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Command Nearly Pull off Dramatic Comeback in Franchise's First Game

March 12, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


DALLAS Despite a valiant push in the final six minutes of the game, the KC COMMAND drops its opening game to the Dallas Vigilantes. COMMAND QB JJ Raterink passed for 7 touchdowns and a total of 338 yards. However, 9 penalties and three failed attempts at an onside kick doomed the team to fall short in what was otherwise a pitched battle of a season opener.

The COMMAND's receivers were key to the team's 46 points including three touchdowns by rookie Bret Smith, three by 6'5 Aaron Hosack, and one by Steven Savoy. Throughout the game, Hosack used his height to make dramatic catches, including one which by all appearances may have been intended as a thrown away pass while QB JJ Raterink was under pressure from the Vigilantes defense. Smith's first season of Arena Football is off to a promising start as the rookie led the team with 138 yards and the longest catch of the day for 27.

Vigilantes QB Dan Raudabaugh proved difficult for the COMMAND defense to bring down in scrambles, evading several sacks when the COMMAND's defense penetrated their line. Despite throwing for nearly 100 fewer yards than COMMAND QB Raterink, Raudabaugh had the game high pass for a full 41 yards; nearly the length of the field.

The game was virtually injury free for both teams, with the only replacement being due to a pulled muscle on Cornerback Erick Harris of the COMMAND in the third quarter. Of the two teams, the Vigilantes alone attempted any significant rushing, with a total of 42 yards; averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Dallas linebacker James Bear scored a safety on JJ Raterink early in the 4th. But the game's lone interception belongs to the COMMAND, with Kenneth Fontenette picking off a pass in the end zone. Fontenette also led the team in tackles with a total of 12.5. Former Brigade player Michael Landry had 4.5 tackles, for a loss of 1.5 yards.

About the Kansas City Command After a two-season hiatus, the team formerly known as the Brigade is bringing the fast-moving, hard-hitting excitement of Arena Football back to Kansas City for the upcoming 2011 season. Originally granted a franchise in Jan. 2006, the Kansas City Brigade quickly established a reputation for the unique blend of football and entertainment welcoming sellout crowds of more than 12,000 fans. In the 2008 season, the Brigade moved their home games to Sprint Center, Kansas City s award winning downtown arena, bringing action packed indoor football to capacity crowds.

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