AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Every Team Remains In Playoff Contention

May 30, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK - The Mitsubishi Motors Drive to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans is making the turn down the home stretch as all 19 teams are still in playoff contention with four weeks remaining in the regular-season. Week 14 ends on a high note as the Colorado Crush (8-5) travel to EnergySolutions Arena to face the Utah Blaze (6-7) on the official West Coast debt of Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday, June 4, at 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2 & ESPN360.com).

Utah QB JOE GERMAINE (4,332 YDs, 92 TDs) and WR SIAHA BURLEY (138 REC, 1,837 YDs, 41 TDs) lead the Blaze offense as both players attempt to set single-season records during the franchise's first nationally televised game on ESPN.

With eight touchdown passes on Monday, Germaine can become the third player in AFL history to record 100 TDs in a season, while Burley can become the first player in AFL history to amass 2,000 receiving yards in a season with a 186-yard performance.

Led by QB JOHN DUTTON (3,540 YDs, 72 TDs) and WR DAMIAN HARRELL (107 REC, 1,257 YDs, 40 TDs) the Crush can clinch its fourth consecutive playoff berth in the team's five-year history with a win.

The Dallas Desperados (11-1) host the Philadelphia Soul (6-6) on Friday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET (FSN Southwest - Live, CSN Philadelphia - Delay, 6/2, at 7:30 p.m. ET, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 119).

Dallas totaled 322 yards of offense and held Philadelphia to 258 as Desperados QB CLINT DOLEZEL (3,397 YDs, 77 TDs) became the first player to record 800 career touchdown passes when Dallas defeated the Soul, 51-41, at American Airlines Center in Week 7.

This matchup could see redemption for Soul QB TONY GRAZIANI (1,717 YDs, 39 TDs), who separated his left shoulder during Philadelphia's first play of the second quarter against Dallas and missed five straight games as the Soul posted an 0-5 record.

With a 2-0 record since Graziani's return, the Soul can improve its playoff positioning with a win, while Dallas can secure its second consecutive 12-win season.

The Mitsubishi Motors Central Division leading Chicago Rush (9-3) travels to the Staples Center to face the Los Angeles Avengers (6-6) on Saturday, June 2, at 10:30 p.m. (SIRIUS Radio - Channel 119).

Los Angeles, led by QB SONNY CUMBIE (3,356 YDs, 65 TDs), hopes to bounce back from its 62-56 loss to Kansas City on Saturday and keep pace with the Brigade in the playoff standings with a win.

Led on offense by QB MATT D'ORAZIO (2,900 YDs, 61 TDs) and Ironman of the Month WR/DB DEJUAN ALFONZO (19 REC, 194 YDs, 6 TDs), the Rush look to sweep the Avengers for the first time in franchise history.

The Mitsubishi Motors Southern Division leading Georgia Force (10-2) hosts the Columbus Destroyers (6-6) at Philips Arena on Saturday, June 2, at 7 p.m. ET.

With former Force QB MATT NAGY (2,591 YDs, 54 TDs) at the helm, the Destroyers defeated the then undefeated Force, 62-61, on a 14-yard touchdown pass and subsequent two-point conversion to WR MARCUS KNIGHT with 14 seconds remaining to seal the victory in Week 4.

Georgia can secure its second 11-win season in franchise history, while Columbus hopes to post its second seven-win season in team history.

The San Jose SaberCats (9-3) host the Orlando Predators (7-5) on Friday, June 1, at 10:30 p.m. ET (SUN Sports - Live, FSN Bay Area - SDD, 6/2, at 3 a.m. ET) at HP Pavilion in a battle for playoff berths and division titles.

San Jose can capture its sixth Western Division title in the past eight seasons with a win, while Orlando can secure a spot in the playoffs with a victory coupled with either a Philadelphia or New York loss.

All of this week's remaining games have playoff implications: Austin at New York on Saturday (FSN - Southwest - Live, FSN New York - Live); Kansas City at Grand Rapids on Saturday; Tampa Bay at New Orleans on Saturday (CST - New Orleans - SDD, 6/3, at 12 a.m. ET); and Arizona at Las Vegas on Sunday.

Following is each team's postseason-clinching scenario for Week 14:

The COLORADO CRUSH clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenario:

1) Colorado Crush win

The KANSAS CITY BRIGADE clinch an American Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1) Kansas City Brigade win + Utah Blaze loss

2) Kansas City Brigade win + Los Angeles Avengers loss

The ORLANDO PREDATORS clinch a National Conference playoff spot with the following scenarios:

1) Orlando Predators win + Columbus Destroyers loss + Philadelphia Soul loss

2) Orlando Predators win + Columbus Destroyers loss + New York Dragons loss

3) Orlando Predators win + Philadelphia Soul loss + New York Dragons loss

The GEORGIA FORCE clinch the Mitsubishi Motors Southern Division and a first-round bye with the following scenario:

1) Georgia Force win + Orlando Predators loss

The SAN JOSE SABERCATS clinch the Mitsubishi Motors Western Division and a first-round bye with the following scenarios:

1) San Jose SaberCats win

2) Los Angeles Avengers loss + Utah Blaze loss

DALLAS DESPERADOS (11-1) AT PHILADELPHIA SOUL (6-6)

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 7:30 P.M. ET

FSN SOUTHWEST - LIVE

CSN PHILADELPHA - DELAY, 6/2 AT SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. ET

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 119

DESPERADOS: Eastern Division Champions... 8-2 in last 10 games against division opponents...Offense leads League in third-down comp. pct. (61.0) and red zone pct. (90.4)...Offensive leads League in sacks allowed (2)...Offense ranks third in first downs (22.4)...Offense ranks fourth in scoring (61.1)...QB CLINT DOLEZEL ranks third in passer-rating (125.8), comp. pct. (70.3). Tied for fourth in touchdowns (77)...WR/DB WILL PETTIS ranks second in all-purpose-yards (2,071)...FB JOSH WHITE ranks second in rushing yards (252)...Defense leads League in field goal percentage (30.0)...Defense ranks second in fourth-down comp. pct. (40.0)...Defense ranks third in third-down comp. pct. (41.4) and third in total yards (277.1)...Defense tied for third in interceptions (17)...Defense ranks fourth in rushing yards (14.8)...DL COLSTON WEATHERINGTON tied for first in forced fumbles (5). Ranks third in sacks (8.0). Tied for fourth in tackles for loss (8.5)...LB DUKE PETTIJOHN tied for third in defensive fumble recoveries (4.0)...DB JERMAINE JONES ranks third in passes defensed (20)...SOUL: Offense ranks third in third-down comp. pct. (56.2)...Offense ranks fourth in rushing yards per game (25.5)...QB TONY GRAZIANI ranks third in percentage of completions that are touchdowns (18.7)...FB WES OURS is 4-4 on third-and-one attempts...Defense leads League in third down comp. pct. (38.8)... Defense ranks second take-aways (32)...Defense ranks third in sacks (17)...Defense is tied for fifth in interceptions (16)...DB EDDIE MOTEN ranks first in passes defensed (22). Tied for second in interceptions (8)...DL DWAYNE MISSOURI is tied for first in forced fumbles (5). Tied for second in defensive fumble recoveries (4)...DL BRYAN SAVE leads rookies in tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (4.0). Tied for second in forced fumbles among rookies (3)...K TODD FRANCE ranks third in touchbacks (31).

ORLANDO PREDATORS (7-5) AT SAN JOSE SABERCATS (9-3)

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 10:30 P.M. ET

SUN SPORTS - LIVE

FSN BAY AREA - SDD AT 3:00 A.M. ET

PREDATORS: Orlando looking to secure 14th straight season with .500 or better record...QB SHANE STAFFORD ranks third in third-down passer-rating (118.3)...Defense leads League in scoring (44.6)...Defense tied for first in sacks (21)...Defense ranks second in red zone pct. (73.8), net turnover differential (+14), passing touchdowns allowed (4.333)...Defense ranks third in field goal percentage (31.8)...Defense tied for fifth in interceptions (16)...DL GREG WHITE leads AFL in sacks (13.0) and tackles for loss (14.0). Tied for first in forced fumbles (5)...DB LIN-J SHELL ranks second in tackles (89.0)...DB RAYSHUN REED ranks second among rookies in interceptions (5). Tied for second among rookies in forced fumbles (3). Ranks fourth among rookies in tackles (58.0)...K JAY TAYLOR ranks fourth in touchbacks (29)...DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON ranks first in special-teams tackles (19.0)...SABERCATS: Leads Western Division...Can clinch division title with win...Offense ranks second in first downs (22.5)...Offense tied for second in fourth-down com. pct. (66.7)...Offense ranks third in scoring (62.0)...Offense ranks fourth in yards per game (319.3)...QB MARK GRIEB ranks second in completions (320), completion percentage (71.0), and fourth-quarter passer-rating (126.4). Ranks fourth in yards (3,720)...WR JAMES ROE ranks second in third-down receptions (17)...Defense ranks first in red zone pct. (73.3)...Defense ranks second in first downs (19.2), and third down completion percentage (40.0)...Defense ranks third in net turnover differential (+13)...Defense ranks fourth in yards (278.2), scoring (49.0)...Defense ranks fifth in fourth down comp. pct. (46.4)...FB/LB PHIL GLOVER tied for first in forced fumbles (5)...DB CLEVAN THOMAS tied for first in forced fumbles (5)...DL RONALD JONES ranks fourth in sacks (7.0). Tied for fourth in tackles for loss (8.5)...K A.J. HAGLUND leads rookie kickers in scoring (120 points)...DB TRESTIN GEORGE leads AFL in kickoff-return average (23.8).

AUSTIN WRANGLERS (3-9) AT NEW YORK DRAGONS (5-7)

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 7:00 P.M. ET

FSN SOUTHWEST - LIVE

FSN NEW YORK - LIVE

WRANGLERS: Offense leads League in rushing yards per game (33.2)...QB LANG CAMPBELL leads team with 888 passing yards and 12 TDs in three starts...FB OTIS AMEY ranks fourth among rookies in third-down receptions (9), 6 of which were touchdown receptions. Ranks fifth among rookies in rushing yards (44), receptions (53), and receiving yards (632)...WR DERRICK LEWIS is third in receiving yards (1,398). Tied for fourth in receptions (100)...DL ROB SCHROEDER ranks second among rookies in sacks (3.5). Tied for second among rookies in tackles for loss (4.0)...K MARK LEWIS ranks first among kickers in scoring (121 points, 79 PATs, 14 FGs)...WR/DB SEDRICK ROBINSON tied for second in kickoff returns for TDs (3)...DRAGONS: 4-1 since QB AARON GARCIA's return. Garcia ranks fifth in passer rating (124.5)...Defense ranks second in rushing touchdowns (10)...Defense tied for fifth in INTs (16)...DL KEVIN CARBERRY tied for third among rookies in sacks (2.0). Tied for second among rookies in tackles for loss (4.0)...DL JOHN NIX tied for third among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DB BILLY PARKER ranks second in passes defensed (21)...K CARTER WARLEY tied for second among rookies in touchbacks (16). Ranks third among rookie kickers in scoring (89 points- 74 PATs, 5 FGs)...WR/DB DASHANE DENNIS ranks fifth in kickoff return avg. (21.2). Tied for second in kickoff returns for TDs (3).

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (6-6) AT GEORGIA FORCE

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 7:00 P.M. ET

DESTROYERS: Offense ranks fourth in fourth-down pct. (65.0)...Offense ranks fifth in red zone pct. (86.0)...QB MATT NAGY leads team in passing with 2,591 yards and 54 touchdowns...WR DAMIEN GROCE ranks fourth in all-purpose yards (2,036). Tied for fourth in receptions (100)...Defense leads League in fourth-down com. pct. (35.7)...Defense ranks fifth in scoring (49.4)...Defense tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns (1.5)...DL KEN JONES ranks second in tackles for loss (12.0), sacks (8.5)...Offense ranks third in kickoff return average (19.5)... Ranks fifth in average start of field position after kickoff for offense (14.8), and defense (11.5)...FORCE: Leads Southern Division...Can clinch division title with win + Orlando loss...Highest scoring team in AFL (62.4)...Offense ranks second in total yards (331.0)...Offensive tied for second in sacks allowed (4)...Offense ranks fourth in third-down comp. pct. (55.1)...Offense tied for fifth in first downs (22.1)...QB CHRIS GREISEN leads League in passer rating (132.5) and comp. pct. (73.9). Ranks second in touchdowns (88). Ranks third in yards (3,751). Ranks fourth in completions (300)...WR CHRIS JACKSON ranks second in receptions (113) and yards (1,505). Ranked fourth in scoring in scoring (228 points)...WR TROY BERGERON ranks fifth in yards (1,286)...Defense tied for first in sacks (21)...Defense ranks second in rushing yards per game (12.9)...OL/DL JERMAINE SMITH ranks fifth in sacks (6.5).

KANSAS CITY BRIGADE (7-5) AT GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE (4-8)

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 7:00 P.M. ET

AFL NET

BRIGADE: Can clinch first-ever playoff berth with win and either Utah or Los Angeles loss...Offense ranks second in rushing yards (26.8)...Offensive is tied for second in sacks allowed (4)...Offense ranks third in rushing touchdowns (25)... Offense ranks fifth in fourth-down comp. pct. (63.6)...QB RAYMOND PHILYAW ranks fourth in completion percentage (70.5), and passer-rating (125.6)...WR/DB CHARLES FREDERICK ranks first among rookies in rushing yards (119), and receptions (88). Ranks third among rookies in third-down receptions (12). Ranks third among rookies in touchdown receptions (21) and yards (1,093)...WR BOO WILLIAMS is fifth among rookies in touchdowns (17)...Defense leads League in total yards per game (266.7)...Defense ranks third in points per game (48.2), passing touchdowns allowed (4.667)...Defense ranks fourth in net turnover differential (+9)...DB ISIAH TRUFANT fourth in passes defensed (17). Tied for fourth in defensive fumble recoveries (3.0)...RAMPAGE: QB CHAD SALISBURY leads team passing 200 completions for 2,115 yards, and 45 touchdowns...FB CHRIS RYAN is 5-7 on third-and-one attempts...DB TREY BELL tied for second among rookies in forced fumbles (3)...WR/DB CHUCK WESLEY tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3)...WR TIMON MASHALL ranks first in all-purpose-yards (2,843) and kickoff-return yards (1,789). Ranks fifth in scoring (210 points- 35 TDs). Ranks second in kickoff return average (22.9)...K BRIAN GOWINS is tied for fifth among kickers in scoring (110 pts.- 74 PATs, 12 FGs).

TAMPA BAY STORM (5-7) AT NEW ORLEANS VOODOO (4-8)

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 8:00 P.M. ET

CST NEW ORLEANS - SDD, 6/3 AT 12:00 A.M. ET

STORM: Offense ranks second in rushing touchdowns (26)...QB BRETT DIETZ leads Storm with 108.8 passer-rating, passing 113 completions, for 1,236 yards, and 23 touchdowns...WR/DB TERRILL SHAW tied for fifth in third-down receptions (15)...Defense ranks third in first downs (19.3)...Defense ranks fourth in third-down comp. pct. (43.3)... Defense ranks fifth in red zone pct. (78.3)...Defense tied for fifth in interceptions (16)...DB JEROID JOHNSON tied for fourth in interceptions (7)...DL MARK WORD tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3)...DB KHALID NAZIRUDDIN ranks fifth among rookies in tackles (53.5). Tied for fifth among rookies in interceptions (2)...K SETH MARLER ranks first among rookies in touchbacks (20). Ranks second among rookie kickers in scoring (92 points- 62 PATs, 10 FGs)...VOODOO: QB ANDY KELLY ranks fifth in third-down passer-rating (101.9)... WR TYRONNE JONES leads team in receptions (69), yards (757), and touchdowns (23)...FB/LB DAN CURRAN leads team in rushing attempts (27) and yards (60)...Defense ranks third in total yards per game (282.6)...Defense ranks fourth in fourth-down comp. pct. (46.2)...Defense ranks fifth in rushing yards per game (14.8)...DB WILLIAM HAITH leads team in interceptions (3). Ranks second on team in tackles (49.5)...Defense leads League in kickoff return average (13.4), and average start of field position after kickoff for defense (7.9).

CHICAGO RUSH (9-3) AT LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (6-6)

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 10:30 P.M. ET

SIRIUS RADIO CHANNEL - 119

RUSH: Leads Central Division...Offense ranks fourth in red zone pct. (86.2)...Offense ranks fifth in rushing touchdowns (22)...QB MATT D'ORAZIO leads quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (10), and attempts (51)...WR BOBBY SIPPIO tied for first in scoring (246 points- 41 TDs). Ranks fourth in yards (1,356)...Defense holds highest net turnover differential (+21), and take-aways (35)...Defense ranks first in passing touchdowns allowed (4.083)...Defense tied for first in interceptions (19)...Defense ranks second in scoring (46.6)... DB DEJUAN ALFONZO leads AFL in defensive fumble recoveries (5)...DB DENNISON ROBINSON ranks fifth in tackles (82.5). Tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3.0)...K DAN FRANTZ ranks second in touchbacks (32)...AVENGERS: Offense ranks second in red zone pct. (88.1)...Offense ranks fourth in first downs (22.2)...QB SONNY CUMBIE ranks second in third-down passer-rating (122.6)...FB LONNIE FORD ranks fifth in rushing yards (65)...Defense ranks third in rushing yards (14.3)...Defense tied for fourth in sacks (14)...Defense ranks fifth in third-down pct. (45.5)...DL JASON STEWART tied for second in defensive fumble recoveries (4.0)...DB DAMEN WHEELER ranks fifth in passes defensed (16)...K REMY HAMILTON ranks fourth among kickers in scoring (111 points- 78 PATs, 11 FGs).

ARIZONA RATTLERS (3-10) AT LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS (2-10)

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 10:30 P.M. ET

RATTLERS: Offense leads League in fourth-down comp. pct. (68.4)...Offensive tied for second in sacks allowed (4)...Offense ranks third in yards per game (321.1), and red zone pct. (86.9)...Offense ranks fifth in scoring (55.9)...QB SHERDRICK BONNER ranks second in AFL in yards (3,793). Ranks third in touchdowns (78). Ranks fourth in third-down passer rating (105.6)...WR TRANDON HARVEY leads all rookies in yards (1,226) and touchdowns (27). Tied for third in AFL in third-down receptions (16)...FB BO KELLY ranks fourth in rushing yards (216)...Defense leads League in rushing yards allowed per game (9.6), and first downs (19.2)...Defense ranks third in red zone pct. (76.0)...Defense ranks third in rushing touchdowns allowed per game (1.0)...LB GRANT STEEN tied for third among rookies in INTs (3)...DB KEYUO CRAVER ranks third in tackles (87.0). Ranks first among rookies in forced fumbles (4)...GLADIATORS: FB/LB JOSHUA RUE ranks second among rookies in rushing yards (62)...DL KEVIN THOMPSON is tied for second among rookies in tackles for loss (4.0). Tied for fifth among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DL KARON RILEY is tied for fifth among rookies in sacks (2.0)...DB RUFUS BROWN is tied for fifth among rookies in forced fumbles (2)...K STEVE AZAR ranks fourth among rookie kickers in scoring (87 pts.- 63 PATs, 8 FGs).

COLORADO CRUSH (8-5) AT UTAH BLAZE (6-7)

MONDAY, JUNE 4, 10:30 P.M. ET

ESPN2 - LIVE

ESPN360.COM - LIVE

ANNOUNCERS: MARK JONES & MERRIL HOGE

BLAZE: Offense leads League in yards per game (336.9), and first downs (22.5)...Offense ranks second in points per game (62.2), and third down pct. (56.3)...QB JOE GERMAINE leads AFL in completions (359), yards (4,332), touchdowns (92), third-down passer rating (123.7), and fourth-quarter passer rating (128.7). Ranks second in passer rating (127.7)...WR SIAHA BURLEY ranks first in receptions (138), yards (1,837), and third-down receptions (23). Tied for first in scoring (246 points)...Defense ranks second in field goal percentage (30.8)...K STEVE VIDETICH ranks first in touchbacks (33). Tied for fifth among kickers in scoring (110 points- 95 PATs, 5 FGs)...CRUSH: Can clinch fourth playoff berth in five-year history with win...Offensive ranks fifth in fewest sacks allowed (6)...QB JOHN DUTTON ranks third in completions (319). Ranks fifth in yards (3,540). Zero INTs in 117 fourth-quarter passing attempts...WR DAMIAN HARRELL ranks third in scoring (240 points- 35 TDs), receptions (107). Tied for third in third-down receptions (16)...WR BRAD PYATT ranks third among rookies in receptions (82). Ranks fourth among rookies in yards (1,014), touchdown receptions (18). Ranked fifth among rookies in third-down receptions (8)...Defense tied for first in interceptions (19)...Defense ranks third in fourth-down com. pct. (45.0)...Defense ranks fourth in sacks (15), and passing touchdowns allowed per game (5.077)... DB RASHAD FLOYD leads AFL in tackles (135.0). Tied for second in interceptions (8)...DB CHRIS ANGEL tied for fourth in interceptions (7)...DL ANTHONY DUNN tied for fifth in defensive fumble recoveries (3.0)...DB JASON HARMON tied for fifth among rookies in interceptions (2)...K JASON BALL ranks first in field goals (15). Tied for second among kickers in scoring (120 points- 75 PATs, 15 FGs).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 30, 2007


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