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Carolina Cobras game notes

February 24, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Carolina Cobras (2-1) vs. Orlando Predators (0-2)
Date: February 28, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Charlotte Coliseum (12,229)
Officials: Steve Pamon (Referee), Jeff Carr (Umpire), Brent Durbin (Head Linesman), Tom Symonette (Line Judge), Jim Anderson (Back Judge)
Series Record: Orlando leads all-time series (6-0)
Coaches: Carolina: Eddie Khayat (5th Season, 25-19)
Orlando: Jay Gruden (5th Season, 35-23)

THE SERIES: Orlando leads all-time series 6-0
Orlando 41, Carolina 24, May 11, 2003
Orlando 70, at Carolina 42, February 21, 2003
Orlando 52, at Carolina 48, June 28, 2002
Orlando 33, vs. Carolina 30, May 31, 2002
Orlando 56, vs. Carolina 54, June 2, 2000
Orlando 56, at Carolina 28, April 27, 2000

THE IFs: If the Cobras defeat the Predators it would:
...Give the Cobras their third 3-1 start in team history.
...Snap the Cobras' 14-game home losing streak.

COBRAS LAST WEEK: The Arizona Rattlers halted the Cobras' two-game winning streak with a 45-38 defeat in front of 9,217 at the Charlotte Coliseum. Carolina was shut out 14-0 in the final quarter as the Rattlers rallied from a 38-31 deficit to hand the Cobras their 14th consecutive home loss over three seasons. The Cobras entered the final quarter with a seven-point advantage, but two late interceptions by quarterback Matt Nagy slowed the Carolina offense and allowed the Rattlers to secure their first victory of the season.

PREDATORS LAST WEEK: Orlando was off in week three as a result of an early season bye. In their last action, the Predators fell 49-48 in overtime to the expansion Austin Wranglers. Following a hotly-contested four quarters of play, Austin scored on their first possession of the extra period. On the ensuing drive, Orlando's Marion Moye-Moore scored on a four-yard TD run. Head Coach Jay Gruden elected to go for the two-point conversion and the win, however quarterback Joey Hamilton was ruled down just short of the end zone.

CAROLINA COBRAS (2-1)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 8 at Dallas 3:00 W 67-41
Feb. 13 at Columbus 7:00 W 54-53
Feb. 21 ARIZONA 7:30 L 38-45
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

ORLANDO PREDATORS (0-2)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb 8 at Tampa Bay 3:00 L 41-52
Feb 13 AUSTIN 7:30 L 48-49
Feb 28 at Carolina 7:30
Mar 6 INDIANA 7:30
Mar 12 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30
Mar 21 at Chicago 12:00
Mar 27 LAS VEGAS 7:30
Apr 4 at Columbus 12:00
Apr 9 NEW ORLEANS 7:30
Apr 18 at Georgia 3:00
Apr 25 DALLAS 12:00
May 2 TAMPA BAY 3:00
May 9 at New Orleans 3:00
May 16 at Austin 3:00
May 23 NEW YORK 3:00
May 30 at Los Angeles 4:00

THIS WEEK'S AFL SCHEDULE:
Friday Austin @ Colorado 9:00 p.m.
Saturday Grand Rapids @ San Jose 10:30 p.m.
Sunday New York @ Arizona 3:00 p.m.
Chicago @ Indiana 3:00 p.m.
Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay 3:00 p.m.
Dallas @ Columbus 3:00 p.m.
New Orleans @ Las Vegas 3:00 p.m.
Monday Georgia @ Los Angeles 10:30 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 (25-19) 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.

Jay Gruden returns to the sidelines after spending the 2002 and 2003 seasons behind center for the team. A member of the AFL Hall of Fame, Gruden (35-23) is the only person in league history to win an ArenaBowl as a player and head coach. He began his career in 1991 at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Storm, winning four titles in his first six seasons. Gruden went on to become offensive coordinator for the Nashville Kats in 1996 before taking over as head coach of the Predators the following year. He currently ranks among the AFL-s all-time leaders with over 20,000 passing yards and nearly 400 touchdowns. His brother, Jon, is head coach of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

LAST COBRAS-PREDATORS MEETING:
Orlando 41, Carolina 24 (5/9/03 at Orlando)
Top Passer: Robert Hall (CAR) 23-36-200 (2TD)
Top Receiver: Alvin Ashley (CAR) 8-93 (TD)
Top Rusher: Duke Pettijohn 3-11 (2 TD)

The Cobras suffered their AFL-record 15th consecutive loss with a 41-24 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Predators. QB Jay Gruden connected with Cory Fleming on three scoring strikes to lead the way for Orlando. He completed 14-of-27 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns to earn Game MVP honors. Playing without injured starters Bernard Holmes and Stewart Patridge, Carolina was led by 234 all-purpose yards from OS Alvin Ashley, who became only the sixth player in league history with 15,000 career all-purpose yards.

COBRAS NEXT WEEK:
The Cobras hit the road once again to face the first-year Austin Wranglers. Austin (2-0) is led by AFL veteran QB John Kaleo, WR/LB Darryl Hammond and OL/DL Tom Briggs. The franchise has captured impressive victories over the Orlando Predators and Tampa Bay Storm in the first two games in its history.


TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how Carolina and Orlando match up after two weeks of play.
Statistical CAROLINA ORLANDO
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 53.0 5th 44.5 14th
Scoring Defense 46.3 8th 50.5 14th
Total Offense 257.7 11th 285.5 2nd
Total Defense 278.7 18th 255.5 9th
Pass Offense 243.7 8th 278.0 1st
Pass Defense 263.3 18th 225.5 7th
Run Offense 14.0 13th 7.5 18th
Run Defense 15.7 7th 30.0 15th

LEAGUE LEADERS: The following players rank among the league leaders after two weeks of action in 2004.
Player Stat Total Rank
Matt Nagy Pass Attempts 101 T4th
Pass Comp. 66 3rd
Pass Yards 731 5th
Pass TDs 15 5th
Todd Doxzon Receptions 24 T1st
Rec. Yards 314 2nd
Rec. TDs 6 T7th
Damien Groce Scoring 48 T2nd
Rec. TDs 7 2nd
KOR Yards 22.2 6th
Rob Bironas Scoring (kick) 31 2nd
Travis Reece Rush Yards 32 T7th

COBRAS MILESTONES:
OS Todd Doxzon needs:
• 3 receiving touchdowns to reach 50

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

WR/DB Jarrick Hillery needs:
• 245 receiving yards 2,500
• 17 receiving TDs for 50
• 9 rush attempts for 100
• 4 tackles for 150

OL/DL Otis Moore needs:
• 5.0 tackles for 125
• 2.5 sacks for 20

FB/LB Travis Reece needs:
• 16 rush attempts for 150
• 71 rushing yards for 500

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

WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson needs:
• 14 receptions for 100
• 69 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 525.0
3rd forced fumbles 19
Otis Moore 10th tackles for loss 15.5
6th forced fumbles 12
Robert Stewart 3rd Sacks 39.5

SNAKE BITES:
What a Difference a Year Makes: The Cobras have shown dramatic improvement in several areas through the first three games of the 2004 season.

Statistic 2004 2003
Points per Game 53.0 34.6
Points Allowed per Game 46.3 55.4
Turnover Margin +7 -23

Lopsided: Much of the blame for the Cobras loss to Arizona was the club's inability to control the ball on offense. Carolina possessed the ball for only 21:34 in the contest, tying a franchise record with only seven first downs.

Not So Sweet: The Cobras have yet to treat the fans of Charlotte to a home win. The team remains winless in nine games since its relocation from Raleigh following the 2002 season. Overall, Carolina has dropped an AFL-record 14 consecutive home contests. Their last home victory came against the Tampa Bay Storm on May 4, 2002 (46-36).

It Sure is Crowded: The Cobras drew a Charlotte-record 9,217 fans in their home opener against the Rattlers in week three. The largest home crowd during the 2003 season was 9,019 against the Orlando Predators (2/21). It was the largest crowd since the Cobras final game in Raleigh (10,377, 7/21/02).

Fifty and Counting: The 50-point mark continues to be a deciding factor in the Cobras success. Carolina is 15-9 when scoring more than 50 points, and has won only three of 37 contests when scoring fewer than 50 points. The club is winless in 19 games in which it has scored fewer than 40 points.

A New Leaf: The Cobras defense has shown the ability to force timely turnovers thus far this season. Overall, Carolina has forced opponents into a league-high 10 turnovers, including seven fumbles. The club has returned two of the turnovers for a touchdown, a fumble recovery by WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. and an interception return by WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson.

Triple Threat: One of the many bright spots of the resurgent Cobras offense is the emergence of WR/DB Damien Groce. He has notched 15 receptions for 157 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Groce also leads the team with 22.6 yards per kickoff return, including a 56-yard return for a touchdown against Arizona. He has added seven solo tackles, fourth on the team.

Junior: WR/LB Jack Walker Jr. has made a successful return to the AFL after spending two highly productive seasons with the Peoria Pirates of af2 (2002-2003). In the Cobras home opener last week, he posted his first scoring catch of the season and a career-high 6.5 tackles. Walker currently ranks among the team leaders with nine catches for 80 yards on offense and 7.5 tackles on defense. He previously spent three seasons with the Iowa/New York franchise between 1998 and 2001.

O is For Orlando: Carolina attempts to defeat the Predators for the first time in seven games. The Cobras' former Southern Division foe has won by an average of 13.6 points (51.3-37.7) in six meetings.

Half and Half: The first half has been kind to the Cobras as they have posted 103 points in the first two quarters in the first three games of the season. The offense has stalled in the second half thus far, posting only 56 points.

Second to None: While the Cobras have shown an ability to take the lead early this season, the defense has allowed opponents to get back in the game in the second quarter. Through three games, Carolina has allowed an average of 23 points in the second frame.

Dandy Duo: OS Todd Doxzon and WR/DB Damien Groce have combined to be one of the most productive receiving duos in the AFL. Thus far, they have combined for 39 receptions, 471 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Laying Bricks: Perennial AFL standout DS Damon Mason has paid immediate dividends in his first season with the Cobras. Named as the ADT Defensive Player of the Game in each of the first three games, Mason currently leads the team with 24.0 tackles. He has registered three of the top four single-season tackle totals in AFL history and ranks third all-time with 525 career tackles.

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

In the Trenches: The impressive statistics posted by the Cobras skill players have come as a result of an impressive showing by the team's offensive line. The line, which is a formidable mix of veterans and first-year players, has yet to allow a sack. Last season, Carolina allowed an astounding 35 quarterback sacks.

Comeback: In last week's come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Destroyers, Carolina outscored their opponent 13-3 in the final quarter and 20-3 in the final 16 minutes of the game. It was only the second victory in 35 games in which the team trailed entering the final quarter.

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.

Kicking Tail: Another of the bright spots for the Cobras has been the emergence of first-year K Rob Bironas. One of seven rookies for Carolina, he is second in the league with 31 points scored, connecting on 19-of20 PAT attempts. He has displayed a strong leg on kickoffs and field goals, ranking second in the AFL with seven touchbacks. 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.

Many Un-Happy Returns: One sore spot for the Cobras has been their inability to cover kickoff returns. Carolina has surrendered a kickoff return for a TD in both contests thus far (Sedrick Robinson, CMB; Will Pettis, DAL) and currently ranks last in the league, allowing 25.1 yards per return.

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.

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 third week of 2004, OL/DL Robert Stewart. 2003 Team MVP Bernard Holmes is on the injured reserve list after undergoing knee surgery. 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.

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 289 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* 11 119 7
Robert Stewart* 11 123 6
Sean Tremblay 7 62 3
Cory Stone* 6 47 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.

FAMILIAR FACES: DS Damon Mason spent four seasons with Orlando (1998-2001), earning two ArenaBowl titles...The Cobras DS Glenn Davis appeared in six games, recording 15.0 tackles, for Orlando in 2003...Orlando OS James Bowden was acquired in a trade from the Cobras after spending the 2004 training camp in Carolina...Predators head coach Jay Gruden served as offensive coordinator under Khayat in 1997 with the Nashville Kats...Orlando Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator served as defensive coordinator for the Cobras in 2002...Orlando OL/DL Justin Cleveland, WR/LB Cory Fleming, QB Connell Maynor spent the 2002 season in Carolina.


COBRAS PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Matt Nagy: The second-year quarterback has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Cobras, accounting for 17 touchdowns through three weeks of play. Overall, Nagy has completed 66-of-101 passes for 731 yards and 15 scores. He earned AFL Offensive Player of the Week honors after passing for 282 yards and accounting for seven touchdowns in the Cobras' season-opening victory at Dallas (2/8/03). Prior to missing the 2003 season with a knee injury, Nagy enjoyed a successful 2002 campaign with the New York Dragons, completing 88 of 140 passes for 1,025 yards and 25 touchdowns in four starts.

OS Todd Doxzon: Doxzon continues to show the knack for finding the end zone that made him a valuable commodity in the offseason free agent market. He has accounted for six touchdown receptions this season and leads the team with 24 receptions for 314 yards. The former Iowa State standout reeled in a career-high 10 receptions in each of the first two contests of the 2004 season. In 33 career games he has posted 47 touchdown catches.

WR/DB Damien Groce: Groce has emerged as a dangerous weapon as a receiver and kick returner this season. Through two games, he has 15 catches for 157 yards and seven touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the Cobras come-from-behind win at Columbus. Groce first 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.

DS Damon Mason: The six-year AFL veteran has earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in each of the Cobras first three games. He currently leads the team with 24.0 tackles on the year, including a season high 10.5 takedowns in Carolina's win at Columbus (2/21). Mason ranks third in league history with 525.0 career tackles.


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)
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:
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.

February 18: Placed OL/DL Yusuf Scott on injured reserve list.

INJURY UPDATES: OS Bernard Holmes and WR/DB Lenzie Jackson remain out with knee injuries.

COBRAS INJURY REPORT:
Pos. Name Injury Status
WR/DB Damien Groce Shoulder Questionable
WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson Ribs Probable
OL/DL Yusuf Scott Calf IR
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
2 Cornelius White CMB
3 Sherdrick Bonner ARI

ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Travis Reece CAR
2 Wilkie Bazile CMB
3 Tom Pace ARI

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Damon Mason CAR
2 Damon Mason CAR
3 Damon Mason CAR


THE COBRAS THIS SEASON ARE:

0-1 at home
2-0 on the road

2-0 vs. Eastern Division
0-0 vs. Central Division
0-0 vs. Southern Division
0-1 vs. Western Division

1-0 on Friday
0-1 on Saturday
1-0 on Sunday

2-1 in February
0-0 in March
0-0 in April
0-0 in May

0-0 in televised games on NBC

1-1 when leading at the half
0-0 when tied at the half
1-0 when trailing at the half

1-1 when leading after 3 quarters
0-0 when tied after 3 quarters
1-0 when trailing after 3 quarters

0-1 outcome 7 points or less
1-0 outcome 3 points or less
0-0 overtime games

2-0 when the Cobras score first
0-1 when opponent scores first

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