Desperados Prepare for First Playoff Game
July 22, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
Despite falling to the Orlando Predators 44-41 last Saturday night, the Dallas Desperados will make their inaugural postseason appearance Saturday afternoon when they host the Indiana Firebirds at 3:30 p.m. at Reunion Arena. The Desperados had to await the outcome of the San Jose-Carolina game Sunday afternoon before securing the eighth seed and the home playoff game.
The Desperados and Firebirds met earlier this season at Harrah's Field at American Airlines Center, with Dallas claiming a 79-65 victory. After Dallas opened a 34-17 second quarter lead, the Firebirds fought back to close the gap to 72-65 with 1:15 remaining in the game. At that point, Desperados quarterback Andy Kelly scored on a one-yard keeper to ice the game.
Saturday's playoff game will mark the first postseason contest in Desperados franchise history and it will be the second nationally televised game for Dallas this season. The Desperados defeated the Arizona Rattlers 36-33 on a last second Jason Wells field goal in mid-June in a game that was televised by TNN.
Saturday's contest will be played at Reunion Arena instead of American Airlines Center, the Desperados home during the regular season. The Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus will be performing at American Airlines Center from July 24 through August 4, constituting the move to Reunion Arena.
The Desperados begin preparing for the Firebirds Tuesday afternoon at Texas Stadium, with preparations continuing Wednesday and Thursday at Reunion Arena. Coach Avezzano will host his weekly press luncheon Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Tejas Room at Texas Stadium.
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