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Coyotes in search of first win at Selland Arena

April 26, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, CA) – The moral heading into Week 5 has been very positive for the Central Valley Coyotes who are currently 0-3 this season. The team is in search of its first victory as they host the Peoria Pirates (1-2), Saturday, May 1 at the Selland Arena with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Head coach Cree Morris has emphasized the importance of playing a complete game for this week.

"Obviously in our first three contests we have not played hard for all 60 minutes," said Morris. "Some games we come out strong in the first half and other games we have to rally back in the second half to get back in the game. This team has a lot of heart and poise, there is not one member in our locker room that is hanging their heads because of our record. We're going to get through this tough time and rally back, it's a very long season."

Offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan has continued to show his dominance on the field and has vowed to keep his performance at a high level while trying to lead his team to victory.

"We've just had a couple of mistakes in our first three games that have kept us out of the win column," said Morgan. "I have complete confidence in my coaches and teammates that we will weather the storm and get on a win streak. I'm going into each week like we're an underdog. No one is giving us a lot of respect, so now we have to go out there and prove to the non-believers what we're capable of, and earn their respect. No one is going to hand us a victory, like coach has been telling us, we have to play hard for all four quarters and earn a victory."

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (0-3) vs. PEORIA PIRATES (1-2)

The Coyotes will host a Peoria Pirates club that has also had a rough opening, falling twice to the Wichita Stealth in Week's 1 and 3 and pulling out a victory at home against the Arkansas Twisters in Week 2. The Pirates are coming off their bye week, while the Coyotes dropped their Week 4 contest to the San Diego Riptide, 59-34 last weekend.

On paper the Coyotes seem to control the statistic advantage in two of the three major categories. Offensively Central Valley is averaging 251.3 yards of total offense per game, compared to Peoria's 141.8 yards per game. The Pirates however, hold the upper hand defensively allowing their opponents only 229.5 yards per game, compared to the Coyotes 290 per game. And in the special teams department Central Valley takes the advantage having posted 578 yards, and 2 touchdowns on 22 returns, compared to Peoria's 331 yards, and no touchdowns on 17 returns.

The Pirates are led by quarterback Michael Souza who has posted 550 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 49-of-110 passing this season. Souza main targets this season have been Xavier Patterson (17 receptions for 172 yards and 3 TD's) and Lawrence Matthews (13 receptions for 162 yards and 3 TD's). The rushing attack is lead by Casey Urlacher, (brother of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher) who has rushed 16 times for 28 yards and one touchdown this season.

For the Coyotes, offensive specialist Kenyatte Morgan will be the main weapon, he is averaging 82.3 yards receiving per game and has hauled in a team leading four touchdowns. Morgan is also averaging 259.3 all-purpose yards per game which is 3rd best in the af2. Wesley Phillips will be under center for his third contest of the season having posted 361 yards and 5 touchdowns on 31-of-55 passing. The Coyotes will also look to fullback Marshall Blount to get the ground game going, Blount has gained 33 yards and 3 touchdowns on 7 carries this season.

COYOTES TICKETS

For ticket information and purchases please call the Selland Arena box office at (559) 621-4700 or purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com

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

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