Dallas Enters Snake Pit
June 13, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK (June 13, 2002) â The Dallas Desperados (4-4) take their second-ranked scoring offense into one of the Arena Football League's most raucous venues, America West Arena, a.k.a. "The Snake Pit," to battle Western Division rival, the Arizona Rattlers (6-2), on The New TNN Sunday, June 16 at 4:30 PM ET/PT.
Desperados' head coach JOE AVEZZANO â also special teams coach for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys â and his team travel to Phoenix fresh off of a 79-65 victory at home over the Indiana Firebirds. In the contest, Dallas quarterback ANDY KELLY regained the lead in career passing touchdowns (427) â ironically from Arizona quarterback SHERDRICK BONNER (423) â with an impressive 10-touchdown performance against Indiana.
Coached by former Cowboys quarterback DANNY WHITE, the Arizona Rattlers return to America West following their 48-42 overtime win at Carolina last week. Arizona boasts the leagues' top receiver CHRIS HORN, who headlines AFL leader boards in scoring (138) and receiving (67 receptions, 914 yards). The Rattlers' front line has consistently protected Bonner, allowing just two sacks in eight games.
The last time these two teams faced off, on May 18, the Rattlers came away with a 53-30 victory at Dallas' American Airlines Center. Kelly threw four scoring passes for the Desperados, but was outperformed by Bonner's seven touchdowns.
Earlier this week, the Desperados roster suffered the loss of their leading scorer DIALLEO BURKS (96 points) and top defender HASSAN SHAMSID-DEEN (40 solo tackles, five interceptions), both to injury. Dallas' depth chart features wide receiver/linebacker ANDY MCCULLOUGH and wide receiver/defensive back ADRIAN LUNSFORD, who have contributed 110 points for the Desperados, collectively.
The New TNN's Arena Football announcing team of play-by-play man ELI GOLD and former Tennessee Volunteer defensive back CHARLES DAVIS will call the action from the America West Arena. Current CBS NFL and NCAA college football sideline reporter JILL ARRINGTON will serve as halftime host and sideline reporter.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 13, 2002
- This Week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
- Phantoms Destroyed 55-27 - Toronto Phantoms
- Cobras to Challenge Georgia Force - Carolina Cobras
- Dallas Enters Snake Pit - AFL I
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
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