Sports stats



Fire adds five for 2006

January 3, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


The Louisville Fire Arena Football team has been assigned five players by the af2 office for the 2006 season. Leading the group of players is former University of Louisville and St. X lineman Will Rabatin and record breaking receiver Rob Mager. Also returning are quarterback Joel Steele, wide receiver/linebacker Lawrence Matthews and lineman Koby Clark.

Rabatin, who signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent following U of L's 2004 season, will join the Fire for his rookie season as an offensive lineman. Rabatin was also named All Conference USA second team in his senior campaign.

Mager rewrote the Fire record books last season. Mager's 125 receptions, 39 touchdowns and 9.62 yards per catch are all Fire single season records. Mager also set the team record for receptions in a game with 17 on July 16 at Oklahoma City. Mager also broke the ArenaCup record for receptions with 17.

Steele returns to the Fire after serving as the backup QB in 2005. Steele saw action in four games last season completing three passes including one for a touchdown. Steele will have the opportunity to win the starting job with Matt Sauk moving onto the AFL.

Lawrence Matthews will join the Fire for his second season. In 16 regular season games Matthews was a solid performer on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver Matthews caught 43 passes for 445 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively Matthews totaled 34.5 tackles, four interceptions and three pass break-ups.

Koby Clark will begin his third stint with the Fire on the line. Clark, a former U of L defensive end, saw action in four regular season games last season totaling 2.5 tackles, one sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Clark also contributed in the Fire's run to the ArenaCup.

"It's great to be able to sign a local guy in Rabatin who is an outstanding lineman," said Fire head coach Tommy Johnson. "The four guys we have coming back should make major contributions in getting us where we want to be."

The Fire will open their 2006 home schedule on Friday April 14 in Freedom Hall against Manchester. Season tickets are on sale now starting at just $88 and can be purchased by calling 502-368-0009.

• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...

arenafootball2 Stories from January 3, 2006


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.

Other Recent Louisville Fire Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central