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Central Valley Coyotes game notes

July 21, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, CA) – Central Valley returns back home in Week 17 for their final home game of the season, hosting the Hawaiian Islanders. Saturday's match-up will mark the final time these two teams will meet this season. Hawaii took control of the all-time series lead (5-4) when they defeated the Coyotes, 70-42 in Week 11. Central Valley will look to knock the Islanders out of post-season play this weekend as Hawaii must win their final two games to stay alive in the playoffs.

Rookie quarterback Frank Borba had a rough night last weekend in Bakersfield. Aside from being sacked four times, he was constantly being hurried and being taken to the turf on almost every pass play. The Coyotes receiving corps was unable to grab numerous receptions due to the constant rush which forced bad throws. Central Valley did have a bright spot on the defensive side of the ball though. Newly acquired offensive/defensive lineman Clint Merz recorded his first two career sacks against veteran quarterback Chad Elliott last weekend. Merz was able to use his speed to beat his opponent and get to the quarterback. If the Coyotes' are to be successful this weekend against the Islanders, Merz and the offensive line must step their play up dramatically.

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 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.


HEAD COACHES

Interim head coach Fred Biletnikoff Jr. takes over the helm of the Central Valley Coyotes after previous head coach Cree Morris resigned Tuesday, June 8, 2004. Biletnikoff Jr. begins his second season in the af2, having joined the Coyotes in January as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. His first stint with an arenafootball2 team was in 2002 with the Fresno Frenzy, where he served as an offensive assistant. Along with his Coyotes responsibilities, Biletnikoff Jr. will also continue to serve as offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the Fresno City Rams, where he has been since 2000.

Before joining the Rams staff at Fresno City College, Biletnikoff spent two seasons (‘91-‘92) at Alameda High School coaching wide receivers and defensive backs. In 1993 he joined the football staff at Chabot College with current Coyotes defensive Coordinator Doug Murray, where he coached running backs, wide receivers and was also offensive coordinator.

An 1984 graduate of Foothill High School in Pleasanton, Biletnikoff received an associates from Chabot College. He earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Cal State University, Hayward and his master's in kinesiology from Fresno State.

Biletnikoff and his wife, Cynthia, reside in Fresno.

The 2004 season marks Cal Lee's second go around as head coach of the Hawaiian Islanders and judging by his first season of an 11-7 record and a West Division Championship, more excitement is yet to come.

Lee is a prep football icon in Hawaii, building perhaps one of the most dominant football programs in the state's history. Lee brought St. Louis School to national prominence and has already made an early impression with Islanders fans.

Lee's name is most synonymous with the Run & Shoot offense, a system that has helped him to 18 Interscholastic League of Honolulu Championships, 14 Prep Bowl Championships, and the inaugural Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championship.

Many of his athletes have gone on to Division I college football programs and at one point, three St. Louis graduates could be seen as starting quarterbacks for their schools-- Timmy Chang (Hawaii), Jason Guesser (Washington State) and Darnell Arceneaux (Utah).

The veteran coach admitted last season that he needed some time to adjust to the arena game, but credits his experienced coaching staff for making the transition easier. Nevertheless, a little change in the football game isn't going to stop the go-getting Lee.

"It's a challenge no matter what you do or whenever you are beginning something," Lee says. "But I think you need challenges and you need things to be different in order to grow. You make mistakes but that's how you grow as well."

Although the rules of the game have changed, Lee hasn't changed his coaching style. He is best known for his aggressive, but calm demeanor and philosophy.

"I don't think there's much difference in philosophies," Lee says. "You're still blocking and tackling but the rules are different."

Turning a satisfactory team into a champion is what Coach Cal knows best. If his Islanders are a mirror image of his legacy at St. Louis School, Hawaii should be prepared for another football powerhouse.

CENTRAL VALLEY VS. HAWAII – SERIES HISTORY

Saturday's contest will mark the tenth meeting between theses two organizations dating back to 2002. Hawaii leads the all-time series, 5-4. The Coyotes are 1-0 against the Islanders in the month of July.

Series History to Date:
2002 - Blitz, 52-32 (at Hawaii) 2003 - Blitz, 58-43 (at Bakersfield) 2004 - Islanders, 68-35 (at CEN)
Blitz, 56-48 (at Bakersfield) Islanders, 48-50 (at Hawaii) Islanders, 54-48 (at Hw)
Islanders, 49-35 (at Hawaii) Blitz, 75-61 (at Hawaii) Islanders, 70-42 (at Haw)


At A Glance:
- Central Valley will face the Hawaiian Islanders this week with the 18th best offense in the af2, averaging 237.8 yards per game. The Coyotes are ranked 18th through the air and 12th on the ground. Hawaii enters this Week 17 contest ranked 2nd in total offense averaging 282.7 yards per game, 5th in pass offense and 6th in rushing offense.

- Shawn Withy-Allen will more then likely get the start for this weekends contest for the Islanders. In six games this season Withy-Allen has completed 68-of-103 passes for 901 yards, 5 interceptions and 14 TDs. Frank Borba has appeared in eight games this season and has completed 55-of-109 passes for 652 yards, 7 interceptions and 9 TDs.

- Central Valley offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan leads the team in the top three receiving categories, receptions (100), yards (1,266) and TDs (23), while Hawaii wide receiver Anthony Arceneaux leads his team in the same categories with 24 TDs, 1,001 receiving yards and 62 receptions.

- Vai Notoa and Trevor Misipeka of the Islanders have combined for 92 yards and 8 touchdowns on 40 rushing attempts this season. The Coyotes combination of, Jabari Jackson and Kevin Nelson have combined for one touchdown and 54 yards on 16 carries this season.

- The Coyotes defense is ranked 11th in the af2 allowing their opponents 246.4 yards per game. They are ranked 11th against the pass and 15th against the rush. The Islanders defense is ranked 25th in the league allowing their opponents 292.1 yards per game. They are ranked 25th against the pass and 18th against the rush.

- Hawaii's front three have combined for 12 sacks with a loss of 91 yards. Joe Correia leads the way with 3. Central Valley's front three have racked up 10 sacks for a loss of 56 yards. Ricky Leung-Wai is the current leader with 6.

- Defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer heads up the Coyotes defensively, in thirteen games this season he has tallied 45.5 tackles (36-solo), 6 interceptions and 13 pass deflections. Joshua Robinson is the Islanders top defensive player, in 13 games he has recorded 71 tackles (59-solo), 6 interceptions and 12 pass deflections.

- Kenyatte Morgan handles all the return duties for the Coyotes, he has racked up 1,663 kick return yards and 99 missed field goal return yards through 12 games. Anthony Arceneaux also handles the return duties for the Islanders. He has tallied 891 kick return yards and 11 field goal return yards.

COYOYES/ISLANDERS CONNECTIONS

When the Coyotes meet the Islanders for the final time this season, there will be a few familiar faces on both sides of the ball.

Islanders' defensive specialist Halakilangi Muagututia spent the majority of the 2004 season with the Coyotes organization.

There are a few Coyotes that call Hawaii home in the off-season. Offensive/defensive lineman Al Noga, resides in Honolulu, HI and attended the University of Hawaii. Offensive/defensive lineman Ailao Isaako also resides in Honolulu in the off-season. Offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai prepped at Waipahu High School.

THE LAST TIME: CENTRAL VALLEY AT HAWAII

COYOTES 42, ISLANDERS 70 – JUNE 12, 2004 – NEAL BLAISDELL ARENA

A 17-point third quarter burst by the Hawaiian Islanders put the game out of reach for the Central Valley Coyotes as they dropped their ninth game of the season, 70-42 in front 2,848 fans at the Neal Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI.

Though rookie quarterback Frank Borba (21-of-42 for 219-yards, 4TD's and 3 Int's) seemed to find a groove in the first half completing 14-of-23 passes for 125-yards and two touchdowns, the second half was filled with key turnovers which secured an Islanders victory.

On Borba's first play from the line of scrimmage he found Kenyatte Morgan (6 receptions for 59-yards and 2 TD's) open in the middle of the field for a 12-yard pickup. The following play he would be sacked for a six yard loss by Islanders defensive end Joe Corrieia. Facing a 2nd-and-16 Borba hooked up again with Morgan this time for a 10-yard gain. An incomplete pass on third down would bring out kicker Justin Levine to convert on a 36-yard field goal.

Hawaii answered right back with a 2-play, 17-yard drive that was aided by an Anthony Arceneaux 40-yard kickoff return. On the touchdown, Islanders quarterback Darnell Arceneaux found his brother Anthony open in the left corner of the end zone for the 17-yard TD.
Borba again put an impressive drive together on Central Valley's next possession connecting on 4-of-5 passes, but two key penalties on the Coyotes halted the drive and Levine returned to the field connecting on a 24-yard field goal.

The Coyotes received a break as Hawaii fullback Chauncey Ako fumbled the ball at the 25 yard line. Central Valley's Marshall Blount scooped up the loose ball and returned the ball to the end zone for the touchdown, but a Coyotes personal foul on the return would negate the touchdown and bring the ball back to the Central Valley 24.

A false start penalty on first down would set the Coyotes back to their own 19 facing 1st-and 15. A rush for a gain of six yards and two Borba incomplete passes would bring out Levine for the third time on the night as time expired in the 1st quarter. A missed 42-yard field goal gave the Islanders the ball back at their own 12 yard line after a Nian Taylor thirteen yard return.

Hawaii wasted no time finding the end zone on three consecutive complete passes with the final one going for a 10-yard touchdown to Anthony Arceneaux.
Central Valley tied the score at 13 apiece on a 3-play, 38 yard drive that was capped off by Frank Borba 5-yard TD run.

The two teams traded touchdowns on their next possessions. The Islanders scored on a 1-play, 39-yard touchdown pass from Darnell Arceneaux to brother Anthony Arceneaux. The Coyotes responded with a touchdown pass of their own, Borba to Morgan, 12-yards.

Hawaii drove the length of the field adding the final touchdown of the first half on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Arceneaux to Arceneaux to leave the score at 33-27 in favor of the Islanders.
Central Valley's defense held the Islanders to a field goal on their opening drive of the second half. Hawaii quarterback Darnell Arceneaux threw two incomplete passes and was stopped short along the goaline on a rush forcing Kimo Naehu to convert on a 21-yard field goal.

The Islanders defense came up big on their next defensive series forcing Central Valley to give the ball up on downs after a 4th-and-1 pass was broken up by defensive back Desmond Maul.
Darnell Arceneaux only needed one play to find the end zone for the Islanders hooking up with Nian Taylor on the 14-yard TD.

The two teams would trade a pair of touchdowns to end the third quarter. Hawaii scored on a Joshua Robinson interception that was returned 35-yards for a touchdown, while the Coyotes scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Borba to LaMonte Jones.
As the dust settled at the end of the third quarter Central Valley found themselves trailing the Islanders 34-50.

Two more Borba interceptions would lead to Islanders touchdowns, which pushed their lead out to 29, 63-34.
Coyotes receiver Weston Borba added the final points for the Coyotes on a 19-yard TD reception.
The Islanders finished their scoring up when backup quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen rushed for the one yard score to set the final score at 70-42.

LAST WEEK: HAWAII VS. LOUISVILLE

BLITZ 43, ISLANDERS 41 – JULY 17, 2004 – NEAL BLAISDELL ARENA

Even with quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen putting on an offensive showcase, it was the Hawaii Islanders defense which made the most important plays of the game, stopping the Louisville Fire 62-59, Saturday night at Blaisdell Arena. By stopping the Fire four yards short of winning the game, Hawaii improved to 8-6 on the season, and kept pace in the hotly-contested af2 West Division.

Withy-Allen's tremendous 326-yard, 4-touchdown performance was more than enough to name him Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game, while Vai Notoa's key fumble recovery which started the Islanders' winning drive gave him the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award. Nian Taylor's second consecutive 11-catch performance, combined with his 4 tackles, garnered him U.S. Army Ironman of the Game honors.

"What an exciting game," Islanders head coach Cal Lee said. "You can't practice for this [kind of game]. I'm happy for [Withy-Allen] and I think the more he plays, the better he'll get. This is the kind of game that is part of growing and learning, and he is going to be a fine quarterback."

Louisville started out hot, scoring on their first two drives of the game on short runs by Tony Stallings, but Hawaii's Withy-Allen was the one on fire. Behind Withy-Allen's 4-of-5, 44-yard effort, the Islanders evened the score at 14-all to close the quarter. Louisville quickly answered two plays later to regain the lead 21-14, then took advantage of a costly Hawaii fumble as Anthony Arceneaux attempted to score from the 2-yard line. Sauk connected with James Scott for a 25-yard score to extend the Fire's lead to 28-14 with 5:37 in the half.

Withy-Allen's hot streak continued as he connected with a diving Nian Taylor to bring Hawaii back to within seven, 28-21, with one minute left in the quarter. Hawaii's defense rode the momentum built by their offense, holding Sauk to four incompletions on Louisville's ensuing drive, and limiting the Fire to a field goal. After the Islanders recovered an attempted onside kick deep in Louisville territory, Withy-Allen cashed in with his second touchdown pass of the night, closing the half with Hawaii down four, 31-27.

Hawaii wasted no time after the break, taking their first lead of the game only 29 seconds into the second half on a huge Withy-Allen to Arceneaux 45-yard touchdown toss, giving the Islanders a 34-31 advantage. As the teams traded touchdowns through the third quarter, Withy-Allen put the Islanders on his shoulders, wrapping up the period by marching Hawaii 45-yards in five plays to close the quarter with his fourth touchdown pass of the game, putting the Islanders in front, 48-45.

Going into the fourth quarter, Hawaii's defense could not stop Louisville, as the Fire regained the lead, 59-55 with 8:33 in the game.

Hawaii's chances appeared to be running out, as the Islanders turned the ball over on downs, leading to Louisville driving the ball to Hawaii's 4-yard line. Poised to put the game away, Hawaii's defense came up with their first stop all game, as Vai Notoa forced and recovered a fumble, giving Hawaii new life with 2:55 remaining.

Withy-Allen would make the most of his opportunity for redemption, electrifying the crowd with a 14-yard scramble into Louisville territory and confidently converting on a huge 4th-and-12 play for a 19-yard score, putting the Islanders ahead 62-59 with only 36 seconds remaining.

Refusing to give in, Louisville took the ball right back to the Hawaii 4-yard line, setting up an amazing final sequence for the Islanders. Hawaii would not be denied, as Kalani Muagututia successfully defended back-to-back passes, allowing time to run out, and the Islanders to run off victorious.

"As a team, we knew we weren't going to lose this game," said Withy- Allen, who established new records in total offense (374 yards), completions (24) and completion percentage (24-33, .792). "I felt more comfortable running and throwing, learning to react and go."

"Winning this game really helps," Lee said. "If we win next week, who knows what's going to happen? Until somebody sings, it's not over."

LAST WEEK: CENTRAL VALLEY AT BAKERSFIELD

COYOTES 19, BLITZ 45 – JULY 17, 2004 – CENTENNIAL GARDEN

The Bakersfield Blitz defensive line was constantly in the Central Valley Coyotes backfield disrupting, passing plays all night long. The result was four Blitz sacks for a loss of 16-yards and seven quarterback pressures. The Blitz offense took control of the game in the second half and never looked back securing a, 45-19 victory. The loss now drops the Coyotes to 1-13 on the season.

Frank Borba started the game for the Coyotes completing 13-of-28 passes for 158 yards, 2 interceptions and two TDs. When the game was out of reach Juston Wood completed the game, finishing the night with 35-yards and 1 TD on 2-of-6 passing.

The Coyotes were able to move the ball on their opening drive into Blitz territory on the twenty, but two plays later Frank Borba was sacked and fumbled the ball into a Bakersfield defenders hands.

The Blitz drove all the way down to the Coyotes one yard line, but had the door slammed on them on fourth down, and the Coyotes retained possession.

Frank Borba guided Central Valley back into Bakersfield territory on the 17 yard line, but the Blitz defense held strong on third down and forced Justin Levine to attempt a 32-yard field goal. Levine's field goal missed left and Nathan Munson returned the kick all the way back to the Central Valley twenty. A kick catch interference call on the Coyotes would move the ball forward five yards to the Central Valley 15.

Two plays later Bakersfield quarterback Chad Elliott hooked up with Steve Wofford on the Central Valley three yard line too end the first quarter. On the first play of the second quarter Steve Wofford finished off the job rushing the ball into the endzone for the Bakersfield score.

The Coyotes were able to strike back on their next possession on a 3-play, 42-yard drive that was capped off by a LaMonte Jones 11-yard TD reception.

Chad Elliott and the Blitz drove down to the Coyotes eighteen yard line aided by a Coyotes penalty and a nine yard gain by Rennard Reynolds. Elliott then threw an 18 yard TD pass to Reynolds. Brian Walker missed the extra point and the score stood at 13-7 in favor of the Blitz.

Each team was unsuccessful scoring on their following drives, with Central Valley having a pass intercepted and Bakersfield missing a 42-yard field goal.

The Coyotes were stopped again defensively when Kevin Carroll sacked Borba on 4th-and-15 from their own 15.

Bakersfield punched the ball in three plays later on a Nathan Munson 2-yard run.

On the next Coyotes possession things got out of control on 1st-and-10 from their own 20. Sandy Pua and Kevin Carroll were ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. Three plays later Borba was picked off by Eric Mahanke at the Bakersfield eight.

Chad Elliott completed two passes to Eric Mahanke as time expired in the first half with the score at 19-7 in favor of the Blitz.

The Central Valley defense held strong on the opening series in the second half. On third down-and-three from the Bakersfield fifteen yard line, newly acquired offensive/defensive lineman Clint Merz sacked Elliott forcing the kicking unit to come out on fourth down.

The Coyotes took over on offense at their own one yard line. Borba completed a pass to Marvin Brown for a gain of three yards on first down, and that would be the only pass he could complete on the series. Kicker, Justin Levine came out to attempt a 61-yard field, but missed left and Nathan Munson returned it back 50 yards for his second touchdown of the game.

Each team scored on their next offensive possession as the Coyotes scored on a JaJuan Huddleston 12-yard TD reception and the Blitz scored on a Steve Wofford 32-yard TD reception to leave the score at, 13-32 as the third quarter of play ended.

Central Valley had a tough fourth quarter, on their opening play of the fourth quarter Frank Borba was picked off by Mel Miller at the Coyotes 24-yard line.

Bakersfield would punch in another touchdown on a Ben McCombs 1-yard run.

Central Valley would give up another seven points to the Blitz before they finally found the endzone on a LaMonte Jones 26-yard touchdown reception.

An onside kick would be unsuccessful and Bakersfield would run out the clock to end the game.

COYOTES WEEK 17 GAME NOTES


MERZ TO THE RESCUE: Newly acquired offensive/defensive lineman Clint Merz came to the rescue of a wounded defensive line last weekend. In his first career af2 start, Merz recorded 3 tackles and two sacks for a loss of 11 yards. The two sacks mark the second highest sacks in a game for a Coyotes player this season. With the loss of leading sack leader Ricky Leung-Wai (6), Merz has filled in nicely to aide the defensive line.

BEST IN THE WEST: Despite the record of the Central Valley Coyotes, the defense has turned up their play a few notches in recent weeks. They currently have the best pass defense in the West division allowing their opponents only 226.8 yards through the air. In the division Central Valley faces quarterbacks like San Diego's Kane Claunch (3,164-yards), Bakersfield's Chad Elliott (3,404-yards) and Hawaii's Darnell Arceneaux (2,784).

KENYATTE'S COUNTDOWN TO 3,472: Offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan continues his run at the af2 all-purpose yards record. He tallied 194 all-purpose yards last weekend against Bakersfield to push his total on the season to 3,018. Morgan has to gain 455 yards if he wishes to surpass current record holder, Ira Gooch. In order to accomplish this task, Morgan must gain at least 227-yards in the Coyotes final two games. Morgan has already set a new franchise record in all-purpose yards and in receiving yards. The previous records were held by Steve Wofford who tallied 2,212 all-purpose yards and 1,248 receiving yards in 14 games during the 2002 season.

THE SPENCER FILE: Coyotes defensive specialist VonKeith Spencer has been an emotional leader for the defensive unit this season. Spencer has tallied 45.5 tackles (36-solo), leads the team in interceptions (6) and pass deflections (13). He is currently tied for 3rd in the af2 in interceptions. Spencer also spends once a week with centralvalleycoyotes.com to talk about the 2004 season.

COYOTES IN THE RANKINGS: The following is a breakdown of the Coyotes af2 Week 3 rankings.

Category NC Ranking af2 Ranking

Total Offense 12 18
Rushing 5 11
Passing 12 18
Total Defense 6 11
Against Rush 11 15
Against Pass 5 11

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES POSITION OVERVIEW

QUARTERBACKS (2), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (1):
Frank Borba who joined the Coyotes on 5/20/04, is a rookie out of Menlo College and will now serve as the backup for Juston Wood. In his five appearances this season he has completed 55-of-109 passes 652 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Borba is a smart qb who just needs to learn the game to mold himself into a true af2 quarterback. The Coyotes also recently acquired Juston Wood who spent the 2004 AFL regular season with the Los Angeles Avengers on the practice squad. Wood brings a lot of maturity having studied under Tony Graziani. Wood debuted in his first game 7/3/04 against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. He completed 22-of-39 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns.

FULLBACKS/LINEBACKERS (3), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (3):
Rookie, Kevin Nelson joins Blount in the backfield having recorded 43 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries this season. Nelson is a bruiser type fullback that can also make you miss in the open field. He is very good out of the backfield which takes pressure off the receiving corps. Defensively Nelson has adapted to the arena game quickly, he seems to always be around the pile for a tackle and has the height to knock down passes. Jabari Jackson joins the Coyotes club having experience in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Jackson will help add depth to Central Valley with Marshall Blount going down with injury.

OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST (1), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (0):
Kenyatte Morgan brings a lot of arena football experience to the Coyotes franchise. Having played in the Arena Football League with the Grand Rapids Rampage and the Los Angeles Avengers, Morgan has defined himself as a go-to receiver in crunch time. He currently leads all Coyotes receivers with 100 receptions for 1,266 yards and 23 touchdowns. Morgan is currently 4th in receptions in the af2.

WIDE RECEIVER/LINEBACKERS (4), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (3):
Howard Maxwell joined the Coyotes this off-season after sitting a year out. He spent beginning of the 2002 season with the now defunct Fresno Frenzy and was later picked up by the Tennessee Valley Vipers. Maxwell has grabbed 13 receptions for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively Maxwell brings leadership to a defense that only has four players with arena experience. He has tallied 8.5 tackles (6-solo) through six games. Rookie Marvin Brown joins Maxwell at wide receiver/linebacker, prior to injuring his arm in Week 3, Brown had hauled in 9 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. He also was leading the defense in tackles prior to the injury with 12 tackles (6-solo). He is a raw athlete who has had the ability to study under the tutelage of Maxwell bringing his game to the next level. With Maxwell and Brown out with injuries the Coyotes will now rely on JaJuan Huddleston to fill in at this position. In nine games Huddleston has hauled in 34 receptions for 301 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively he has recorded 25 tackles with seventeen of them coming solo. Huddleston is a very strong wide receiver/linebacker, what he lacks in speed he makes up for with his ability to get position on a defensive back for the reception. Weston Borba is another rookie fresh out of St. Mary's College. He is a tall and very smart receiver who can play the linebacker position. With his long arms the linebacker position should be perfect for Borba.

WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK, (2), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (1):
Former Fresno High School standout LaMonte Jones is the 2nd leading receiver on the Coyotes hauling in 65 receptions for 774-yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones is by far the fastest offensive threat Central Valley posses', he has incredible upper body strength which helps him to get out of his breaks quick and get by his defender. The Coyotes will utilize his speed to throw the deep ball and to run screens. Defensively Jones will fill in at defensive back, his speed and footwork allow him the ability to break on balls and recover a step or two on a receiver. The Coyotes picked up Darnell Lacy who was released by the San Diego Riptide earlier this season. Lacy brings two years of af2 experience to the team. His knowledge of the game will help add depth to the secondary.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS, (3), RETURNING STARTERS (0), ROOKIES (2):
Veteran VonKeith Spencer leads the way for the Coyotes on defense, he has racked up a team leading 42.5 tackles (32-solo) and a team leading 6 interceptions and 13 pass deflections. Spencer is currently tied for 3rd in the af2 in interceptions. He is a fearless defensive specialist who seems to play with a lot of emotion. Rookie Jermaine Smith rounds out the secondary for the Coyotes. Prior to joining Central Valley, Smith was a standout corner at the University of Washington. He injured his knee in training camp and is now just getting back to 100%. Local product Kendall Edwards will look to make some exciting plays on the defensive side of the ball as he did at Fresno State. Though he is a rookie he has adapted to the shorter field well. Look for him to be flying around the football on gameday.

OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, (6), RETURNING STARTERS (1), ROOKIES (7):
Ricky Leung-Wai is the only player to have spent all three years with the Coyotes franchise. He is the all-time leading sack leader for the franchise and posted 9.5 in 2003. This season Leung-Wai looks to build on the 2003 season and help the young rookies develop into premier stars. Nathan Frowsing is a rookie out of St. Mary's college and will look to bolster the offensive and defensive line. What Frowsing lacks in size, he surely makes up for in strength. He has appeared in a relief role in all of the Coyotes games. He has posted 6.5 tackles thus far. Rookie Ailao Issako has turned his play up in recent weeks, his had great footwork and has the ability to drop back and protect the pocket. Rookies Robert Theus Jr., Kamaloni Manu, Dwayne Johnson, Aaron Leverenz, Al Noga and Sandy Pua round out the remainder of the line. Each has been used sparingly this season.

KICKER, (1), RETURNING STARTERS (0):
Justin Levine will handle the kicking duties for the Coyotes this season. He joined the team in Week 5 and has since connected on 6-of-21 field goals and has converted 31-of-35 extra point opportunities.


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.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO?: The arenafootball2 league selected three members from the Central Valley Coyotes franchise last season to be honored on the all-af2 team. Offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai and Ahmad Bhatti made first team all-af2 and defensive specialist Delvin Myles made second team.

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

Central Valley will hit the road for their final contest of the season as they travel down south to square off against the San Diego Riptide on Saturday, July 31. 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
By Opponent: N/A

AT LEAST 500 TOTAL YARDS
By Coyotes: N/A
BY Opponent: N/A

AT LEAST 60 YARDS RUSHING
By Coyotes: 72 at Hawaiian Islanders, June 12, 2004
By Opponent: 61 vs. Hawaiian Islanders, April 19, 2003

60 POINTS
By Blitz: 64, vs. Fresno Frenzy May 4, 2002
By Opponent: 69 vs. San Diego Riptide, July 10, 2004

70 POINTS
By Blitz: 75, at Hawaiian Islanders, July 27, 2003
By Opponent: 70, at Hawaiian Islanders, June 12, 2004

INDIVIDUALS

100 YARD RECEIVING GAME:
By Coyotes: Kenyatte Morgan (5-124) at Bakersfield Blitz, June 12, 2004
By Opponent: Kris Peters (5-115) at Oklahoma City, July 3, 2004

150 YARDS OR MORE RECEIVING GAME
By Blitz: Ryan Sloth (11-186) at Tulsa Talons, June 21, 2003
By Opponent: N/A

300 YARD PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliott (25-37-356) vs. Tulsa Talons, June 21, 2003
By Opponent: Darnell Arceneaux (18-26-301) vs. Hawaiian Islanders, March 27, 2004

5-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Coyotes: Kyle Biggs at Hawaiian Islanders, May 22, 2004
By Opponent: Darnell Arceneaux at Hawaiian Islanders, May 22, 2004

6-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Coyotes: Kyle Biggs vs. Rio Grande Valley Dorados, May 15, 2004
By Opponent: Craig Strickland at Oklahoma City, July 3, 2004

7-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Coyotes: Juston Wood vs. San Diego Riptide, July 10, 2004
By Opponent: N/A

8-TOUCHDOWN PASSING GAME:
By Blitz: Chad Elliot vs. Hawaii Islanders, June 22, 2002
By Opponent: N/A

2-RUSHING TOUCHDOWN GAME:
By Blitz: Steve Wofford vs. Fresno Frenzy, June 1, 2002
By Opponent: Ryan Cuthbert vs. San Diego Riptide, July 10, 2004

3-RUSHING TOUCHDOWN GAME:
By Coyotes: Marshall Blount vs. Bakersfield Blitz, April 10, 2004
By Opponent: N/A

3 FIELD-GOALS MADE GAME:
By Blitz: Jon Baker vs. Green Bay Blizzard, May 24, 2003
By Opponent: N/A


DEFENSE

INTERCEPTION RETURN FOR A TOUCHDOWN
By Blitz: Eric Mahanke at Louisville Fire, June 7, 2003
By Opponent: Damon Hodge at Oklahoma City, July 3, 2004

FUMBLE RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN
By Coyotes: Robert Theus Jr. at Bakersfield Blitz, June 12, 2004
By Opponent: Rico Curtis at San Diego Riptide, April 23, 2004

AT LEAST TWO INTERCEPTIONS:
By Blitz: J'Sharlon Jones (3) at Quad City Steamwheelers, July 6, 2002
By Opponent: Nakoa McElrath (2) vs. San Diego Riptide June 5, 2004

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