Coyotes-Yard Dawgs Preview

July 19, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, CA) - The Central Valley Coyotes (10-4) and the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (10-4) are set to meet for the only time during the 2006 regular season on Saturday July 22nd. The Coyotes who have already secured their first playoff birth in franchise history is fighting for home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs, where as the Yard Dawgz are still in a division title race.

The Coyotes who two weeks ago guaranteed their first winning season and first playoff appearance in franchise history are coming off a very decisive team victory last Saturday against the Bakersfield Blitz 51-37. The Coyotes also are on a five game winning streak that is also the longest in the team's history, and are hungry for an ArenaCup Championship appearance.

The Yard Dawgz are coming off a blow out win over the Arkansas Twisters 64-25 and are fighting for the National Conference Mid-West Division title with the Tulsa Talons (10-4). Oklahoma is currently the fourth seed in the conference playoff rankings behind the Coyotes and could help their rankings with a win. Both teams could conceivable meet again in the playoffs in the Conference Championship Game.

The Coyotes Scott Rislov is in pursuit of the af2 passing touchdown record of 99 set last year by Matt Sauk, Rislov also has an eye on the all time Arena Football record (both af2 and AFL) of 105 set this season by the Clint Dolezel of the AFL's Dallas Desperados. Rislov currently has 90 touchdowns and needs only 9 more for the af2 records. Craig Strickland is also on pace to surpass the record he currently has 86 td's and is ranked third in passing touchdowns behind Rislov and Florida Firecats single callers Chris Wallace who has 88.

The Yard Dawgz who need a win to stay in there division title race, they are currently tied with the Talons atop the Midwest division. Tulsa has beaten the Yard Dawgz twice this season and would have the tie breaker over them and the division title. The only way for Oklahoma to take the division is to have the better record.

The Coyotes who could tie the West Division leading Spokane Shock but can not over take them, they to have beaten the Coyotes twice this season and thus would have the tie breaker over the Coyotes. To do that the Coyotes will need to extend their current winning streak to seven and Spokane will need to lose their last two games of the season.

This weekend's game will be the last regular season home game for Coyotes, they will finish the season in Stockton on July 29th against the Lightning. The Coyotes have already beaten Stockton twice this season and are looking for a sweep. The Lightning who are still currently mathematically in the playoff race could be in a position for the Coyotes to put an end to their season.

Kick off for Saturday game at Selland Arena is 7:15 PM, tickets are still available. Currently as a show of appreciation to the fans of the valley the Coyotes are offering a "Buy One, Get One" ticket special for this game. There are also group packages available to bring out you office or large group of friends, those tickets start at $5. To order your tickets or to get additional information please fell free to contact the Coyote Ticket office at (559) 263-9780 or visit www.centralvalleycoyotes.com.



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