Dawgz activate Phears, add Archie

April 23, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release


Oklahoma City --The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz announce the assignment of WR/LB CHRIS ARCHIE and the activation of QB JOE PHEARS from the refuse to report list by the arenafootball2 league office. The Dawgz also have traded QB JUSTIN SIMONS and DS JERMAINE TONEY to the Bossier City Battle Wings for future considerations.

Phears (6-1, 210, Oklahoma State) began his professional career for the Houston ThunderBears at the start of the 2000 season and was then assigned to the Wichita Warlords of the Indoor Football League. In 2001, he appeared in seven games for the Oklahoma Wranglers of the AFL under Coach Bob Cortese. Despite only playing in 12 games with the Tulsa Talons of the af2 in 2002, led arenafootball2 in pass rating (119.7) and was fourth in pass yards per attempt (8.2). Phears finished the season 75-of-124 (60.5 percent) for 1,023 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Dawgz Head Coach Gary Reasons is delighted to have Phears suiting up for the Yard Dawgz.

"We are pleased to have Joe active on our roster," Reasons said. "Joe is an experienced af2 quarterback and he gives us a good one-two punch with Craig Strickland."

Archie (6-4, 214, Cincinnati) played at the University of Cincinnati where he participated in 10 games, catching 11 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown. This talented athlete was named honorable mention All-State and first-team All-Detroit as a senior at Renaissance High School in Michigan. This is Archie's first stint in the arenafootball2 league and he will line up as a wide receiver and linebacker for the Dawgz. This week, Archie is placed on the inactive list, but he is on the 21-man roster.

"Chris possesses unique skills that will add to our team," said Reasons. "We are looking to see good things from him."

Simons (5-10, 180, Texas A&M Commerce) didn't take any snaps as a quarterback for the Dawgz, but was responsible as the holder for the field goals. Simons goes to the 1-2 Bossier City team who might need an extra arm to back up QB Sherard Poteet.

Toney (6-3, 205, Trinity Valley JC) has been on the injured reserve list for the early part of this season. Toney's tremendous athletic ability as a defensive specialist might get him some playing time down in Bossier City.

The Yard Dawgz will receive future considerations from the Battle Wings from the trade for Simons and Toney.

FB/LB Chris Toney, who was re-assigned last week, was assigned back to the Dawgz and will be in uniform this week.



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