Fire breaks into coach's poll

Published on April 14, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


After upsetting the number three ranked Hawaiian Islanders, 37-35, last weekend the Louisville Fire is ranked seventh in the Week 3 af2 Coach's Poll. The Fire made the biggest jump from being second in others receiving votes to number seven.

"I think this just goes to show that guys we brought in this year are for real and capable of winning some games," said Fire Head Coach Tommy Johnson. "This is a good stepping stone for this team. We now need to stay focused for the game against Macon on Friday night."

The Fire will take on the Macon Knights on Friday night at 7:30 in Freedom Hall. Macon, who was runner-up in the 2003 ArenaCup Playoffs, dropped from fifth to ninth in the poll. The entire Week 3 Poll is listed below.

Former U of L Players Shine in Win Against Hawaii

Fire WR/DB Tony Stallings made a name for himself at U of L by switching from running back to linebacker and back to running back. In arena football playing both ways has not been much of an adjustment for Stallings. He scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter including the go ahead touchdown in the closing minutes and was named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game and US Army Iron Man of the Game.

"Tony is a playmaker. He can take a 5-yard hitch and go the distance," commented Fire offensive coordinator Chris MacKeown.

Justin Thomas on the other hand doesn't have to worry about playing both ways as a defensive specialist. Thomas, playing his first game covering the high motion, had 10 solo tackles and nine pass break-ups. "Justin has come along way in learning this game. He is covering the toughest position on the field and getting better everyday," said Coach Johnson.

Coach Johnson and the rest of the Fire will be available for interviews tonight in Freedom Hall at 6:15 and tomorrow night in Freedom Hall beginning at 7:00.

Friday night is also a $1 night. Fans can purchase $1 popcorn, hot dogs, Pepsi and Bud and Bud Light (limit two per ticket) from 6:00 pm until the end of the first quarter. Tickets for Friday's game are on sale now starting at $5 for kids and $8 for adults and can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at 361-3100 or at the Freedom Hall box office.

WEEK 3 TOP 12: 1. Quad City - 260 (18); Last week: 1st 2. Tennessee Valley - 247 (2); Last week: 2nd 3. Cape Fear - 171 (1); Last week: 7th 4. Wichita - 168; Last week: 4th 5. Oklahoma City - 153; Last week: 10th 6. Florida - 144; Last week: 8th 7. Louisville - 122; Last week: Not in Top 12 8. Hawaii - 114; Last week: 3rd 9. Macon - 96; Last week: 5th 10. Tulsa - 91; Last week: 12th 11. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - 75; Last week: Not in Top 12 12. Arkansas - 62 (1); Last week: 6th

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