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Carolina Cobras game notes

March 9, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Carolina Cobras (2-3) vs. Dallas Desperados (4-1)
Date: March 13, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Charlotte Coliseum (12,229)
Officials: Bill McCabe (Referee), Doug Wilson (Umpire), Royce Cooley (Head Linesman), Kent Payne (Line Judge), Jimmy Buchanan (Back Judge)
Series Record: Dallas leads 2-1
Coaches: Carolina: Eddie Khayat (5th Season, 25-21)
Dallas: Will McClay (1st Season, 4-1)

THE SERIES: Dallas leads the all-time series 2-1
Carolina 67, at Dallas 41, February 8, 2004
Dallas 57, at Carolina 44, April 20, 2003
Dallas 47, at Carolina 43, March 21, 2003

THE IFs: If the Cobras defeat the Desperados it would:
...Snap the Cobras 15-game home losing streak.
...Give the Cobras the first win at the Charlotte Coliseum
...Give the Cobras a two-game winning streak vs. Dallas.

COBRAS LAST WEEK: A risky two-point conversion with no time remaining gave the Austin Wranglers a stunning victory over the Carolina Cobras, 56-55, in front of 10,655 at the Frank Erwin Center. After John Kaleo found Tacoma Fontaine on the game's final play to cut the Cobras lead to one-point, Austin elected to go for two points and the victory. Kaleo was named Offensive Player of the Game, completing 28-of-36 passes for 286 yards and six touchdowns, while Charlie Davidson earned Ironman of the Game honors after reeling in 13 receptions for 135 yards and three scores. The Cobras were led by Matt Nagy, who completed 22-of-28 passes for 254 yards and six touchdowns, and added his third scoring run of the season.

DESPERADOS LAST WEEK: The Dallas Desperados (4-1) won their fourth consecutive game defeating the Grand Rapids Rampage (0-5) 66-50 at American Airlines Center. QB Glen Gauntt and WR/DB Bobby Sippio shared offensive player of the game honors as Gauntt completed 26-of-39 passes for 333 yards, a career-high eight touchdowns and one interception and Sippio registered six receptions for 116 yards and three scores.
CAROLINA COBRAS (2-3)
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 L 43-59
Mar. 7 at Austin 3:00 L 55-56
Mar. 13 DALLAS 7:30
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 (4-1)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 8 CAROLINA 3:00 L 41-67
Feb. 15 PHILADELPHIA 4:00 W 51-47
Feb. 22 at New York 3:00 W 56-44
Feb. 29 at Columbus 3:00 W 51-35
Mar. 6 GRAND RAPIDS 8:30 W 66-50
Mar. 13 at Carolina 7:30
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:
Friday Georgia @ Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Detroit @ New Orleans 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Philadelphia @ Columbus 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Indiana @ Austin 3:00 p.m.
Arizona @ Las Vegas 6:00 p.m.
Colorado @ San Jose 8:00 p.m.
Los Angeles @ Grand Rapids 12:00 p.m. New York @ Tampa Bay 12:00 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 (25-21) 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.

Will McClay made his AFL head coaching debut with the Desperados on February 5 following the resignation of Joe Avezzano. McClay also serves as the team's defensive coordinator, a position he has held since the team's inception in 2002. Prior to joining Dallas, he served as the Assistant Director of Pro Scouting for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2001) and the player personnel director of the XFL's Orlando Rage. McClay has spent six seasons as a coach in the AFL from 1995-1999 following a four-year career as a WR/DB with the Detroit Drive, helping them win three ArenaBowl titles in four seasons.

COBRAS-DESPERADOS LAST MEETING:
Carolina 67, at Dallas 41
February 8, 2004 – American Airlines Arena (10,278)
Top Passer: Nagy 28-39-0 282 (6 TD)
Top Rusher: Reece 4-21 (TD)
Top Receiver: Doxzon 10-97 (3 TD)
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. The Cobras defense was the story of the second half, recording three sacks, three fumbles, two interceptions and a safety. The offense capitalized by outscoring Dallas 29-14 in the second half, including 14-0 in the final frame. The 26-point margin of defeat was the worst in Desperados history.

COBRAS NEXT WEEK:The Cobras host the defending ArenaBowl champions, the Tampa Bay Storm, on Sunday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Coliseum. In 2003, Carolina forced Tampa Bay to overtime before falling 45-38.


TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how Carolina and Dallas match up after five weeks of play.

Statistical CAROLINA DALLAS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 51.4 T-6th 53.0 4th
Scoring Defense 50.8 15th 48.6 12th
Total Offense 254.8 12th 272.2 T-4th
Total Defense 274.2 16th 254.4 10th
Pass Offense 243.6 10th 252.4 4th
Pass Defense 255.4 15th 237.0 11th
Run Offense 11.2 17th 19.8 9th
Run Defense 18.8 6th 17.4 4th

LEAGUE LEADERS: The following players rank among the league leaders after five weeks of action in 2004.
Player Stat Total Rank
Matt Nagy Pass Attempts 164 T-4th
Pass Comp. 114 1st
Pass Yards 1233 8th
Pass TDs 26 4th
Todd Doxzon Receptions 43 1st
Rec. Yards 500 2nd
Rec. TDs 10 T-2nd
Damien Groce Scoring 72 T-4th
Rec. TDs 10 T-2nd
KOR Avg. 20.3 11th
Rob Bironas Scoring (kick) 43 2nd
Damon Mason Tackles 38.0 2nd

COBRAS MILESTONES:
WR/DB Damien Groce needs:
• 436 receiving yards to reach 1,500
• 1 receiving TD to set single-season high (10; 2003)

WR/DB Jarrick Hillery needs:
• 210 receiving yards 2,500
• 17 receiving TDs for 50
• 9 rush attempts for 100
• 47 tackles for 200

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

FB/LB Travis Reece needs:
• 13 rush attempts for 150
• 66 rushing yards for 500

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

WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson needs:
• 11 receptions for 100
• 52 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 539.0
3rd forced fumbles 19
Otis Moore 10th tackles for loss 15.5
6th forced fumbles 12
Robert Stewart 3rd sacks 39.5

SNAKE BITES:
Home Not So Sweet: The Cobras have yet to secure a victory in for the fans of Charlotte. The team remains winless in 10 contests since its relocation from Raleigh following the 2002 season. Overall, Carolina has dropped an AFL-record 15 consecutive home contests. Their last home victory came against the Tampa Bay Storm on May 4, 2002 (46-36).

Dandy Duo: OS Todd Doxzon and WR/DB Damien Groce have combined to become the most productive receiving duos in the AFL. Through week five, the two players have combined for a league-high 68 receptions, 803 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Desperados have a formidable receiving corps as well, as Jason Shelley and Will Pettis have totaled 64 catches for 741 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Holding the Lead: In each of the past three games, Carolina has squandered halftime leads with poor second-half performances. The Cobras have been outscored by 41 points in the second half of the games (59-26), including two quarters where the club was topped 16-0. In the first two games of the season, Carolina held opponents to three points in the final frame.

Old Yellow: One of the leading reasons for Carolina's recent struggles is the team's knack for piling up penalties, many of the untimely variety. The Cobras were flagged for 15 penalties in the last-second loss to Austin, including three penalties on the game-winning drive. On the year, the team has been penalized 49 times for a total of 319 yards. Carolina is on pace to surpass the team record for penalties in a season (117, 2003).

Holmes is Back: WR/DB Bernard Holmes made an impressive 2004 debut against the Wranglers, posting touchdowns on both of his receptions. Following a spectacular 2003 campaign, he was 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 prior to the season opener.

Third and Oh!: The Cobras defense has struggled mightily on third down this season, allowing opponents to reach first down a league-worst 63.9 percent of the time (23-36). Detroit leads the AFL at 36.7 percent (11-30).

On the Ground: After outgaining Dallas 30-7 on the ground in the season opener, the Cobras have been consistently beaten on the ground. Carolina has allowed 87 rushing yards in the next three games, while rushing for only 26 yards. FB/LB Travis Reece posted 21 yards rushing on four attempts in the season opener, but has run for 13 yards on seven tries since. The Cobras currently rank 17th in the league in rushing (11.2 yds./game).

Jack of All Trades: Carolina's ‘Jack' linebackers continue to make an impact on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Thus far, WR/LB's Jack Walker, Jr. and Sir Mawn Wilson have combined for 24 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns on offense, as well as 25.0 tackles and two forced fumbles on defense. Each has also accounted for a defensive score (Walker, fumble return, 2/8; Wilson, interception return, 2/13).

Triple Threat: Cobras WR/DB Damien Groce has shown to be a scoring threat from multiple positions on the field, posting touchdowns through the air, on the ground and by kick return. Through five games of play, the three-year veteran has tied his career-high of 10 TD receptions, while adding a 56-yard kickoff return and a seven-yard scoring run. His team-high 72 points scored ranks fourth in the league.

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 ranks second in the league with 38.0 tackles. He has registered three of the top four single-season tackle totals in AFL history and ranks third all-time with 539 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

Heartbreaker: The Cobras were defeated in devastating fashion on their trip to Austin, as Wranglers' head coach Skip Foster gambled - and won - on a risky two-point conversion call. After a John Kaleo to Tacoma Fountaine touchdown with no time on the clock left Austin down by one point, the Wranglers elected to go for two points and the victory. Kaleo was able to find Shannon Culver in the flat for the conversion and the 56-55 win.
Comeback: In the Cobras' 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.

Have We Met?: The Cobras have experienced a very dramatic makeover following the disappointments of the 2003 season. Only two players from last year's squad will be on the field in the fifth week of 2004, OL/DL Robert Stewart and 2003 Team MVP Bernard Holmes. Of the 21 remaining players on the active roster, 20 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 295 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* 11 121 7
Robert Stewart* 11 125 6
Sean Tremblay 7 64 3
Cory Stone* 6 49 5
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: The Desperados currently feature four players from the Cobras 2003 squad...QB Glen Gauntt, WR/LB Chris Johnson, 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 has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Cobras, accounting for 29 touchdowns through four weeks of play. Overall, Nagy has completed 114-of-164 passes for 1,233 yards and 26 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 10 touchdown receptions this season and leads the team with a league-high 43 receptions for 500 yards. The former Iowa State standout has reeled in a career-high 10 receptions in three of the first four contests of the 2004 season. In 35 career games he has posted 41 touchdown catches.

WR/DB Damien Groce: Groce has emerged as a dangerous weapon as a receiver, rusher and kick returner this season. In four games, he has 25 catches for 303 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the Cobras come-from-behind win at Columbus. He also added a seven-yard TD run against Austin (3/7) and a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Club's loss to Arizona (2/21).

DS Damon Mason: The six-year AFL veteran earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors in each of the Cobras first three games of the 2004 season. He currently ranks second in the league with 39.0 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 539.0 career tackles.








DESPERADOS PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Glen Gauntt: Gauntt was handed the reigns to the Desperados offense prior to the season and has been making progress in each game played. He has thrown for 1,306 yards and 27 touchdowns and four interceptions on 104-of-171 passing. The Cobras forced the former Carolina quarterback into five turnovers in the season opener, but Gauntt has responded well, passing for 306 yards and eight touchdowns last week against Grand Rapids.

OS Jason Shelley: In his first season as an offensive specialist, Shelley has quickly become Dallas' go-to receiver. The third-year receiver has posted 39 catches for 438 yards and 11 touchdowns. His emergence has spurred Dallas to the fourth ranked pass offense (252.4 yards per game).

OL/DL Colston Weatherington: The first-year lineman has proven himself as a playmaker in only five games of play. Thus far, he has posted a sack two passes defended, a forced fumble and three blocked kicks. Weatherington's play has helped the Desperados to the fourth best rush defense in the league (17.4 yards per game)

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.

March 2: Activated WR/DB Bernard Holmes and OL/DL Yusuf Scott from injured list and placed DS Glenn Davis on injured list. Waived OL/DL DeAngelo Lloyd and signed OL/DL Bryan Ray from practice squad.


INJURY UPDATES: OL/DL Kendrick Gholston suffered a season-threatening knee injury in loss at Austin...WR/DB Lenzie Jackson remains out with a knee injury...DS Glenn Davis was placed on IR after suffering a neck injury versus Orlando.

COBRAS INJURY REPORT:
Pos. Name Injury Status
DS Damon Mason Foot Probable
OL/DL Kendrick Gholston Knee Out
DS Glenn Davis Neck IR
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson Knee IR


AFL STANDINGS
National Conference

EASTERN Win Loss Tie PF PA
Dallas 4 1 0 265 243
Carolina 2 3 0 257 254
New York 2 3 0 257 243
Philadelphia 2 3 0 227 214
Columbus 1 4 0 218 274

SOUTHERN Win Loss Tie PF PA
New Orleans 4 1 0 223 219
Austin 3 1 0 196 188
Georgia 3 2 0 258 263
Orlando 2 2 0 198 182
Tampa Bay 2 3 0 245 259

American Conference

CENTRAL Win Loss Tie PF PA
Chicago 4 1 0 267 218
Colorado 4 1 0 232 240
Detroit 2 2 0 186 175
Grand Rapids 0 5 0 162 284
Indiana 0 5 0 197 228

WESTERN Win Loss Tie PF PA
San Jose 3 1 0 231 193
Arizona 3 2 0 226 220
Los Angeles 2 2 0 220 201
Las Vegas 2 3 0 238 204

BABY RUTH OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Matt Nagy CAR
2 Cornelius White CMB
3 Sherdrick Bonner ARI
4 Joe Hamilton ORL
5 John Kaleo AUS

ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Travis Reece CAR
2 Wilkie Bazile CMB
3 Tom Pace ARI
4 James Bowden ORL
5 Charlie Davidson AUS

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Wk Player Team
1 Damon Mason CAR
2 Damon Mason CAR
3 Damon Mason CAR
4 Jermaine Smith ORL
5 Charlie Davidson AUS

THE COBRAS THIS SEASON ARE:

0-2 at home
2-1 on the road

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

1-0 on Friday
0-2 on Saturday
1-1 on Sunday

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

0-0 in televised games on NBC

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

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

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

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