud McCleskey (Back Judge)
Series Record: Carolina leads all-time series (3-1)
Coaches: Carolina: Eddie Khayat (5th Season, 24-18)
Columbus: Earle Bruce (4th Season, 14-15)
THE SERIES: Carolina leads all-time series 3-1
Carolina 59, vs. Buffalo 57, May 4, 2001
Carolina 53, @ Buffalo 44, June 17, 2001
Carolina 52, @ Buffalo 31, July 12, 2002
Buffalo 44, vs. Carolina 16, February 9, 2003
THE IFs: If the Cobras defeat the Destroyers it would:
...Give the Cobras their first two-game winning streak and first two-game road winning streak since July 4-12, 2002.
...Give the Cobras their first 2-0 start since 2001
COBRAS LAST WEEK: The Cobras began the season on a high note as they trounced the Dallas Desperados 67-41 at the American Airlines Center. The Cobras ended their league-record 17-game losing streak behind the arm of Matt Nagy and a stingy second-half defense. Game MVP Nagy paced the club, completing 28-of-39 passes for 282 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for a score. Todd Doxzon was his favorite target, reeling in 10 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Damien Groce added six catches for 58 yards and two TDs. Carolina's defense recorded five turnovers and a safety in the victory.
DESTROYERS LAST WEEK: Columbus Destroyers DS JoJo Polk returned a Tony Zimmerman pass four yards for a touchdown with 4:30 remaining to cap off a 26-point fourth quarter as the Destroyers won their inaugural game, 54-48. In the process, the Firebirds set a franchise attendance record with 14,007 fans Saturday night, the most in their 15-year history. Quarterback Ryan Vena led the Destroyers attack, completing 19-of-25 passes for 202 yards and four touchdowns.
CAROLINA COBRAS (1-0)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 8 at Dallas 3:00 W 67-41
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
COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-0)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 7 at Indiana 7:00 W 54-48
Feb. 13 CAROLINA 7:00
Feb. 21 at Philadelphia 7:30
Feb. 29 DALLAS 3:00
Mar. 5 at Arizona 9:00
Mar. 13 PHILADELPHIA 7:00
Mar. 20 at New York 7:00
Apr. 4 ORLANDO 12:00
Apr. 10 NEW YORK 7:00
Apr. 18 at New Orleans 3:00
Apr. 25 TAMPA BAY 12:00
May 1 at Carolina 7:30
May 9 GEORGIA 3:00
May 14 GRAND RAPIDS 7:00
May 22 at Dallas 8:30
May 30 at Las Vegas 4:00
THIS WEEK'S AFL SCHEDULE:
Friday Georgia @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Austin @ Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Detroit @ Arizona 9:00 p.m.
Saturday Colorado @ Grand Rapids 12:00 p.m.
Chicago @ New York 3:00 p.m.
Indiana @ New Orleans 3:00 p.m.
Los Angeles @ Las Vegas 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Philadelphia @ Dallas 4:00 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 (24-18) 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.
Head Coach and General Manager Earle Bruce (14-15) leads the Columbus Destroyers in their first season following the franchise's relocation from Buffalo. Bruce (14-15) formerly served as the head coach for the Cleveland Thunderbolts (1994) and the St. Louis Stampede (1995-96). He is widely recognized as the former leader of the Ohio State Buckeyes, where succeeded long-time coach Woody Hayes in 1979 and compiled a 81-26-1 record over the next nine years. The Ohio native has also served as head coach at the University of Tampa, Northern Iowa and Colorado State.
LAST COBRAS-DESTROYERS MEETING:
Buffalo 44, Carolina 16 (2/9/03 at Buffalo)
Top Passer: Jeff Loots (BUF) 12-20-192 (4 TD)
Top Receiver: Gunnard Twyner (BUF) 5-99 (2 TD)
Top Rusher: Juan Long (BUF) 3-4 (TD)
The Cobras were unable to stop the big play offense of the Buffalo Destroyers as they fell to 0-2 on the season with a 44-16 defeat. Carolina dominated the time of possession, having the ball for nearly 37 minutes, but could not find pay dirt. Buffalo's Jeff Loots completed 12-of-20 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns, including three in the second half. Carolina's Stewart Partridge completed just 5-of-9 passes for 29 yards and an interception before being replaced by Robert Hall, who threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-35 passing. Carolina's 16 points in a game tied a franchise record for fewest points in a game and the 60 combined points broke a franchise record for fewest combined points in one game.
COBRAS NEXT WEEK: The Cobras open their 2004 home campaign as the club hosts the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Coliseum. Carolina will look to capture their first win in the team's five-game all-time series. The Rattlers were runners-up of the past two ArenaBowls and are led by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White.
TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how Carolina and Columbus measure up after Week One.
Statistical CAROLINA COLUMBUS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 1st 67 T-3rd 54
Scoring Defense T-5th 41 11th 48
Total Offense 1st 312 14th 224
Total Defense 10th 245 11th 247
Pass Offense 1st 282 13th 202
Pass Defense 14th 238 4th 183
Run Offense T-8th 30 11th 22
Run Defense 2nd 7 18th 64
LEAGUE LEADERS: The following players rank among the league leaders after one week of action in 2004.
Player Stat Total Rank
Matt Nagy Pass Yards 282 1st
Pass Comp. 28 1st
Pass TDs 6 T-1st
Todd Doxzon Scoring 18 T-1st
Receptions 10 T-2nd
Rec. Yards 97 5th
Rob Bironas Scoring (kick) 11 1st
Travis Reece Rush Yards 21 T-6th
COBRAS MILESTONES:
OS Todd Doxzon needs:
⢠6 receiving touchdowns to reach 50
WR/DB Damien Groce needs:
⢠231 receiving yards to reach 1,000
WR/DB Jarrick Hillery needs:
⢠311 receiving yards 2,500
⢠17 receiving TDs for 50
⢠9 rush attempts for 100
⢠5 tackles for 150
OL/DL Otis Moore needs:
⢠6.5 tackles for 125
⢠2.5 sacks for 20
FB/LB Travis Reece needs:
⢠20 rush attempts for 150
⢠82 rushing yards for 500
OL/DL Robert Stewart needs:
⢠3.5 tackles for 125
⢠.5 sack for 40
WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson needs:
⢠18 receptions for 100
⢠87 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 505
3rd forced fumbles 19
Otis Moore 10th tackles for loss 15.5
6th forced fumbles 12
Robert Stewart 3rd sacks 39.5
SNAKE BITES:
Streak Buster: The Cobras put an end to a franchise and league record 17-game losing streak with their victory in the season opener on Saturday, February 8 at Dallas. The Cobras 26-point margin of victory (67-41) was the largest in Desperados' history.
AFL Offensive Player of the Week - Matt Nagy: Quarterback Matt Nagy was recognized as the league's player of the week after completing 28-of-39 passes for 282 yards and six touchdowns in the Cobras' 67-41 victory over the Dallas Desperados. He added his first career touchdown run, a 4-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.
Streaking: Carolina last won two consecutive games on July 4 and 12 during the 2002 season when the club defeated Toronto (58-44) and Buffalo (52-31). The victories also mark the team's last two-game road winning streak.
Turnover Battle: The Cobras' defense played a large role in the club's season opening victory, forcing Dallas to commit five turnovers. Carolina leads the AFL with a plus-five turnover ratio after snagging two interceptions and three fumble recoveries, including three turnovers in the fourth quarter. Last year, when the Cobras completed the season 0-16, they had a minus-23 turnover ratio.
Stop Light: Carolina controlled the Desperados' offense for the majority of the contest, recording seven defensive stops. The Cobras first stopped Dallas on fourth down and goal with less than three minutes left in the first half. Five turnovers and a safety accounted for the additional six stops. Carolina scored 17 points off the five turnovers.
Paper or Plastic: The three sacks recorded against Dallas were the most recorded by a Cobras squad since May 4, 2000 at Tampa Bay. The trio of sacks were notched by Otis Moore, Travis Reece and Wes Stephens. Dallas quarterback Glen Gauntt fumbled on the sacks by Moore and Stephens, while Reece forced a safety with his sack on the first play of the second half.
Early Bird: The Cobras got off to a quick start in the 2004 campaign with two touchdowns in the first four minutes of the season opener. The club's 21 first quarter points set a franchise record.
Catching On: Cobras OS Todd Doxzon led the receiving corps with a career-high 10 receptions for 97 yards and three touchdowns. He played a pivotal role in the offense as eight of his catches led to Carolina first downs. Doxzon continues to show the offensive productivity he displayed in three seasons in New York. Overall, he has notched 44 touchdown receptions in only 31 career games (1.5 TD/game).
Seal the Deal: The Cobras were perfect in the red zone in Week 1 at Dallas. Carolina scored four TDs and one field goal on the club's five trips inside the Desperados red zone. The Cobras were worst in the league in 2003, scoring on only 43 of 63 (68.3 percent) red zone trips.
On the Offensive: The Cobras' 67-point scoring effort was the most points scored by Carolina in the regular season since July 13, 2001 at New York (68-99). Carolina scored 72 points in the team's last overall victory at Grand Rapids during the 2002 playoffs. The team's top scoring output in the 2003 season was 48 points at Los Angeles (4/4/03).
On the Defensive: DS Glenn Davis had the most productive game in his two-year career at Dallas. He posted a career-high 5.5 tackles and an interception in helping to limit the Desperados' passing attack to a 51.4 completion percentage and 238 yards.
Just for Kicks: Among seven rookies on the Cobras roster is K Rob Bironas. The first-year player leads AFL kickers with 11 points scored. He was successful on eight-of nine PAT attempts while also connecting on a 27-yard field goal. 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.
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 (10 rec.â97 yds-3 TD), WR/DB Damien Groce (6-58-2) and WR/DB Jarrick Hillery (4-47-1) are expected to lead Carolina during the 2004 season. The threesome has combined for 382 receptions, 4,537 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns in only 108 career games.
No Erasers Needed: Carolina played a relatively error free contest in Week One, allowing zero sacks and committing zero turnovers.
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 second 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.
Head South Young Man: 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, who earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in the season opening victory over Dallas, 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 283 career games over a combined 29 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* 11 117 7
Robert Stewart* 11 121 6
Sean Tremblay 7 60 3
Cory Stone* 6 45 5
*denotes starter
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.
Butter Fingers: Carolina holds a 13-9 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.
Moving On Up: Cobras WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. and OL/DL Wes Stephens made an impact in their first game with the Cobras after posting astounding numbers during the 2003 af2 campaign. Walker Jr. reeled in four passes for 35 yards while also recovering a fumbled kickoff return for a touchdown. Walker led the Peoria Pirates with 90 receptions for 1,442 yards, and led the league with 45 touchdowns and 276 points scored. Stephens, who recorded a sack and forced fumble against the Desperados, was named af2 Lineman of the Year in 2003 after tormenting quarterbacks league-wide as he led the Tennessee Valley Vipers to a league-best 14-2 mark.
Reece's Pieces: FB/LB Travis Reece earned Army Ironman of the Game honors after making his impact felt on both sides of the ball in the season opener. Reece rushing for 21 yards and the team's first touchdown of the season on offense and added 1.5 tackles and a sack for a safety on the defensive end.
FAMILIAR FACES: Cobras' defensive coordinator Ron Selesky served as the Buffalo Destroyers head coach prior to the franchise's relocation to Columbus during the 2003 season...Selesky earlier served as head coach of Columbus quarterback Ryan Vena in 2002 with the Albany Firebirds (af2)...WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson appeared in 15 games for the Destroyers in 2003...OL/DL Otis Moore saw action in 10 games with Buffalo last season.
COBRAS PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Matt Nagy: The second-year quarterback earned AFL Offensive Player of the Week honors after passing for 282 yards and accounting for seven touchdowns in the Cobras' victory at Dallas (2/8/03). Nagy completed 28-of-39 passes and no interceptions in his fifth career start. Prior to missing the 2003 season with a knee injury, Nagy enjoyed a successful 2002 campaign with the New York Dragons. Nagy was impressive in four starts in the Big Apple, completing 88 of 140 passes for 1,025 yards and 25 touchdowns.
FB/LB Travis Reece: Reece earned Ironman of the Game honors after recording a rushing touchdown and a sack for a safety in Carolina's win over the Dallas Desperados in Week One of the 2004 season. Overall, he rushed four times for 21 yards on offense and recorded 1.5 tackles on defense. Reece has recorded 397 rushing yards and 60 tackles during his three-year AFL career with the Georgia Force and Nashville Kats.
WR/DB Damien Groce: Groce has emerged as a dangerous weapon as a receiver and kick returner this season. He recorded six receptions for 58 yards and two scores in the Cobras' season opener at Dallas. Groce proved himself to be an offensive threat in 2003, registering career highs with 48 receptions, 573 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with the New York Dragons.
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 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.
February 4: Signed WR/LB D.J. Humphries, QB Charlie Peterson and OL/DL Bryan Ray to practice squad.
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
OL/DL Yusuf Scott Calf Doubtful
OL/DL Wes Stephens Ankle Probable
WR/DB Jarrick Hillery Shoulder Probable
OL/DL Sean Tremblay Knee Probable
OS Bernard Holmes Knee IR
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson Knee IR
BABY RUTH OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Matt Nagy CAR
ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Travis Reece CAR
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Damon Mason CAR
THE COBRAS THIS SEASON ARE:
0-0 at home
1-0 on the road
1-0 vs. Eastern Division
0-0 vs. Central Division
0-0 vs. Southern Division
0-0 vs. Western Division
0-0 on Fridays
0-0 on Saturday
1-0 on Sundays
1-0 in February
0-0 in March
0-0 in April
0-0 in May
0-0 in televised games on NBC
1-0 when leading at the half
0-0 when tied at the half
0-0 when trailing at the half
1-0 when leading after 3 quarters
0-0 when tied after 3 quarters
0-0 when trailing after 3 quarters
0-0 outcome 7 points or less
0-0 outcome 3 points or less
0-0 overtime games
1-0 when the Cobras score first
0-0 when opponent scores first
GAME #1
Carolina 67, At Dallas 41
2/8/03 ⢠American Airlines Center (10,278)
The Cobras began the season on a high note as they trounced the Dallas Desperados 67-41 at the American Airlines Center. The Cobras ended their league-record 17-game losing streak behind the arm of Matt Nagy and a stingy second-half defense. Game MVP Nagy paced the club, completing 28-of-39 passes for 282 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for a score. Todd Doxzon was his favorite target, reeling in 10 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Damien Groce added six catches for 58 yards and two TDs. Carolina's defense recorded five turnovers and a safety in the victory.
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