Cobras Set to Host Defending Champs
May 16, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 16, 2002)- The Carolina Cobras will host will host the defending ArenaBowl champion Grand Rapids Rampage this Friday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Entertainment & Sports Arena.
Carolina (3-1) has won three straight games for the first time in club history and will be looking to top their best start ever by knocking of the reining champs. Grand Rapids (2-2), who knocked off the Orlando Predators 69-55 last week, will be looking for a repeat of 2001 when they beat a then 3-1 Carolina Cobras club, 41-38 at Van Andel Arena (May 11, 2001).
The Cobras are led by nine-year Arena Football League veteran QB Connell Maynor. Maynor, who won an ArenaBowl championship as the quarterback for the Orlando Predators in 2000, is 3-0 as a Cobras starter since replacing an injured Aaron Sparrow.
Grand Rapids will test the Carolina secondary on Friday with one of the AFL's most exciting offenses, featuring QB Clint Dolezel and receiver's Steve Smith (32-342-8TD), Terrill Shaw (25-330-8TD) and Willis Marshall (28-301-3TD). The Cobras, led by defensive specialist Kevin Gaines, have the league's second rated overall defense, surrendering just 43.8 points per game.
Fans are encouraged to get to the arena early for the "Strike Zone" block party, featuring live music by Asbury Lane, interactive games for kids and an opportunity to meet the Snake Charmers dance team.
Friday's game can be heard live in the Raleigh-Durham area on 850 The Buzz Sports Radio with Gary Hahn and Tony Haynes on the call. For single-game ticket information, call Ticketmaster at 919-834-4000. For mini-plans or group packages contact the Cobras Ticket Office 1-877-4-COBRAS or log on to www.cobrasfootball.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 16, 2002
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