Colorado Crush game notes

Published on June 2, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release


QUICK FACTS:
#5 Colorado Crush (11-5) at #4 New Orleans VooDoo (11-5)
Date: June 6, 2004
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. MT
Site: New Orleans Arena
Officials: Bill McCabe (Referee), Al Granado (Umpire),
Mike McCabe (Head Linesman), Art Lucky (Line Judge), Bud McCleskey (Back Judge)
Television: NBC (KUSA Ch.9 in Denver)
Radio: AM 760 The Zone
(Marc Stout – play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante – analyst)
Series Record: first meeting
Last Meeting: n/a
Coaches: Mike Dailey (74-51 in 8th year, 11-5 w/ Colorado)
Mike Neu (18-15 in 3rd year, 11-5 w/ N. Orleans)

ALL-TIME SERIES: This will be the first meeting between the second-year Crush and expansion VooDoo. This will also be the first-ever playoff game for both franchises.

RADIO/TV COVERAGE: The game will be regionally televised by NBC and broadcast on AM 760 The Zone (KKZN) and online at www.760thezone.com/listen with Marc Stout handling play-by-play duties and former NFL lineman David Diaz-Infante serving as color commentator.

Practice Schedule
Wednesday, June 2
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice at Crush Facility

Thursday, June 3
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Practice at Pepsi Center

Friday, June 4
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Practice at Pepsi Center

Saturday, June 5
TBA Depart for New Orleans

Sunday, June 6
1:00 p.m. Crush at New Orleans
at New Orleans Arena

Colorado Crush
Date Opponent 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 L 49-52 7-4
Fri, 4/23 GRAND RAPIDS W 69-30 8-4
Sat, 5/1 PHILADELPHIA W 58-40 9-4
5/8-5/9 Bye Week
Sun, 5/16 @ Indiana L 56-59 9-5
Sun, 5/23 @ Detroit W 45-42 10-5
Sun, 5/30 CHICAGO W 56-47 11-5
AFL Playoffs Time TV
Sun, 6/6 @ New Orleans 1 p.m. MT
(All times Mountain)


DRIVE TO ARENABOWL XVIII:

AFL QUARTERFINALS ON NBC, (Sat & Sun, June 5-6):

Saturday, June 5
Tampa Bay at San Jose, 1pm

Sunday, June 6
Chicago @ N. Orleans, 1pm
Los Angeles @ Arizona, 1 pm
Orlando @ Chicago, 1 pm

Mike Dailey (74-51 in 8th year, 11-5 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 74-51, a winning percentage of .592. He is sixth on the AFL's all-time list for coaching wins (regular season and playoffs). 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/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
Rk Coach Team Wins This Week
1. Tim Marcum Tampa Bay 167 at San Jose
2. Danny White Arizona 139 vs. Los Angeles
3. Perry Moss 86
4. Mike Hohensee Chicago 84 vs. Orlando
5. Michael Trigg Philadelphia 78 season over
6. Mike Dailey Crush 74 at New Orleans
7. John Gregory 73
8. Darren Arbet San Jose 70 vs. Tampa Bay

Mike Neu (18-15 in 3rd year, 11-5 in 1st w/ N.O.):
The first head coach of the VooDoo, Mike Neu is a six-year Arena Football coaching veteran, coming to New Orleans after serving as head coach of the Carolina Cobras in 2002.
Neu had served as offensive coordinator with the Cobras in 2001. Prior to coming to Carolina, Neu served as head coach and director of football operations for the Augusta Stallions of af2 in 2000. In his only season, Neu led Augusta to a 14-4 record, the American Conference title and was named the league's Coach of the Year. Neu began his coaching career in 1994 as a grad assistant at his alma mater, Ball State. His professional playing career started with a stint with the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders in 1995 before joining the AFL's Orlando Predators in 1996 and moving on to the Nashville Kats in 1997. Neu started his AFL coaching career with Nashville in 1998, when he served as quarterbacks coach for the Kats. The next year he was promoted to offensive coordinator. Neu played four seasons at Ball State, where he was named the MAC's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year as a senior in 1993. A four-year starter, Neu guided Ball State to the conference championship his final year and holds school career passing records in passing yardage, passing attempts, completions and touchdown passes.

TOP 10 RANKINGS: Crush players in the Top 10 (Top 5 Bold)
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
Anthony Brenner T-4thT-9th Scoring (Kickers)Touchbacks 13128
John Dutton T-1st3rd4th4th5th6th6thT-7th7th8th Fumble RecoveriesPassing Yards% INT / Pass AttemptPass AttemptsPass CompletionsPassing TDsQB Pass RatingInterceptionsCompletion %Yards/Attempt 84,1951.553634276117.1863.87.83
Rashad Floyd 1st1st1st2ndT-3rdT-7th TacklesSolo TacklesTackles for LossPass BreakupsInterceptionsFumble Recoveries 125.01075.52464
Damian Harrell 3rd3rd3rd3rd3rd4th5th First DownsReceiving YardsYds fr ScrimmageReceiving TDsScoring (non-Kick)3rd Down ReceptionsReceptions 971,7151,7154325819114
Ahmad Hawkins T-7th9th Solo TacklesTotal Tackles 7177.5
Willis Marshall T-1st10th 3rd-and-1 rush %Missed FG Return Avg. 100.012.7
Kevin McKenzie T-8th Interceptions 4
Saul Patu T-10th Tackles for Loss 3.0

TALE OF THE TAPE: How Crush & VooDoo stack up:
Statistical COLORADO NEW ORLEANS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Points per Game 9th 49.6 17th 45.2
Points Allowed 6th 46.5 2nd 45.1
Total Offense 5th 275.4 T-15th 249.1
Pass Offense 4th 260.8 17th 220.7
Rushing Offense 15th 14.6 5th 28.4
Total Defense 11th 264.6 6th 257.1
Pass Defense 15th 247.9 4th 230.4
Rushing Defense 6th 16.7 17th 26.6
Kickoff Return Avg. 16th 16.4 12th 17.6
Opp. KO Return Avg. 4th 17.0 2nd 16.6
Field Goal % 16th .344 12th .429
Turnover Margin 4th +13 11th -1
Avg. Yds per Play 5th 6.7 15th 6.1
Opp. Avg Yds/Play 4th 6.0 7th 6.1
1st Downs/ Game 10th 18.7 16th 17.8
Opp. 1st Dwns/Game T-18th 20.1 T-10th 19.1
3rd Down Efficiency T-17th 42.9 4th 50.9
Opp. 3rd Down Eff. 15th 51.9 9th 47.3
4th Down Efficiency 11th 50.0 14th 43.5
Opp. 4th Down Eff. T-6th 50.0 16th 58.3
TD% Inside the 10 18th 66.7 19th 65.2
Opp. TD% Inside the 10 11th 75.9 10th 75.3

COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
With a win, the Crush will advance to the AFL Semifinals and could travel to Arizona, San Jose or Chicago, or would play host to Los Angeles, Tampa Bay or Orlando next Saturday or Sunday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Now in his sixth AFL season, Harrell has amassed 6,931 receiving yards on 487 catches, an average of 14.23 yards/catch, along with 148 career touchdowns (1 on return) ... Has second-most receiving yards in the AFL since 2000 ... Finished 2004 season ranked 3rd in AFL in first downs (97), receiving yards (1,715), receiving TDs (43), scoring (non-kickers) with 258 points, 4th in third-down receptions (19), and 5th in receptions (114) ... Led the Crush in catches, receiving yds and scoring ... Has a TD catch in 33 straight games, including all 30 games as a member of the Crush (longest active streak in AFL)... Has been named Offensive Player of the Game 7 times in 16 games ... Reached 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth straight season ... Had eight 100-yd receiving games this season ... Caught 3+ touchdowns in a game 10 times this season ... 1st season with 100+ receptions.

QB John Dutton: The former ArenaBowl MVP (XVI w/ SJ) has completed 342-of-536 passes (63.8%) for 4,195 yards, 76 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions... Three times named Offensive Player of the Game ... Threw for a season-high 333 yards vs. Indiana on 4/3... Surpassed 10,000 career passing yards at Indiana on 5/16 ... Finished season ranked 3rd in AFL in passing yards, 4th in pass attempts and interceptions per attempt, 5th in completions, 6th in TD passes and QB rating and 7th in completion percentage ... Has thrown for 300+ yards five times this season, including 3 of his last 5.

WR/LB Kevin McKenzie: Twice named AFL Ironman of the Week (2, 10) ... Crush's second leading receiver with a career-high 1,023 yards and 14 TDs on 85 catches ... Tied for 8th in the AFL in interceptions (4), tied for 16th in receptions and 21st in receiving yards... Scored a TD rushing, receiving and on an interception return in a win @ GR (Ironman of the Week)... Named Ironman of the Game in 7 of 16 games ... Caught 6 passes for 133 yards vs. his former team at San Jose on 3/14 ... Has two interceptions returned for TDs (44, 9) ... Has two 100-yd receiving games ... Scored on a 4-yd net recovery on the opening kickoff vs. Philadelphia (5/1) ... Has scored TDs 4 different ways this season (rushing, receiving, Int. return and net recovery) ... 1 of only 22 receivers w/ 1,000+ receiving yds

DS Rashad Floyd: Set new AFL single-season record with 125.0 tackles (121.5, Cornelius Coe, Ind. 2001) ... 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/recovered fumble, an INT and a 4-yd. net recovery for a TD vs. Ari. ... Led league in tackles 125.0, solo tackles (107), and tackles for a loss (5.5) ... 2nd in pass breakups (24), tied for 3rd in interceptions (6) and tied for 7th in fumble recoveries (4) ... Named Defensive Player of the Game in 7 of 16 games ... Made 2 interceptions in win at Phi. ... Returned a fumble 35 yds for a TD at NY on 4/18 ... Has two net recoveries for TDs.

INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Right Knee on IR (1/27)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Sprained left ankle on IR (4/8)
Nate Jacquet WR/DB Rt. Achilles' Rupture on IR (2/2)
Derrick Pickens OL/DL Right Shoulder on IR (1/30)
Tony Scott WR/DB Strained rt. quadriceps On IR (5/21)

RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
5/29/04 Activated WR/DB Thal Woods (hamstring) from the injured reserve list.
5/21/04 Signed WR/DB Touré Carter to the active roster from the practice squad. Placed WR/DB Tony Scott (strained rt. quadriceps) on injured reserve.
5/19/04 Signed OL/DL Brian Creel to the practice squad.
5/14/04 Activated FB/LB Rich Young (sprained rt. shoulder) and WR/DB Tony Scott (strained rt. quadriceps) from injured reserve list; placed WR/DB Thal Woods on injured reserve (hamstring).
5/12/04 Signed WR/DB Touré Carter to the practice squad.
5/11/04 Placed OL/DL Patrick Downey on reserve/retired list
5/4/04 Grand Rapids signed OL/DL Tyshaun Whitson off of the Crush practice squad.
5/3/04 Waived QB Pete Gonzalez from the practice squad.
4/22/04 Placed FB/LB Rich Young on injured reserve (sprained rt. shoulder); Activated FB/LB Sunungura Rusununguko from injured reserve (sprained lt. shoulder); Signed OL/DL Tyshaun Whitson to the practice squad.
4/20/04 Placed OL/DL Tyshaun Whitson on recallable waivers.
4/16/04 Placed WR/DB Tony Scott (strained rt. Quadriceps) on injured reserve. Signed WR/DB Thal Woods and OL/DL Tyshaun Whitson from the practice squad to the active roster.
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 injured reserve (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 Quadriceps strain).

MILESTONES & RECORDS
Coach Mike Dailey: A win over New Orleans would move Coach Dailey within 3 wins of Philadelphia head coach Michael Trigg for fifth on the AFL's all-time list. Including the playoffs, Dailey is currently 74-51.

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 New Orleans will mark his 156th consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush this past offseason.

DS Rashad Floyd: Set a new AFL single-season record for tackles in a season with 125.0, breaking Cornelius Coe's previous mark of 121.5 with Indiana from 2001 ... Finished 30.0 tackles ahead of second place this season - Indiana's Anthony Derricks with 93.0 .

AFL Record - Most Tackle in a Season
Player Team Year Total
Rashad Floyd COL 2004 125.0
Cornelius Coe IND 2001 121.5
Damon Mason ORL 2000 108.0
Damon Mason ORL 1999 103.0
Damon Mason ORL 2001 101.0


OS Damian Harrell: Has caught a TD pass in 33 straight games, including all 30 games as a member of the Crush ... That streak is the longest active streak of consecutive games scoring a TD and consecutive games with a TD reception ... The mark is tied for the second longest streak of consecutive games with a TD reception in AFL history ... It is also tied for the fourth longest streak of consecutive games with a TD ... Harrell's streak began with the Toronto Phantoms vs. Carolina on 7/4/02 ... Ironically, Chris Jackson's consecutive TD streak (2nd all-time), was snapped by the Crush, at LA during Week 15 of the Crush's inaugural season (5/10/03).
AFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1997 (Wk 3) 2000 (Wk 1) 41
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 33
Eddie Brown (Ind) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2002 (Wk 7) 28

AFL Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown
Year (Week)
Player (team) Stk began Stk ended # Games
Eddie Brown (Alb/Ind) 1997 (Wk 3) 2002 (Wk 3) 65
Chris Jackson (LA) 2000 (Wk 1) 2003 (Wk 14) 47
Barry Wagner (Orl) 1992 (Wk 10) 1996 (Wk 11) 43
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 33
Eddie Brown (Ind) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33

More Harrell Marks: Harrell also has the second-most receiving yards in the AFL since 2000 ... Made 450th career receptions during win over Grand Rapids on 4/23 ... Set Crush single-game records with 13 receptions for 208 receiving yds at Det., besting his own record of 176 set vs. Gr. Rapids on 4/23.

AFL Receiving Leaders (2000-04)
Catches – Receiving Yards
Player (team) 2000-03 2004 Total
Chris Jackson (LA) 355 – 4,992 125 – 1,803 480 – 6,795
Damian Harrell (COL) 348 – 4,851 114 – 1,715 462 – 6,566
Greg Hopkins (LA) 400 – 4,888 66 – 745 466 – 5,633
Mike Horacek (IND) 363 – 4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248


Three Amigos
In their first season together, Damian Harrell, Kevin McKenzie and Willis Marshall have been instrumental in the Crush turnaround and have quickly formed one of the most prolific receiving corps in the Arena Football League. As a threesome, Harrell, McKenzie and Marshall rank 2nd in the league in receiving yards (3,592) and receptions (285) and 4th in receiving touchdowns (70).
Here is how the Crush trio compares to the rest of the league:
Trio Leaders – Receiving Yards
Receivers Team Games Rec Yds
Shelley, Pettis, Sippio DAL 16 3,598
Harrell, McKenzie, Marshall COL 16 3,592
Nash, Bonner, Blalock LV 16 3,452
Jackson, Ingram, Hopkins LA 16 3,396
Solomon, Samuels, Toliver TB 16 2,929

Trio Leaders - Receptions
Receivers Team Games Recepts
Nash, Bonner, Blalock LV 16 290
Harrell, McKenzie, Marshall COL 16 285
Shelley, Pettis, Sippio DAL 16 273
Jackson, Ingram, Hopkins LA 16 258
Solomon, Samuels, Toliver TB 16 237

Trio Leaders – Receiving Touchdowns
Receivers Team Games Rec TDs
Shelley, Pettis, Sippio DAL 16 79
Jackson, Ingram, Hopkins LA 16 74
Nash, Bonner, Blalock LV 16 72
Harrell, McKenzie, Marshall COL 16 70
Hundon, Roe, Coleman SJ 16 65



FB/LB Chad Dukes ranks fifth 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 Chicago's Bob McMillen by 38 yards for 4th place.
AFL Career Rushing Yards
Player Team 2004 Career
Les Barley — — 1,382
Andre Bowden TAM 5 1,199
Bo Kelly ARI 148 1,211
Bob McMillen CHI 285 1,149
Chad Dukes COL 85 1,111


HISTORIC TURNAROUND
The Crush set a new record for the biggest turnaround in AFL history, winning nine more games than the previous season. The 11-5 Crush finished 2-14 in their inaugural 2003 campaign. The Chicago Bruisers won +8 games in 1988, finishing 10-1-1, but played only 6 games the year before as they finished 2-4. The New Jersey Gladiators improved from 2-12 in 2001 to post a 9-5 mark in 2002 and the Detroit Fury turned a 1-13 season in 2002 into an 8-8 record in 2003.

HANDS OFF
After allowing 14 sacks last season (12 on Dutton), the Crush pass protection has been stellar this season. The team has allowed just four sacks, and none after Week 6 at San Jose (3/14). Entering the game at New Orleans, the Crush have not allowed a sack in their last 446 offensive plays (includes FG attempts as Dutton is holder). Crush quarterbacks last season combined to throw 24 picks to 86 touchdowns. With the extra time, Dutton decreased his interception total from 19 last season, to just eight in 2004, and the team has thrown 76 TDs (Robert Redd has 1). Last season, 4.1 % of Crush passes were intercepted. This season that percentage is down to just 1.5.

TAKEAWAY
The Crush defense has been active in forcing turnovers. The team finished 11-2 when they had a positive or even turnover margin (7-1 with a positive margin). Only three teams forced more turnovers than the Crush's 31. The Crush also ranked fourth in the league in turnover margin at +13 and only two teams forced more fumbles (18).

KEEPAWAY
The Crush have also limited their own mistakes. They have thrown just 8 interceptions, fifth fewest in the AFL. In fact, the Crush finished with the fourth fewest turnovers in the league (18). Last season the Crush committed 46 turnovers while forcing just 20. This season they committed 18 turnovers and forced 31, finishing +13, +39 better than the previous season.

ODDS NOT EVENS
Although the Crush have averaged more points in the second and fourth quarters than the first and third, it is the odd numbered quarters coming out of the locker room that have made the difference in the Crush turnaround this season. The Crush have held opponents to less than 9 points per quarter in the 1st (8.6) and 3rd (8.8), and have outscored them by a total of 77 points in those quarters. The Crush however, have been outscored in both the 2nd and 4th quarters by a total of 25 points.

FAMILIAR FACES
The Crush and VooDoo will meet for the first time on Sunday, but members of each team will be renewing acquaintances.
· VooDoo line coach Junior Ili played on the offensive and defensive line at Colorado from 1981-85. He also played in the AFL for the Denver Dynamite in 1992.
· The leading sack producer for the VooDoo, OL/DL Aaron Hamilton, recorded 8.5 tackles and 3 sacks while a member of the inaugural Crush team in 2003.
· Crush DS Rashad Floyd and VooDoo OL/DL B.J. Cohen, K Brian Schmitz, QB Jermaine Alfred and WR/LB Lamont Moore all played together with Orlando Predators.
· Crush WR/LB Kevin McKenzie and VooDoo OS Aaron Bailey were teammates in San Jose in 2003.
· Crush FB/LB Rich Young and VooDoo QB John Fitzgerald & OL/DL Tim Martin played together at Tulsa.

STREAK FREE
After a 2-14 inaugural campaign, the Crush managed to make it through the entire 2004 season without losing consecutive games. On the otherhand, the Crush have won consecutive games five times (current 2-game win streak). They have never won three in-a-row however. Four times the Crush followed a Win 2, Lose 1 pattern.

DON'T I KNOW YOU FROM SOMEWHERE?
A few current Crush players were also teammates in college. Here are some of those faces that are familiar to one another.
Virginia – Ahmad Hawkins, Dwayne Stukes, Maurice Anderson
Ball State – Sunungura Rusununguko & Aaron Johnson
Nevada – John Dutton & John Peaua

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 5 players from last year's inaugural team made the 2004 opening day roster.
Returning 2003 Players
John Dutton Saul Patu Ahmad Hawkins
Damian Harrell Bryant Shaw (Thal Woods, Pr. squad)

CALL TO THE HALL
Legendary Denver Broncos QB and Crush co-owner John Elway was among four players named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 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. He will be inducted to the Hall in Canton, Ohio on August 8, 2004.

BAILEY BRENNER FUND
Club Crush, the official fan club of the Crush, has established a fund to raise money for the medical expenses for K Anthony Brenner's special needs daughter, Bailey. 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.


CRUSH NOTABLES

THE STAKES: A Crush win would ...
· Give the Crush their first playoff victory.
· Advance the Crush to the semifinal round of the AFL playoffs.
· Improve the Crush record to 12-5.
· Give the Crush their first win over New Orleans.
· Give the Crush their first ever three-game win streak.

Team
· The Crush had the biggest turnaround in AFL history this season at +9 wins (11-5 in 2004, 2-14 in 2003):
(+8 wins by Chicago Bruisers, 2-4 in 1987, 10-1-1 in 1988)
· The Crush are 7-1 in games with a positive margin, 4-1 with an even margin and 0-3 with a negative margin.
· The Crush have not allowed a sack since Week 6 @ San Jose (3/14). Entering the game vs. Chicago, the Crush have not allowed a sack in their last 446 offensive plays (includes FG attempts as Dutton is holder).
· 11 times the Crush have held their opponent without a sack. No Crush opponent has had multiple sacks.
· The Crush finished the season +13 in turnovers (committed 18, forced 31). They were -26 in 2003 (46 committed, 20 forced), for a turnaround of +39.
· The Crush finished 0-8 at home last season. They were 7-1 at Pepsi Center this season, with their only loss in overtime vs. Indiana.
· Strange but true – The Crush are 6-2 when they commit more penalties than their opponent and are also 5-1 when they have less total yards that their opponent.
· The Crush are 3-4 on Sundays and 8-1 on all other days.
· They have been shutout in a quarter only twice all year.
· The Crush have been outscored in the 2nd and 4th quarters this season, but have outscored opponents by 77 points in the 1st and 3rd quarters.
· The Crush have allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown four times this season, and each of the last two games.
·

Individual
· Rashad Floyd broke the AFL's single-season tackle record this season, finishing with 125.0 (Cornelius Coe, Ind., 121.5, 2001).
· The game at New Orleans will mark the 156th straight start for Kyle Moore-Brown – every game in his 10-year career.
· John Dutton has five 300-yd passing games this season, including three of his last five games.
· Dutton needs 71 yards to reach 4,000 passing for the season.
· Kevin McKenzie surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the season vs. Chicago, 1 of only 22 receivers to reach that mark in 2004.
· Damian Harrell set franchise records with 13 catches and 208 yards at Detroit on 5/23. The reception record was 11 (4 times). Harrell held the previous yardage mark - 176 vs. GR, 4/23)
· Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in 33 straight games, including all 30 career games with the Crush, tied for the 2nd longest streak of consecutive games with a TD reception at 33 (Eddie Brown, Ind. 1994-96), and for 4th longest streak of scoring a TD in consecutive games (any type).





AWARDS
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 @ Los Angeles Damian Harrell (COL)
11 @ New York Aaron Garcia (NY)
12 vs. Gr. Rapids Damian Harrell (COL)
13 vs. Philadelphia John Dutton (COL)
15 @ Indiana Adrian McPherson (IND)
16 @ Detroit Damian Harrell (COL)
17 vs. Chicago Willis Marshall (COL)
AFL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS:

IRONMAN OF WEEK:
Kevin McKenzie (Week 2)
Kevin McKenzie (Week 10)
Willis Marshall (Week 17)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK:
Rashad Floyd (Wk 8)


AFL MONTHY AWARD WINNERS:

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF MONTH:
Rashad Floyd (March)



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 @ Los Angeles Rich Young (COL)
11 @ New York Donvetis Franklin (NY)
12 vs. Gr. Rapids Rashad Floyd (COL)
13 vs. Philadelphia Rashad Floyd (COL)
15 @ Indiana Delvin Hughley (IND)
16 @ Detroit Hugh Hunter (COL)
17 vs. Chicago Rich Young (COL)

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 @ Los Angeles Kevin McKenzie (COL)
11 @ New York Lincoln DuPree (NY)
12 vs. Gr. Rapids Willis Marshall (COL)
13 vs. Philadelphia Kevin McKenzie (COL)
15 @ Indiana Jordan Younger (IND)
16 @ Detroit Ron Carpenter (DET)
17 vs. Chicago Willis Marshall (COL)

LAST GAME: WEEK 17 · COLORADO 56, CHICAGO 47
May 30, 2004 · PEPSI CENTER · DENVER, COLO. · Attendance: 13,670
AWARDS: OFF –WILLIS MARSHALL (COL) · DEF –RICH YOUNG (COL) · IRONMAN –WILLIS MARSHALL (COL)

DENVER -- A season-ending win over the Chicago Rush allowed the Colorado Crush to share the league's best regular-season record at 11-5. But it did not allow the Crush to host a first-round playoff game.

Colorado turned back the Rush 56-47 in front of a boisterous throng of 13,670 at the Pepsi Center, but was left with the No. 5 seed for the playoffs after New Orleans VooDoo and Arizona Rattlers both triumphed in their regular-season finales. Those results forced a five-way logjam of teams with 11-5 records, which was sorted out by a series of common-opponent tiebreakers.

To get to 11-5, the Crush turned in one of its most complete performances of the season. The game was tied four times, but the Crush never trailed, as the teams answered each other score for score during the first three quarters.

Colorado took control following a 57-yd kickoff return by Chicago's Etu Molden that left the Crush up 42-41. First, Crush FB/LB Rich Young recovered a fumble and rolled 2 yds for a touchdown, increasing the Colorado lead to eight points with 10:21 remaining. Less than seven minutes later, John Dutton and Damian Harrell connected on a 45-yd TD that put the Crush in front by 15 points at 56-41.

Ironman of the Game Willis Marshall led the way for Colorado with a sterling all-around performance. He grabbed nine passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another score, averaged 31.0 yards on two kickoff returns, forced a fumble and notched 4.5 tackles. Crush offensive specialist Damian Harrell caught four passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 43 receiving touchdowns on the season. Wide receiver/linebacker Kevin McKenzie snared three passes for 41 yards and a touchdown; the yardage pushed him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season with 1,023 on 85 receptions. (Andrew Mason, ColoradoCrush.com)

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2004


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