Central Valley Coyotes game notes

Published on April 6, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (0-1) vs. BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (0-1)
WEEK 2 – SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2004

(Fresno, CA) – The Coyotes return from their Bye Week welcoming the Bakersfield Blitz to the Selland Arena in Week 2. The match-up will mark the first time the two clubs have met since the original Bakersfield Blitz relocated to Fresno this season (Central Valley retained all stats from the original Blitz). Each team is coming off a Week 1 loss, with the Coyotes falling to the Hawaiian Islanders 68-35 and the Blitz dropping their opening game 60-35 at Tennessee Valley. Saturday's game will mark the second consecutive divisional game for Central Valley and the first for the Blitz. This weekend's game has been dubbed the "Battle of Highway 99," as each team currently resides off the Highway. The Coyotes look to get back on track this Saturday at the Selland Arena

Last week's game was a classic match-up between the Coyotes and the defending West Division champion Hawaiian Islanders. Though the Coyotes suffered a loss, there were numerous contributions between the rookies and veterans. Offensively, veteran offensive specialist Kenaytte Morgan had an explosive game grabbing 8 receptions for 111-yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver/linebacker LaMonte Jones also chipped in with 5 receptions for 85 yards and a 45-yard. Starting rookie quarterback Jose Fuentes compiled 223-yards and four touchdowns through the air on 19-of-32 passing. Defensively, defensive back VonKeith Spencer tallied four tackles (two solo) and Halakalangi Muagututia picked off the only pass for Central Valley returning it five yards.

The Coyotes are surrounded by a lot of new faces on the field as well as in the front office. After current Operator and CEO George Chung along with the Tachi Yokut Tribe moved the Bakersfield franchise to Fresno, CA, their first move was to hire former San Diego Riptide Head Coach Cree Morris. Morris will lead the 2004 Coyotes into the season on the quest for the 2004 ArenaCup.

Date: Saturday, April 10, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PST
Site: Selland Arena (artificial turf)
Capacity: 8,911

HEAD COACHES

Cree Morris takes over at the helm of the Central Valley Coyotes franchise, after spending the past two seasons with the San Diego Riptide. Morris will have the tasks of leading the Coyotes back to the West Division title, and getting the franchise past the first round of the playoffs. Morris has surrounded himself with an incredible coaching staff in assistant head coach, Fred Biletnikoff Jr., defensive coordinator Doug Murray and line coach Sean Kelly.

As the Riptide's first head coach and former Orange Glen High School quarterback Cree Morris, has playing
experience with the NFL, Arena Football League and the World League. Morris also played collegiate football with San Diego State and St. Mary's College.

Morris, 32, led Orange Glen to a 12-1 record his senior year in 1988, finishing second in the state in passing with over 3,000 yards and 30 TDs. He was named Palomar League Offensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-CIF and Honorable Mention All-State.

He spent three years at San Diego State, where he had the rare distinction of throwing Darnay Scott his first collegiate touchdown and handing Marshall Faulk his first collegiate carry in the same game — a 49-13 win over Cal State Long Beach on 9/8/1991.

In 1992, Morris transferred to Division II St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, where he earned a B.A. in Health, Fitness and Recreation with an emphasis on teaching. In two seasons with the Gaels, he threw for 3,451 yards and 24 TDs, as well as six rushing scores. He is listed 16 times in the school's all-time record books after leading them to consecutive winning seasons in just 15 starts.

He participated in the training camp of the Los Angeles Raiders in 1994. In April of 1995, Morris signed with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League, however, the St. Louis Rams invited him to their training camp. In 1996, Morris spent a season in the World League of American Football with the London Monarchs.

The following year, Morris began his two-year Arena career spending a year and half with the Arena League's San Jose SaberCats (1997-98) and finishing his career with the Iowa
Barnstormers (1998).

Following his playing career, Morris focused on bringing Arena football to the San Diego area.

He has served as an assistant coach at John Swett High in the Bay Area (1994), his alma mater Orange Glen (1997-98) and Castle Park High (2000-01).

He's married to Stephanie, who he has been dating since they were 12. On December 8, they had their first child, Noah Trey.

Rick Van Horne, 43 spent the last two seasons as a Blitz assistant coach under James Fuller. He will run the offense as the head coach, and over the last two seasons his main focus was on quarterbacks and receivers.

A Bakersfield native, Van Horne graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1979 and went on to play college football at Bakersfield College for two seasons, where he was a First-Team Junior College All-American at free safety. He was also named Player of the Year and Team MVP for BC in 1981, and the Kern County College Athlete of the Year. After BC, he played two seasons with the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

From the playing field, Van Horne moved to the sidelines wit his first coaching job in youth football locally in 1984. Two years later he took over as an assistant coach at the varsity level at Bakersfield High, where he stayed for eight years, winning three consecutive Central California State Championships.

In 1994 he was named head coach at East High. Despite taking over a program that had failed to reach the playoffs in its 60-year history, he led them to two playoff appearances in four years. After that, he moved to brand new Liberty High School in 1999 to begin their football program, where it took him just three seasons for him to lead the team to a Central California Division 3 State Championship in 2001.

He joined the pro ranks with the Blitz in 2002. While in charge of the offense on 2003, the Blitz ranked ninth in the af2 in quarterback pass rating (105.0), tenth in kicking points (105), and tied with Tulsa and Quad City with the fewest turnovers (18) in a 27-team league. Chad Elliott finished the year as the fifth highest rated quarterback in the league (114.4).

CENTRAL VALLEY VS. BAKERSFIELD – SERIES HISTORY

This Saturday night will mark the first match-up between the two clubs since the original Bakersfield Blitz relocated to Fresno to become the Central Valley Coyotes.


At A Glance:
Ø In the season opening game, Coyotes quarterback Jose Fuentes was 59.4% on pass completions for 223 yards and a 45-yard long. Blitz quarterback Chad Elliott completed 52.9% of his passes for 239 yards with a long of 49 yards.

Ø Offensive specialist Kenaytte Morgan led the Coyotes in receiving with 8 receptions for 111-yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver/linebacker Eric Mahanke led the Blitz in receptions with 5 for 51-yards and one touchdown.

Ø Central Valley fullback Marshall Blount led the Coyotes in rushing after one week of play, gaining 29-yards off one carry, while Blitz quarterback Chad Elliott gained 11-yards on one carry.

Ø Defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer leads the Coyotes in tackles with 4 (two-solo), while Blitz defensive specialist Kenny Haslip leads the Blitz in tackles with 6 all solo.

COYOTES/BLITZ CONNECTIONS

When the Coyotes welcome the Bakersfield Blitz to the Selland Arena, there will be numerous familiar faces on both sides of the ball. The Original Bakersfield Blitz franchise spent two seasons in Bakersfield tallying two post-season appearances and a West Division title.

Coyotes Director of Operations and Public Relations Anthony Martinez spent last season with the Bakersfield Blitz. Blitz media relations assistant Mike Ritorto spent last season with the original Bakersfield Blitz. Blitz head coach Rick Van Horne, and Director of Player Personal Steven Folmar each spent the first two seasons with the original Bakersfield Blitz. Current Blitz Secondary coach Paul Press spent last seasons with the original Blitz.

Blitz quarterback Chad Elliott, defensive specialist Delvin Myles, offensive/defensive lineman Phil Blackmon, offensive/defensive lineman Kenney Williamson and wide receiver/defensive back Nathan Munson all spent the first two seasons with the original Bakersfield Blitz organization. Offensive specialist Steve Wofford, offensive/defensive lineman Kevin Carroll, wide receiver/linebacker Eric Mahanke, offensive/defensive lineman James Heimuli, offensive/defensive lineman Ahmad Bhatti, fullback/linebacker Nick Onaindia and wide receiver/linebacker LaCorey Collins all spent one season with the original Bakersfield Blitz. Bhatti and Mahanke both played college football at Fresno State.

Central Valley offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai spent two years in Bakersfield with the original Blitz. Bakersfield wide receiver/defensive back Jay Morris spent the 2004 training camp with the Coyotes.


LAST WEEK: BAKERSFIELD AT TENNESSE VALLEY

BLITZ 35, VIPERS 60 – APRIL 3, 2004 – VAN BRAUN CENTER

The Bakersfield Blitz stood toe-to-toe with the Tennessee Valley Vipers for 30 minutes. The Blitz and the Vipers were dead even at halftime.
Unfortunately, Bakersfield left its game in the locker room during intermission.
The Blitz managed just one touchdown and was outscored 32-7 in the second half as the Vipers turned a close game into a blowout on the way to a 60-35 victory Saturday night before an announced crowd of 5,155 at the Von Braun Center.
"We gave them four easy touchdowns," Blitz head coach Rick Van Horne said. "Aside from that, I feel good about the way we played. If these guys are top dogs, I hope to see them again sometime because if we get a break here or there, we're right in it."
The Blitz was in it for a half.
Quarterback Chad Elliott completed 13 of 19 passes for 157 yards and four touchdowns in the first half as the Blitz and Vipers were tied at 28 at the half.
The game quickly turned early in the third quarter.
Tennessee Valley scored on its first possession of the second half and the Vipers recovered a live kickoff off the net deep in Blitz territory and scored on the next play to take a 41-28 lead. The outcome was never in doubt after that.
"They got those two quick touchdowns and that made it awfully tough," Van Horne said.
"We came out flat in the second half," said Bakersfield offensive specialist Steve Wofford. "We didn't pick up where we left off in the first half. We didn't come ready to play in the second half and against a team like Tennessee Valley, you've got to play hard for four quarters."
After the Vipers went up 47-28 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, the Blitz scored its lone touchdown in the second half when Elliott hit Wofford on a 49-yard touchdown pass. Brian Walker's extra point made it 47-35, but Bakersfield failed to score the rest of the game.
Elliott was 18-of-33 for 239 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions, but was only 5-of-14 for 82 yards in the second half and was picked off twice.
Eric Mahanke and Mel Miller had five catches apiece. Wofford caught two touchdown passes, while Mahanke, Miller and Vaughn Corley caught one each.
Defensive specialist Kenny Haslip led the Blitz with six tackles.
Trailing 7-0, Bakersfield scored 13 unanswered points to take a 13-7 lead as Elliott found Mahanke for a 7-yard touchdown pass and then hit Miller with a 7-yard scoring toss on the second play of the second half.
Elliott found Wofford with a 32-yard touchdown pass and then hit Miller for the two-point conversion to give the Blitz a 21-14 advantage. After the Vipers tied the game, Elliott hit Corley with a 24-yard TD pass to give Bakersfield a 28-21 lead, but Tennessee Valley pulled even just before intermission on a touchdown pass from Bryan Snyder to Rodney Brown with 56 seconds left in the first half.
"They were playing catch-up with us," Van Horne said. "They had some easy breaks and easy scores that usually doesn't happen. It's a long season and we'll regroup.
"We like where we are. We like our performance. If we can put together a while game, we're going to be pretty good."

LAST WEEK: CENTRAL VALLEY VS. HAWAII

COYOTES 35, ISLANDERS 68 – MARCH 27, 2004 – SELLAND ARENA

Despite posting 292-yards of total offense Saturday night, the Coyotes couldn't pull out the victory, falling 68-35 to the Islanders in front of 3,750 fans at the Selland Arena. Central Valley showed numerous signs of excitement as well as similar signs of inexperience in the season opener. Central Valley will head into their Bye Week as the rest of the af2 teams will play their Week 1 contests.

Offensively, offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan led the way for all receivers grabbing 8 receptions for 111-yards and two touchdowns. The Coyotes first touchdown of the season came early in the second quarter when rookie quarterback Jose Fuentes hooked up with rookie wide receiver LaMonte Jones on a 45-yard TD pass. Fuentes would then connect with Morgan on a 31-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds remaining in the half.

"We made some mental mistakes out there tonight, but we also made a lot of good plays," Coyotes head coach Cree Morris said. "Game one is over, and now we know what it's going to take to be number one. We'll go back evaluate the game film, make adjustments and then begin to prepare for Bakersfield."

On their first offensive series, Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux rushed three times for 17-yards and completed 3-of-4 passes including a 12-yard pass to brother Anthony Arceneaux for a TD. They piled up 347 total yards Saturday night, compared to just 292 yards for Central Valley. Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux was particularly sharp, connecting on 18-of-26 passes for 277 yards, with six passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

By contrast, Coyotes quarterback Jose Fuentes, threw for 223 yards on 19-of-32 passing, with four touchdowns and three interceptions through three quarters. Kyle Biggs relieved Fuentes in the fourth quarter, and completed 3-of-6 passes for 33 yards.

Central Valley's defense played with enormous desire as Hawaii controlled the ball for 40:51 compared to Central Valley's 29:12. Defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer led the way defensively for the Coyotes recording 4 tackles (two solo) and several pass deflections. Veteran defensive specialist Halakilangi Muagitutia grabbed the only interception for the Coyotes returning it 5-yards.

"Anytime there's a situation like this you can't look at your teammates," Coyotes linebacker Kevin Nelson said. "You have to check yourself first. If everybody checks himself, then I think we'll be alright. Nobody did anything out there tonight where they can sit back and say they aren't the problem. I think everyone can do something to improve, and that's what we have to do. Each and every one of us."
The Coyotes will head into their Bye Week as the rest of the af2 will open up their seasons. Central Valley will return to action April 10th, as they take on the Bakersfield Blitz at the Selland Arena. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

COYOTES WEEK 1 GAME NOTES


KATCHING THE ROCK: Central Valley offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan came ready to play in Week 1 for the Coyotes. Morgan was able to grab eight receptions for 111-yards and two touchdowns against the defending West division champion Hawaiian Islanders. Morgan led all receivers with receiving yardage.

FUENTES UNDER CENTER LIGHTS: Coyotes rookie quarterback Jose Fuentes made his first career start against the Hawaiian Islanders. Fuentes completed 19-of-32 passes for a 59.4 completion percentage for 223 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions against the Islanders. He currently is second in the National Conference in passing yardage and third in completion percentage.

COYOTES CRUISE CONTROL: As a team against the Islanders, the Coyotes rushed for 40-yards on 3-carries with a 13.3 average. Marshall Blount led the charge with a gain of 29 yards on one carry. Central Valley was able to rush for two first downs in Week 1. The Coyotes are currently ranked 3rd in the a2 and 2nd in the National Conference in rushing yardage.

COYOTES POINTS: Defensive specialist Halakalangi Muagututia recorded the first Coyotes interception of the season with a return of 5-yards, he also added three tackles to go along with the pick...Rookies Jose Fuentes, Marshall Blount, Iaalao Issako, Kyle Biggs, JaJuan Huddleston, Marvin Brown, LaMonte Jones, Marcus Hill, Nathan Forwsing and Kevin Nelson all made the first pro debut.

COYOTES IN THE RANKINGS: The following is a breakdown of the Coyotes af2 Week 1 rankings.

Category NC Ranking af2 Ranking

Total Offense 2 2
Rushing 2 3
Passing 3 5
Total Defense 13 25
Against Rush 10 22
Against Pass 13 25









2004 COYOTES TEAM NOTES

FRESNO BOUND: The original Bakersfield Blitz franchise was purchased by current Coyotes Operator and CEO George Chung along with the Tachi Yokut Tribe earlier this December. Chung and the tribe then decided to relocate the franchise to Fresno, naming the team the Central Valley Coyotes. The Coyotes retain all stats from Bakersfield and continue their third season in the af2.

MAKING THE JUMP: The Central Valley Coyotes have been fortunate enough to progress three players to the Arena Football League. Former wide receiver/defensive back Ryan Sloth is now with the Columbus Destroyers, current franchise leading tackler J'Sharlon Jones is with the Philadelphia Soul and current quarterback Johnny Turman is with the Indiana Firebirds.

WILD, WILD WEST: In 2004 the West Division was realigned back to its original format in 2002, which featured the San Diego Riptide, the Bakersfield Blitz, the Hawaiian Islanders and the Central Valley Coyotes. Each franchise in the West will play all divisional opponents four times (twice at home, and twice on the road). This will make for an interesting season in the West with each divisional game being important.

HOME AND AWAY: The Central Valley Coyotes have posted a 10-7 record at their home venue. In post-season the Coyotes have a record of 0-1. On the road though, the franchise has not done so well in the win column tallying a 7-8-1 record in the regular season and 0-1 in the post-season.

OFFENSE:

THE DYNAMIC DUO: With the acquisition of lineman Zach LaMonda to compliment Ricky Leung-Wai as the lineman duo for the 2004 season it will not mark the first time the two paths have crossed. The two have battled over the past tow years as divisional rivals as LaMonda played for the San Diego Riptide the past two seasons. With the veteran leadership on the line the offense should look to put up numbers in 2004.

STACKING UP THE ROOKIES: Come opening day the Coyotes will have a total of 16 rookies on the squad. Some of the new face rookies include fullback/linebacker and former Fresno State Bulldog JaJuan Huddleston, quarterback Jose Fuentes, wide receiver/linebacker Marvin Brown and wide receiver/defensive back LaMonte Jones.

CREE ‘A' TING OFFENSE: Coyotes head coach Cree Morris looks to lead the Coyotes franchise to the top of the offensive charts. Last season while in San Diego, Morris had the third ranked offense in the National Conference. Morris averaged 248.2 yards per game.

DEFENSE:

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: Central Valley's 2003 defense finished the season third in the af2, its second straight season finishing in the top-10 in the league in total defense. The Coyotes led the league in pass defense and were third in the league in run defense.



COYOTES 2004 OPPONENTS AND SCHEDULE NOTES

The af2's realignment of the West Division in 2004 ensures that each team in the division will face their opponent four times, twice at home and twice on the road. The following breaks down the Coyotes 2004 schedule.

HOME GAMES:

- The Coyotes will host Peoria after defeating the Pirates in Week 14 of the 2003 season, 45-35 in Bakersfield. Peoria currently leads the all-time series 2-1.

- The Rio Grande Valley Dorado's make their first trip to Fresno, CA as an expansion team for the 2004 season. The Dorado's are led by head coach Gary Gussman.
AWAY GAMES:

- The Central Valley Coyotes will travel to the town that Farve built as they take on the Green Bay Blizzard. The two teams last met in Week 8 of the 2003 regular season with the Coyotes grabbing the victory 38-31 in Green Bay.

- The Coyotes head south to Oklahoma City to take on the Yard Dawgz in Week 12. Oklahoma City also joined the af2 as an expansion team in 2004.

DIVISION GAMES:

- Bakersfield Blitz – They will make their first trip to the Selland Arena since joining the league as an expansion team in 2004. This will be the first meeting of the original Bakersfield Blitz (now the Central Valley Coyotes) and the new Bakersfield Blitz.

- San Diego Riptide – The team heads into the 2004 with their former head coach on the opposite side of the box. Central Valley Head Coach Cree Morris will square off against his former team in Week 3. San Diego leads the series 3-4.

- Hawaiian Islanders – The 2003 West Division champions look to build on their breakout season last year. Though the Coyotes were able to win the series between the two teams last season, Hawaii held strong towards the end of the season. Central Valley leads the series 4-3.


A LOOK AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

The Coyotes head into their second Bye Week after the Bakersfield Blitz. Central Valley will return back to action Saturday, April 24 on the road against the San Diego Riptide. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.

THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED


TEAM

OVERTIME GAME
Bakersfield 54, Peoria 60 at Centennial Garden, May 18, 2002

AT LEAST 400 TOTAL YARDS
By Blitz: 433 vs. Tulsa, July 27, 2002

60 POINTS
By Blitz: 70, vs. Fresno, June 1, 2002


INDIVIDUALS

100 YARD RECEIVING GAME:
By Blitz: Ryan Sloth (11-193) vs. Tulsa Talons, June 21, 2003
By Blitz: Eric Mahanke (8-115) vs. Tulsa Talons, June 21, 2003

300 YARD PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliott (25-37-356) vs. Tulsa Talons, June 21, 2003

5-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliott vs. San Diego, May 31, 2003

6-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliott vs. Tulsa, June 21, 2003

8-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliot vs. Hawaii, June 22, 2002

2-RUSHING TOUCHDOWN GAME:
By Blitz: Steve Wofford vs. Fresno, June 1, 2002

3 FIELD-GOALS MADE GAME:
By Blitz: Jon Baker vs. Green Bay, May 24, 2003


DEFENSE

FUMBLE RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN
By Blitz: Oscar Grajeda vs. Louisville, June 7, 2003

AT LEAST TWO INTERCEPTIONS:
By Blitz: J'Sharlon Jones (3) at Quad City, July 6, 2002

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