Dallas at Arizona Tops NBC Games

February 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release

NEW YORK - Feb. 27, 2003 - The AFL on NBC lead game this week features Dallas (2-2) quarterback rising star Jim Kubiak taking on Arizona (2-2) quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, last week's AFL Offensive Player of the Week, at the America West Arena in Phoenix, Sunday, Mar. 2 at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, Dallas faces one of both cities' favorite sons, former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro quarterback and current Arizona Head Coach Danny White.

White is the first and only head coach in the 11-year history of Arizona and owns a 117-54 career record (.684). In his legendary career in Arizona, White has led his team to the postseason in 10 of their 11 seasons, including two ArenaBowl victories (1994, 1997) in three appearances. He was inducted to the Arena Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and earned AFL Coach of the Year honors in 1993. Tom Hammond (play-by-play), Pat Haden, (analyst) and Lewis Johnson (reporter) have the call.

Week 5 Regional Coverage to Feature Orlando @ New York / Georgia @ Los Angeles / Colorado @ Indiana

ORLANDO (4-0) AT NEW YORK (0-4)

When undefeated Orlando heads to the Nassau Coliseum this Sunday to face winless New York, they'll be led by former ArenaBowl MVP Connell Maynor, who stepped up in the second half for an injured Jay Gruden last week (with two touchdown passes, two rushing scores) to guide Orlando to its fourth consecutive win. New York named Todd Shell the new head coach this week, (29-25 record as San Jose Head Coach, 1995-98), becoming the franchise's second head coach in the team's history. Mike Breen (play-by-play), Ray Bentley (analyst) and Dave Burns (reporter) will handle the broadcast duties.

COLORADO (0-4) AT INDIANA (3-1)

Passing of the torch? Colorado Offensive Specialist Damian Harrell (30 receptions for 475 yards, 15 TDs and 96 points) has many comparing his 2003 start to Eddie Brown's 1994 numbers (42 receptions, 625 yards, 20 TDs, 120 points) through four games. Will the "Master of Touchdowns" give the emerging star a lesson in Touchdown 101? Allen Bestwick (play-by-play) and Charles Davis (analyst) have the call.

GEORGIA (2-2) AT LOS ANGELES (3-1)

Georgia's No. 1-ranked defense (207.5 YPG) will be put to the test against Los Angeles' No. 2-ranked offense (301.0 YPG and 61.2 PPG.) Eli Gold (play-by-play) and John Riggins (analyst) will cover the game.

AFL on NBC Studio Show to Feature Live Interviews with Orlando QB Jay Gruden and Arizona's Hunkie Cooper

The AFL on NBC Studio Show, a TelePrompTer-free zone, hosted by Al Trautwig with analysts Michael Irvin and Glenn Parker, will include NBC's Lewis Johnson talking to Arizona wide receiver Hunkie Cooper and Burns talking with Orlando quarterback Maynor, who is filling in for the injured Jay Gruden.

Additionally, Burns will check in with Gruden who last week was sidelined with a double break to his ankle, according to Carolina's team doctor and was estimated to be out for the remainder of the season. In an interview with the AFL on NBC studio show last Sunday, analyst Parker joked with Gruden questioning whether "Carolina's doctors are telling you about this injury because they're in your division?" Upon subsequent examination, Gruden's injury was downgraded to a right ankle sprain and will give his update on the recovery progress.

The weekly studio show features pre-game analysis and features, halftime games updates from around the league, as well as the latest NFL news, and post-game wrap-up interviews.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 27, 2003

• Force Travel To LA - Georgia Force
• Taking Over for a Legend - Grand Rapids Rampage
• Dallas at Arizona Tops NBC Games - AFL I
• Valvo Cleared To Practice, Signs To Practice Squad - Buffalo Destroyers

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.