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Coyotes Return from Bye Week to Meet the Lightning

July 5, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, CA) - The Central Valley Coyotes (8-4) who are returning from a bye week last week to meet the Stockton Lightning (5-7) at Selland Arena this Saturday July 8th at 7:15. This is the second ever meeting between the two, the last meeting between them being on May 13th, the Coyotes came away with the win 63-61. Both teams won their last games the Coyotes beating the Everett Hawks (3-9) 61-42 and the Lightning who also had a bye last week beat the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings (2-10) 51-41.

After going 8-8 last season and 3-13 in their inaugural season in 2004 the Coyotes are looking for a ninth win and there best record in the franchises short history. The Coyotes are also looking for their first ever playoff birth and a win would put them one step closer. With one spot already secured by division leader and rival the Spokane Shock (10-2) who beat the Arkansas Twisters last Saturday July 1st 46-23 to secure their first ever playoff birth.

The Coyote's Quarterback Scott Rislov will be looking open up the passing game against the Lightning's 19th ranked pass defense. In their last meeting Rislov threw for 7 touchdowns, he is on pace to set the af2 touchdown passing record of 99 set by Mark Sauk and be close to the all time Arena Football (AFL and af2 ) single season record of 105 set by Clint Dolezel with the Dallas Desperados in 2006. At his current pace of 6.5 touchdowns a game, Rislov is on pace for 104 touchdown passes.

The Coyotes defense has hit its stride in the last few games and will be key in the Coyotes success for the remainder of the season. Over the last two games the defensive line has done a good job of putting pressure on opponent's quarterbacks having sacked opposing quarterbacks 6 times, 25 for the season. The secondary has started to gelled together after Daniel Jones was lost for the season in the Coyotes last meeting with Lightning in Stockton. The Coyotes defense is currently ranked 9th in total defense and 10th in pass defense. Defensive stops will be the key to a game that looks to be a shoot out, one stop could give the other team the edge that they needs.

Stockton will look for stellar play from there special teams who have in recent weeks been the deciding factor in helping them win games. The Coyotes special teams on the other hand have struggled, with kick-offs, missed extra point and missed field goals by there usually accurate kicker John Gockman. A mistake by either team's special teams could be that small difference that could also give the other an edge.

Penalties have been a weakness for both teams this season the Coyotes are the 22nd ranked team in penalties with 116 for 870 yards, while the lightning is 23rd with 112 for 983. As a comparison the top ranked least penalized team in the league the South Georgia Wildcats have 91 for 534 yard. The Lightning on the other hand is ranked number one in the league in first downs by penalties, this has put them in positions to capitalize on the other team's mistakes. For either team to beat the other they will have to capitalize on the these mistakes

Kick off for Saturday's game will be at 7:15 PM at Selland Arena, there are tickets still available. Currently the Coyotes are offering a "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket special for the remainder of the season. For additional information on the special or to inquire about group tickets contact the Coyote ticket office at (559) 263-9780. Come out and support the Coyotes in their playoff hunt!



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