Dorados Make Moves Prior to Facing Talons
June 9, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Rio Grande Valley Dorados News Release
HIDALGO, TX: June 9, 2005 â The Rio Grande Valley Dorados of arenafootball2 completed a roster move in preparation for their Saturday night battle against division-leading Tulsa by adding assigned wide receiver / defensive back Xavier Patterson to the roster and activated Pierre Thomas off the injured reserve list. To make room for Patterson and Thomas, the Dorados placed Tracy James on re-assignment and placed Stephan Lewis on the short term injured reserve list. Patterson arrives in the Rio Grande Valley after playing six games earlier this season for the Florida Firecats. In six games, the Denver, Colorado native had 11 tackles (8 solo) on defense and provided 6 rushing yards (off 2 attempts) and 19 receptions for 2 touchdowns and 156 yards on offense. Last season, Patterson split the year between the Peoria Pirates, Cape Fear Wildcats, and Coach Kevin Guy's Tennessee Valley Vipers. He combined for 24 receptions for 138 yards and 5 touchdowns, while also grabbing 9.5 tackles in the nine games played. The 6'1" 210-pound 30 year-old brings five years of af2 experience and some Arena Football League experience, after playing with the New Jersey Red Dogs in 1998 and 1999. His af2 career began in 2000, as he claimed several accolades over two seasons as a member of the Quad City Steamwheelers. In 2000, the two-time Ironman of the Week recipient (Week 17 and 18) was honored as the af2 Ironman of the Year and as a First Team All-af2 member at the WR/DB position. Patterson was a Second Team All-af2 member in 2001. He spent the 2002 season with Wichita, accumulating a personal best 892 receiving yards, before playing the entire 2003 season under Coach Guy in Tennessee Valley. In 75 career games, Patterson has 166 tackles (111 solo) and 12 interceptions on defense, while contributing offensively with 96 career rushing yards off 44 attempts and 3,320 receiving yards (277 career receptions). Patterson ranks amongst the top 10 in career receiving touchdowns in af2 history with 70 and games played (75).
Prior to turning pro, Patterson was a junior college standout. Patterson began his college career in 1993 at Scottsdale (AZ) Community College and was voted as an All-American. He spent two seasons at Scottsdale before transferring to Fort Hayes (KS) State, where he racked up 2,035 yards off 119 catches and 16 touchdowns enroot to All-American honors.
Released from the Dorados roster was Texas A&M-Kingsville product Tracy James. The defensive specialist from Galveston, Texas played in three games with the Dorados and registered two assisted tackles. Thomas returns after missing the last four games due to injury. He was injured against San Diego on May 7th and has only appeared in two games this season. The Lee's Summit, Missouri native has two assisted tackles in the two games played. Lewis heads to the short term injured reserve list after appearing in his first game with the Dorados Saturday in Oklahoma City. He recorded an eight-yard reception in the contest.
Rio Grande Valley is preparing for a showdown against the West Division leading Tulsa Talons this week, who come into the contest on a four-game winning streak. It will be the second time this season the Dorados have played a West Division leading squad. The Dorados defeated Central Valley on May 14th when they led the division. Any media members seeking an interview with Coach Kevin Guy or any of the players mentioned in this release, please contact Chris Due at 956-227-4940.
The Dorados next home game will be June 11th, as the Dorados host the Tulsa Talons at Chase Field inside the Dodge Arena. Individual tickets for the game and all other home games are already on sale. Additional info can also be found by visiting the Dorados online at www.doradosfootball.com.
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