Familiar Faces Returning For Firecats In 2009
February 12, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
Estero, FL- The arenafootball2 (af2) Florida Firecats announced the return of quarterback Chris Wallace, receivers Magic Benton, Brent Burnside and Chris McKinney today. The quartet is among the first players to come under contract for the 2009 season.
"All four guys have been a big part of this team in the past and bring a lot of veteran experience to the table," said Firecats coach Kevin Bouis. "They give us a tremendous nucleus to build our team around."
Chris Wallace is set to embark on his 9th season in the league and 5th as the Firecats signal caller. During his eight seasons under center he has passed for 22,087 yards in 92 games. Last year he broke the all-time league records for touchdown passes (484) and passes completed (1,797). Wallace needs just 601 yards to break the career passing record as well.
Magic Benton remains the only player to have played with the Firecats every year since their inception in 2001. After a brief retirement in 2008, he rejoined the team in week 14 and still managed to find the end zone 13 times in five games. Already Florida's record holder in nearly every receiving category, Magic holds af2 career records with 630 receptions, 8,293 receiving yards and 178 touchdown catches. He holds the all-time scoring record, accounting for 1098 points as well.
Brent Burnside is the most seasoned returnee, entering his 10th season in the af2. The 2004 ArenaCup MVP joined the Firecats in 2003. Since 2000, the cagey veteran has played in 125 games hauling in 315 receptions for 3,611 yards and 68 touchdowns. Defensively he has 224.5 tackles and 30 interceptions, ranking him in the leagues top ten for career picks.
Chris McKinney made his debut with the Firecats in 2007. Playing in ten games for Florida last year he led the team in receiving yards with 626 and scored 14 touchdowns. McKinney has played in 72 games thru five seasons in the deuce catching 403 passes for 4,519 yards and 101 scores.
"We've all grown up in the game together," said Chris Wallace. " Last year is last year, we're focusing on this year. We want to get off to a strong start and finish strong. We've been working together for so long we know each other so well that it allows us to be focused and execute right from the get go."
Players will report to training camp on Saturday February 28th. The Firecats can bring up to 35 players into camp. The roster must be trimmed to 22 before the start of the season. Florida opens the 2009 season at home against division rival South Georgia on March 21st.
2009 season tickets are on sale now with eight-game season-ticket packages starting as low as $108. Call 239-390-CATS (2287) to reserve your seats or visit the team online at www.FloridaFirecats.com.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
