Dragons Seek Revenge in Berlin

May 13, 2003 - National Football League Europa (NFLE) News Release

FOUR games and 240 minutes of football. That's all that stands between each of the six NFL Europe League teams and a berth in World Bowl XI in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 14.

With the 2003 season reaching a critical stage, the race to World Bowl could become even tighter following the Week 7 action.

All three teams with 4-2 records – Barcelona, Rhein and Frankfurt – take on 2-4 teams in Berlin, Scotland and Amsterdam. Depending on those results, it is possible that all six teams could be separated by just a single game heading into the final weeks of the season.

Looking to create some daylight at the top of the standings are the F.C. Barcelona Dragons (4-2), who visit the resurgent Berlin Thunder (2-4). Saturday's action also sees the Amsterdam Admirals (2-4) take on the Frankfurt Galaxy (4-2) in a game between two teams who have had five of their six contests this season decided by one score or less. Week 7 concludes with the Scottish Claymores (2-4) hosting the Rhein Fire (4-2) at Hampden Park.

Heading into a rematch with the Dragons, Berlin Thunder players and coaches know nothing less than a victory will do if they are to remain in the World Bowl hunt.

Head coach PETER VAAS says: "Our players have a tremendous opportunity in front of them next week – they play the first-placed team in the league. We still have a chance to be in World Bowl – there have been numerous 6-4 teams reach World Bowl and win it. Barcelona made it with a 5-5 record in 1997. As long as you believe, you have a chance."

Despite seeing his team lose to the Thunder in Spain last week, Dragons head coach JACK BICKNELL remains upbeat, as he explains: "The bad news is that we got beat last week. The good news is that we are in first place – we're not bottom of the pile, we're on top.

"If someone had asked me if I would take a 4-2 record after six weeks, I would have said yes because there are other teams who would like to be where we are right now. I am not down on my team."

In Frankfurt, the Galaxy will aim to improve on their 3-0 home record this season when they play the Admirals. It should be an exciting contest for the neutrals as eight of the last 10 meetings between the two teams have been decided by one score or less.

Galaxy head coach DOUG GRABER says: "Whichever teams get on a roll between now and the end of the season will be in World Bowl. You could still easily have all six teams finish at 5-5. The Admirals have their backs to the wall, so next week will be another wild game."

After seeing his team drop to 2-4 with a home loss to Rhein last week, Admirals head coach BART ANDRUS is determined not to give up on the season in Amsterdam. He says: "We gave it a go last week but came up short. We'll go back to work this week and see if we can get this thing turned around."

If the Scottish Claymores are to play a part in World Bowl XI, which will be played at their own stadium in June, they could need to win their remaining four contests following last week's overtime loss in Frankfurt.

Head coach GENE DAHLQUIST says: "We had better win four in a row now and then we'll worry about the other results and standings. We have to get ready to play Rhein this week. Our only choice is to go out and win the games one at a time."

After securing their first win in Amsterdam since 1999, the Fire are well-positioned to make a run at World Bowl in the closing weeks of the season.

Head coach PETE KUHARCHEK says: "It was a really big win for us in Amsterdam because we have had a tough time winning games there. It was a total team effort and we overcame a lot of adversity to win."

WEEK SEVEN SCHEDULE

SATURDAY MAY 17

F.C. Barcelona Dragons at Berlin Thunder

Olympia Stadion, 7:00 p.m.

Amsterdam Admirals at Frankfurt Galaxy

Waldstadion, Frankfurt, 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 18

Rhein Fire at Scottish Claymores

Hampden Park, Glasgow, 3:00 p.m.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 6

OFFENSIVE · MARC LESTER · WR, Frankfurt

12 receptions for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns

DEFENSIVE · LAMANZER WILLIAMS · DE, Berlin

5 tackles, including 4 sacks for 31 yards

SPECIAL TEAMS · KENDALL NEWSON · WR, Rhein

144 return yards; 94-yard kickoff return for TD

NATIONAL · DANIEL BENETKA · DE, Frankfurt

3 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defense Fire relishing appearance in TV spotlight as FOX begins live coverage of race to World Bowl

THE FOX TV network in the United States will kick off its coverage of the 2003 NFL Europe League season in Week 7 and that is good news for the Rhein Fire.

When playing in games that are broadcast on FOX to a national TV audience across America, the Fire has never lost in the regular season.

The Fire will feature in this weekend's nationally televised game against a Claymores team that, by contrast, has never won a regular season game broadcast on FOX. It will be the first of four games, including World Bowl, to be shown on the network.

FOX has aired every World Bowl since 1996 and three regular season games each year since 1999. During that time, the Fire have compiled a league-best 7-2 record, with their only losses on FOX coming in World Bowls in 1997 and 2002.

The Claymores have a 1-4 record on FOX, with their only victory coming in World Bowl '96.

Records of NFLEL teams in FOX network games

Rhein 7-2 (2-2 in World Bowls)

Berlin 4-2 (2-0 in World Bowls)

Barcelona 3-3 (1-2 in World Bowls)

Frankfurt 3-5 (1-2 in World Bowls)

Amsterdam 1-3 (No World Bowls)

Scotland 1-4 (1-1 in World Bowls)

Considering his team's good form in FOX-televised games, Fire head coach PETE KUHARCHEK is looking forward to Sunday's visit to Scotland and says: "With our success on the national stage we have historically taken advantage of the bigger television spotlight.

"Our guys don't need any extra incentive for Sunday's game but they surely will be aware of the larger audience and greater responsibility."

Kuharchek is correct. His players are well aware of Sunday's bigger television platform, as Miami Dolphins allocated wide receiver KENDALL NEWSON explains: "This game on national television gives us another chance to put our team and ourselves in the spotlight.

"We as players appreciate the opportunity to perform for an even bigger audience and hopefully we can show everyone that Rhein is one of the better teams in the league and we as individual players are worthy of making the NFL."

Players change but trends remain among NFLEL teams

WHILE many of the players gracing European shores this spring are new to the NFL Europe League, some familiar trends have emerged among the six teams shooting for a berth in World Bowl XI in Glasgow.

With six weeks of the season gone and four games remaining before the top two challengers clash in Scotland on June 14, history has been repeating itself in emphatic fashion.

Here is a look at how each NFLEL team is experiencing a serious case of déjà vu this season.

Amsterdam Admirals: The Admirals promised much coming out of training camp in 2002 but a rash of injuries to key players dented their World Bowl hopes and they ended the year at 4-6. There were those who fancied the Admirals as a championship team coming out of camp in 2003 but injuries have again taken their toll as key players such as S THAN MERRILL, QB DAVID RIVERS, TE TAMAN BRYANT and offensive linemen MIKE COLLINS and MICHAEL JONSSON have endured spells on injured reserve. The Admirals stand at 2-4 and need to win three of their last four games to avoid a record-tying fifth losing season in a row.

F.C. Barcelona Dragons: Despite their loss to Berlin in Week 6, the Dragons remain in the hunt for a berth in World Bowl XI and are top of the standings with a 4-2 record. That should come as no surprise as Jack Bicknell's teams always seem to fare well in odd-numbered years, reaching World Bowls in 1991, 1997, 1999 and 2001. The Dragons have an all-time record of 37-19 in odd years and 21-29 in even years.

Berlin Thunder: In 2002, Berlin performed the seemingly-improbable task of rebounding from an 0-3 start to win World Bowl X. After losing their opening three games, Berlin got back into the World Bowl race with victories over Amsterdam and Barcelona (twice). This season, Berlin started with four straight losses but have bounced back with victories over... you guessed it, Amsterdam and Barcelona. The Thunder face the Dragons again in Week 7 and will be out to make history repeat itself once again.

Frankfurt Galaxy: In 2002, the Galaxy blazed a trail in the early stages of the season, marching to the top of the standings with a 4-0 record. But the Galaxy then proceeded to lose four of their remaining six games, missing out on a berth in World Bowl X in the process.

Those four losses saw the Galaxy suffer defeats at the hands of Rhein Fire (twice), Berlin Thunder and F.C. Barcelona Dragons. This season, Frankfurt made a strong start with three consecutive wins but have since been caught by the chasing pack after suffering losses at Amsterdam and Rhein (as they did in 2002). While they are strong contenders to reach World Bowl, the Galaxy will have to ensure history doesn't repeat itself as three of their last four remaining games are against Rhein, Barcelona and Berlin.

Rhein Fire: In 2002, the Fire opened the season with a loss to the Amsterdam Admirals but bounced back to reach World Bowl behind a strong defense and an outstanding running game led by eventual NFLEL Offensive MVP Jamal Robertson. In 2003, the Fire began the campaign with another opening day loss to the Admirals but currently rank second in the standings with a 4-2 record. In climbing back into the World Bowl hunt, the Fire have relied on the league's top-ranked defense and league-leading rusher AUTRY DENSON, who has gained 523 yards on 94 carries.

Scottish Claymores: The Claymores made a record-breaking start to the 2002 season when they scored 45 points (an all-time high for opening day) against the F.C. Barcelona Dragons. In their next four games, the Claymores scored a total of 45 points and failed to capitalise on their outstanding start, ending the year with a 5-5 record. This season, the Claymores opened with a record points haul while inflicting a brutal 62-31 defeat on the Berlin Thunder. But in their next four games, the Claymores saw their offensive production halted for the second season in a row as they scored a total of 47 points. While the offense got back on track in Frankfurt last week, Scotland still lost their third close game of the season. In 2002, the Claymores lost five games by one score or less (8 points).

NFLEL FACT: Setting the tone

TWO of the three winning teams in Week 6 set the tone in their respective games by scoring the opening touchdowns of their contests (Rhein and Berlin). Teams finding the end zone first in the 2003 season have been very successful, winning 13 of 18 games played to date.

NFLEL FACT: Cardiac kids

THE Frankfurt Galaxy and Amsterdam Admirals will become known as the Cardiac Kids if their seasons continue at the current rate. Through the opening six weeks of the year, each team has played five games that were decided by one score or less (8 points). Frankfurt have a 3-2 record in their close games, while the Admirals have gone 2-3. Barcelona boasts the league's best record in close games with a 3-1 mark.

Claymores star Simonton eyes record haul in 2003

WHEN Scottish Claymores running back KEN SIMONTON lines up against the Rhein Fire at Hampden Park in Week 7, he will set out to grab sole possession of what could be the first of several NFLEL records this season.

Simonton – allocated by the Buffalo Bills – is aiming to record his fourth 100-yard rushing day in a row when the Claymores host their German rivals on Sunday.

By gaining 140 yards in Week 4, 108 in Week 5 and 132 last weekend, Simonton tied the league record for successive 100-yard rushing days, joining Rhein's AUTRY DENSON (2003) and Barcelona's Lawrence Phillips (1999) in the record book.

Simonton has several other records in his sights as the 2003 season enters the home straight.

Having gained 780 yards from scrimmage (517 rushing, 263 receiving) the former Oregon State star is on course to rack up 1,300 total yards, which would surpass the record of 1,268 set by Phillips in 1999.

Simonton also has the all-purpose yards record in his sights, having gained 848 yards through six games (517 rushing, 263 receiving, 68 returns). That has the speedy running back on pace to gain 1,413 all-purpose yards. That figure would break one of the oldest records in league history as Tony Baker, of Frankfurt, gained 1,367 all-purpose yards in 1991.

However, DAVID ALLEN, of the Berlin Thunder, could yet beat Simonton to that record, having already gained 1,160 all-purpose yards this season (347 rushing, 173 receiving, 77 on punt returns and 563 kickoff return yards). Allen is on course to break the league record for kick return yardage in a season (744, Shawn Scales, Frankfurt 1999).

Simonton has been a regular visitor to the end zone this season and leads the league with 8 touchdowns, keeping him on pace to challenge the league record of 14, set by Phillips in 1999.

In addition to winning two Player of the Week awards, Simonton has already tied an additional two league records. In Week 1, he scored 4 touchdowns (tying league records for touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a game) as the Claymores inflicted a heavy defeat on Berlin.

Simonton says: "Setting records is a good feeling but not a great feeling. It would be a great feeling only if the records came during a victory. The only really joyous time for me will be when we get victories together as a team."

You again? Dragons face opponent on consecutive weekends for second time

WHEN the F.C. Barcelona Dragons take on the Berlin Thunder in Week 7 it will mark the second time this season JACK BICKNELL'S team has faced an opponent in successive weeks.

Barcelona took on the Thunder in Spain last week and came out on the wrong end of a 24-14 scoreline. Earlier this season, the Dragons faced the Amsterdam Admirals in Weeks 2 and 3 and enjoyed the back-to-back meetings as they recorded 10-7 and 35-17 victories.

Bicknell says: "It is not a problem to play the Thunder on back-to-back weekends. To be honest, it's a little easier on everybody because the preparation time is cut down.

"I have had good luck playing games like this historically over the years. It is one of the quirks of the schedule that when you pick your dates based on stadium availability, it is inevitable that you are going to play some teams in back-to-back games."

Dragons veteran wide receiver SEAN MOREY adds: "It can be difficult but some things are easier because all the film work and preparation that we did this week will basically be the same.

"It will be the same personnel and the same teams on the field. The team that executes best will win the next game."

Prior to last week's meeting with Berlin, the Dragons had played in six back-to-back series since 1998. In those 12 games, the Dragons have posted a 7-5 record, including those two victories over the Admirals earlier this year.

Since their formation in 1999, Berlin have also played in six back-to-back series. Their record in 12 such games is a healthy 9-3.

While preparing to face the Dragons for the second week in a row, Thunder running back DAVID ALLEN says: "The same things we did to prepare last week, we need to do this week. It's a different game – what happened last week is over."

NFLEL FACT: A game for firsts

THE Scottish Claymores Week 6 loss to the Frankfurt Galaxy saw a couple of notable firsts achieved – and neither proved to be good news for the Claymores. British Kicker ROB HART missed the first PAT of his NFLEL career after a record 139 successful attempts spanning six seasons since 1998. And the Claymores also became the first team in league history to have two 100-yard rushers in a game (KEN SIMONTON and MAURICE HICKS) and still come out on the losing side. TEAM BY TEAM CAPSULES

AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS (2-4)Head Coach: Bart Andrus (10-16 in NFLEL)Colours: Orange and blue

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jeff Lewis (3rd season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Larry Owens (3rd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 44-42

MEDIA CONTACT: Perry Hendriks

Phone: 31-20-465-0550

Fax: 31-20-465-0555

E-mail: hendriksp@admirals.nl

Internet: www.admirals.nl

LAST GAME: Lost 27-34 vs Rhein (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 19.67 pts/game; 340 yds/game (rank 3); 82.8 yds rush/game (rank 6); 257.2 yds pass/game (rank 1)

Passing: Shaun Hill, 1,196 yds

Rushing: Raymonn Adams, 183 yards

Receiving: Matthew Hatchette 39 rec, 440 yards

DEFENSE: 24 pts/game; 305.5 yds/game (rank 3); 135.2 rush yds/game (rank 5); 170.3 pass yds/game (rank 1)

Sacks: Jonathan Brown, 4.5

Interceptions: Jordan Younger, Fred Booker, 1

· THIS WEEK: at FRANKFURT GALAXY ·

Admirals visit the Galaxy knowing they need to improve on last week's second half showing against Rhein . Head coach BART ANDRUS was critical of his defense when he said: "It was close in the first half but we were pushed around in the second half. We were getting blown off the ball and it was a physical thing at the line of scrimmage."... Quarterback SHAUN HILL (Minnesota Vikings) leads the NFLEL in pass attempts and completions (see table). Earned Player of the Week honours in previous meeting with Galaxy when he threw for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns. Left last week's game in fourth quarter due to ankle injury. Andrus said: "Shaun's injury was flaring up a little bit and the ball was flying on him so we made a change."... Quarterback DAVID PRIESTLEY is the back-up quarterback after being reassigned from the Scottish Claymores. Completed 9 of 18 passes for 110 yards and 1 touchdown last week. Andrus says: "David's playing time next week depends on Shaun's health because Shaun is our starting quarterback."... Running back TELLIS REDMON (Baltimore Ravens) rushed for a team-leading 77 yards on 11 carries last week. Gained 14 rushing yards and caught 1 pass in Week 4 clash with Frankfurt.... Running back RAYMONN ADAMS (New York Jets) scored his first rushing touchdown of the season last week (see table). Held to 2 rushing yards in previous meeting between the teams but caught 3 passes for 43 yards.... Receiver JUSTIN SKAGGS (Washington Redskins) had 3 catches for 39 yards last week, and has 26 receptions for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. Caught 4 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 vs. Galaxy.... Free agent receiver MATTHEW HATCHETTE leads the league in receptions and receiving yards (see table). Caught 8 passes for 79 yards and scored game-winning touchdown in first meeting with Galaxy.... Tight end KIRK McMULLEN (Carolina Panthers) caught 5 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown last week for a total of 24 receptions on the season. Caught 4 passes for 32 yards in previous meeting with Galaxy... Veteran Mexican wide receiver

CARLOS ROSADO had a 23-yard catch last week and leads all national receivers with 14 receptions for 212 yards.... Tight end RYAN COLLINS had 4 catches for 38 yards and a touchdown last week. Has caught 8 passes for 37 yards in three career games against the Galaxy, including 2 receptions for 6 yards earlier this season... Defensive end JONATHAN BROWN recorded 1 tackle last week. Ranks joint-second in NFLEL with 4.5 sacks. Had 2 sacks in first meeting with Galaxy this season... DE MIKE CECERE (Washington Redskins) made 4 tackles and recovered a fumble last week and has recorded 23 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. Recorded 5 tackles and 2 sacks against Galaxy in Amsterdam... Linebacker LOUIS GREEN (Denver Broncos) posted 2 tackles last week and ranks second on team with 24 for the season. Record 6 tackles in Week 4 victory over Frankfurt.... Japanese linebacker MASAFUMI KAWAGUCHI is in his seventh season with the Admirals and has recorded 15 tackles this year after adding 1 stop last week... Cornerback FRED BOOKER recorded 4 tackles last week. Had 2 tackles and an interception last time vs. Galaxy.... Safety GLENN SUMTER (Houston Texans) recorded a team-high 7 tackles last week and added a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Leads team with 28 tackles... Dutch kicker SILVIO DILIBERTO kicked 3 PATs last week. Needs 9 points to become fifth player in NFLEL history with 250 career points.

F.C. BARCELONA DRAGONS (4-2)Head Coach: Jack Bicknell (58-48 inNFLEL, plus 2-4 postseason)Colours: Green, scarlet, yellow, white

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Vince Martino (5th season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dan Daniel (2nd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 58-48

MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Agulnek

Phone: 34-93-425-4949

Fax: 34-93-426-9618

Internet: www.dragons.es

LAST GAME: Lost 14-24 vs Berlin (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 13.5 pts/game; 237.5 yds/game (rank 6); 128.67 rush yds/game (rank 3); 108.8 pass yds/game (rank 6)

Passing: Seth Burford, 570 yards

Rushing: Jeff Chaney, 263 yards

Receiving: Sean Morey, 20 rec, 233 yards

DEFENSE: 12.67 pts/game; 333 yds/game (rank 4); 119.2 rush yds/game (rank 3); 213.8 pass yds/game (rank 4)

Sacks: Kevin DeRonde, 3

Interceptions: Jason Waters, 3

· THIS WEEK: at BERLIN THUNDER ·

Dragons head to Germany to face the Thunder for a second week in a row, looking to avenge a Week 6 loss at home... Dragons head coach JACK BICKNELL says: "I told the team after our loss last week, ‘Guess who we play next week?' We face the same guys again so I think we'll be ready for that one."... SETH BURFORD (San Diego Chargers) has yet to throw an interception in 106 attempts this season (see table) and is closing in on the league record of 153, held by Ron Powlus, who played for the Admirals in 2000... Quarterback CHRIS FINLEN (New Orleans Saints) completed 3 of 6 passes for 3 yards against Berlin last week.... Running back DAMEON HUNTER (Baltimore Ravens) scored his fourth touchdown in six games last week and added 23 rushing yards on 5 carries.... Running back JEFF CHANEY (Atlanta Falcons) is the team's leading rusher with 263 yards after adding 21 on 5 carries last week... Wide receiver ZEK PARKER (Arizona Cardinals) caught 2 passes for 23 yards last week and returned 2 kickoffs for 48 yards.... Receiver KERWIN COOK (New Orleans Saints) ranks second on the team with 17 catches after 3 receptions for 36 yards last week... Wide receiver SEAN MOREY (Philadelphia Eagles) leads the team in receptions and receiving yards (see table).... Tight end GABE CRECION has 12 receptions for 108 yards and 1 TD on the season.... Tight end MATT CERCONE caught 2 passes for 11 yards against the Thunder last week.... Mexican wide receiver MARCO MARTOS had his second catch of his seventh season with the Dragons last week, gaining 6 yards. Caught 9 TD passes in first three seasons of NFLEL career but none in the last four... Defensive tackle JABARI ISSA posted 1 tackle last week... Linebacker DWAYNE LEVELS (Cincinnati Bengals) had 6 tackles last week and leads team with 33 this season... Linebacker RASHAD HARRIS has recorded 9 tackles in three career games against Berlin, but did not record a stop last week... Linebacker TITO RODRIGUEZ (Cincinnati Bengals) led the team with 7 tackles last week and ranks second on Dragons with 30 stops this season... Defensive end JASON SHORT recorded 5 tackles last week... French safety SAMYR HAMOUDI is the all-time leader in interceptions among national players. Recorded 6 tackles last week, taking his tally in past three games against Berlin to 16 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass defenses... Cornerback ANTUAN SIMMONS made 5 tackles last week...

Cornerback MARCUS SMITH recorded 3 tackles last week and has 23 stops on the season... Cornerback JASON WATERS (Atlanta Falcons) leads the league with 3 interceptions and added 2 tackles last week... Cornerback LARRY AUSTIN recorded 4 tackles last week... Cornerback JASON OLFORD (Jacksonville Jaguars) has recorded 26 tackles, 5 pass defenses and 1 interception after adding 6 tackles to his tally against Berlin last week... Veteran national kicker and former F.C. Barcelona Dragons goalkeeper JESUS ANGOY added to his all-time leading points tally by kicking 2 PATs last week, taking his total to 323... Punter NICK MURPHY (Minnesota Vikings) leads NFL Europe with a 42.0 average on a league-high 37 punts.

BERLIN THUNDER (2-4)Head Coach: Peter Vaas (18-18 inNFLEL, plus 2-0 in World Bowl)Colours: Black, green and gold

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bob Bicknell (4th season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: David Duggan (3rd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 21-25

MEDIA CONTACT: Maik Matischak

Phone: 49-30-300-644-00

Fax: 49-30-300-644-77

E-mail: maik.matischak@berlin-thunder.de

Internet: www.berlin-thunder.de

LAST GAME: Won 24-14 at Barcelona (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 22.8 pts/game; 329.2 yds/game (rank 4); 110.3 rush yds/game (rank 5); 218.8 pass yds/game (rank 4)

Passing: Phil Stambaugh, 842 yds

Rushing: David Allen, 347 yds

Receiving: Sean Scott, 21 rec;Sedrick Irvin, 204 yds

DEFENSE: 33.67 pts/game; 397 yds/game (rank 6); 180.2 rush yds/game (rank 6); 216.8 pass yds/game (rank 5)

Sacks: Lamanzer Williams, 5.0

Interceptions: Four players, 1

· THIS WEEK: vs F.C. BARCELONA DRAGONS ·

Thunder face Dragons for second week in a row and ride into game on a two-game winning streak... Head coach PETER VAAS says: "When we were 0-4 I knew we had a chance to get back into this thing. We are playing the first-placed team in the league and we need to get ready for that. We look forward to the challenge with tremendous enthusiasm."... Quarterback PHIL STAMBAUGH will see bulk of playing time as HENRY BURRIS has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. MIKE WATKINS has been reassigned from the Rhein Fire to provide cover and will face his old team in the Dragons. Vaas says: "I feel sorry for Henry but I have a lot of confidence in Phil. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game."... Running Back SEDRICK IRVIN (Miami Dolphins) produced his second-lowest rushing total of season last week (see table)... Running back DAVID ALLEN (Jacksonville Jaguars) rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries last week and added 3 receptions for 28 yards. Leads league with 1,160 all-purpose yards and is on course to smash one of the oldest records in the book, held by Tony Baker of Frankfurt, who gained 1,367 yards in 1991.... Wide receiver PIERRE BROWN (Detroit Lions) returned to action after missing two games through injury and caught 1 pass for 6 yards.... Wide receiver ELIJAH THURMON (Chicago Bears), born in Heidelberg, Germany, scored on a 4-yard touchdown catch last week.... National wide receiver JOERG HECKENBACH missed both games against the Dragons last season through injury and did not catch a pass last week... Receiver KIRK ROGERS (Kansas City Chiefs) caught 4 passes for 41 yards last week and has 15 receptions on the season... Receiver SEAN SCOTT (Philadelphia Eagles) caught a team-best 5 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown last week... Tight end BRYAN FLETCHER (Chicago Bears) has 8 catches for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season... Tight end CHAD HAYES (Tennessee Titans) caught a 12-yard pass last week and leads all Thunder tight ends with 8 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown on the season... French

running back PATRICE KANCEL caught his first pass of the season last week, for a 9-yard gain... Defensive end REGGIE GRIMES recorded 4 tackles against the Dragons last week... Defensive end LAMANZER WILLIAMS earned Player of the Week honours by recording 4 sacks last week in Spain. Now leads the league with 5 sacks, alongside Frankfurt's Joey Evans... Defensive end TETO SIMPSON recorded 1 tackle against his old team last week. Played for the Dragons in 2001 and ended that season with 7 tackles... Linebacker JAMAL WHITE (Oakland Raiders) ranks joint-first on the Thunder with 32 tackles this season after adding 3 tackles vs. Dragons... Linebacker CHRIS BALL made 3 tackles last week... Cornerback TRAVIS COLEMAN (Chicago Bears) recorded 2 tackles last week... Cornerback CALVIN COLEMAN recorded 4 tackles last week... Safety CLINT FINLEY recorded 2 tackles and 1 pass defense last weekend and jointly leads team with 32 tackles this season... German kicker AXEL KRUSE is in his fifth season and is the Thunder's all-time leading scorer with 149 points, after adding 3 PATs and a 24-yard field goal last week.

FRANKFURT GALAXY (4-2)Head Coach: Doug Graber (13-13 inNFLEL)Colours: Purple, orange, red and white

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dwain Painter (3rd season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bob Valesente (3rd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 56-50

MEDIA CONTACT: Joachim Haas

Phone: 49-69-978-2790

Fax: 49-69-978-279099

E-mail: joachim.haas@frankfurt-galaxy.

Internet: www.frankfurt-galaxy.de

LAST GAME: Won 33-27 (OT) vs Frankfurt (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 21.5 pts/game; 349.2 yds/game (rank 2); 122.0 rush yds/game (rank 4); 227.2 pass yds/game (rank 3)

Passing: James Brown 1,122 yds

Rushing: Jonas Lewis 424 yds

Receiving: marc Lester 24 rec, Robert Baker 385 yards

DEFENSE: 18 pts/game; 305.3 yds/game (rank 2); 96.7 rush yds/game (rank 1); 208.7 pass yds/game (rank 3)

Sacks: Joey Evans, 5

Ints: Calvin Spears 3

· THIS WEEK: vs. AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS ·

Galaxy head coach DOUG GRABER hopes his team continues to show the fighting spirit that saw them come from 21-6 down at halftime to beat Scotland in overtime last week. He says: "We have great character and quality people on our team. They keep competing and battling no matter what happens. I was embarrassed by our first half performance but we played well when the game was on the line.".... Quarterback JAMES BROWN continues to lead the team in passing (see table) ... Quarterback QUINN GRAY (Jacksonville Jaguars) had his best day of the season last week, completing 9 of 18 passes for 198 and 3 TDs, including TD passes to tie the game inside the last minute of regulation and to win the game in OT... Coach Graber says: "Quinn had not taken a snap the previous week but he didn't sulk or pout. He was bigger than that and he came out and practiced well. James was struggling and Quinn took the game over and played great.".... Running back JONAS LEWIS leads the Galaxy in rushing yards and is joint league leader with 6 rushing TDs (see table)... Running back ADAM TATE rushed for 27 yards on 9 carries last week and caught 3 passes for 21 yards. Rushed for 36 yards on 8 carries and caught 3 passes against Amsterdam in Week 4.... Wide receiver ROBERT BAKER (Miami Dolphins) had 1 catch for 43 yards last week, scoring his first TD of the season. Second on the team with 21 catches for 385 yards... Wide receiver MARC LESTER (Baltimore Ravens) caught 12 passes for 195 yards last week, both the highest in the league this season. Scored two TDs in the fourth quarter and caught a 45-yard TD pass to win the game in overtime. Named as Offensive Player of the Week. Coach Graber says: "The Ravens will be really pleased with Marc. I will be shocked if he does not make their roster this year." Caught 3 passes for 29 yards in first meeting with Admirals this season... French wide receiver MARC SOUMAH has 11 catches this year after 2 receptions for 40 yards last week. Has scored of 3 of his 4 career TDs against Amsterdam, including an 8-yard reception this year when he caught 2 passes for 26 yards in Week 4.... Wide receiver

BRIAN McDONALD had 1 catch for 4 yards last week. Caught 4 passes for 79 yards against Amsterdam this year.... Tight end JOSH WHITMAN caught 5 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown last week, his best day of the season.... Tight end KORI DICKERSON (Philadelphia Eagles) had 1 catch for 24 yards last week.... German tight end WERNER HIPPLER has a career record of 10 catches for 149 yards against Amsterdam. Caught his second pass of the season last week.... German defensive end DANIEL BENETKA had an interception and 3 tackles last week, earning National Player of the Week honours. Had his only sack of the season against Amsterdam in Week 4..... Linebacker FRED JONES led the team with 8 tackles last week and is the team leader with 30 for the season.... Safety RASHIDI BARNES posted 4 tackles and ranks second on the team with 26, including 5 against Amsterdam earlier this year...... Cornerback CALVIN SPEARS is joint league leader after his third interception of the year last week. Had team-high 6 tackles against Amsterdam this year... Linebacker PERNELL GRIFFIN posted 6 tackles last week.... Cornerback KALVIN PEARSON (Cleveland Browns) is fourth on the team with 21 tackles after 5 last week... Defensive end JOEY EVANS (Seattle Seahawks) is joint league leader with 5 sacks, but has not had a sack in last three games.... Safety CHRIS YOUNG (Denver Broncos) posted 4 tackles last week.... Veteran national kicker RALF KLEINMANN did not attempt a kick last week after sitting out most of the game with a hip injury. His 264 career points places him fourth in NFLEL history... Kicker JON HILBERT made 1 of 2 PATs last week and is 2 of 8 on FGs this year after missing a 34-yarder last week.

RHEIN FIRE (4-2)Head Coach: Pete Kuharchek (16-10 in NFLEL)Colours: Burgundy, black and white

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Mike Jones (2nd season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Ed O'Neil (3rd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 49-36

MEDIA CONTACT: Markus Müller

Phone: 49-211-478-730

Fax: 49-211-478-7329

E-mail: markus.mueller@rhein-fire.de

Internet: www.rhein-fire.de

LAST GAME: Won 34-27 at Amsterdam (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 20.2 pts/game; 311.2 yds/game (rank 5); 151 rush yds/game (rank 2); 160.2 pass yds/game (rank 5)

Passing: Nick Rolovich, 525 yards

Rushing: Autry Denson, 523 yards

Receiving: Charlie Adams, 22 rec, Kendall Newson, 314 yards

DEFENSE: 18 pts/game; 300 yds/game (rank 1); 103.67 rush yds/game (rank 2); 196.3 pass yds/game (rank 2)

Sacks: Bastian Lano, 3.5

Interceptions: Abdual Howard, Tony Lukins, 2

· THIS WEEK: at SCOTTISH CLAYMORES ·

Fire takes to the road for second straight week as they visit the Claymores fresh from a morale-boosting win in the Amsterdam ArenA. Head coach PETE KUHARCHEK saw his team take control in the second half against Amsterdam and says: "We started off shaky but we came back strong after the break. I told our defense at halftime they better start tackling and we shored things up in the second half. We moved the ball on offense, special teams was outstanding and it was a total team effort.".... Quarterbacks NICK ROLOVICH (Denver Broncos) and CHRIS GREISEN will continue to share time (see table). Pair combined to throw for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 3 defeat of Claymores... Running back AUTRY DENSON (Detroit Lions) was held to under 100 yards for the second game in a row last week (see table). Gained 158 yards and scored 1 touchdown in first meeting with Claymores... Running back FRANK MOREAU gained a team-high 56 yards last week and has rushed for 266 yards on the season... Fullback MATT STANLEY (San Francisco 49ers) gained 30 yards on 6 carries last week, prompting Kuharchek to say: "Matt Stanley is a very good inside runner and we have wanted to get him more involved in our offense."... Wide receiver KENDALL NEWSON (Miami Dolphins) returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown last week and also scored on a 30-yard reception. Gained 244 all-purpose yards and earned Special Teams Player of the Week honours... Wide receiver EMMETT JOHNSON (Seattle Seahawks) caught a 24-yard pass last week. Caught 4 passes for 56 yards in first meeting with Claymores... Wide receiver CHARLIE ADAMS (Denver Broncos) caught 7 passes for 49 yards last week and has a team-high 22 catches this season.... Tight end DWAYNE BLAKEY (Kansas City Chiefs) caught 1 pass for 3 yards in Week 6... Tight end RYAN PRINCE (Oakland Raiders) caught 3 passes for 23 yards in his Fire debut last week ... Defensive tackle JOSH McKIBBEN (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) has 2.5 sacks this season and made 1 tackle last week... German defensive lineman BASTIAN LANO

recorded 3 tackles and 2 sacks last week and now leads the Fire with 3.5 sacks on the season... Defensive end DERRICK HAM recorded 1 tackle last week. Has 12 career sacks, 0.5 behind the club record of 12.5 held by Dunstan Anderson... Defensive tackle BRAD HARRIS (New York Giants) recorded 3 tackles, 1 sack and 1 pass defense last week and has 15 stops on the season... Linebacker JASON JOHNSON posted 6 tackles last week... Linebacker JAMEL SMITH made 4 tackles last week and has 35 on the season... Fellow Linebacker CHARLES BURTON (Arizona Cardinals) recorded 4 tackles against the Admirals and leads team with 38. Made 3 tackles in previous meeting with Claymores... Strong safety ABDUAL HOWARD (Jacksonville Jaguars) recorded a team-high 7 tackles last week. Scored on a 93-yard interception return in first game against Claymores... Cornerback TONY LUKINS (Oakland Raiders) recorded 4 tackles last week. Grabbed an interception and knocked down 4 passes in victory over Scotland in Week 3... Cornerback TEDDY GAINES (Chicago Bears) recorded 4 tackles and 1 pass defense last week... Veteran safety GREG BROWN recorded 7 tackles, 1 interception and 3 pass defenses last week... Former German soccer star INGO ANDERBRÜGGE kicked field goals of 22 and 26 yards last week and has yet to miss a three-point attempt in his short NFLEL career (4 of 4).

SCOTTISH CLAYMORES (2-4)Head Coach: GeneDahlquist (11-15 in NFLEL)Colours: Navy, white and silver

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Ken Margerum (1st season)

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Ray Woodard (3rd season)

ALL-TIME FRANCHISE RECORD: 37-49

MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Ralston

Phone: 44-141-222-3801

Fax: 44-141-222-3828

E-mail: gralston@claymores.co.uk

Internet: www.claymores.co.uk

LAST GAME: Lost 27-33 (OT) at Frankfurt (5/10/03)

OFFENSE: 27.2 pts/game; 419.3 yds/game (rank 1); 167.7 rush yds/game(rank 1); 251.7 pass yds/game (rank 2)

Passing: Craig Nall 1,271 yds

Rushing: Ken Simonton 517 yds

Receiving: Ken Simonton 26 rec, Edell Shepherd 316 yds

DEFENSE: 24.8 pts/game; 345.5 yds/game (rank 5); 127.7 rush yds/game (rank 5); 217.8 pass yds/game (rank 6)

Sacks: Michael Landry 3.5

Interceptions: Robbie Robinson 2

· THIS WEEK: vs RHEIN FIRE ·

Claymores looking to end 2-game losing streak.... Beaten in Frankfurt last week despite gaining 500 yards on offense, becoming first team in league history to lose while posting two 100-yard rushers.... Claymores have outgained their opponents in last two games but lost both.... Head coach GENE DAHLQUIST says "it is exceptionally frustrating" and is looking for a more consistent performance this week. "Last week there were times when we could have played better and times when we played very well. We failed to execute on four or five key plays."... Quarterback CRAIG NALL (Green Bay Packers) leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns (see table).... Quarterback SHANE STAFFORD (New England Patriots) completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards last week and connected on 11 of 18 passes for 96 yards against Rhein in Week 3.... Running back KEN SIMONTON (Buffalo Bills) bids to become the first player in NFLEL history to have four straight 100-yard rushing games this week, having last week tied the record of three shared by Lawrence Phillips (Barcelona 1999) and Autry Denson (Rhein 2003). Simonton also leads the Claymores in receiving and is on course to beat the single-season record for yards from scrimmage (1,268 by Lawrence Phillips, Barcelona 1999). Having gained 68 yards on punt returns he is also on pace to beat single-season record for total combined yards (1,367 by Tony Baker, Frankfurt 1991).... Running back MAURICE HICKS (Chicago Bears) had his second 100-yard game of the season last week, gaining 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 58-yard TD. Ranks fourth in the league with 392 yards rushing.... Claymores on pace to finish with 1,677 rushing yards, threatening record of 1,686 by Rhein in 1999.... Fullback MIKE MALAN (New England Patriots) caught 1 pass for 9 yards last week, his 15th reception of the season... English wide receiver SCOTT McCREADY (New England Patriots) caught 5 passes for 69 yards last week and is third on the team with 18 catches and second in receiving yards with 306. Needs 4 receiving yards to match his

total for the 2002 season. Caught 5 passes for 61 yards against Rhein this year... Wide receiver EDELL SHEPHERD (Chicago Bears) leads the team in receiving yards with 319 on 21 catches after adding 3 receptions for 91 yards last week. Caught 4 passes for 48 yards against Rhein this year... Wide receiver JOHN MINARDI (Houston Texans) caught 1 pass for 15 yards last week and had 2 for 40 against Rhein this year... Veteran Scottish wide receiver SCOTT COUPER was held without a catch last week, meaning he still needs 2 more receptions to become the seventh player in league history to record 100 catches in a career. Has 20 catches for 176 yards and 3 TDs in is career against Rhein but did not have a reception against them in Week 3... Wide receiver ANTHONY BRIGHT (Houston Texans) caught 1 pass for 4 yards last week.... Tight end ROD TRAFFORD (New England Patriots) caught 1 pass for 16 yards last week.... English defensive end ROBERT FLICKINGER recorded 1 tackle last week and has 12 for the season.... Defensive end RADELL LOCKHART ranks second on the team with 3 sacks.... Defensive end T.J. BINGHAM (Kansas City Chiefs) had his third sack of the year last week... Defensive tackle DEVONTE PETERSON has 21 tackles this year... Defensive end MICHAEL LANDRY (Kansas City Chiefs) leads the team with 3.5 sacks and posted 2 tackles last week... Linebacker DARNELL ROBINSON recorded 6 tackles last week and ranks second on the team with 31 stops... Linebacker YUBRENAL ISABELLE recorded 6 tackles last week for a team-high 32 this season.... English defensive back ROWELLE BLENMAN played his league record 81st regular season game last week and led the team with 6 tackles. Added his NFLEL career-high 54th special teams tackle (6 this season).... Safety JAMES ROOTHS (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) ranks second in the league with a 23.8-yard kick return average... Cornerback BOBBY JACKSON (Green Bay Packers) recorded 2 tackles in Week 6 and is third on the team with 29 ... English kicker ROB HART missed a PAT attempt for the first time in his six-year NFLEL career last week, ending his streak at a league-record 139. Missed a 39-yard FG and has missed 4 of his last 5 attempts. Kicked 3 PATs to take his career points total to 287. Needs 13 to become third player in NFLEL history to score 300 points and 18 to overtake former Rhein kicker Manfred Burgsmüller (304) for second on the all-time scoring list.

F.C BARCELONA DRAGONS (4-2)

at BERLIN THUNDER (2-4)

Olympia Stadion, Saturday May 17, 7:00 p.m.

SERIES NOTES

Overall: Berlin leads 5-4 (Berlin leads 1-0 in postseason)

At Berlin: Series tied 2-2

At Barcelona: Berlin leads 3-2

Streak: Berlin 3

This season: Berlin 24 at Barcelona 14 (Week 6)

TELEVISION

Germany: DELAY/DSF (11:30 p.m. CET)

US: LIVE/FOX Sports Net (1:00 p.m. ET)

Play-by-play announcer DAVE PASCH is joined in the booth by New York Giants kick returner BRIAN MITCHELL.

Spain: HIGHLIGHTS/TV3 (Sunday p.m.)

COACHES

Dragons head coach JACK BICKNELL faces his former offensive assistant in Thunder head coach PETER VAAS, with the pupil holding a 4-3 series lead following last week's meeting. Bicknell has won more games (58) than any other coach in league history, while Vaas has guided Berlin to victory in the last two World Bowls. Clash between the past two NFLEL Coach of the Year winners (Bicknell, 2001 vs. Vaas, 2002).

GAME NOTES

Second of back-to-back meetings between the teams takes place at Berlin's famed Olympia Stadion, where the Thunder has a 1-2 record this season... Following last week's victory in Spain, Berlin stretched their winning streak over the Dragons to three games... After posting an 0-4 record in April, Thunder grabbed their second win in May. The Thunder have gone 1-8 in April over the past three seasons but have a 15-4 record in May and June, including victories in World Bowls IX and X... Berlin started 2002 season with three straight losses before rebounding with a win over Amsterdam and back-to-back victories against the Dragons. This season the Thunder started 0-4 but have kick-started their season with wins over Amsterdam (Week 5) and Barcelona (Week 6)... In last week's contest, quarterback PHIL STAMBAUGH threw 2 touchdown passes and running back DAVID ALLEN gained 125 yards on the ground as Berlin recorded a 24-14 victory. Leading Berlin's defensive charge was DE LAMANZER WILLIAMS, who recorded 4 sacks... Berlin's sixth-ranked defense is coming off its best performance of the season in Spain, recording 4 sacks and holding Dragons to 14 points... It's a tale of two teams in the turnover battle. Dragons lead league with a plus-9 ratio, having given up just four turnovers in six games, while the Thunder rank sixth with a minus-7 turnover ratio... Dragons lead the standings despite having scored just 81 points, 37 fewer than the next lowest-scoring team (Amsterdam)... Thunder has a 4-2 record in games against an opponent they played the previous week, dating back to 1999... Thunder have given up a league-high 23 sacks in six games... Dragons rank as the best team in the league in red zone offense and defense (have scored 92.3 percent of the time on 13 trips and have allowed opponents to score on just 61.1 percent of visits inside the 20)... Dragons are averaging a league-low 27:57 minutes per game in time of possession... Dragons are 14-0 when they have a 100-yard rusher but they have not had one since 2001.

AMSTERDAM ADMIRALS (2-4)

at FRANKFURT GALAXY (4-2)

Waldstadion, Saturday May 17, 7:00 p.m.

SERIES NOTES

Overall: Frankfurt leads 10-7 (Frankfurt leads 1-0 in postseason)

At Frankfurt: Frankfurt leads 7-1

At Amsterdam: Amsterdam leads 6-3

Streak: Amsterdam 1

This season: Frankfurt 16 at Amsterdam 20 (Week 4)

TELEVISION

Germany: DELAY/Premiere (Sunday 1:00 a.m. CET)

Netherlands: HIGHLIGHTS/NOS Studio Sport (Sunday p.m.);

SBS6 (Sunday 1:00 p.m.)

US: LIVE/DirecTV (1:00 p.m. ET)

Joining play-by-play announcer NICK HALLING in the booth is Carolina Panthers wide receiver MUHSIN MUHAMMAD.

COACHES

BART ANDRUS is in his third season as Admirals coach and is still waiting to record his first victory over the Galaxy in Frankfurt, having lost in 2001 and 2002. Won a World Bowl ring with the Rhein Fire in 2000. Galaxy head coach DOUG GRABER has a 9-4 home record in Frankfurt and is also in his third season in NFL Europe.

GAME NOTES

Admirals head to Frankfurt looking to complete a season sweep of the Galaxy for the first time since 2000. But Admirals face a tough task as they have emerged victorious on just one of eight trips to Frankfurt, with the sole victory coming in 2000... Potential for a close game is high. Eight of the last 10 meetings between the two teams have been decided by one score or less (8 points). Both Frankfurt and Amsterdam have seen five of their six games played this season decided by one score or less. Galaxy has a 3-2 record in those close games, while Admirals have gone 2-3. Frankfurt has won more close games than any other team in league history (35-27 record)... Both offenses are capable of moving the football. Frankfurt's offense ranks second in the league with 349.2 yards per game, but they rank last in the all-important red zone, scoring 69.2 percent of the time on 26 trips (11 touchdowns, 7 field goals). However, Frankfurt faces an Admirals team with the worst red zone defense in the league, allowing teams to score 100 percent of the time on 20 trips (14 touchdowns, 6 field goals). Admirals lead the league in pass attempts (263), completions (165), yards (1,632) and touchdowns (12)... Admirals will look to pressure the quarterback having already recorded a league-high 18 sacks this season and facing a Frankfurt front that has conceded 20 sacks (second-most in NFLEL)... Admirals won first meeting between the two teams this season when QB SHAUN HILL threw a game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass to WR MATTHEW HATCHETTE with 58 seconds remaining. Hill earned Offensive Player of the Week honours by throwing for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns, with his other scoring pass going to WR JUSTIN SKAGGS... The last game played in Frankfurt between the two teams took place in 2002 and saw the Galaxy emerge as 21-19 winners thanks to a game-winning 44-yard field goal by Swedish K OLA KIMRIN with 13 seconds remaining. RB RAFAEL COOPER scored twice for the Admirals but Frankfurt responded with QB JOE HAMILTON throwing for 227 yards and 2 touchdown passes.

RHEIN FIRE (4-2) at

SCOTTISH CLAYMORES (4-2)

Hampden Park, Sunday, May 18, 3:00 p.m.

SERIES NOTES

Overall: Rhein leads 11-6 (Rhein leads 1-0 in postseason)

At Scotland: Scotland leads 5-3

At Rhein: Rhein leads 8-1

Streak: Rhein 1

This season: Scotland 17 at Rhein 34 (Week 3)

TELEVISION

United Kingdom: DELAY/ Sky Sports 3 (10:30 p.m. BST)

Germany: DELAY/Premiere (Sunday 1:00 a.m. CET)

US: DELAY/FOX (1:00 p.m. ET)

FOX network begins coverage of 2003 season with play-by-play announcer RON PITTS being joined in the booth by former NFL offensive lineman and current FOX NFL Sunday analyst BRIAN BALDINGER.

COACHES

Claymores head coach GENE DAHLQUIST has never lost at home to the Fire, guiding Scotland to wins in 2001 and 2002. Is in his third season with the Claymores and has an 11-15 career record. PETE KUHARCHEK is aiming for a third World Bowl ring this season and his first as a head coach. Took Rhein to World Bowl in 2002 but lost to Berlin.

GAME NOTES

Fresh from a tough road trip to Amsterdam, where they won for the first time since 1999, the Fire face another hard away game as they visit the Claymores. Rhein has not won in Scotland since Week 3 of the 1998 season... Claymores head into the contest hoping to turn offensive production into a victory. Scotland have gained 880 offensive yards in the past two weeks (380 vs Bar, 500 at Fra) but lost on both occasions... Claymores have the league's top-ranked offense and the number one running game. Scotland have rushed for 1,006 yards and are on pace to end the season with 1,677 yards on the ground, which would challenge the league record of 1,686 set by the Rhein Fire in 1999... Claymores could be much further up the standings by now if close games had gone their way as three of their four losses this season have been by one score or less... Claymores remain fast starters having scored touchdowns on four of their opening six drives this season... Fire will look to move the ball on the ground with their number two-ranked running game set to challenge Scotland's fourth-ranked rushing defense... Fire have been adept at keeping drives alive and lead the league with a 51.4 percent conversion rate on third downs... In first meeting between the teams earlier this season, Fire quarterbacks NICK ROLOVICH and CHRIS GREISEN combined to throw 3 touchdown passes – to wide receivers CHARLIE ADAMS (twice) and KENDALL NEWSON, while AUTRY DENSON rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown. Safety ABDUAL HOWARD completed the scoring for the Fire on a 93-yard interception return... In this corresponding fixture last season, the Claymores emerged as 17-7 winners at Hampden Park as QB SCOTT DREISBACH threw touchdown passes to receivers JASON BYWORTH and DONDRE GILLIAM.

National Football League Europa Stories from May 13, 2003

• Battle of top Fire defense and Scottish offense as Rhein hopes to sweep Claymores - Rhein Fire
• Dragons Seek Revenge in Berlin - NFLE
• German Teams Sweep Player Awards - NFLE

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