Dallas Desperados game notes
February 14, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Dallas Desperados (2-1)
vs. Orlando Predators (3-0)
Series Record: Predators lead the series 3-0
Series Streak: Orlando has won all three previous meetings
Last Meeting: Dallas 49, at Orlando 64 (4/25/04)
Last Time in Dallas: Orlando 44, Dallas 41 (7/20/02)
Coaches: Will McClay (8-11, 2nd Year)
Jay Gruden (56-30, 6th year)
DESPERADOS & PREDATORS
Season Series: The Desperados and Predators have met
three times, with Orlando winning all three contests.
Series Notables:
* These two teams have only met once in Dallas - during the
Desperados inaugural season of 2002.
* Dallas and Orlando have played each other one time in
each of the previous three seasons.
* The first two contests between these clubs were decided
by three points - Orlando 44, at Dallas 41 (7/20/02) and
at Orlando 50, Dallas 47 (2/16/03).
A Desperados Win Would:
* Give Dallas their first win against Orlando.
* Improve Dallas's season record to 3-1.
* Mark the Desperados third consecutive win at the
American Airlines Center, their first three-game
home winning streak since defeating Colorado
(3/7), Chicago (2/9) and New York (2/2) during the
2003 season.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Feb. 15
10:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Practice-American Airlines Center
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 Locker room open - Texas Stadium
Wednesday, Feb. 16
10:45 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. Practice-American Airlines Center
12:50 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Locker room open - Texas Stadium
Thursday, Feb. 17
7:30 p.m. Kickoff against Orlando
Friday, Feb. 18
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Open Locker Room
Saturday, Feb. 19
Players off
Sunday, Feb. 20
Players off
NEXT WEEK
Following this week's game, the Desperados head back on
the road to face another division rival, the Philadelphia Soul,
on Sunday afternoon. Orlando heads to Chicago for a Friday
night matchup against the Rush.
www.dallasdesperados.com
For breaking news, press releases, statistics and rosters,
visit the official website of the Dallas Desperados, www.dallasdesperados.
com. Updated regularly, www.dallasdesperados.
com has the most extensive information on upcoming
games. The Desperados website is also a great place to find
information on players and coaches, order tickets for upcoming
games and purchase Desperados merchandise.
RADIO & TELEVISION
RADIO
KTCK - AM, 1310
Play-by-Play: Rich Phillips Analyst: Kevin Scott
TELEVISION
Fox Sports Southwest
Play-by-Play: Kevin Eschenfelder Analyst: Gary Reasons
The Blitz: The Dallas Cowboys/Dallas Desperados
Report
Sunday nights at 11:00 p.m. on KTVT/CBS11
HEAD COACHES
Will McClay (8-11 - 2nd Year)
Will McClay begins his second year as the Desperados
Head Coach. He was promoted to lead the team three days
before kicking off the 2004 AFL season following the resignation
of Joe Avezzano. He will also serve as the team's defensive
coordinator, a position he has held since the teams inaugural
season in 2002. In the AFL offseason, McClay works in
the Dallas Cowboys Player Personnel Department. Prior to
moving to Dallas, he was the Assistant Director of Pro
Scouting with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2001) and Player
Personnel Director of the XFL's Orlando Rage (2001). He was
the Grand Rapids Rampage Defensive Coordinator/Director of
Player Personell (1998-99) after serving in the same capacity
for the Anaheim Piranhas (1997). He served as the Defensive
Coordinator for the Florida Bobcats (1996) and the Milwaukee
Mustangs (1995) after beginning his coaching career with the
Detroit Drive (1993). He was a WR/DB with Detroit from 1989-
92, helping them win three ArenaBowl championships.
Jay Gruden (56-30 - 6th Year)
Jay Gruden is in his second stint and his 6th year overall as
Head Coach of the Orlando Predators. After a Hall of Fame
career as a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Storm, Gruden began
his coaching career in 1997 by serving as offensive assistant for
the Nashville Kats. One season later, the Predators made him
the youngest head coach in the AFL.. Gruden would go on to
lead the Predators to three consecutive ArenaBowl appearances
and a pair of championships. After guiding the Predators to a
fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs in 2001, Gruden
announced his intentions to resign in order to return to the playing
field after a five-year layoff. In two seasons as Predators
quarterback, Gruden directed Orlando to back-to-back appearances
in the semifinals, falling one game short of his goal of
returning to the ArenaBowl as a player. In 2003, he recorded a
10-0 mark with 49 touchdown passes and two interceptions as a
starting quarterback. Off-season surgery, combined with the
tragic loss of former Head Coach Fran Papasedero in a June 19,
2003 traffic accident resulted in Gruden returning to the sideline.
DESPERADOS SCHEDULE
W CHICAGO RUSH** 66-65 OT
L at New York Dragons** 45-55
W COLUMBUS DESTROYERS** 35-31
Feb. 17 ORLANDO PREADATORS 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 27 at Philadelphia Soul** 2:00 p.m.
March 5 NEW ORLEANS VOODOO 7:30 p.m.
March 13 at Austin Wranglers 3:00 p.m.
March 18 at Los Angeles Avengers 9:30 p.m.
March 25 COLORADO CRUSH 7:30 p.m.
April 1-3 BYE
April 8 NASHVILLE KATS 7:30 p.m.
April 15 at San Jose SaberCats 9:30 p.m.
April 22 at Columbus Destroyers 6:00 p.m.
April 29 NEW YORK DRAGONS 7:30 p.m.
May 7 at Las Vegas Gladiators 9:00 p.m.
May 14 at Georgia Force 6:00 p.m.
May 22 PHILADELPHIA SOUL** 2:00 p.m.
all times central
**possible NBC Sports broadcast
all other broadcasts to be on Fox Sports Southwest
PREDATORS SCHEDULE
W COLORADO 39-36
Feb. 3 at Arizona** 51-40
Feb. 11 TAMPA BAY 61-46
Feb. 17 at Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 25 at Chicago** 8:30 p.m.
March 6 SAN JOSE 12:00 p.m.
March 13 at New Orleans 3:00 p.m.
March 19 at Georgia 1:00 p.m.
March 25 AUSTIN 7:30 p.m.
April 3 LOS ANGELES** 12:00 p.m.
April 9 at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
April 15 NEW YORK DRAGONS 7:30 p.m.
April 22 GEORGIA 7:30 p.m.
April 30 AUSTIN 7:00 p.m.
May 1 @ Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
May 7 at Austin 8:30 p.m.
May 13-15 BYE
May 22 NEW ORLEANS 7:30 p.m.
all times eastern
**possible NBC Sports broadcast
all other broadcasts to be on Fox Sports Net
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS VS. PREDATORS
Earnest Allen, OL/DL
In four seasons with Orlando, totaled 75.5 tackles, 16.5 sacks,
16.5 tackles for losses, 17 pressures and five passes defensed.
Posted a season-high 4.5 tackles, a sack a tackle for a loss and a pressure
last year against his former team (4/25).
Jermaine Jones, DS
In one career-game against Orlando, 5.5 tackles and a fumble
recovery.
Duke Pettijohn, FB/LB
In two seasons in Orlando, totaled 50.5 tackles, 4.0 for losses, two
sacks, 62 carries for 186 yards and 14 scores and 13 catches for 154
yards and three touchdowns. Recorded a carry for six yards, a catch
for seven and 5.0 tackles and a pressure against his former team
(4/25/04).
Will Pettis, WR/DB
Eight catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns in two games. In
the meeting last season (4/25), set club-records with 260 kickoff return
yards and two kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Jason Shelley, OS
Ten catches for 111 yards in three career games.
Bobby Sippio, WR/LB
In one game, 3 catches for 52 yards and one score.
Ja'Mar Tooms, FB/LB
Five carries for 15 yards and one score in two career games.
Colston Weatherington, OL/DL
Three tackles, one sack and a tackle for a loss in one career
meeting.
GUESS WHO'S BACK
Following is a list of Desperados returning players from the 2004 season and the seasons they have played in Dallas.
Years Years
in Dallas in Dallas
Ernest Allen ................2004 Jeff Chase ....................2004
Michael Hawkins ........2004 Ben Huff ..................2003-04
Larrell Johnson ............2004 Jermaine Jones ......2003-04
Andrew Layton..............2004 Carlos Martinez ............2004
Corey Mayfield ..........2004 Duke Pettijohn ..............2004
Will Pettis ..............2003-04 Ja'Mar Toombs ........2003-04
Shawndel Tucker ..2003-04 C. Weatherington ....2003-04
LAST WEEK
The Dallas Desperados (2-1) won their second straight home game, defeating the Columbus Destroyers (0-2) 35-31 in front of 12,126 fans at the American Airlines Center. With the victory, the Desperados improved their division record to 1-1 on the season.
Columbus won the coin toss and chose to defer, giving the Desperados the first offensive possession of the game. After Jermaine Jones fielded the onside kickoff attempt, Dallas took over at the Columbus 24-yard line and Clint Stoerner fumbled the first snap from scrimmage. Chris Pope recovered for Columbus, giving the Destroyers the ball at the Dallas 22.
Columbus struck just two plays later when Chad Salisbury hooked up with Damien Groce for a 35-yard touchdown pass.
On the ensuing possession, Stoerner fumbled the snap again - this time covered up by Curtis Eason - to give Columbus the ball at the Dallas three-yard line. Chris Pope increased the Columbus lead to 14-0 one-play later, pushing in from three yards out. Dallas continued to struggle offensively and was forced into a Carlos Martinez 59-yard field goal attempt that was blocked by LaKendrick Jones. The Destroyers gained possession at the Dallas seven-yard line following the block.
The Dallas defense answered the call and forced a 22-yard Steve Videtich field goal, giving the Destroyers a 17-0 lead. The Desperados finally got on the board with 2:16 remaining in the first quarter when Stoerner found Will Pettis for a 20- yard scoring play (PAT failed). Columbus wasted no time in bettering their lead to 24-6 as Damien Groce took the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for the score to close out first quarter scoring.
Dallas closed the deficit to 24-13 early in the second frame after Duke Pettijohn capped off a nine-play, 48-yard drive with a one-yard scoring run. The Desperados defense buckled down again, forcing a Salisbury fumble that was recovered by Ja'Mar Toombs at the Dallas 15-yard line.
Following the turnover, Dallas closed the gap to three points after Stoerner found an open Bobby Sippio wit a 27-yard touchdown pass. The duo hooked up again to convert the twopoint attempt, closing the gap to 24-21. The Destroyers took over with 1:00 left and closed out the half with Salisbury being sacked and fumbling into the Dallas end zone. Will Pettis recovered the ball, keeping the Destroyers from increasing their lead.
Columbus struck first in the second half, taking eight plays to drive 45 yards capped by a Salisbury four-yard touchdown scramble for a 31-21 Destroyers lead. Dallas answered as Pettis pushed his way in from one yard out to cap off an eight-play 37-yard drive.
To start the fourth quarter, the Desperados defense forced Columbus into a fourth-and-long and Salisbury found Cornelius White for a 23-yard pass, but Sippio punched the ball out of White's hands. Duke Pettijohn picked up the ball and was threatening to score on the fumble return when he had the ball knocked loose and Salisbury recovered giving Columbus possession and the first down. The Destroyers continued to drive, but were stopped short when Jermaine Jones deflected Salisbury's pass. The ball skipped into Pettis's hands, giving Dallas the ball at their own six-yard line.
Stoerner then led Dallas on a five-play, 44-yard drive, culminating with a Stoerner-to-Sippio 12-yard scoring pass to give Dallas its first lead of the game (35-31). On Columbus's final possession, the Dallas defense forced a turnover on downs, giving them the ball with 2:26 left in the game. The Desperados ran out the clock to preserve the 35-31win.
ORLANDO LAST WEEK
The Orlando Predators became the only undefeated team in the league after defeating the Tampa Bay Storm 61-46 in front of 14,478 fans at the TD Waterhouse Centre (Orlando) on Friday night. The Orlando offense struggled early after missing a field goal to open the game. Tampa went up 7-0 on a one-yard touchdown run by Umar Muhammad. Predators quarterback Joe Hamilton then gave up his fourth interception of the season and Matt George booted a 23-yard field goal to give the Storm a 10-0 lead. After trading touchdowns, the Predators would then dominate. A one-yard touchdown run by Hamilton was followed by a defensive stand by the Predators.
Justin Skaggs then gave the Predators their first lead of the night at 20-17. Jarrod Pennright then gave Tampa Bay the lead, scoring an 18-yard touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining in the first half. Orlando struck back right before halftime when Hamilton side-stepped a big rush and found Michael Brown downfield for a 39-yard touchdown and a 27- 24 Predators lead at the half.
Orlando's defense took control in the third period. Four quarterback sacks, two each by Price and Rupert Grant, spurred a 20-0 run for the Predators. Grant's first sack and forced fumble was recovered by Buck Gurley and returned 16- yards for a touchdown.
Trailing 54-31, Tampa managed to score a pair of touchdowns in the final minute to make it a 15-point game.
DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
After the Desperados fell to an 18-point deficit (6-24) in the first quarter of last week's matchup against Columbus, the team was able to come together in the second half and pull out a 35- 31 victory. This comeback marks the biggest come-from-behind win in franchise history. Below is a look at each of the team's comeback wins.
Opponent Points Behind Final Score
vs. Columbus (2/13/04) 18 (1st quarter) 35-31
at Chicago-OT (4/20/03) 14 (2nd quarter) 60-54
at Grand Rapids (5/18/03) 14 (2nd quarter) 62-51
vs. San Jose (4/6/03) 12 (3rd quarter) 67-64
vs. Colorado (3/7/03) 12 (2nd quarter) 73-55
vs. Grand Rapids (3/6/04) 11 (2nd quarter) 66-50
vs. San Jose (4/10/04) 10 (3rd quarter) 58-54
STATISTICAL COMPARISON
(#) indicates league ranking
Desperados Predators
Scoring Off. ................................48.7 (10) 50.3 (7)
Opp. Scoring...............................50.3 (12) 40.7 (1)
Yards/Game..............................300.3 (5) 249.0 (14)
Pass Yds/Game........................267.3 (6) 218.3 (13)
Rush Yds/Game ........................33.0 (3) 30.7 (5)
Def Yards/Game ......................227.3 (2) 238.7 (3)
Def Pass Yds/Gm ....................204.7 (1) 228.7 (4)
Def Rush Yds/Gm ......................22.7 (11) 10.0 (2t)
Kickoff Returns ..........................13.4 (15) 12.9 (17)
MFG Returns ................................0.0 26.0
Turnover Margin ..............................0 (10t) +1 (6t)
Penalties ........................................28 20
Penalty Yards ..............................231 99
Opp. Penalties ..............................25 24
Opp. Pen. Yards ..........................138 137
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
CHICAGO RUSH..................................QB Clint Stoerner (Dal)
at New York Dragons..............................OS Mike Horacek (NY)
COLUMBUS DESTROYERS ..................Damien Groce (Cmb)
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
CHICAGO RUSH................................DS Hamin Milligan (Dal)
at New York Dragons ..................................DB Billy Parker (NY)
COLUMBUS DESTROYERS ................DS Bobby Perry (Dal)
ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME
CHICAGO RUSH..................................OS Henry Douglas (Chi)
at New York Dragons..............................OS Mike Horacek (NY)
COLUMBUS DESTROYERS..............WR/DB Will Pettis (Dal)
2005 RECORD WHEN...
Score first ........................1-0
Opp. score first ................1-1
Ahead at half ....................1-0
Tied at half........................0-0
Behind at half....................1-1
Ahead after 3 qtrs ............0-0
Tied after 3 qtrs ................0-0
Behind after 3 qtrs ............2-1
Outcome 7 pts or less ......2-0
Outcome 3 pts or less ......1-0
Overtime ..........................1-0
Plus Turnover Ratio ..........1-0
Even Turnover Ratio ........1-0
Minus Turnover Ratio ......0-1
American Airlines Center ....2-0
On the Road ....................0-1
Thursday ..........................0-0
Friday ..............................0-0
Saturday ..........................0-0
Sunday ............................2-1
vs. East ............................1-1
vs. Central ........................1-0
vs. West............................0-0
vs. South ..........................0-0
January ............................1-0
February ..........................1-1
March ..............................0-0
April ..................................0-0
May ..................................0-0
Overall:2-1
CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Continued success on the offensive side of the ball has led several Desperados receivers and rushers to make progress on team record charts. Below is a look at the movers and shakers for the club:
Career Receiving Leaders
Player Rec. Yards Avg. Lng TD
1. Jason Shelley, 2002-05 191 2,358 12.3 45t 39
2. Will Pettis, 2003-05 184 2,105 11.4 45t 38
3. Andy McCullough, 2002-03 178 2,051 11.5 47 48
4. Dialleo Burks, 2002-03 156 1,932 12.4 45t 44
5. Bobby Sippio, 2004-05 90 1,463 16.3 48t 38
Most Consecutive Games Scoring
24 Andy McCullough, 2002-2003
20 Will Pettis, 2003-05*
12 Bobby Sippio, 2004-05
6 Jason Shelley, 2004
6 Jason Shelley, 2004-05**
6 Bobby Sippio, 2004-05#
5 Shannon Culver, 2002
5 Dialleo Burks, 2002-03
* streak ended following Week 2
** streak ended following Week 3
# moved up one spot following Week 3
Career Touchdowns
50 Andy McCullough, 2002-03
48 Will Pettis, 2003-05*
45 Dialleo Burks, 2002-03
44 Jason Shelley, 2002-05
39 Bobby Sippio, 2004-05
*added two scores Week 3
Career Rushing Leaders (Yards)
Player No. Yards Avg. Lng TD
1. Ja'Mar Toombs, 2003-05 46 143 3.1 21t 13
2. Duke Pettijohn, 2004-05* 39 128 3.3 20t 6
3. Patrise Alexander, 2002-03 57 107 1.9 17t 14
4. Will Pettis, 2003-05* 21 52 2.5 28t 5
5. Kevin Aldridge, 2004 9 51 5.7 22t 3
* moved up one place following Week 2
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