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Carolina Cobras game notes

April 6, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Carolina Cobras (3-6) at Indiana Firebirds (4-5)
Date: April 11, 2004
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (EST)
Site: Conseco Fieldhouse (13,695)
Officials: Pat Garvey (Referee), Paul King (Umpire), Bill Ward (Head Linesman), James Mello (Line Judge), Greg Steed (Back Judge)
Series Record: Indiana leads 1-0
Coaches: Carolina: John Gregory (10th season, 67-50)
Indiana: Dave Wilpolt (1st season, 4-0)

THE SERIES:
Indiana 58, vs. Carolina 41 – July 29, 2001 (playoffs)

THE IFs: If the Cobras defeat the Firebirds it would:
...Give the Cobras a 3-2 record on road.
...Snap the Cobras two-game losing streak.
...Snap the Firebirds four-game winning streak.
...Give the Cobras a 1-1 record vs. American Conference.

COBRAS LAST WEEK: The New York Dragons secured an important Eastern Division victory Sunday afternoon as they defeated the Carolina Cobras 57-41 at the Charlotte Coliseum. The Cobras held the Dragons to 129 yards of total offense, but were unable to withstand a strong second-half push by New York, who secured its fourth consecutive victory. The contest was tied 17-17 after two quarters of play, but New York came out swiftly in the second half, scoring 21 straight points in the third frame en route to a 40-24 second half advantage. Carolina outgained the Dragons 237-129 in the contest, but was undone by a New York offense that scored on all but one possession. Carolina was led by Matt Nagy, who completed 23-of-40 passes for 237 yards and five scores, while OS Todd Doxzon paced the Cobras receivers with eight receptions for 94 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

FIREBIRDS LAST WEEK: Clay Rush drilled a 20-yard field goal 7:31 into overtime to give the Indiana Firebirds (4-5) a 45-42 overtime win over the Colorado Crush at the Pepsi Center on Saturday afternoon. For Colorado, the defeat represented their first home setback in 2004. The Crush opened the season winning four consecutive home games. The game was also Indiana's fourth consecutive triumph since promoting assistant coach Mike Wilpolt to the head coach's slot in March. Adrian McPherson threw for 332 yards and five touchdown passes, while Anthony Hines paced Indiana with 13 catches for 196 yards and three touchdowns.


CAROLINA COBRAS (3-6)
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 L 52-77
Mar. 21 TAMPA BAY 3:00 W 54-43
Mar. 27 at New Orleans 8:00 L 31-48
Apr. 4 NEW YORK 12:00 L 41-57
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

INDIANA FIREBIRDS (4-5)
Date Opponent Time Result Score
Feb. 7 COLUMBUS 7:00 L 54-48
Feb. 14 at New Orleans 3:00 L 41-40
Feb. 23 at Detroit 7:30 L 34-25
Feb. 29 CHICAGO 3:00 L 49-46
Mar. 6 at Orlando 7:30 L 38-50
Mar. 14 at Austin 3:00 W 64-41
Mar. 20 GEORGIA 7:00 W 73-36
Mar. 26 GRAND RAPIDS 7:30 W 45-42
Apr. 3 at Colorado 3:00 W 45-42
Apr. 11 CAROLINA 3:00
Apr. 17 at Grand Rapids 7:30
Apr. 25 ARIZONA 3:00
May 2 at Las Vegas 3:00
May 8 DETROIT 8:00
May 16 COLORADO 3:00
May 23 at Chicago 3:00

THIS WEEK'S AFL SCHEDULE:
Friday New Orleans @ Orlando 7:30 p.m.
Saturday New York @ Columbus 7:00 p.m.
Grand Rapids @ Detroit 7:30 p.m.
San Jose @ Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Las Vegas @ Arizona 10:00 p.m.
Colorado @ Los Angeles 10:30 p.m.
Sunday Tampa Bay @ Chicago 3:00 p.m.
Georgia @ Austin 3:00 p.m.

COBRAS NEXT WEEK: The Cobras head home to face the expansion Philadelphia Soul in the club's final contest before their bye week. Carolina will square off with their Eastern Division foe on Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Coliseum.




HEAD COACHES: A two-time Arena Football League Coach of the Year, John Gregory (67-50) guided the Iowa Barnstormers/New York Dragons franchise to two ArenaBowl berths and four Central Division titles in his nine seasons from 1995 to 2003. He ranks among the all-time coaching leaders in AFL history with 72 career wins (6th), 126 games coached (5th) and six postseason victories (5th). His teams have qualified for the playoffs six times and advanced to the ArenaBowl twice (1996, 1997). Gregory was named AFL Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1996. Gregory's offenses have averaged 52.8 points per game over his career. His 2001 club in New York set an AFL scoring record with 64.1 points per outing, including a league-record 99 points on July 7, 2001 against the Cobras.

Mike Wilpolt (4-0) took the reigns for Indiana on March 10, 2004 following the team's 0-5 start under then-head coach Steve DeBerg. He has been a part of the organization for six years, the last five as the team's defensive coordinator. In his first season with the Firebirds in 1999, he coached the special teams, helping the team to the ArenaBowl championship. Wilpolt previously spent four seasons in the AFL as a defensive specialist with the Charlotte Rage (1992), Las Vegas Sting (1994-1995) and the Anaheim Piranhas (1996).

COBRAS-FIREBIRDS LAST MEETING:
Indiana 58, Carolina 41 (7/29/01) Conseco Fieldhouse
A bad start and a bad finish sealed the Cobras fate in their first-ever playoff game as the Firebirds outlasted Carolina 58-41. Indiana outscored the Cobras 17-0 in the fourth quarter after Carolina had fought back from an 18-point deficit to tie the game at 41 heading into the final frame. Carl Bond led Carolina with 142 yards receiving yards and a touchdown, while Indiana was led by Raymond Philyaw, who completed 16-of-30 passes for 213 yards and four touchdowns.

FAMILIAR FACES: Indiana Head Coach Mike Wilpolt spent the 1992 season in the defensive backfield for the Charlotte Rage...Cobras OL/DL Sean Tremblay was a member of the Albany Firebirds from 1998-2000 prior to the franchise's relocation to Indiana...Carolina FB/LB Travis Reece and WR/DB Jarrick Hillery were teammates of Indiana DS Scotty Lindsey in 2002 and 2003 with the Georgia Force...Firebirds WR/DB Anthony Hines is a native of Greensboro, NC and attended Winston Salem State...Indiana K Clay Rush played under Carolina Head Coach John Gregory with Iowa/New York from 1999-2002...Firebirds OS Mike Horacek also played under Gregory in Iowa from 1997-2000.


THE COBRAS THIS SEASON ARE:
1-4 at home 2-2 on the road

2-2 vs. Eastern Division 0-0 vs. Central Division
1-3 vs. Southern Division 0-1 vs. Western Division

1-0 on Friday 0-4 on Saturday
2-2 on Sunday

2-2 in February 1-3 in March
0-1 in April 0-0 in May

1-3 when leading at the half 0-1 when tied at the half
2-2 when trailing at the half

2-1 when leading after 3 qts. 0-1 when tied after 3 qts.
1-4 when trailing after 3 qts.

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

3-1 when they score first 0-5 when opponent scores first
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 42 touchdowns through eight weeks of play. Overall, Nagy has completed 177-of-265 passes for 1,845 yards and 39 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 completed 88 of 140 passes for 1,025 yards and 25 touchdowns in four starts for the New York Dragons.

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 a team-high 15 touchdown receptions this season and leads the team with 67 receptions for 741 yards. The former Iowa State standout has reeled in a career-high 10 receptions in four of the first eight contests of the 2004 season. In 38 career games he has posted 56 touchdown catches.

WR/DB Damien Groce: Groce has emerged as a dangerous weapon as a receiver, rusher and kick returner this season. In eight games, he has 37 catches for 400 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the Cobras come-from-behind win at Columbus (2/13). 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).

WR/LB Jack Walker Jr.: The three-year veteran makes his return to the AFL after spending the 2002 and 2003 seasons in af2. After beginning his career with the New York/Iowa franchise from 1998 to 2001, Walker moved on to join the Pensacola Barracudas (af2) in 2002. Last season he enjoyed a stellar season with the Peoria Pirates, leading the league with 45 receiving touchdowns and 276 points scored. This season, Walker Jr. has made contributions on both side of the ball, ranking third on the team with 30 receptions for 299 yards and five scores, while adding 15.5 tackles on defense.

FIREBIRDS PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Adrian McPherson: The 20-year old rookie signal caller has made a splash since replacing starter Tony Zimmerman in week three of the 2004 season. In just over six games of play, he has completed 128-of-214 passes for 1,644 yards and 27 touchdowns in leading the Firebirds to a 4-2 mark. The former Florida State standout also ranks second in the league with 142 rushing yards and tied for the lead with 12 rushing scores.

WR/DB Anthony Hines: The first-year receiver has come into his own in recent weeks, pulling in 22 passes for 242 yards and five touchdowns in the last two weeks alone. Hines, who spent the last two seasons in af2, currently leads Indiana with 39 receptions for 518 yards and seven scores.

DS Anthony Derricks: The veteran defensive specialist currently ranks third in the AFL with 52.5 tackles and fifth with 14 passes defended. A four-year veteran, Derricks was acquired from the Colorado Crush in the offseason as compensation for the signing of Head Coach Mike Dailey. The former Mississippi State standout currently ranks among the league leaders with 19.1 yards per kickoff return.


TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how Carolina and Indiana match up after nine weeks of play.
Statistical CAROLINA INDIANA
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 48.3 9th 47.1 12th
Scoring Defense 53.2 17th 43.2 2nd
Total Offense 238.9 16th 254.1 11th
Total Defense 260.9 10th 263.6 14th
Pass Offense 228.7 12th 220.2 15th
Pass Defense 241.4 13th 240.3 12th
Run Offense 10.2 19th 33.9 2nd
Run Defense 19.4 10th 23.2 12th

LEAGUE LEADERS:
Player Stat Total Rank
Matt Nagy Pass Attempts 305 4th
Pass Comp. 200 2nd
Cmp. Percent 65.6 4th
Pass Yards 2,082 7th
Pass TDs 44 T-4th
Todd Doxzon Receptions 75 3rd
Rec. Yards 835 5th
Rec. TDs 17 T-7th
Scoring 104 8th
Jarrick Hillery KOR Avg. 20.5 8th
Rob Bironas Scoring (kick) 71 5th
Damon Mason Tackles 55.5 2nd

COBRAS MILESTONES:
WR/DB Damien Groce needs:
• 343 receiving yards to reach 1,500

WR/DB Jarrick Hillery needs:
• 151 receiving yards 2,500
• 8 rush attempts for 100

OL/DL Otis Moore needs:
• 4.0 tackles for 125
• 1.5 sacks for 20

FB/LB Chris Pope
§ 29.0 tackles for 100

FB/LB Travis Reece needs:
• 41 rushing yards for 500

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

WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson needs:
• 5 receptions for 100

COBRAS IN AFL HISTORY:
Player Rank Category Stat
Rickey Foggie 9th pass attempts 2,416
10th pass completions 1,357
10th pass yards 16,989
10th pass TDs 306
Damon Mason 3rd tackles 556.5
3rd forced fumbles 19
Otis Moore 10th tackles for loss 15.5
6th forced fumbles 12
Robert Stewart 3rd sacks 39.5
SNAKE BITES:
Slumping: After starting the season quickly, winning two straight road contests, the Cobras have proceeded to drop six of their next seven games to fall to 3-6 and fourth place in the Eastern Division. There are a variety of reasons for the recent slide, most notably the decline in offensive production and losing the turnover battle.

First 2 games Last 7 games
Scoring offense 60.5 44.9
Scoring defense 42.0 56.4
Pass offense 289.0 211.7
Turnover Margin +7 -1

Halfway There: The Cobras have struggled as of late, dropping six of the last seven games, however, the road becomes a bit easier in the final seven games of the season. Carolina will have an opportunity to make a push for one of eight postseason berths as only one of the team's final six opponents (team faces PHI twice) currently holds a winning record.

Opp. Record Win Pct.
First 9 games 34-32 .515
Final 7 games 19-32 .373

In the Zone: The Cobras have been very efficient in the red-zone throughout the 2004 season, ranking second in the league with a 94.6 conversion percentage. In 37 trips inside their opponents 10-yard line, Carolina has scored 31 touchdowns and four field goals. Their performance is exceeded only by the Los Angeles Avengers, who have scored on 38-of-39 attempts in the red zone.

He Roxz: OS Todd Doxzon has been the Cobras most productive receiver throughout the 2004 campaign and is on pace to shatter many of the franchise's single-season receiving records. Thus far, he is third in the league with 75 receptions and 835 yards. Currently, he is 14 receptions and two receiving touchdowns shy of the single-season franchise records. Following is how he would stack up with the top pass catchers in Carolina's five-year history if he continues on his current pace.

Player Rc Yds TD Pts
T. Doxzon (2004) (133) (1484) (30) (185)
B. Holmes (2003) 83 995 16 120*
A. Bailey (2002) 89* 1102* 18 118
A. Bailey (2001) 61 915 19* 116
*denotes single-season record

Third and Oh!: The Carolina defense continues to struggle to limit opponents' success on third down. Despite limiting the Dragons to 2-of-7 on third down conversion attempts, the Cobras rank 18th in the league – allowing opponents to convert 31-of-53 attempts (58.5 percent) on the season. Carolina has also been ineffective on offense, converting only 24-of-60 (40.0 percent) attempts.

Early Bird Gets the Worm: The first team to score this weekend is likely to hold a large advantage based on the Cobras' history. This season, Carolina is 3-1 when they get on the board first, 0-5 when the opponents notch the first points. A similar trend can be found throughout team history – (11-16 when scoring first; 8-32 when opponent scores first).
Heading In the Right Direction: Regardless of the recent struggles, this year's Cobras have seen a vast improvement over last season's squad in a number of key areas.

2004 2003
Scoring offense 34.6 48.3
Pass offense 228.9 204.8
TDs thrown 45 58
INT thrown 5 26
Turnover Margin +6 -23

Just for Kicks: Kicking woes have haunted the Cobras in recent. First-year kicker Rob Bironas currently ranks fifth in the league with 71 points (9-28 FG, 44-52 PAT), on the season d has shown one of the most powerful legs in the entire league. However, he has fallen into a slump in recent weeks, connecting on only four of his last 13 attempts over the last five games, including 2-of-6 between 20 and 40 yards.

Coming Into His Own: Second-year quarterback Matt Nagy continues to thrive in his first season of extended playing time since his senior year at the University of Delaware in 2000. The Pennsylvania native began his rookie campaign as a starter with the New York Dragons in 2002, before being relegated to back-up duties for the final eight games of the season. He then suffered a knee-injury that forced him to miss the entire 2003 campaign. This season, he has started all nine contest for Carolina, setting career highs in pass attempts (305), completions (200), yards (2,082) and touchdowns (44).

On the Sidelines: Following the dismissal of Eddie Khayat after the sixth game of the 2004 season, John Gregory was named as the fifth head coach in Carolina history. It marked the third mid-season coaching change in five seasons.

Head Coach Season Record Win Pct.
Doug Kay 2000-01 10-18 .357
Mike Neu 2001-02 6-8 .429
Mike Hold 2003 0-13 .000
Eddie Khayat 2003-04 2-7 .286
John Gregory 2004 1-2 .333

Queen-Sized Win: Carolina put an end to a grueling, AFL-record 16-game home losing streak on March 21 with a 54-43 victory over the defending ArenaBowl champions, the Tampa Bay Storm. The Cobras special teams accounted for three touchdowns, while the defense pressured the Storm throughout the game, posting two interceptions and nine passes defended.

Nothing But Iron-man: WR/DB Jarrick Hillery was recognized as the Army Ironman of the Week for his performance against Tampa Bay on Sunday, March 21. The four-year veteran recorded two kickoff returns for touchdowns, caught three passes for 39 yards and a score and added four solo tackles and an interception on defense.

Dragons Fly South: Joining Gregory in making the move to Charlotte are eight former New York Dragons, including OL/DL Nate Bell, OS Todd Doxzon, WR/DB Damien Groce, QB Matt Nagy, OL/DL Sean Tremblay, OL/DL Cory Stone and WR/LB Jack Walker Jr.. OL/DL Robert Stewart also appeared in 28 games with the Dragons in 2001 and 2002.
In the Trenches: The Cobras boast one of the most experienced starting offensive/defensive lines in the entire AFL. Otis Moore, Robert Stewart and Cory Stone have started in each of the team's first nine contests. Together, they have appeared in 307 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.

Lineman Exp Games Teams
Otis Moore* 11 125 7
Robert Stewart* 11 129 6
Sean Tremblay 7 66 3
Cory Stone* 6 53 5
*denotes starter

Leader of the Pack: 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 of the campaign, Mason currently ranks second in the league with 55.5 tackles. He has registered three of the top four single-season tackle totals in AFL history and ranks third all-time with 556.5 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

The Making of the Cobras: The Cobras have experienced a dramatic makeover following the disappointments of the 2003 season. Only two players from last year's squad will be on the field in the tenth week, OL/DL Robert Stewart and 2003 Team MVP WR/DB Bernard Holmes. Of the 22 remaining players on the active roster, 21 were signed as free agents.

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)
21 Bernard Holmes WR/DB Carolina
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)
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
88 Lenzie Jackson WR/DB Pittsburgh (NFL)
91 Troy Pelshak FB/LB Barcelona (NFLE)
95 Nate Bell OL/DL New York (AFL)
97 Bryan Ray OL/DL Frankfort (NFLE)
99 Otis Moore OL/DL Buffalo (AFL)

Climbing the Charts: Cobras Head Coach John Gregory ranks as one of the most successful leaders in AFL history. He currently stands among the top ten in victories, winning percentage, and postseason victories. Following is a look at where Gregory falls among active head coaches.

Coach Exp Record Pct.
Tim Marcum (TB) 15 160-53 .751
Danny White (AZ) 11 132-64 .673
Mike Hohensee (CHI) 10 79-73 .520
Michael Trigg (PHI) 10 77-78 .498
John Gregory (CAR) 9 67-50 .573
Mike Dailey (COL) 7 69-49 .585
Darren Arbet (SJ) 5 61-21 .744

Running on Empty: After posting 30 yards on seven carries (4.3 yds/carry) in the season opening victory over the Dallas Desperados, the Cobras have proceeded to record just 60 yards on 36 carries (1.7 yds/carry) over the next eight games. Carolina currently ranks last in the AFL with 10.0 yards per game on the ground.

Flag Day: The Cobras have been flagged for more penalty yards than any team in the AFL. Through nine games, Carolina has been called for 80 penalties for 542 yards – an average of 60.2 yards per game. On the other side of the spectrum are the Indiana Firebirds, who has been flagged 56 times for 310 yards in 2004 (34.4 yds/game).

Team No Yds Avg./G
Top Three
Los Angeles Avengers 53 264 33.0
Indiana Firebirds 56 310 34.4
Detroit Fury 56 319 39.9
Bottom Three
Las Vegas Gladiators 86 482 53.6
Columbus Destroyers 77 504 63.0
Carolina Cobras 80 542 60.2


RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
March 19: OL/DL Wes Stephens placed on injured reserve list. DS Glenn Davis and WR/DB Lenzie Jackson activated from injured reserve list. Signed OL/DL Nate Bell.

March 26: Signed WR/LB D.J. Humphries from practice squad and waived WR/DB Ernest Ross.

April 2: Signed WR/DB Ernest Ross to active squad and waived D.J. Humphries.

INJURY UPDATES: DS Glenn Davis suffered a dislocated shoulder in the team's loss to New York and will be forced to miss 4-6 weeks of action...OL/DL Wes Stephens suffered a season-ending leg injury in loss vs. Dallas...OL/DL Kendrick Gholston was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ACL injury in loss at Austin.

COBRAS INJURY REPORT:
Pos. Name Injury Status
DS Glenn Davis Shoulder Out
K Rob Bironas Shoulder Probable
DS Daryon Brutley Hamstr. Probable
OL/DL Bryan Ray Knee Quest.
OL/DL Sean Tremblay Thumb Probable
OL/DL Wes Stephens Leg IR
OL/DL Kendrick Gholston Knee IR

GAME AWARDS:
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
6 Glen Gauntt DAL
7 Jarrick Hillery CAR
8 John Fitzgerald NOV
9 Lincoln DuPree NYD

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
6 Will Pettis DAL
7 Jack Walker Jr. CAR
8 B.J. Cohen NOV
9 Richmond Flowers NYD

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
6 Henry Taylor DAL
7 Jarrick Hillery CAR
8 Monty Montgomery NOV
9 Terrance Joseph NYD
GAME #1
Carolina 67, At Dallas 41
2/8/04 • 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. 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.

Team 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final
CAR 21 17 15 14 67
DAL 7 20 14 0 41

TM Q Time Play
CAR 1 12:10 Reece 1 yd TD run (Bironas kick)
CAR 1 11:10 Walker 0 yd fumble recovery (Bironas kick)
DAL 1 10:34 Pettis 32 yd from Gauntt (Wells kick)
CAR 1 06:18 Hillery 4 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick)
DAL 2 14:08 Shelley 16 yd from Gaunnt (Wells kick)
DAL 2 07:06 Sippio 34 yd from Gaunnt (Wells kick
CAR 2 00:44 Doxzon 10 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick)
DAL 2 00:38 Pettis 57 yd KOR (Wells kick failed)
CAR 2 00:19 Doxzon 17 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick)
CAR 2 00:00 Bironas 27 yd field goal
CAR 3 14:16 Reece safety
CAR 3 10:58 Doxzon 11 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick
failed)
DAL 3 08:22 Sippio 8 yd from Gaunnt (Wells kick)
CAR 3 04:38 Groce 9 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick)
DAL 3 00:53 Shelley 29 yd from Gaunnt (Wells kick)
CAR 4 13:32 Groce 9 yd from Nagy (Bironas kick)
CAR 4 06:18 Nagy 4 yd run (Bironas kick)

Key Statistics
Total yards (passing/rushing): CAR: 312 (282/30)
DAL: 245 (238/7)

Passing: CAR: Nagy 28-39-0 282 (6 TD) DAL: Gaunnt 18-35-2 250 (5 TD)

Rushing: CAR: Reece 4-21 (TD), Hillery 2-5 , Nagy 1-4 (TD) DAL: Pettijohn 1-6, Aldridge 1-1

Receiving: CAR: Doxzon 10-97 (3 TD), Groce 6-58 (2 TD), Hillery 4-47 (TD), Walker, Jr. 4-35, Wilson 2-33, Ross 1-11, Reece 1-1 DAL: Shelley 10-122 (2 TD), Sippio 4-78 (2 TD), Ladd 3-18, Pettis 1-32 (TD)

Tackles: CAR: Davis 5 DAL: Greenwood 7



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