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Colorado Crush game notes

April 13, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release


QUICK FACTS:

Colorado Crush (7-3) at New York Dragons (5-4)
Date: April 18, 2004
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. MDT
Site: Nassau Coliseum (11,216)
Officials: Bill McCabe (Referee), Doug Wilson (Umpire), Royce Cooley (Head Linesman), Kent Payne (Line Judge), Jimmy Buchanan (Back Judge)
Television: (NBC -- Ch. 9 KUSA in Denver)
Radio: AM 760 The Zone
(Cory Lopez – play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante – analyst)
Series Record: NY leads 1-0
Last Meeting: March 30, 2003 – NEW YORK 61, Crush 52
Coaches: Mike Dailey (70-49 in 8th season, 7-3 w/ Colo.)
Todd Shell (42-33 in 6th season, 13-7 w/ NY)

ALL-TIME SERIES: This will be the second meeting between the Crush and the Dragons. The Dragons won the only previous meeting, 61-52, in New York during Week 9 (3/30/03) of the Crush's inaugural 2003 season. Aaron Garcia was the game's MVP, completing 22-of-30 passes for 293 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Will Holder was the Ironman of the Game. The loss dropped the Crush to 1-8.


Colorado Crush
Date Opponent Time/Score Record
Fri, 2/6 LAS VEGAS W 43-42 1-0
Sat, 2/14 @ Grand Rapids W 55-37 2-0
Sun, 2/22 @ Chicago L 35-65 2-1
Fri, 2/27 AUSTIN W 37-35 3-1
Thu, 3/4 DETROIT W 62-61 4-1
Sun, 3/14 @ San Jose L 55-35 4-2
Sun, 3/21 @ Philadelphia W 40-33 5-2
Sat, 3/27 ARIZONA W 54-46 6-2
Sat, 4/3 INDIANA L 42-45 (OT) 6-3
Sat, 4/10 @ Los Angeles W 57-55 7-3
Sun, 4/18 @ New York 1 p.m.
Fri, 4/23 GRAND RAPIDS 7 p.m. Comcast 5
Sun, 5/2 PHILADELPHIA 1 p.m.
Sun, 5/16 @ Indiana 1 p.m.
Sun, 5/23 @ Detroit 1 p.m.
Sun, 5/30 CHICAGO 2 p.m.
(All times Mountain)

Central Division Standings
Team W L T PCT. PF PA H A Conf. Div. Strk
Chicago 7 2 0 .778 504 396 4-1 3-1 4-1 3-1 W2
Colorado 7 3 0 .700 460 474 4-1 3-2 6-2 2-2 W1
Indiana 5 5 0 .500 489 420 3-2 2-3 2-2 2-2 W5
Detroit 4 5 0 .444 434 451 2-3 2-2 3-3 2-2 L1
Gr. Rapids 1 8 0 .111 327 473 0-4 1-4 1-7 1-3 W1
RADIO/TV COVERAGE: This week's game will be televised by NBC with Tom Hammond calling the game, Pat Haden providing analysis and Lewis Johnson working the sidelines. The game will broadcast on AM 760 The Zone (KKZN) and online at www.760thezone.com/listen , with Cory Lopez handling the play-by-play duties and former Denver Bronco offensive lineman David Diaz-Infante serving as color commentator.


THE STAKES: A Crush win would ...
 Improve the team's record to 8-3
 Allow the Crush to keep pace with Chicago
 Improve their road record to 4-2
 Give the Crush their first-ever win over New York.
 Assure the team of finishing no worse than .500
 Be the fourth two-game win streak of the season.
 Keep the Crush no worse than fourth in the playoff race.
 Continue the season-long streak of 2 wins-1 loss-2 wins.
 Quadruple last season's win total (2-14).

Practice Schedule
Tuesday, April 13
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Practice @ Crush Facility

Wednesday, April 14
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Practice @ Crush Facility

Thursday, April 15
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Practice @ Crush Facility

Friday, April 16
Depart for New York

Saturday, April 17
Walk Through
(Time/Location TBA)
Sunday, April 18
Depart for Los Angeles
Mike Dailey (70-49 in 8 seasons, 7-3 in 1st w/ Colo.):
Dailey became the Crush's second head coach on June 26, 2003. Dailey joined the Crush after seven seasons as head coach of the Indiana Firebirds, and his teams have compiled an overall record of 70-49, a winning percentage of .588. He ranks seventh on the AFL's all-time list for coaching wins. In 1999 Dailey led the Firebirds to their only ArenaBowl championship and a combined regular season/playoff record of 14-3, best in Firebirds history. He was named AFL Coach of the Year following that standout campaign. He joined the Firebirds prior to the 1992 season, spending five seasons as an assistant coach before being named head coach in 1997. Dailey began his Arena Football coaching career with the Washington Commandos where he served as offensive and defensive line coach. Prior to the AFL, Dailey worked as an Assistant Coach at Towson State University and was the Offensive Coordinator at Montgomery College-Rockville (MD).


All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Coach Team Wins This Week
Tim Marcum Tampa Bay 158 vs. Austin
Danny White Arizona 133 vs. Dallas
Perry Moss 86
Mike Hohensee Chicago 80 at San Jose
Michael Trigg Philadelphia 77 at Carolina
John Gregory 72
Mike Dailey Crush 70 at New York
Darren Arbet San Jose 66 vs. Chicago


Todd Shell (42-33 in 6 seasons, 13-7 in 2nd w/ NY):
Todd Shell became the second coach in Dragons' franchise history on February 25, 2003, replacing John Gregory. After Shell took over the team in Week 5, the Dragons went 8-4 under his direction. The team finished the season 8-8 and was crowned the Eastern Division Champion. After the team's come-from-behind victory in the wildcard round of the playoffs, Shell was named the AFL's 2003 Coach of the Year, as voted by the league's 16 head coaches.
Prior to joining the Dragons, Shell was the San Jose SaberCats franchise's first head coach. He led his 1995 squad to an 8-4 record and a Western Division championship. His team became the first expansion team in AFL history to win a division title. In four seasons at the helm of the SaberCats, Shell compiled a record of 29-25 and earned a playoff berth in three of his four seasons. Before joining San Jose, Shell served as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers from 1992-94.
In 1984, Shell was the San Francisco 49ers' first-round draft pick out of BYU. With the 49ers, he proceeded to win two Super Bowl rings (1984, 1988). Shell played linebacker for five seasons in San Francisco before retiring due to injuries.
LEADERS OF THE PACK: Crush players who rank in the Top 10 in the AFL entering Week 11 (Top 5 in Bold):
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
Anthony Brenner 3rd
9th Scoring (Kickers)
Touchbacks 82
17
John Dutton 1st
4th
5th
6th
6th
7th
T-6th
10th Fumble Recoveries
Yards Passing
Pass Attempts
Pass Completions
% INT / Pass Attempt
Interceptions
TDs Passing
% TD / Pass Attempt 8
2,470
328
204
1.5
5
45
13.7
Rashad Floyd 1st
T-1st Tackles
Interceptions 80.5
5
Damian Harrell 2nd
2nd
2nd
2nd
5th
8th Scoring (non-Kick)
First Downs
Receiving Yards
Yds fr Scrimmage
Receptions
3rd Down Receptions 168
60
1052
1052
67
12
Kevin McKenzie T-3rd Interceptions 3
(Top 5 in bold)


TALE OF THE TAPE: Here's how the Crush and the Dragons stack up (through Week 10):
Statistical COLORADO NEW YORK
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Points per Game 15th 46.0 7th 52.3
Points Allowed 7th 47.4 6th 47.2
Total Offense 8th 262.6 17th 236.8
Pass Offense 8th 244.3 14th 222.4
Rushing Offense 10th 18.3 17th 14.3
Total Defense 15th 270.1 11th 263.0
Pass Defense 16th 255.5 T-13th 244.7
Rushing Defense 5th 14.6 8th 18.3
Kickoff Return Avg. 18th 14.8 3rd 20.8
KO Return Allowed 3rd 16.4 9th 17.4
Turnover Margin 4th +7 14th -4
Avg. Yds per Play 9th 6.4 6th 6.5
Opp. Avg Yds/Play 5th 6.0 1st 5.7
1st Downs/ Game 13th 18.1 9th 19.0
Opp. 1st Dwns/Game 16th 20.6 19th 21.0
3rd Down Efficiency 19th 36.2 13th 46.5
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 14th 51.6 T-10th 50.0
4th Down Efficiency 13th 40.0 6th 64.3
Opp. 4th Down Eff. 8th 52.4 7th 50.0
Field Goal % T-11th .391 1st .714
TD% Inside the 10 16th 62.8 6th 83.3
Opp. TD% Inside the 10 18th 81.8 9th 74.5
(Top 5 in bold)
COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
The Crush return home to host the Grand Rapids Rampage on Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m. MDT. The Crush defeated the Rampage in Grand Rapids, 55-37, in Week 2 of the season (2/14/04). The game will be televised by Comcast Ch. 5 in the Denver metro area, and broadcast on AM 760 The Zone and online at www.760thezone.com/listen . The game will also feature performances by the world-famous Grambling State University "Mighty Tiger Marching Band".

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Now in his sixth AFL season, Harrell has amassed 6,266 receiving yards on 440 catches, an average of 14.24 yards/catch, along with 133 career touchdowns (1 on return) ... Has more receiving yards than any other AFL receiver since 2000 ... Ranks 2nd in AFL in scoring (non-kickers) with 168 points, on 28 touchdowns this season ... Leads the Crush with 67 catches for 1,052 yards this season ... Ranks 2nd in the league in first downs (60) and receiving yards, 5th in receptions, and 8th in third-down receptions (12) ... He has caught 25 TDs in his last eight games ... Has a TD catch in all 24 games as a member of the Crush ... Has been named Offensive Player of the Game five times ... Had a Crush season-high 11 catches for 167 yards receiving vs. Indiana on 4/3 ...Reached 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth straight season.

QB John Dutton: The former ArenaBowl MVP (XVI w/ SJ) has completed 204-of-328 passes (62.2%) for 2,470 yards, 45 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions... Twice he has been named Offensive Player of the Game ... Threw for a season-high 28 completions and 333 yards vs. Indiana ... Ranks 4th in the AFL in passing yards, 5th in pass attempts, 6th in completions and tied for 6th in TD passes.

WR/DB Kevin McKenzie: Ranks second on the team in receiving yards with 55 catches for 662 yards and 7 TDs... Tied for third in the AFL in interceptions (3) ... Named the AFL's Ironman of the Week for Week 2 after scoring a TD rushing, receiving and on an interception return in a win at Grand Rapids ... He has been named Ironman of the Game in six of the Crush's first 10 games, including each of last three ... Caught six passes for 133 yards vs. his former team at San Jose on 3/14 ... One of only two players in the AFL with two interceptions returned for touchdowns (44, 9) ... Ranks 14th in AFL in receptions and 17th in receiving yards.

DS Rashad Floyd: Voted AFL Defensive Player of the Mid-Year by the AFLWA ... Named AFL Defensive Player of the Month for March ... Also Defensive Player of the Week for Week 8 after 11.5 tackles, a forced and recovered fumble, an INT and a 4-yd. net recovery for a TD vs. Arizona ... Leads the league in tackles 80.5 and tied for 1st in interceptions with five ... Has been named Defensive Player of the Game in five of 10 games ... Made two interceptions in win at Philadelphia.

INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Right Knee on IR (1/27)
Patrick Downey OL/DL Groin Strain on IR (3/12)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Sprained left ankle on IR (4/8)
Windrell Hayes WR/DB Right Knee on IR (1/30)
Nate Jacquet WR/DB Rt. Achilles' Rupture on IR (2/2)
Derrick Pickens OL/DL Right Shoulder on IR (1/30)
Sunun. Rusununguko OL/DL Sprained Lt. Shoulder on IR (4/8)


RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
4/8/04 Placed FB/LB Sunungura Rusununguko (sprained lt. shoulder) and FB/LB Chad Dukes (sprained lt. ankle) on injured reserve. Activated FB/LB John Peaua (Lt. knee MCL sprain) and OL/DL Bryant Shaw (Lt. knee MCL sprain) from the injured reserve list.
4/6/04 Activated WR/DB Kamau Peterson from the injured reserve list (hamstring) and placed him on waivers.
3/26/04 Placed WR/DB Kamau Peterson on injured reserve (hamstring). Activated WR/DB Robert Redd from injured reserve (influenza).
3/16/04 Activated WR/DB Wade Davis from injured reserve and waived him.
3/12/04 Signed OL/DL Aaron Johnson. Placed OL/DL Patrick Downey (groin strain) and WR/DB Robert Redd (flu) on injured reserve. Activated WR/DB Kamau Peterson (left ribs) and WR/DB Tony Scott (foot sprain) from injured reserve.
3/10/04 Waived OL/DL Winfield Garnett.
3/9/04 Placed OL/DL Bryant Shaw on injured reserve (left knee MCL sprain). Activated OL/DL Winfield Garnett from the refused to report list.
2/26/04 Activated WR/DB Dwayne Stukes from the injured list (left uadriceps strain).
2/24/04 Placed WR/DB Ron Rogers on waivers.
2/10/04 Signed OL/DL Tyshaun Whitson to the practice squad.
2/4/04 Signed OL/DL Don Klein. Placed WR/DB Tony Scott on injured reserve (sprained foot).
2/2/04 Signed OL/DL Jerry Montgomery and WR/DB Thal Woods to the practice squad. Placed WR/DB Nate Jacquet on injured reserve (ruptured right Achilles' tendon).
2/1/04 Placed FB/LB John Peaua on injured reserve (left knee MCL sprain). Waived OL/DL Don Klein.
1/31/04 Placed WR/DB Wade Davis (strained left hamstring), WR/DB Kamau Peterson (left ribs) and WR/DB Dwayne Stukes (left quadriceps strain) on injured reserve. Waived WR/DB Thal Woods and WR/DB Sam Young. Released OL/DL Aaron Hamilton.
1/31/04 Traded WR/LB Joe Douglass to the LOS ANGELES AVENGERS for future considerations.
MILESTONES
FB/LB Chad Dukes ranks fourth on the AFL's all-time rushing list with 1,111 yards. Dukes was the fourth player in AFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his career. Currently on IR, Dukes trails Arizona's Bo Kelly by 82 yards for third place.
AFL Career Rushing Yards
Player Team 2004 Career
Les Barley — — 1,382
Andre Bowden TAM 2 1,196
Bo Kelly ARI 130 1,193
Chad Dukes COL 85 1,111
Bob McMillen CHI 150 1,014
Major Harris — — 832
Travis Pearson — — 829
Cedric McKinnon — — 793

OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown: A true AFL Ironman, he is in his 10th season in the league and has never missed a game. The game at Los Angeles will mark his 150th consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush this season.

OS Damian Harrell: Has the most receiving yards in the AFL since 2000 ... Needs 10 catches to reach 450 career receptions.

AFL Receiving Leaders (2000-04)
Catches – Receiving Yards
Player (team) 2000-03 2004 Total
Damian Harrell (COL) 348 – 4,851 67 – 1,052 415 – 5,903
Chris Jackson (LA) 355 – 4,992 66 – 892 421 – 5,884
Greg Hopkins (LA) 400 – 4,888 45 – 489 445 – 5,377
Mike Horacek (IND) 363 – 4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248

FAMILIAR FACES
Dragons' FB/LB Joey Dozier, currently on the injured reserve list, was the leading rusher for the Crush last season, amassing 92 yards and five touchdowns on 22 carries. He also made seven catches for 46 yards. Dozier signed with New York as a free agent over the offseason.

THE NUMBERS GAME
Although the Crush are 7-3, they have been outscored 460-474 this season. They are the only one of the 10 teams in the league at .500 or better that have allowed more points than they have scored.

HOME COOKIN'
When you come to a Crush game don't plan on leaving early. While the team is off to a 4-1 start at Pepsi Center, the five games have been decided by a grand total of 15 points. In fact, the Crush scored two TDs in the final 12 seconds to escape with a 43-42 win in the season opener over Las Vegas. They also staved off a late Detroit comeback when they stopped the Fury's potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt to eke out a 62-61 win. Their only loss was a 45-42 loss to Indiana in overtime. The Crush finished 0-8 at home a year ago.


2-TO-1 ODDS
The Crush season has followed a predictable pattern all season long. The team started 2-0, dropped a game, and has continued to follow that pattern. The Crush have won consecutive games three times, but never won three straight. Likewise, the team has lost three games, but never two in-a-row. With the Crush coming off a win at LA, should form hold true look for a W at New York.

FLOCK OF FIREBIRDS
With Coach Dailey's move to the Crush came a flock of former Albany and Indiana Firebirds migrated west to Denver. In all seven Crush players and three Crush coaches stopped in either Albany, Indiana or both before reaching the Rockies.

Former Firebirds (years with Firebirds)
Players Coaches
Jose Davis (2003) Mike Dailey (1992-2003)
Chad Dukes (1996-98) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Hugh Hunter (2002-03) Brian Partlow (2000-03)
Aaron Johnson (2001-03)
Kyle Moore-Brown (1995-03)
Sunungura Rusununguko (2002-03)
Rich Young (2002-03)

NEW BLOOD
In addition to a new coaching staff, the Crush features a revamped roster. Only five players from last year's inaugural season made the 2004 opening day roster.

Returning 2003 Players
John Dutton Saul Patu Ahmad Hawkins
Damian Harrell Bryant Shaw

BAILEY BRENNER FUND
Club Crush, the official fan club of the Crush, has established a fund to raise money for the medical expenses for kicker Anthony Brenner's special needs daughter. To contribute to the fund, make checks payable to Bailey Brenner and send to: Guaranty National Bank and Trust, Attn: Miracle Ford, 1331 17th St., Denver, CO 80202. For more information about Club Crush, log on to www.clubcrush.com.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
The Crush were named recipient of the Arena Football League's 2003 Commissioner's Award. The Award is presented annually to the AFL franchise that has the best business operations in the League.
"This is a tremendous and unique honor for our organization. The collective commitment to excellence displayed by dozens of individuals in our organization allowed us to experience a memorable inaugural season in the AFL," stated Ronald O. Sally, president of the Colorado Crush.

CALL TO THE HALL
Legendary Denver Broncos QB and Crush chief executive officer and co-owner John Elway was among four players named as the NFL Hall of Fame class of 2004. Elway is the winningest quarterback in NFL history (148-82-1) and led the Broncos to five Super Bowls, including championships in his final two seasons. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII.

CRUSH NOTABLES
Team
 Colorado's six remaining opponents have an overall record of only 26-29 (.473).
 The Crush have won followed a pattern of win-two, lose-one this entire season.
 At 7-3, the Crush have already more than tripled their win total from their entire inaugural season (2-14).
 The Crush finished 0-8 at home last season. They have started the 2004 season 4-1 at Pepsi Center.
 The Crush's five home games have been decided by a combined 15 points.
 The Crush are 5-0 in games with a positive turnover margin. They are 0-2 with a negative margin.
 The Crush have not forced a turnover in their last two games – the only games this season without a turnover.
 The Crush have not allowed a sack since Week 6 @ San Jose (3/14).
 The 23-point second quarter at LA was the highest scoring Crush quarter this season (21 twice).
 Their 37 first-half points were also a season-high (34 vs. Detroit, 3/4).
 The LA game was the first time in five road games this season that the Crush scored first.
 The Crush are 6-1 when scoring 40+ points this season. They are 1-2 when they do not. They are 3-0 when scoring 40+ on the road, 0-2 when they don't.

Individual
 Coach Dailey needs two Crush wins to tie former Iowa/New York head coach John Gregory (72) for sixth on the AFL all-time win list
 Rashad Floyd leads the AFL in tackles (80.5) and is tied for the league-lead in interceptions (5).
 Damian Harrell needs 10 receptions to reach 450 for his career.
 Harrell has caught a TD pass in all 24 career games with the Crush.
 The game at LA will mark the 150th straight start for Kyle Moore-Brown – every game in his 10-year career.
 John Dutton's 43-yard strike to Damian Harrell at LA was the longest Crush completion this season.
AWARDS

BABY RUTH REAL DEAL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME (selected by media)
Week Opp. Player
1 vs. Las Vegas Damian Harrell (COL))
2 @ Gr. Rapids John Dutton (COL)
3 @ Chicago Raymond Philyaw (CHI)
4 vs. Austin John Dutton (COL)
5 vs. Detroit Damian Harrell (COL)
6 @ San Jose Mark Grieb (SJ)
7 @ Philadelphia Damian Harrell (COL)
8 vs. Arizona Damian Harrell (COL)
9 vs. Indiana Anthony Hines (IND)
10 at Los Angeles Damian Harrell (COL)

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
(selected by media)
Week Opp. Player
1 vs. Las Vegas Ahmad Hawkins (COL)
2 @ Gr. Rapids Rashad Floyd (COL)
3 @ Chicago John Moyer (CHI)
4 vs. Austin Rashad Floyd (COL)
5 vs. Detroit Willis Marshall (COL)
6 @ San Jose Joe Jacobs (SJ)
7 @ Philadelphia Rashad Floyd (COL)
8 vs. Arizona Rashad Floyd (COL)
9 vs. Indiana Rashad Floyd (COL)
10 at Los Angeles Rich Young (COL)

U.S. ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME
(selected by media)
Week Opp. Player
1 vs. Las Vegas Kevin McKenzie (COL)
2 @ Gr. Rapids Kevin McKenzie (COL)
3 @ Chicago Jamie McGourty (CHI)
4 vs. Austin Kevin McKenzie (COL)
5 vs. Detroit Willis Marshall (COL)
6 @ San Jose Rashied Davis (SJ)
7 @ Philadelphia Chris Ryan (PHI)
8 vs. Arizona Kevin McKenzie (COL)
9 vs. Indiana Kevin McKenzie (COL)
10 at Los Angeles Kevin McKenzie (COL)

AFL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS:
IRONMAN OF WEEK: Kevin McKenzie (Week 2)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK: Rashad Floyd (Week 8)

AFL MONTHY AWARD WINNERS:
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF MONTH: Rashad Floyd (March)

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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