Colorado Crush game notes

Published on March 23, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Colorado Crush (5-2) vs. Dallas Desperados (6-2)
Date: March 25, 2005
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. MT
Site: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Officials:
Referee: Dennis Lipski (8th year, Big 10 Conference)
Umpire: Richard Brown (2nd year, Big 12 Conference)
Head Linesman: Rod Pearson (1st year, Mid-Eastern Atlantic)
Line Judge: Art Lucky (8th year, Big 12 Conference)
Back Judge: Joe Duncan (8th year, Big 10 Conference)

Television: Fox Sports Rocky Mountain (FSN)
Radio: AM 630 KHOW
(Marc Stout – play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante – analyst)
Series Record: Second meeting
Last Meeting: Dallas won 73-55 on 3/7/03 at Reunion Arena
Coaches: Mike Dailey (80-54 in 9th year, 17-8 w/ Colorado)
Will McClay (12-12 overall, 12-12 in 2nd year w/ Dallas)

ALL-TIME SERIES: This is Colorado's second trip to Dallas. The Crush lost the first meeting (55-73) on March 7, 2003 at Reunion Arena. Colorado's Andy McCullough was named the game's Ironman as a Desperado.


Practice Schedule
Tuesday, March 22
12-2 p.m. Practice at Five-Star Stadium

Wednesday, March 23
8:30-10:30 a.m. Practice at South Suburban Dome

Thursday, March 24
1:30 p.m. Depart for Dallas




Colorado Crush
Date Opponent Time/Score TV
Sun, 1/30 @ Orlando L 36-39 0-1
Sat, 2/5 GRAND RAPIDS W 72-56 1-1
Sun, 2/13 CHICAGO L 48-51 1-2
Sat, 2/19 @ Arizona W 74-69 2-2
Sun, 2/27 LOS ANGELES W 58-40 3-2
Bye week
Sat, 3/12 @ Nashville W 42-35 4-2
Sun, 3/20 COLUMBUS W 52-37 5-2
Fri, 3/25 @ Dallas 6:30 p.m. FSN
Sun, 4/3 LAS VEGAS 1:00 p.m. CET
Sun, 4/10 PHILADELPHIA 11:00 a.m. NBC
Sun, 4/17 @ Chicago 11:00 a.m. NBC
Fri, 4/22 SAN JOSE 7:00 p.m. CET
Sat, 4/30 @ Grand Rapids 5:30 p.m. FSN
Sun, 5/8 @ New Orleans 11:00 a.m. NBC
Fri, 5/13 NASHVILLE 7:00 p.m. CET
Sat, 5/21 @ New York 5:00 p.m. FSN
(All times Mountain)

American Conference - Central Division
Team W L T PCT. PF PA H A Conf. Div. Strk
Colorado 5 2 0 .714 382 327 3-1 2-1 4-1 2-1 W4
Chicago 4 4 0 .500 374 384 2-2 2-2 3-0 3-0 L1
Gr. Rapids 1 6 0 .143 364 450 1-3 0-3 0-4 0-2 L3
Nashville 1 6 0 .143 283 345 0-3 1-3 0-3 0-2 L6


THE STAKES: A Crush win would ...
· Give the Crush their first five-game win streak in franchise history
· Maintain the best record in the American Conference and keep them in line for the No. 1 seed in the conference.
· Help them maintain their lead in the Central Division.
· Give the Crush their first-ever win over Dallas.
· Give the Crush their first ever three-game road win streak.
· Improve their record to 3-1 vs. the National Conference
· Move Coach Dailey into sole possession of fifth place on the AFL's all-time coaching wins list (currently tied w/ Michael Trigg with 80 wins each).








Mike Dailey (80-54 in 9th year, 17-8 in 2nd w/ Colo.):
Dailey is now in his second season in Colorado and ninth as head coach in the AFL, after becoming the Crush's second head coach on June 26, 2003. Dailey joined the Crush following 13 seasons in the Albany/Indiana Firebirds organization, including the final seven as head coach.
In his first season in Colorado, Dailey helped guide the Crush to the largest turnaround in AFL history, inheriting a 2-14 team and leading them to an 11-5 record in 2004, tied for the best in the league. He also led the Crush to their first playoff appearance and first win, advancing to the AFL Semifinals before falling nine yards short of up-ending top-seeded Arizona and earning a trip to ArenaBowl XVIII.
One of the most successful and well-respected coaches in AFL history, Dailey's teams have compiled an overall record of 80-54 record, a winning percentage of .597, and he ranks fifth on the AFL's all-time list for coaching wins (regular season and playoffs). His teams have made six postseason appearances and he has won three division titles.
In 1999, Dailey led the Albany Firebirds to an ArenaBowl title and was named the AFL's Coach of the Year.


All-Time Winningest AFL Coaches
Including Postseason
Rk Coach Team Wins This Week
1. Tim Marcum* Tampa Bay 171 @ Los Angeles
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohensee* Chicago 89 bye week
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey* Crush 80 vs. Dallas
Michael Trigg 80
7. Darren Arbet* San Jose 77 @ Las Vegas
8. John Gregory 73
* indicates active coach

Will McClay (12-12 overall, 12-12 in 2nd season w/ Dallas):
Will McClay is in his second year as the Desperados
head coach. He was promoted to lead the team three before kicking off the 2004 AFL season following the resignation of Joe Avezzano. He also serves as the team's defensive coordinator, a position he has held since the team's inaugural season in 2002. In the AFL offseason, McClay works in the Dallas Cowboys Player Personnel Department. Prior to moving to Dallas, he was the Assistant Director of Scouting with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2001) and Player Personnel Director of the XFL's Orlando Rage (2001). He worked as the Grand Rapids Rampage Defensive Coordinator/Director Player Personell (1998-99) after serving in the same capacity for the Anaheim Piranhas (1997). He served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Florida Bobcats (1996) and the Milwaukee
Mustangs (1995) after beginning his coaching career with
Detroit Drive (1993). He was a WR/DB with Detroit from 1989-92, helping them win three ArenaBowl championships.






TOP 5 RANKINGS: 2005 League Leaders entering Week 8
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
John Dutton 2ndT-4th 3rd down QB ratingPassing Touchdowns 115.137
Rashad Floyd 1stT-1st1st Total TacklesSolo TacklesPass Breakups 57.55313
Damian Harrell 4thT-4thT-4th Receiving TouchdownsScoring (Non-kickers)3rd Down Receptions 191149
Ahmad Hawkins T-5th Interceptions 3
Delvin Hughley T-3rd Pass Breakups 10
Willis Marshall 4th MFG Return Avg. 21.0
Kevin McKenzie T-4thT-3rd 3rd Down ReceptionsInterceptions 94
Saul Patu T-4th Forced Fumbles 2
Clay Rush T-1st2nd3rd2nd TouchbacksField Goals MadeField Goal AttemptsScoring (Kickers) 3091872
Rich Young T-3rd4th Total Tackles for LossSacks 5.04.0


PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Has 38 career games with 100+ receiving
yards (4 in 2005) ... Also has 29 career games with 3+ TDs (4 in
2005) ... Named to the All-Arena Second Team in 2004 ... Now
in his seventh AFL season, has amassed 7,569 receiving yards on
535 catches, an average of 14.15 yards/catch, along with 166
receiving TDs (169 total) ... Has second-most receiving yards and
catches in AFL since 2000 ... Has a TD catch in 40 straight games, including all 36 games as a member of the Crush (longest active streak in AFL) ... Has reached 1,000 receiving yards in four straight seasons entering 2005.

QB John Dutton: Now in his third year quarterbacking the Crush,
has completed 154-248 passes (62.1%) for 37 TDs and 4
interceptions in 2005 ... Has 10 career 300+ yard passing games (1 in 2005)... Has thrown for 12,499 yards, 238 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in career ... Completed 342-of-536 passes (63.8%) for 4,195 yards, 76 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions in 2004 ... MVP of ArenaBowl XVI while with San Jose.

WR/LB Kevin McKenzie: Set a new Crush single-game record and career high with 14 receptions at Orlando (1/30) ... Most receptions in any AFL game this season ... Also had third career
100+ yard receiving game at Orlando ... Tied a career-high with 3
TDs vs. Gr. Rapids on 2/5 ... Named to the All-Ironman team in
2004 ... Crush's second leading receiver in 2004 with a career high 1,023 yards and 14 TDs on 85 catches ... Once scored six
touchdowns in playoff game while with San Jose in 2003.

DS Rashad Floyd: Set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles against
Los Angeles on 2/27/05 ... Was named AFL Defensive Player of
the Week following Week 5 and Defensive Player of the Month
for February ... Has posted six career games with 10+ tackles (3
in 2005) ... Leads AFL in tackles with 51.5, on pace (164.8) to
break his own AFL single-season record of 123.0 tackles set in
2004... Named to All-Arena Second Team in 2004.


RECENT CRUSH TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
3/11/05 Activated WR/DB Willis Marshall and OL/DL Tank Reese from injured reserve ... Placed WR/LB Darcey Levy (influenza) and WR/DB Jabir Walker (hamstring) on injured reserve.
3/9/05 Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson on injured reserve (finger).
2/26/05 Placed WR/DB Willis Marshall on injured reserve (influenza) ... Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker and WR/LB Darcey Levy from injured reserve.
2/23/05 Signed WR/DB Touré Carter to practice squad.
2/21/05 Waived WR/DB Thal Woods from practice squad ... Activated WR/DB Touré Carter from injured reserve and placed him on waivers.
2/12/05 Placed OL/DL Tank Reese on injured reserve (influenza) and activated OL/DL Chris Watton.
2/8/05 Signed WR/DB Herman Bell to practice squad.
1/28/05 Recalled OL/DL Chris Watton from waivers and placed him on injured reserve (sprained rt. knee).
1/26/05 Recalled OL/DL Maurice Anderson from waivers ... Placed OL/DL Chris Watton on recallable waivers.
1/25/05 Signed WR/DB Thal Woods to practice squad.
1/24/05 Placed DS Jabir Walker (strained right groin) and WR/LB Darcey Levy (left lower back) on injured reserve ... Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson on recallable waivers.
1/22/05 Waived WR/DB Thal Woods and OL/DL Marcus Adams.
1/20/05 Traded FB/LB Sunungura Rusununguko to Las Vegas Gladiators for future considerations ... Waived OL/DL Matt Norwood and QB James MacPherson ... Placed WR/DB Touré Carter (strained right quadriceps) and FB/LB Chad Dukes (strained right groin) on injured reserve.
1/19/05 Waived FB/LB Dennis Dottin-Carter, WR/DBs Ron Israel, Andre Rone and Lance Taylor, and OL/DL Paul White Jr..
1/19/05 Placed OL/DL Derrick Pickens on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.
1/16/05 Signed WR/DB Lance Taylor and OL/DL Paul White Jr..
1/15/05 Signed OL/DL Tank Reese.
1/14/05 Waived WR/DBs Ben Kelly and Frank Rice and OL/DL Nate Bolling.
1/11/05 Signed WR/DB Ben Kelly.
1/10/05 Waived WR/DB Nashville Dyer.


INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Finger on IR (3/11)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Strained right groin on IR (1/20)
Darcey Levy WR/DB Influenza on IR (3/11)
Derrick Pickens OL/DL High left ankle sprain on IR (1/19)
Jabir Walker WR/DB Hamstring on IR (3/11)




COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
The Crush host the Las Vegas Gladiators for the second time and play the Gladiators for the third time in franchise history. The Crush are 1-1 versus Las Vegas (lost 34-68 on 4/5/2003 at Thomas & Mack Center; won 43-42 on 2/5/2004 at Pepsi Center). The 43-42 win was in the 2004 season opener that featured a miracle finish that saw John Dutton hook up with Damian Harrell twice in the last 12 seconds for the one-point victory. The Crush also traveled to Las Vegas for practice and a preseason scrimmage prior to this season.


CRUSH NOTABLES

THE TIES THAT BIND
Even though the Crush and Desperados have met only once, there are still some connections:
· Crush WR/LB Andy McCullough played his first two AFL seasons with Dallas (2002-03). McCullough entered the season as the Desperados' all-time leader in receptions and scoring by a non-kicker.
· Dallas OL/DL Jeff Chase was a member of the Crush in 2003, appearing in 10 games and starting two. Coincidentally enough, the Crush traded Chase to Philadelphia (12/11/03) for what turned out to be the 3rd pick in the 2005 Dispersal Draft, which brought Andy McCullough to Denver.
· Crush OL/DL Chris Watton played his football down I-35 at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

HISTORIC TURNAROUND
The Crush set a new record for the biggest turnaround in AFL history in 2004, 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. Here is how the three years of the Crush franchise compare:

Statistical Comparison 2003 2004 2005
Record 2-14 11-5 5-2
Points/Game 46.8 49.6 54.6
Points Allowed/Game 59.9 46.5 46.7
Turnover Margin -26 +14 +8
Fumbles Lost 22 10 2
Sacks 12 15 14
Sacks Allowed 14 4 2


MAN OF STEEL
A true AFL Ironman, Kyle Moore-Brown is in his 11th season in the league and has never missed a game. The game at Dallas will mark his 165th consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush prior to the 2004 season.

CONSECUTIVE STARTS:
164 Overall (149 regular season, 15 playoffs)


JUST FOR KICKS
Crush kicker Clay Rush is among the all-time great AFL kickers. A two-time AFL Kicker of the Year, Rush currently ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list by kickers and fifth for field goals made. In 2005, Rush leads the league in touchbacks and booted a league-long and Crush record 62-yard field goal (2/27 vs. LA).

AFL All-Time Leading Scorers (Kickers)
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm Points
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 1,240
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 1,179
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 973
4. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 840
5. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 771
6. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 754

AFL Most All-Time Field Goals Made
Rk Player Years Pres. Tm FGM
1. Mike Black 1993-04 n/a 175
2. Steve Videtich 1996-pres. Columbus 150
3. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 118
4. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 122
5. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 106
6. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 100


TACKLING MACHINE
After setting an AFL record with 123.0 tackles in 2004, Rashad Floyd has registered a league-leading 57.5 tackles in the first seven games, setting him on another record-breaking pace ... This despite missing almost the entire game vs. Columbus on 3/20 ... Floyd set an AFL record with 17.5 tackles vs. Los Angeles on 2/27, besting the previous record of 17.0 set by L.A.'s Kevin Cobb at Houston on 6/23/00 ... Floyd finished 30.0 tackles ahead of second place in 2004 - Indiana's Anthony Derricks (93.0).
AFL Record - Most Tackle in a Season
Player Team Year Total
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2005 131.4*
Rashad Floyd Colorado 2004 123.0
Cornelius Coe Indiana 2001 121.5
Damon Mason Orlando 2000 108.0
Damon Mason Orlando 1999 103.0
Damon Mason Orlando 2001 101.0

* Based on current pace (57.5 tackles through seven games – 8.2/game)


ONE FOR THE AGES
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 70 yards for 4th place.
AFL Career Rushing Yards
Player Team 2005 Career
Les Barley — — 1,382
Andre Bowden — — 1,241
Bo Kelly ARI 30 1,231
Bob McMillen CHI 93 1,243
Chad Dukes COL 0 1,111



STEEL CURTAIN
After allowing 14 sacks in 2003 (12 on Dutton), the Crush pass
protection has been stellar under Coach Dailey. The team allowed
just four sacks in 2004, and none after Week 6 at San Jose (3/14).
The Crush did not allow a sack in their final 446 offensive plays of
the 2004 regular season (10+ games). They have allowed just two
sacks in 2005 – a fourth quarter coverage sack by Orlando's E.J
Burt in the season opener on 1/30/05 and a first quarter unforced
fumble by QB John Dutton that the Crush recovered on the
opening play vs. Los Angeles on 2/27/05. After holding five opponents this season sackless, the Crush have now allowed just those two sacks in their last 17 games.
Fewest Sacks Allowed (2005)
Team Games Sacks
Las Vegas 8 1
Colorado 7 2
Austin 8 3
Philadelphia 8 4
Chicago 8 4

SACK HAPPY
After totaling just 15 sacks in 16 games in 2004, the Crush pass
rush has picked up the pressure and are tied for first in the league with 14 sacks, a safety and forced a league-high 15 turnovers. Rich Young has led the way with 4.0 sacks, including a safety in Orlando. He also pressured Joe Hamilton into a fumble for a Tank Reese touchdown at Orlando (1/30) and forced a fumble that Andy McCullough returned for a touchdown at Arizona (2/19).
Most Sacks By Team (2005)
Team Games Sacks
Colorado 7 14
Las Vegas 8 14
Orlando 8 11

STREAKFREE
The Crush have never lost consecutive games under Mike Dailey.
After a 2-14 inaugural campaign, the Crush managed to make it
through the entire 2004 season without losing consecutive games.
They kept that streak alive by rebounding from both losses this
season with a W.

FOUR SCORE
On the other hand, the Crush won consecutive games five times
last season, but never three in a row. However, the team is in the midst of its first-ever four-game win streak (@ Arizona 2/20, vs. Los Angeles 2/27, @ Nashville 3/12, vs. Columbus 3/20) and is seeking its fifth straight at Dallas. The franchise had never won three straight before this current streak.

THEY'RE BACK
After 2004 saw a brand new coaching staff and only five returning
players on the opening day roster from 2003, this year's Crush
team strongly resembles the 2004 squad. In fact, the team lost no
players to free agency, and features 16 of 20 players on the active
roster from 2004. Another three returnees are currently on the
injured list. Ahmad Hawkins is the only player to appear in every
Crush game in franchise history.

Third Year Crush Players
John Dutton Saul Patu Ahmad Hawkins
Damian Harrell Bryant Shaw

NFL BOUND
The Crush lost four players to the NFL, including two key members of the 2004 team. OL/DL Aaron Johnson finished the 2004 NFL season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad while WR/DB Robert Redd signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Two rookies also signed with NFL teams, af2 Ironman of the Year Tim Dodge signed with the Carolina Panthers and OL/DL Delbert Cowsette signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FLOCK OF FIREBIRDS
With Coach Dailey's move to the Crush came a flock of former Albany and Indiana Firebirds migrated west to Denver. The 2004 offseason only bolstered those totals with the addition of Andy McCullough, Delvin Hughley and Clay Rush, although Rush was the only one to play under Dailey (2003).

Former Firebirds (years with Firebirds)
Players Coaches
Jose Davis (2003) Mike Dailey (1992-2003)
Chad Dukes (1996-98) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Delvin Hughley (2004)* Brian Partlow (2000-03)
Hugh Hunter (2002-03)
Andy McCullough (2004)*
Kyle Moore-Brown (1995-03)
Clay Rush (2003-04)
Rich Young (2002-03)

· Aaron Johnson (2001-03) is also a former Firebird who played for the Crush in 2004 and is currently on exempt NFL list (Kansas City Chiefs).
· Current Crush OL/DL Derrick Pickens also attended training camp with the Firebrids before signing to playing in the CFL.
· * Hughley and McCullough never played under Dailey with the Firebirds. Hughley was traded to Indiana as part of the deal that brought Dailey to Colorado.

KEY ADDITIONS
While the Crush returns the core of last year's playoff team, they did add a few key parts in the offseason. Two-time kicker of the year Clay Rush signed as free agent to bolster kickoffs and add range on field goals. Former All-Rookie team member and 1,200-yard receiver WR/LB Andy McCullough and defensive specialist Delvin Hughley were added through the Dispersal Draft. Hughley was a member of the inaugural Crush team in 2003, leading the team in tackles before being included in a trade with Indiana that brought Coach Dailey to Denver. All three players were previously with Indiana. Four AFL rookies made the roster, with former Kansas City Chief Tank Reese the only one to start the season on the active roster. Reese and OL/DL Chris Watton are the only active rookies.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
After finishing their inaugural season 0-8 at home, the Crush are now 10-2 under Mike Dailey at the Pepsi Center, with the two losses consisting of an overtime field goal by Indiana's kicker
Clay Rush (now with Colorado) last season, and a 51-48 Chicago win this season on a Keith Gispert field goal with 3 seconds remaining.

SPREAD THE WEALTH
After completing 21 of his 23 completions at Orlando (1/30) to just Kevin McKenzie (14) and Damian Harrell (7), John Dutton has gotten almost everyone on the team involved in the last five games. On the season, nine different players have receptions and eight different players have caught touchdown passes.

WRONG END OF RECORDS
The Crush allowed a franchise record in total offense in
consecutive weeks earlier this season, surrendering 374 total yards
to Grand Rapids, including an AFL record 100 yards rushing by
Michael Bishop and 122 Rampage rushing yards (second largest
total in AFL history) in a Crush win on 2/5. They followed that
up by allowing a franchise record 409 passing yards to Chicago's
Raymond Philyaw and a total of 412 yards to the Rush offense.
The Crush had allowed just five opposing quarterbacks to
throw for 300+ yards in the team's first two regular seasons. It has
happened three times this season - Raymond Philyaw (409) of Chicago 2/13 and Joe Germaine (319) @ Arizona 2/19, and most recently Ryan Vena (308) of Columbus 3/20.
The Crush have allowed several of the biggest games in the league this year:

AFL SEASON HIGHS
· Most Passing Yards – 409 (30-45) by Raymond Philyaw, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Receiving Yards – 192 (13 rec.) by Henry Douglas, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Yards from Scrimmage - 192 (192 rec., 0 rush) by Henry Douglas, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Rushing Yards – 100 (6 rush) by Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids @ Colorado, 2/5 (AFL RECORD)
· Most Receptions – 14 (106 yds) by Kevin McKenzie, @ Orlando, 1/30
· Most Tackles – 17.5 by Rashad Floyd vs.Los Angeles, 2/27
· Longest Field Goal – 62 yds. by Clay Rush, vs. Los Angeles, 2/27

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The Crush are averaging 54.6 points per game (third in the AFL) and have twice topped 70 points and set new franchise highs for scoring – 72 vs. Grand Rapids on 2.5, then 74 at Arizona on 2/19. In the Arizona game, the team exploded for a team-record 33 points in the second quarter (most ever in a quarter) and 50 points in the first half (most in any half).
Scoring Offense (2005)
Team G TD XP 2pt FG Saf Pts Avg.
San Jose 7 59 48 0 2 1 410 58.6
Tampa Bay 7 55 49 2 6 2 405 57.9
Colorado 7 51 45 1 9 1 382 54.6
Dallas 8 59 53 3 6 2 435 54.4
New York 7 54 43 0 3 0 376 53.7

THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY
The Crush are leading the AFL in third-down efficiency, having
converted 57.1 % of their third downs (24-42). Not surprisingly,
John Dutton is second among quarterbacks in QB Rating on third
downs at 114.1, completing 25-40 passes for 305 yards, 9 TDs and
1 interception. Damian Harrell and Kevin McKenzie are each tied four fourth in the AFL with nine third-down receptions in 2005.

FREQUENT FLYER MILES
The Crush are co-owned by the Denver Broncos, and they travel like them too. The Crush will travel 16,896 miles on trips this season, an average of 1,056 miles each way. The Broncos traveled 16,988 miles on regular-season trips this past season, an average of 1,061.8 miles each way. The difference between the two teams? A mere 5.8 miles.

OTHER AFL RANKING NOTABLES:

TAKE-AWAYS GIVE-AWAYS Net
Rank Team Int Fum Total Int Fum Total Diff
1t) New York 15 2 17 5 3 8 = +9
1t) Colorado 10 5 15 4 2 6 = +9
3) Dallas 9 12 21 5 8 13 = +8
4) Los Angeles 10 5 15 5 4 9 = +6
5t) Orlando 8 8 16 8 5 13 = +3



Offense / Third Down Pct.
Team Rank 3DPct Made Att
Colorado 1 57.1 24 42
New York 2 54.3 19 35
Philadelphia 3 54.0 27 50
Chicago 4 52.2 24 46
Dallas 5 50.9 27 53



Combined / Points/Game Differential
Team Rank P/G-Diff Off Def
Dallas 1 10.25 54.4 44.1
San Jose 2 10.14 58.6 48.4
Colorado 3 7.86 54.6 46.7
Tampa Bay 4 6.14 57.9 51.7
New York 5 6.00 53.7 47.7

DAMIAN DYN-O-MITE

RECORD IN RANGE
Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in 40 straight regular season games, including all 37 games as a member of the Crush ... That streak is the longest active streak of scoring a TD and of consecutive games with a TD reception ... The mark is the second-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD reception in AFL history and if the streak continues, he would set a new AFL record vs. Las Vegas on 4/3 ... It is also fourth-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD ... Harrell's streak began with the Toronto Phantoms vs. Carolina on 7/4/02.

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) --- 40
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) --- 40
Eddie Brown (Ind) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33


DOMINATING THE DECADE:
Harrell also has the second-most receiving yards and catches in the AFL since 2000 ... Grand Rapids OS Chris Jackson in first in both categories during that span.

AFL Receiving Leaders (2000-05)
Catches – Receiving Yards

Player (pres. team) 2000-04 2005 Total
Chris Jackson (Gra.) 480 – 6,795 41 – 534 521 – 7,329
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 462 – 6,566 48 – 641 510 –7,207
Greg Hopkins (LA) 466 – 5,633 42 – 444 508 – 6,077
Mike Horacek (NY) 399 – 5,248 42 – 578 441 – 5,826



PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND A QUARTER?
Harrell has been especially dangerous since Coach Dailey took over the helm of the Crush. Since the start of the 2004 season, he is the second-leading scorer in the league. He is also among the leaders in that span in receiving yards, receptions and long scores.

Total Touchdowns (2004-05)

Player (pres. team) 2004 2005 TDs (Pts)
Marcus Nash (LV) 49 (300) 18 (108) 67 (408)
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 43 (258) 19 (114) 62 (372)
Chris Jackson (Gra.) 45 (272) 12 (76) 57 (348)
Aaron Bailey (NO) 34 (204) 19 (114) 53 (318)
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 28 (168) 24 (146) 52 (314)
Etu Molden (Chi.) 32 (198) 18 (108) 50 (306)
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 35 (210) 13 (78) 48 (288)
James Roe (SJ) 29 (174) 17 (102) 46 (276)

Most Receiving Yards (2004-05)

Player (pres. team) Rec. Yds TD Yd/Catch
Marcus Nash (LV) 216 2,659 63 12.3
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 162 2,356 62 14.5
Chris Jackson (Gr. Rap.) 166 2,337 55 14.1
Aaron Bailey (N.O.) 160 2,222 64 13.9
Thabiti Davis (N.O.) 193 2,116 37 11.0
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 169 2,023 46 12.0
Jason Shelley (Dall.) 155 2,004 36 12.9

CRUSH NOTABLES

TEAM
· The Crush are tied for tops in the league in turnover margin at +9 with New York. The Crush have forced 15 turnovers (10 interceptions, 5 fumbles) while turning the ball over just six times.
· The Crush have the third-best points differential in the league with a +7.86 points/game margin. However, the Crush are last in the league in
· The Crush lead the league in third-down efficiency, having converted 57.1 % of their third-down attempts (24-42).
· The Crush have outscored their opponents 97-56 in the first quarter, while outscoring opponents 214-174 in the first half. On the other hand, Colorado is tied in third quarter scoring with 72 points on the season.
· The 42-35 Crush win at Nashville was the fifth-lowest scoring game in franchise history, falling five points shy of the 72 combined points by the Crush and Austin on 2/27/04. The Crush are now 4-1 in their five lowest scoring games (lost 39-36 at Orlando on 1/30/05).
· The Crush blocked their first-ever field goal in the win at Nashville when Saul Patu blocked a 31-yard attempt by Nashville's Gary Kral (3/12/2005).
· The Crush were 3-4 on Sundays and 8-1 on all other days in 2004. They are 2-2 on Sundays and 3-0 on Saturdays in 2005.
· The Crush have twice scored a franchise high for points this season, scoring 72 points vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5 before topping that with 74 at Arizona on 2/19. The previous franchise high was 69 scored vs. Grand Rapids on 4/23/04.
· In the Crush's record 74-point performance at Arizona, they also scored a franchise record 50 points in the first half thanks to a record 33 points in the second quarter. They followed that by being shutout for the first time ever in a third quarter.

INDIVIDUAL

· Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in 40 straight games, including all 37 career games with the Crush. Should he catch a TD pass at Dallas, he would tie Eddie Brown for the longest streak in AFL history (41). He would break it vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
· With the win over Columbus, Coach Dailey moved into a tie for fifth on the all-time coaching win list with Michael Trigg. A win at Dallas would give him sole possession of fifth.
· The game at Dallas will mark the 165th straight start for Kyle Moore-Brown – every game in his 11-year career.
· Rashad Floyd made 17.5 tackles, a new AFL record, on 2/27/05 against Los Angeles. The previous record of 17.0 tackles was set by Los Angeles's Kevin Cobb on 6/23/00 vs. Houston.
· Clay Rush's 62-yard field goal at the end of the first half against Los Angeles on 2/27/05 is the second longest FG in AFL history and set a new franchise record. The record (63 yards on 5/18/96) was set by San Jose's Aaron Mills at Florida. Rush has kicked the longest two field goals in the AFL this season (also 55 @ Orlando 1/30).
· Ahmad Hawkins' 53-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Arizona (2/19) was the first by the Crush since Robert Redd (56 yds) @ Chicago, 2/22/04 in Week 3 of 2004.
· John Dutton tied a career-high with 8 touchdown passes vs. Grand Rapids, a feat he also accomplished in an overtime loss vs. LA on 2/16/03. The game was also his 10th career 300-yard game, his ninth with the Crush.
· Kevin McKenzie's 14 catches at Orlando were a new career high, a new Crush single-game record and the most in the AFL this season.
· Clay Rush's 55-yard field goal at Orlando was the longest in Crush history at the time by 10 yards (45 by A. Brenner vs. Ari., 3/27/04). It is also the second-longest field goal in the AFL this season. Rush's six attempts at Orlando were also a Crush record. The Crush had not made two field goals in a game since 3/27/04 (Anthony Brenner). Rush then kicked the second longest field goal in Crush history with a 50-yarder at Arizona on 2/19. He made a franchise record four field goals in that game.

RECORDS BROKEN OR TIED THIS SEASON
Crush
Team
Most sacks, game – 4 @ Orlando, 1/30 (3 @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Columbus, 3/20 (2 eight times, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, game – 74 @ Arizona, 2/19 (72 vs. Grand Rapids, 2/5/05)
Most points scored, half – 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (41, twice, last vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)
Most points scored, first half – 50 @ Arizona, 2/19 (37, twice, last vs. Philadelphia, 5/1/04)
Most points scored, quarter – 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (21 vs. Detroit, 3/4/04)
Most points scored, second quarter – 33 @ Arizona, 2/19 (28 @ San Jose, 2/22/03)

Individual
Longest field goal made – 62 yards, Clay Rush vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (55, Clay Rush @ Orlando, 1/30/05)
Most field goals attempted, game – 6, Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30 (4, Kris Heppner vs. Georgia, 2/2/03)
Most receptions, game – 14, Kevin McKenzie at Orlando, 1/30 (13 twice, last Damian Harrell @ Detroit, 5/23/04)
Most field goals made, game – 4, Clay Rush at Arizona, 2/18 (2, five times, last Clay Rush at Orlando, 1/30)
Most tackles, game – 17.5, Rashad Floyd vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (12.0 Rashad Floyd vs. Indiana (OT), 4/3/04)

Tied
Most TD receptions, game – 5, Damian Harrell vs. Los Angeles, 2/27 (fourth time, last by Damian Harrell vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)


Opponent
Team
Most rushing yards, game – 122, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (86, San Jose, 4/27/03)
Most total yards, game – 412, Chicago, 2/13 (374, Grand Rapids, 2/5/05) – prior to season was 370, Detroit, 3/4/04

Individual
Most passing yards, game – 409, Raymond Philyaw, Chicago, 2/13 (375, Andy Kelly, Det., 3/4/04)
Most rushing yards, game – 100, Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids, 2/5 (36 twice, last Chris Avery, Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)

APPROACHING MILESTONES

Player Needs For Season Avg. Est. Games
John Dutton 1 passing yard 12,500 in career 248.4 1
John Dutton 5 pass completions 1,600 in career 15.5 1
John Dutton 7 completions 1,000 in career 22.0 1
Damian Harrell 1 touchdown at Dallas 41st straight game w/ TD reception (to tie AFL record) 2.7 1
Andy McCullough 1 reception 250 in career 4.4 1
Kevin McKenzie 5 receptions 200 in career 5.7 1
Clay Rush 20 points 900 in career 10.0 2
John Dutton 12 passing TDs 250 in career 5.3 3
Rich Young 14 rushing yards 250 in career 4.9 3
Delvin Hughley 16.5 tackles 200.0 in career 4.9 4
Saul Patu 10 rushing yards 100 in career 3.0 4
Ahmad Hawkins 99 receiving yards 500 in career 20.7 5
Kevin McKenzie 276 receiving yards 2,500 in career 53.9 6

MILESTONES REACHED
· Clay Rush attempted his 200th FG vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
· Rashad Floyd recorded his 250th career tackle vs. Los Angeles on 2/27.
· Damian Harrell caught his 150th career receiving touchdown at Orlando on 1/30.
· John Dutton passed 11,000 career passing yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Damian Harrell caught his 500th career pass vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Kevin McKenzie reached 2,000 career receiving yards vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Clay Rush made his 100th career field goal vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5.
· Kevin McKenzie scored his 250th career point vs. Chicago on 2/13.
· John Dutton attempted the 1,500 pass of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
· Clay Rush scored the 800th point of his career and made the 500th extra-point of his career at Arizona on 2/19.
· Willis Marshall caught the 50th touchdown of his career at Nashville on 3/12.

AWARDS

PLAYER OF GAME AWARDS
(selected by media)
Week Opp. Offensive Player Defensive Player Ironman of Game
1 @ Orlando Joe Hamilton (ORL) Damon Mason (ORL) Cory Fleming (ORL)
2 vs. Gr. Rapids John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
3 vs. Chicago Henry Douglas (CHI) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
4 @ Arizona Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Saul Patu (COL)
5 vs. Los Angeles Damian Harrell (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
7 @ Nashville John Dutton (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL)
8 vs. Columbus John Dutton (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)


AFL AWARDS

AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF WEEK
DS Rashad Floyd, Week 5 (vs. Los Angeles, 2/27) – 17.5 tackles (17 solo), 1.0 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups


AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF MONTH
DS Rashad Floyd, February – 51.5 tackles, 11 pass breakups, interception, forced fumble

LAST GAME: GAME 7 – COLORADO 52, COLUMBUS 37
March 20, 2005 · FRONTIER FIELD AT PEPSI CENTER · DENVER, COLORADO · Attendance: 14,361
AWARDS: OFF-JOHN DUTTON (COL) · DEF-DELVIN HUGHLEY (COL) · IRONMAN-WILLIS MARSHALL (COL)

DENVER -- It took a prodigious number of picks at the Pepsi Center to propel the Crush to its fifth win of 2005 and fourth in a row.

Delvin Hughley and Kevin McKenzie each ran back interceptions for touchdowns as the Colorado Crush (5-2) pulled away from the Columbus Destroyers (1-6) for a 52-37 win in front of 14,361 at Pepsi Center on Sunday afternoon.

Hughley and McKenzie's interception returns covered 48 and 39 yards, respectively, and came on back-to-back fourth-quarter possessions that transformed a close game into a rout. The pickoffs were part of a 24-0 second-half run that turned a 29-28 deficit into a 52-29 lead.

The special teams added another score when Andy McCullough recovered a kickoff in the end zone at the end of the first quarter, meaning that defense and special teams accounted for three of the Crush's seven touchdowns.

McKenzie's interception was the one that turned the game. Colorado led 38-29, but the Destroyers were driving and appeared poised to score their fifth touchdown of the day before he leapt for the Ryan Vena pass while playing the restrictive box-linebacker position. McKenzie procured the pass and sprinted for the touchdown.

Colorado's offense was mistake-free, committing no turnovers for a second consecutive week. Dutton completed 17 of 29 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns to McCullough, Damian Harrell and Willis Marshall.

Ahmad Hawkins added a first-quarter interception for the Crush, which set a franchise single-game record with three interceptions off of Vena. The Crush also harassed Vena up front, sacking him three times.

Colorado's interceptions came without All-Arena Football League defensive specialist Rashad Floyd, who left with a lower-leg contusion less than three minutes into the game. Hawkins replaced him as defensive specialist.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Colorado Crush...... 21 7 3 21 - 52 Record: (5-2)
Columbus Destroyers. 6 16 7 8 - 37 Record: (1-6)

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 23, 2005


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