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Colorado Crush game notes

April 28, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Colorado Crush (8-4) at Grand Rapids Rampage (1-11)
Date: April 30, 2005
Kickoff: 6 p.m. MT
Site: Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Officials:
Referee: Bill LeMonnier (6th year, Big 10)
Umpire: Mike Delaney 2nd year, ECAC)
Head Linesman: Allen Baynes (5th year, Conference USA)
Line Judge: Wayne Mackie (2nd year, Big East)
Back Judge: Billy Beckett (6th year, ACC)

TV/Radio:
Television: Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain
(Matt Shepard – play-by-play, Rob Rubick – analyst, John Keating – sidelines)
Radio: AM 630 KHOW
(Marc Stout – play-by-play, David Diaz-Infante – analyst)

Series Record: Fifth meeting, Colorado leads 3-1
Last Meeting: Colorado won 72-56 on 2/5/05 at Pepsi Center
Coaches: Mike Dailey (83-56 in 9th season, 20-10 w/ Colorado)
Sparky McEwen (1-11 in 1st season, 1-11 w/ Gr. Rapids)

ALL-TIME SERIES: This will be the Crush's second trip to Grand Rapids and the fifth meeting overall. The Crush have won three straight in the series and lead the all-time series 3-1. The three Crush wins have been decided by an average of 24.3 points per game. The Crush will be looking for their second straight season sweep of the series with their Central Division foe.

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 W 66-58 6-2
Sun, 4/3 LAS VEGAS W 61-40 7-2
Sun, 4/10 PHILADELPHIA W 77-56 8-2
Sun, 4/17 @ Chicago L 51-75 8-3
Fri, 4/22 SAN JOSE L 89-41 8-4
Sat, 4/30 @ Grand Rapids 6:00 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 8 4 0 .667 678 645 5-2 3-2 5-3 2-2 L2
Chicago 7 5 0 .583 597 569 4-2 3-3 5-1 4-0 L1
Nashville 4 7 1 .375 487 530 2-4 2-3-1 2-4 1-2 W2
Gr. Rapids 1 11 0 .083 548 721 1-5 0-6 0-6 0-3 L8


THE STAKES: A Crush win would ...
· Give Colorado their fourth straight win over the Rampage.
· Help them maintain their lead in the Central Division.
· Improve their road record to 4-2.
· Improve their record to 6-3 vs. the American Conference.
· Improve their record to 3-2 vs. the Central Division.
· Snap their first two-game losing streak since 2003.


AFL ON NBC, (Sun, May 1):

11 a.m. (MT)
Las Vegas @ Chicago
(airs nationally)

Mike Dailey (83-56 in 9th year, 20-10 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 83-56 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 173 vs. New Orleans
2. Danny White 141
3. Mike Hohensee* Chicago 92 vs. Las Vegas
4. Perry Moss 86
5. Mike Dailey* Crush 83 @ Gr. Rapids
6. Darren Arbet* San Jose 81 vs. Nashville
7. Michael Trigg 80
8. John Gregory 73
* indicates active coach

Sparky McEwen (1-11 in 1st season, 1-11 w/ Gr. Rapids):
McEwen became the Grand Rapids Rampage's fourth head coach in team history on August 13, 2004. He was the Rampage's offensive coordinator during the team's best three years on the field (2001-03), which included winning ArenaBowl XV in his first season. During those three years, the Rampage's offense scored more points and gained more yards and points than any other team in the AFL.
For 2004, McEwen was the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator for the Okalahoma City Yard Dawgz of arenafootball2. The Yard Dawgz (10-6) finished with the af2's 2nd-best scoring team (56.8 points/game in 25-team league).
McEwen was a quarterback on the Rampage's inaugural 1998 season. He appeared in 5 games and had a 2-1 record as starting quarterback with 477 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns and 6 rushing scores. McEwen was the starting quarterback for Ferris State University in from 1987-90.
During his eight years as head coach of his high school alma mater (Creston), McEwen posted a 43-30 record, including a 42-10 record over the last five seasons. Creston won back-to-back City League titles in 2000 & 2001 and posted the teams first winning season since 1978 in 1999. The team posted winning seasons the last four years and made the state playoffs in each of those seasons. In all, he helped nearly 50 players receive collegiate football scholarships.

TOP 5 RANKINGS: 2005 League Leaders entering Week 14
Colorado Crush
Player Rank Category Stat
John Dutton 3rd3rd4th5th Passing TouchdownsPass Attempts4th Quarter QB RatingPass Completions 68432117.5262
Rashad Floyd 1st1stT-3rd Total TacklesSolo TacklesPass Breakups 99.59415
Damian Harrell 2ndT-3rd6th Receiving TouchdownsScoring (Non-kickers)Receiving Yards 301801,063
Ahmad Hawkins T-6th Interceptions 5
Delvin Hughley 2nd Pass Breakups 18
Willis Marshall 4th4th4th MFG Return Avg.Kickoff Return Avg.Kickoff/MFG Avg. 20.023.022.8
Kevin McKenzie T-6th Interceptions 5
Saul Patu T-2nd Forced Fumbles 4
Clay Rush 1st2ndT-2nd3rdT-3rd4th TouchbacksPATs attemptedScoring (Kickers)Field Goal AttemptsField Goals MadePATs made 5291114261278
Rich Young T-6th Sacks 5.0

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OS Damian Harrell: Set the AFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown catch (42) in win over Las Vegas on 4/3/05 ... Streak is currently at 45 games ... Has 40 career games with 100+ receiving yards (6 in 2005) ... Also has 30 career games with 3+ TDs (5 in 2005) ... Named to the All-Arena Second Team in 2004 ... Now in his seventh AFL season, has amassed 7,991 receiving yards on 569 catches, an average of 14.0 yards/catch, along with 177 receiving TDs (180 total) ... Has second-most catches and receiving yards in AFL since 2000 ... Has now reached 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons.

QB John Dutton: Now in his third year quarterbacking the Crush,
has completed 262-432 passes (60.6 %) for 68 TDs and 12 interceptions in 2005 ... Has 11 career 300+ yard passing games (2 in 2005)... Has thrown for 13,807 yards, 269 touchdowns and 38 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) ... Has three career 100+ yard receiving games (1 in 2005) ... 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 TDs 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 ... Named AFL Defensive Player of Week following Week 5 and Defensive Player of Month for February ... Has posted seven career games with 10+ tackles (4 in 2005) ... Leads AFL in tackles with 99.5, on pace (132.7) 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
4/25/05 Waived OL/DL Tank Reese.
4/21/05 Placed OL/DL Hugh Hunter on injured reserve ... Signed OL/DL Derrick Pickens from practice squad.
4/16/05 Activated OL/DL Hugh Hunter from injured reserve ... Placed OL/DL Maurice Anderson (strained groin) on injured reserve.
4/9/05 Activated OL/DL Tank Reese from injured reserve.
4/7/05 Signed WR/DB Jabir Walker to practice squad.
4/6/05 Signed OL/DL Derrick Pickens to practice squad.
4/5/05 Waived WR/DB Jabir Walker and WR/DB Tim Dodge.
4/4/05 Waived OL/DL Derrick Pickens.
4/2/05 Activated OL/DLs Maurice Anderson and Derrick Pickens ... Placed OL/DL Hugh Hunter (strained left groin) on injured reserve.
4/1/05 Signed WR/DB Wendall Williams to the practice squad.
3/31/05 Waived WR/DB Herman Bell from practice squad
3/24/05 Activated WR/DB Jabir Walker from injured reserve ... Placed OL/DL Tank Reese (hamstring) on injured reserve.
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.


INJURY REPORT
Colorado Crush
Player Pos. Injury Status
Maurice Anderson OL/DL Strained groin on IR (4/16)
Chad Dukes FB/LB Strained right groin on IR (1/20)
Hugh Hunter OL/DL Strained left groin on IR (4/21)
Darcey Levy WR/DB Influenza on IR (3/11)


COLORADO CRUSH NEXT WEEK
Colorado remains on the road as they travel to New Orleans for their first-ever regular season meeting with the VooDoo. The Crush did upset the VooDoo, 47-44, on June 6, 2004 in New Orleans in the 2004 AFL Quarterfinals to earn the franchise's first playoff victory in the postseason debut for both teams. Ahmad Hawkins earned AFL Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance in the playoff win a year ago.




CRUSH NOTABLES

THE TIES THAT BIND
The Crush and Rampage see each other twice a season as Central Division rivals. Some players however are even more familiar:
· Crush WR/DB Willis Marshall played his first three AFL seasons in Grand Rapids (2001-03) before signing with the Crush as a free agent prior to the 2004 season. Marshall won and ArenaBowl title (XV) with the Rampage in 2001, and was named to the All-Arena second team in 2002. Marshall is a native of Detroit and was a part of a Michigan state championship team at Brother Rice High School in 1990.
· Current Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen served as offensive coordinator for Willis Marshall in Grand Rapids.
· Rampage OL/DL Otis Moore appeared in five games for the Crush during their inaugural 2003 campaign.

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 8-4
Points/Game 46.8 49.6 56.5
Points Allowed/Game 59.9 46.5 53.8
Turnover Margin -26 +14 +8
Fumbles Lost 22 10 5
Sacks 12 15 15
Sacks Allowed 14 4 3

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
After finishing their inaugural season 0-8 at home, the Crush are now 12-3 under Mike Dailey at the Pepsi Center. Two of the three losses consist 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.

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 Grand Rapids will mark his AFL record 170th consecutive start. The first 139 all came with the Firebirds organization before he signed with the Crush prior to the 2004 season. With Grand Rapids (and former Crush) OL/DL Otis Moore missing a game last weekend, Moore-Brown stands alone in the record books with 154 straight regular season games. Each had appeared in every game since 1995, with Moore-Brown having the overall edge with more playoff appearances.
AFL Record for Consecutive Games
Player (current team) Reg. Season Playoffs Total
Kyle Moore-Brown (Colo.) 154 15 169
Otis Moore (Gra.) 153 1 155

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 1,213
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 1,026
4. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 882
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 153
3. Remy Hamilton 1998-pres. L.A. 131
4. Kenny Stucker 1994-99, 2003 n/a 118
5. Clay Rush 1999-pres. Colorado 109
6. Daron Alcorn 1997-04 n/a 100

Rush's leg has been a big boost for the Crush this season. He leads the league in touchbacks with 52, 18 more than his closest competitor. Thus Crush opponents have been forced to go the length of the field to score much more often.

TOUCHBACKS ON KICKOFFS
Rank Player, Team TB
1) Rush, COL 52
2) Bironas, NYD 34
3t) Dodson, Aus.-NAS 31
3t) Garner, Geo. 31
5) Hamilton, LAA 30

KICKOFFS (Kicking Team)
Rank Team TotKO AdjKO TB OB I10 Avg.Start
1) Austin 103 88 37 4 60 9.6
2) Colorado 114 107 52 1 69 10.7
3) Chicago 101 94 28 6 56 11.1
4) Tampa Bay 106 88 24 6 50 11.4
5) Georgia 109 102 31 6 58 12.1


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



TACKLING MACHINE
After setting an AFL record with 123.0 tackles in 2004, Rashad Floyd has registered a league-leading 99.5 tackles in the first 12 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 132.7*
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 (99.5 tackles through 12 games – 8.3/game)


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 three sacks in 2005 – a fourth quarter coverage sack by Orlando's E.J. Burt in the season opener on 1/30/05, a first quarter unforced fumble by QB John Dutton that the Crush recovered on the opening play vs. Los Angeles on 2/27/05, and a sack by George Williams in the loss to San Jose on 4/22/05. After holding nine opponents this season sackless, the Crush have now allowed just those three sacks in their last 21 games (total of 962 plays).
Fewest Sacks Allowed (2005)
Team Games Sacks Attmpts Sack/Play
Colorado 12 3 446 0.67
Las Vegas 12 4 456 0.87
Austin 13 5 505 0.98
New Orleans 12 6 541 1.10
Chicago 12 7 412 1.67


THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
The Crush won consecutive games five times last season, but never three in a row. However, the team this year had a franchise record seven-game win streak (2/20-4/10), bookended by two losses to Chicago. The franchise had never won three straight before the seven-game streak.

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. Dodge has since been released by the Panthers and the Crush.




FLEW THE COOP
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.

CRADLE OF COACHES
Strangely enough, little Montgomery Junior College in Rockville, Md., is the cradle of AFL coaches. Crush head coach Mike Dailey (offensive coordinator) and Chicago head coach Mike Hohensee (quarterbacks coach) were assistants on the same staff there. Los Angeles head coach Ed Hodgkiss also coached there. Seven future NFL players played at Montgomery as well as Los Angeles quarterback John Kaleo, who finished his collegiate career at Maryland after leading Montgomery to the national championship game. Sadly, despite all of these successes and an all-time record of 315-154-13, Montgomery JC discontinued the football program in 2002.
Former Montgomery Junior College Coaches
Mike Dailey (current Colorado head coach) Ernesto Purnsley (1997-98, 2000-03)
Mike Hohensee (current Chicago head coach)
Ed Hodgkiss (current Los Angeles head coach)
Brent Winter (current Los Angeles assistant head coach)
Earl Hoffman (former Albany Firebirds quarterback coach)

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.

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 6,988 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.

SPREAD THE WEALTH
After completing 21 of his 23 completions to just Kevin McKenzie (14) and Damian Harrell (7) in the season opener at Orlando (1/30), John Dutton has gotten almost everyone on the team involved in the last 11 games. On the season, ten different players have receptions and nine different players have caught touchdown passes, including Dustin Barno whose first career reception went for a TD in the win over Las Vegas on 4/3.

RECORD SETTERS
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 six times already this season - Raymond Philyaw twice – (409), Chi., 2/13 and (321) @ Chi. on 4/17, Joe Germaine (319) @ Arizona 2/19, Ryan Vena (308) of Columbus 3/20, Clint Dolezel (321) of Vegas 4/3 and Mark Grieb of San Jose (331) on 4/22/05.
The Crush have been involved in several of the biggest games in the league this year:

AFL SEASON HIGHS
· Most points (team) – 89 (89-41) by San Jose, San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22
· Most points (individual) – 42 by Rashied Davis (7 TD), San Jose @ Colorado, 4/22
· Most Passing Yards – 409 (30-45) by Raymond Philyaw, Chicago @ Colorado, 2/13
· Most Rushing Yards – 100 (6 rush) by Michael Bishop, Grand Rapids @ Colorado, 2/5 (AFL RECORD)
· Most Tackles – 17.5 by Rashad Floyd vs.Los Angeles, 2/27 (AFL RECORD)
· Longest Field Goal – 62 yds. by Clay Rush, vs. Los Angeles, 2/27


AFL RECORDS
Most points by road team, game – 89, San Jose, 4/22 (87, Albany, 6/21/96)



DOWNRIGHT OFFENSIVE

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The Crush are scoring 56.5 points per game, second in the league, and have topped the 70-point mark three times, setting a new franchise highs for points each time – 72 vs. Grand Rapids on 2/5, then 74 at Arizona on 2/19, then 77 vs. Philadelphia on 4/10. 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 12 109 88 0 2 1 750 62.5
Colorado 12 93 78 1 12 2 678 56.5
Dallas 12 89 81 3 11 3 660 55.0
New Orleans 12 87 77 1 10 1 633 52.8
Philadelphia 13 95 79 2 6 1 673 51.8
New York 12 89 71 2 4 0 621 51.8


GETTING DEFENSIVE

AFL LEADERS: TAKE-AWAYS/GIVE-AWAYS
The Crush have intercepted at least one pass in 11 of their 12 games this season and rank second in the league in turnover margin, trailing only Los Angeles. The Crush also lead the AFL in interceptions returned for touchdowns (5), with no one else in the league having more than two. They are tied for second in fumbles returned for touchdowns (4).

STOPPED IN THEIR TRACKS
The Crush are now 8-4 and the defense has made big plays at big times. The Crush have held their opponent scoreless on 50 drives, including 27 times in the second half of a game. The Crush are tied for second in sacks (15) and have also totaled 17 interceptions, making at least one pick in every game. Below is a detailed look at each stop this season and what the Crush did with the ball following that defensive stop:

Game Qtr Situation Score at time of stop Crush Result
@ Orl 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
@ Orl 2 End of half Orl 26-17 ------------
@ Orl 3 Fumble Orl 32-24 Touchdown
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-31 Field Goal
@ Orl 4 Missed FG Orl 39-34 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 Safety Orl 39-36 Missed FG
@ Orl 4 End of Game Orl 39-36 -----------

GRR 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
GRR 1 Missed FG Col 14-6 Touchdown
GRR 2 End of Half Col 35-23 ----------
GRR 3 Downs Col 48-26 Touchdown

CHI 3 Downs 27-27 Touchdown
CHI 3 Interception Col 41-34 Missed FG

@ Ari 1 Downs Col 17-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 24-14 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 37-21 Touchdown
@ Ari 2 Fumble Col 50-35 End of Half
@ Ari 4 Interception Col 64-62 Touchdown
@ Ari 4 End of Game Col 74-69 -----------

LOS 1 Interception Col 7-0 Touchdown
LOS 3 Downs Col 44-34 Touchdown
LOS 4 Downs Col 51-34 Touchdown

@ Nas 1 Missed FG 7-7 Touchdown
@ Nas 3 Interception Col 34-28 Downs
@ Nas 4 Missed FG Col 34-28 Touchdown

CMB 1 Interception Col 7-6 Touchdown
CMB 3 Missed FG Col 31-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 38-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 Interception Col 45-29 Touchdown
CMB 4 End of Game Col 52-37 ----------

@ Dal 3 Downs Dal 37-34 Touchdown
@ Dal 3 Interception Col 40-37 Touchdown
@ Dal 4 Safety Col 61-58 Field Goal
@ Dal 4 End of Game Col 66-58 --------
LVG 1 Fumble Lvg 7-0 Touchdown
LVG 1 Downs 7-7 Interception
LVG 2 Missed FG 7-7 Touchdown
LVG 2 Interception Col 14-7 Touchdown
LVG 2 Interception Col 21-7 Touchdown
LVG 4 Interception Col 61-40 End of Game
PHI 1 Interception 0-0 Touchdown
PHI 1 Missed FG Col 7-0 Touchdown
PHI 2 Missed FG Col 42-35 End of Half
PHI 3 Fumble Col 49-42 Touchdown
PHI 4 Downs Col 63-49 Missed FG
PHI 4 Fumble Col 70-56 Touchdown
PHI 4 Interception Col 77-56 End of Game
@ Chi 1 Downs Chi 14-0 Touchdown
@ Chi 2 Interception Chi 27-19 Touchdown
@ Chi 4 End of Game Chi 75-51 -----------

DAMIAN DYN-O-MITE

A BROKEN RECORD
Damian Harrell has caught a TD pass in an AFL record 45 straight regular season games, including all 42 games as a member of the Crush ... That streak is also the longest active streak of consecutive games scoring a TD ... He broke the record for consecutive games with a receiving TD on 4/3 in the win over Las Vegas ... It is also third-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
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 45
Eddie Brown (Albany) 1997 (Wk 3) 2000 (Wk 1) 41
Eddie Brown (Albany) 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
Damian Harrell (Tor/Col) 2002 (Wk 12) --- 45
Barry Wagner (Orlando) 1992 (Wk 10) 1996 (Wk 11) 43
Eddie Brown (Albany) 1994 (Wk 1) 1996 (Wk 14) 33



In comparison, the correlating NFL records are as follows:
NFL Consecutive Games with a TD Reception
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
Buddy Dial Pitt. Steelers 1959-60 11
Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch LA Rams 1950-51 11
Carl Pickens Cin. Bengals 1994-95 10

NFL Consecutive Games Scoring a Touchdown
Player (team) Team Year(s) # Games
Lenny Moore Balt. Colts 1963-65 18
O.J. Simpson Buff. Bills 1975 14
Jerry Rice SF 49ers 1986-87 13
George Rogers Wash. Redskins 1985-86 13
John Riggins Wash. Redskins 1982-83 13



DOMINATING THE DECADE:
Harrell also has the second-most receiving yards and catches in the AFL since 2000 ... Georgia 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 (Geo.) 480 – 6,795 79 – 1,014 559 – 7,809
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 462 – 6,566 82 – 1,063 544 – 7,629
Greg Hopkins (LA) 466 – 5,633 62 – 662 528 – 6,295
Mike Horacek (NY) 399 – 5,248 66 – 900 465 – 6,148



OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (AND A HALF)?
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) 46 (300) 30 (180) 76 (480)
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 43 (258) 30 (180) 73 (438)
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 45 (272) 24 (148) 69 (420)
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 28 (168) 35 (212) 63 (380)
Aaron Bailey (NO) 34 (204) 29 (174) 63 (378)
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 35 (210) 25 (150) 60 (360)
Etu Molden (Chi.) 32 (198) 27 (162) 59 (360)


Most Receiving Yards (2004-05)

Player (pres. team) Rec. Yds TD Yd/Catch
Marcus Nash (LV) 249 3,125 76 12.6
Chris Jackson (Geo.) 204 2,817 64 13.3
Damian Harrell (Colo.) 196 2,778 73 14.2
Aaron Bailey (N.O.) 196 2,649 59 13.5
Siaha Burley (Ari.) 201 2,492 59 12.4
Cory Fleming (Orl.) 207 2,485 58 12.0
Jason Shelley (Dall.) 177 2,259 42 12.8
Thabiti Davis (N.O.) 205 2,225 39 10.9

CRUSH NOTABLES

TEAM
· The Crush have followed up a franchise record seven-game winning streak with their first two-game losing skid since Mike Dailey became head coach.
· The 89 points allowed to San Jose are the third most in AFL history, the most ever by a road team, and the most ever allowed by the Crush. The previous record for points by a visiting team was 88 by Albany vs. Charlotte on 6/21/96. The 48-point margin of victory was also the largest in the AFL since that Albany win at Charlotte.
· San Jose completed all 17 pass attempts, an AFL record for most attempts without an incompletion.
· The Crush have allowed MFG returns for TDs in each of their last two games.
· Colorado has allowed 82.0 points per game in the past two contests after yielding 48.1 points per game in its first 10 games this year.
· The Crush have topped 70+ points three times this season, setting a new franchise record each time. They scored 77 vs. Philadelphia on 4/10.
· The Crush have 12 returns for touchdowns this season – 5 interceptions, 4 fumbles, 2 kickoff return, 1 net recovery.
· 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 4-3 on Sundays and 4-1 on Fridays and Saturdays in 2005.

INDIVIDUAL
· Andy McCullough reached the 3,000 career receiving yard mark versus San Jose on 4/22 (3,060 yards).
· Damian Harrell extended his AFL record for consecutive games with a TD pass to 45. He broke the record earlier this season in the win over Las Vegas in 4/3/05. He broke the former record held by Albany's Eddie Brown (41) set 1997-2000.
· The game at Grand Rapids will mark the 170th straight start for Kyle Moore-Brown – every game in his 11-year career.
· Damian Harrell reached the 1,000 receiving yard mark at Chicago on 4/17 (1,013 yards). This is the fifth straight season Harrell has reached 1,000 yards receiving.
· John Dutton tied a career-high with 8 touchdown passes vs. Philadelphia, the third time in his career and second time this season he accomplished the feat. He also threw for 8 TDs earlier this season vs. Grand Rapids (2/5/05) and in an overtime loss vs. LA on 2/16/03.
· Kevin McKenzie tied a career-high with three receiving touchdowns vs. Philadelphia. It is the second time this season he did it (vs. Grand Rapids, 2/5) and fourth time in his career. He also intercepted the first pass of the game and returned it for a TD.
· Rich Young tied a franchise record with two rushing touchdowns vs. Philadelphia. It was the fourth time a Crush player has done it, and the first since Chad Dukes had two in the 2004 season opener vs. Las Vegas on 2/6/04.
· John Dutton threw three interceptions in the first half vs. Las Vegas. The three mark the second-most in a game in Crush history – Dutton threw four in an 80-40 loss @ San Jose 2/22/03. He had thrown just four all season prior to the Vegas game.
· Willis Marshall caught a career-high four TDs in Dallas on 3/25/05, all in the first half. He had caught three touchdown passes five times (last vs. Chicago, 5/30/04).
· 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).

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 – 77 vs. Philadelphia, 4/10 (74 @ Arizona, 2/19/05)
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)
Worst margin of defeat – 48 vs. San Jose, 4/22 (40 @ San Jose, 2/22/03)

Individual
Consecutive games with a TD reception – 42 games, Damian Harrell vs. Las Vegas, 4/3/05 (41, Eddie Brown, 1997-2002 w/ Albany)
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)
Consecutive games with a TD reception – 42 games, Damian Harrell @ Dallas, 3/25/05 (41, Eddie Brown, 1997-2002 w/ Albany)

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)
Most TDs rushing, game – 2, Rich Young vs. Philadelphia, 4/10 (fourth time, last by Chad Dukes vs. Las Vegas, 4/10/04)


Opponent
Team
Most points, game – 89, San Jose, 4/22 (80, @ San Jose, 2/22/03)
Most points, half – 56, San Jose, 4/22 (47, @ Dallas, 3/7/03)
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

Tied
Fewest points, half – 7, Las Vegas, 4/3 (twice, last vs. Grand Rapids, 4/23/04)

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)
Most receiving touchdowns, game – 6, Rashied Davis, San Jose, 4/22 (5, Etu Molden, @ Chicago, 4/17)
Most touchdowns, game – 7, Rashied Davis, San Jose, 4/22

APPROACHING MILESTONES

Player Needs For Season Avg. Est. Games
Damian Harrell 9 receiving yards 8,000 in career 88.6 1
John Dutton 193 passing yards 14,000 in career 253.9 1
Kevin McKenzie 72 receiving yards 2,500 in career 48.4 2
Clay Rush 18 points 900 in career 9.3 3
Willis Marshall 228 receiving yards 4,000 in career 54.6 5

MILESTONES REACHED
· Willis Marshall reached the 3,000 career return yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
· Rich Young reached the 250 career yard rushing mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
· Ahmad Hawkins reached the 500 career receiving yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
· Andy McCullough reached the 3,000 career receiving yard mark vs. San Jose on 4/22.
· Delvin Hughley made his 200th career tackle @ Chicago on 4/17
· Kevin McKenzie made his 200th career reception vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
· John Dutton threw his 250th career TD pass vs. Las Vegas on 4/3.
· John Dutton reached 12,500 yards passing @ Dallas on 3/25.
· John Dutton completed his 1,000th pass @ Dallas on 3/25.
· 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)
9 @ Dallas Willis Marshall (COL) Delvin Hughley (COL) Will Pettis (DAL)
10 vs. Las Vegas Damian Harrell (COL) Ahmad Hawkins (COL) Willis Marshall (COL)
11 vs. Philadelphia John Dutton (COL) Rashad Floyd (COL) Kevin McKenzie (COL)
12 @ Chicago Etu Molden (CHI) Russell Shaw (CHI) Etu Molden (CHI)
13 vs. San Jose Mark Grieb (SJS) Clevan Thomas (SJS) Rodney Wright (SJS)

(bold opponent - Crush win, bold player – Crush player)

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
WR/DB Ahmad Hawkins, Week 10 (vs. Las Vegas, 4/3) – 4.0 tackles, two interceptions (returned for 64 yards), 1 pass breakup


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


AFL WRITERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS

ALL-AFL TEAM (MID-SEASON)
FB/LB Rich Young

LAST MEETING: (2005 - GAME 2) · COLORADO 72, GRAND RAPIDS 56
February 5, 2005 · FRONTIER FIELD AT PEPSI CENTER · DENVER, COLORADO · Attendance: 15,043
AWARDS: OFF-JOHN DUTTON (COL) · DEF-RASHAD FLOYD (COL) · IRONMAN-KEVIN McKENZIE (COL)

DENVER -- John Dutton tied a franchise-record with 8 touchdown passes as the Crush mauled the Grand Rapids Rampage 72-56 at Pepsi Center.

Kevin McKenzie led the Crush with three touchdowns, while offensive specialist Damian Harrell scored twice. Andy McCullough, Saul Patu and Willis Marshall also found the end zone for touchdown receptions.

The 72 points were a franchise record for the Crush, which evened its record at 1-1. Grand Rapids dropped to 0-2, but made some AFL history as quarterback Michael Bishop became the first player to run for 100 yards in an Arena Football League game.

Bishop, making just his third AFL start, ran for 100 yards on just six carries, scoring on runs of 34 and 31 yds. The 31-yarder came with 17 seconds left in the third period and pushed him over the century mark. He lost 3 yds on one carry in the 4th quarter to place him at his final total, which broke Major Harris' previous record of 95 yds for the Columbus Thunderbolts during a 1991 game vs. the Denver Dynamite.

But Bishop's runs were not enough to overcome an overpowering effort from the Crush offense, which scored on nine of its first 10 possessions, allowing Colorado to open up a lead that swelled to 29 points early in the fourth quarter. Four different Crush receivers had at least 50 yards receiving, led by Harrell, who snared eight of Dutton's passes for 105 yards.

LAST GAME: GAME 12 –SAN JOSE 89, COLORADO 41
APRIL 22, 2005 · FRONTIER AIRLINES FIELD AT PEPSI CENTER · DENVER, CO · Attendance: 14,571
AWARDS: OFF-MARK GRIEB (SJS) · DEF-CLEVAN THOMAS (SJS) · IRONMAN-RODNEY WRIGHT (SJS)

DENVER, CO. -- The San Jose SaberCats led from to start to finish, setting a franchise record for points in hammering the Colorado Crush 89-41 in front of 14,571 at Pepsi Center on Friday night.

San Jose's 89 points were the most ever scored by a road team in Arena Football League history, and the third-most ever scored in any AFL game. The previous record for points by a visiting club was 88 points, set by the Albany Firebirds in a June 21, 1996 win at the Charlotte Rage. San Jose's 48-point margin of victory was the largest for an AFL road team since that Albany win at Charlotte.

Sabercats quarterback Mark Grieb was statistically perfect, completing all 15 of his passes for 331 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 22.1 yards per attempt and led the SaberCats to touchdowns on all 10 drives during which he played quarterback. Backup Nick Rolovich completed both of his passes in fourth-quarter mop-up duty, giving the SaberCats a combined 17-of-17, 350-yard, nine-touchdown evening.

The SaberCats wasted no time in starting the rout, taking a 7-0 lead on the first play from scrimmage via a 45-yard touchdown pass from Grieb to Rodney Wright. Grieb would end up throwing six touchdown passes to wide receiver/defensive back Rashied Davis, who added a touchdown run.

San Jose led 14-7 just past the midway mark of the first quarter before going on a 35-0 run that effectively decided the outcome before halftime.

With the win, San Jose is now tied atop the American Conference with the Crush at 8-4. The loss was Colorado's second straight; the Crush fell 75-51 at Chicago five days earlier. Colorado has allowed 82.0 points per game in the past two contests after yielding 48.1 points per game in its first 10 games this year.

The SaberCats' 56-point first-half tally represented their highest total since they scored 62 before halftime at the Milweukee Mustangs on June 26, 1998. The Crush set some dubious franchise records including most points allowed in a game (89), most points allowed in a half (56) and largest margin of defeat (48 points).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 28, 2005


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