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Fire return home to face Scottish Claymores

April 15, 2003 - National Football League Europa (NFLE)
Rhein Fire News Release


Dusseldorf, Germany — After earning their first victory of the 2003 season the Rhein Fire (1-1) return home to face the Scottish Claymores (1-1) in an important game for early positioning in the standings. While the Fire are coming of a 21-10 win over the Berlin Thunder, the Claymores try to bounce back from a Week 2 loss to Frankfurt.

With a Week 1 loss to Amsterdam, the Rhein Fire were in a near must-win situation going into a Week 2 World Bowl X rematch with defending champion Berlin. When the final clock read 0:00, Rhein found themselves tied for second place in the league while Berlin took a fall into last place at 0-2. Head coach Pete Kuharchek was proud of his team's effort.

"I thought we bounced back very well from the loss to Amsterdam," said Kuharchek. "Any time your team can hold a team like Berlin to 10 points, you did something right."

Autry Denson, running back allocated by the Detroit Lions, was the offensive star for the Fire, running for over 100 yards and running his season totals to 179 yards rushing on a 6.2-yard average with one rushing and receiving touchdown.

"We were counting on Autry to contribute every game and he has come through in a big way," Kuharchek said.

The Fire return to the road next week when they travel to F.C. Barcelona for a Saturday game, April 26. Three Fire players earn awards

Rhein's team victory and individual success did not go unnoticed by the League as three Fire players earned weekly awards on Tuesday, April 15.

Running back Autry Denson (Detroit) was named offensive player of the week after rushing for 114 yards and scoring a touchdown on the ground and as a receiver.

Defensive tackle Josh McKibben (Tampa Bay) was awarded the defensive player of the week title as he had 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced and one recovered fumble.

Finally, German national Bastian Lano was credited with the national player of the week award after his 1.5 sack performance.

GAME INFORMATION

ANNOUNCERS

Nick Halling — play-by-play Tony McGee — color analyst

TV

USA: Fox Sports Net (1:00 EST)

STADIUM ADDRESS

Arena AufSchalke Gelsenkirchen, Germany

CAPACITY

61,800

HEAD COACHES

Rhein Fire: Pete Kuharchek 13-9 overall, 2-2 vs. Scotland

Scottish Claymores: Gene Dahlquist 10-12 overall, 2-2 vs. Rhein

Arena AufSchalke a modern marvel

The Rhein Fire will be the first American football team to play at the Arena AufSchalke, the home stadium of the FC Schalke 04. Created in August 2001 at the cost of $180 million, the Arena AufSchalke is one of the loudest and certainly most advanced stadiums in Europe. The multi-functional stadium has a capacity of 61,800 seats with views close to the action. Arena AufSchalke hosts soccer, football, opera, rock concerts and biathalons, among other events. Schalke 04 has never played for less than capacity at its new home.

Arena AufSchalke is perhaps the most state-of-the-art stadium in all of Europe and more advanced than most NFL arenas in America. The true grass playing field at AufShalke is portable, rolling in and out of the stadium to be manicured. Moving the field takes six hours and costs $15,000 a time. The Arena also has a retractable roof which takes 20 minutes to open and/or close. Other features include a chapel inside the stadium and many luxury boxes for businesses.

The arena forms the new heart of the "Schalker of field" in the north Gelsenkirchens between the quarters Erle, Buer and Schalke. The arena is located close to the metropolitan railway line 302 with connection to the Gelsenkirchener main station as well as for the motor traffic over the exits Gelsenkirchen Buer at A 2 and Gelsenkirchen Schalke at A 42.

History of the Fire

Team History:

Established in 1995, the Fire posted a disappointing 4-6 record in their inaugural season. In 1997, the Fire played in World Bowl '97, losing at the Barcelona Dragons, 24-38. The Fire have been in the World Bowl four times in their first eight years of existence, winning a title in 1998 and 2000.

Team Name:

The Rhein Fire is named for the Northrhein-Westphalia region of Germany and the mammoth 820-mile Rhein River that forms Germany's southwest boundary. The team used to play its home games in Düsseldorf, capital of Northrhein-Westphalia, and now hosts games in Gelsenkirchen, a 40-minute drive North of Düsseldorf. City/Region:

A conglomerate of 24 cities forms the Rhein-Ruhr region of Germany. Situated on the western fringe of Germany, the densely populated region covers 200 kilometers. The largest cities surrounding Düsseldorf (population 577,250, the capital of Northrhein-Westphalia since 1946), are Duisburg (537,000) and Essen (626,000) to the North, Wuppertal (384,000) to the East, Cologne (1,000,000) and Bonn (294,000) to the South. Düsseldorf's airport serves 11.5 million passengers annually and reaches 150 destinations worldwide. The World Team Tennis Cup in Düsseldorf's Rochus Club and the ice hockey games of the "Düsseldorf EG" are highlights of the city's sports scene.

Head coach Pete Kuharchek Coach Pete Kuharchek enters his third season as head coach after leading the Fire to a 7-3 mark in 2002 and a World Bowl appearance. Coach Kuharchek was promoted to head coach in 2000 after five seasons as Fire defensive coordinator and helped Rhein to a record four straight winning seasons in that time as well as boasting one of the League's stingiest defenses.

Under Kuharchek, the Fire's defense ranked number one overall in NFL Europe in 1999. Against the run, they have been number one on three occasions (1996, 1998, 1999) and topped the ratings against the pass in 1999.

As a player, Kuharchek started at linebacker for two years at George Washington University and a further two years at the University of Tampa. He also began his coaching career at the University of Tampa, serving as linebackers coach in 1970, and was recently named to Tampa's sports Hall of Fame. From 1972-75, Kuharchek was defensive coordinator at Tampa Catholic High School before returning to the college ranks as a defensive assistant at the University of Kentucky in 1976. He served for two years as defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before stints at Holy Cross (defensive assistant) and East Tennessee State University (defensive coordinator).

His first venture into pro football came in the USFL, where he served as linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Bandits from 1983-85. He was defensive coordinator at Memphis State University from 1986-89 and spent a year with the Canadian Football League's British Columbia Lions and then the University of Texas-El Paso.

In 1992, his first season in the NFL Europe League, Kuharchek helped the Orlando Thunder gain a place in World Bowl, where they were beaten by the Sacramento Surge.

From 1993-95 he retuend to UTEP as defensive coordinator before teaming up with Galen Hall and the Fire in 1996. Kuharchek won World Bowl rings with the Fire in 1998 and 2000.

Depth at skill positions lead Fire offense

The Rhein Fire offense is led by a tandem of talented quarterbacks including Nick Rolovich (Denver Broncos) and Chris Greisen. Rolovich got the starting nod against the Admirals and Thunder after a successful training camp. Greisen also will split time, playing in the second and fourth quarters. Both quarterbacks combined for 95 yards passing in Week One and 195 last week versus Berlin.

Lining up in the Fire backfield this season are four multi-faceted running backs. Starting is NFL veteran Autry Denson (Detroit Lions) who offers a scat-back mentality and sure hands. Denson has 179 yards rushing this season after recording 114 yards against Berlin with a 6.3-yard average.Louisville product Frank Moreau backs up Denson and qualifies as a power runner through the offensive line and he proved that during Week One, powering for a two-yard touchdown run and also adding 46 yards on the ground. Matt Stanley (San Francisco 49ers) is a natural fullback but in the single-back offense of the Fire, he has multiple jobs as a running back, goal line back and occasional tight end.

With a facet of tall and quick wide receivers, this group of wideouts is Rhein's most talented corps in years. Leading the way are Emmett Johnson (Seattle Seahawks), Kendall Newson (Miami Dolphins) and Charlie Adams (Denver Broncos) for the three-wide Rhein set. The big three combined for nine catches and 116 yards receiving on Sunday afternoon. German national Christopher Liess plays behind Johnson and Royd Williams (Indianapolis Colts) contributes in Newson's slot. LaVell Boyd (Houston Texans) also plays at the various wide receiver positions. Tight end will also is a strong suit for Rhein, boasting NFL talent in Chad Mustard (Cleveland Browns) and Dwayne Blakley (Kansas City Chiefs). Mustard contributed with four catches for 42 yards against Berlin.

Rhein's offensive line is led with tackles Dwayne Ledford and German national Patrick Venzke. Guards Pat Crummey (New York Giants) and Jim Jones (Baltimore Ravens) will start against Amsterdam and the line will be centered by Illinois product Luke Butkus (San Diego Chargers). Scot Osborne and Joey Slaten provide depth, as does German national Peter Heyer.

Veteran line, active linebackers highlight Rhein defense

Defensive coordinator Ed O'Neil leads the historically strong Rhein Fire defense. The defensive line has two bookends in Andre Arnold and Corey Callens, a Fire veteran. Callens and Arnold both have contributed with one sack in 2003. The run-stopping tandem of Brad Harris (New York Giants) and Josh McKibben (Tampa Bay Bucs) will help anchor the line and McKibben starred against Berlin with three sacks and two forced fumbles. Providing depth are three former Fire members in DE Derrick Ham (two sacks against Amsterdam) German national Bastian Lano (sack versus Berlin) and Swedish national Dan Petersson.

Rhein's linebacking corps may be the strongest portion of the defense. Top NFL allocation draft pick Courtney Ledyard (New England Patriots) leads the group as the middle linebacker but will be missing in action after suffering a shoulder injury versus the Thunder and was placed on injured reserve. Charles Burton (Arizona Cardinals) and Rhein veteran Jamel Smith play outside. Jay Johnson had his number called on Sunday afternoon and responded as both the middle linebacker and also a nickel backer. Recent pickup Dane Krager (Seattle Seahawks) will also see significant time as well as newcomer Terrence Dukes.

The secondary is led by cornerbacks Teddy Gaines (Chicago Bears) and Tony Lukins (Oakland Raiders). Safety Greg Brown, a member of the Fire in 2002, and Abdual Howard (Jacksonville Jaguars) play safety and providing depth in the secondary are corners Adesola Badon (Carolina Panthers) and Tierre Sams (Cincinnati Bengals) as well as German national Richard Yancy and Lemual Ligon, who had a sack and interception versus Berlin, (San Diego Chargers) at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Autry Denson is the primary returner for punts and is joined by Kendall Newson for kickoffs. Tony Lukins and Adesola Badon may also see time as returners in 2003.

Punting for Rhein is Jay Taylor (Cleveland Browns) and kicks are handled by Todd France (Minnesota Vikings) and former German soccer star Ingo Anderbrugge, who made a 23-yarder versus Amsterdam and is 3-4 on PATs in 2003.

Notes on Scotland Coach Dahlquist... Gene Dahlquist is on the Claymores' sideline for his third season, and currently carries a record of 10-12 as an NFLE head coach. The 60-year-old head coach brings 30 years college coaching experience to the Claymores and, before moving to NFL Europe, he most recently held the position as offensive passing game coordinator at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas in 2000. Prior to joining John Robinson's staff at UNLV, Dahlquist served as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and receivers coach at the University of Texas from 1992-1997 where he helped direct the Longhorns to three Big XII Conference titles and three bowl appearances. From 1988-91, he was again the offensive coordinator at the University of Illinois, and steered the Fighting Illini offense to one Big Ten Championship and four Bowl appearances under head coach John Mackovic, helping to develop future NFL #1 pick, quarterback Jeff George. Prior to his stint at Illinois, he worked with close friend and former Claymores head coach Jim Criner for 10 years. The two coaches worked together at Iowa State University from 1983-86 and at Boise State University from 1977-82, where Dahlquist served as the offensive coordinator. Together, Dahlquist and Criner helped drive Boise State to five Big Sky Conference titles and one NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship. Prior to coaching at Boise State, Dahlquist was the offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon from 1974-76 and quarterbacks coach at the University of Utah from 1971-73. He kicked off his coaching career as quarterbacks coach at Idaho State University from 1968-70. Dahlquist received his Master's Degree in Education from Idaho State University in 1974, graduating from the University of Arizona with his bachelor's degree in 1965, where he played college football as a quarterback and punter. Following his collegiate career, Dahlquist played professional football from 1965-66 as a quarterback and punter in the Continental Football League in the United States with the Norfolk Neptunes. Dahlquist, a native of Mount Prospect, Illinois, he and his wife Toni currently reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Last time out...Rhein 21—Berlin 10 Berlin, Germany – The Rhein Fire earned their first victory of the 2003 season by exacting revenge on the World Bowl IX and X champion Berlin Thunder by the count of 21-10 in front of 16,312 fans.

After receiving the opening kickoff the Fire marched 67 yards in 5:07 and scored on a 15-yard Autry Denson run to take an early 7-0 lead.

"The way we came out and scored on the first drive really got us in the right frame of mind," head coach Pete Kuharchek said.

After a 48-yard field goal by Berlin cut the lead to 7-3, Denson added to the Rhein lead as he was on the receiving end of a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Greisen. The PAT from Ingo Anderbrugge gave the Fire a 14-3 lead with 9:15 left in the first half. Rhein's defense came up with a crucial stop with 33 seconds left in the half. After Berlin had marched to the Fire two-yard line defensive back Lemual Ligon had a sack and caused a fumble which was recovered by defensive end Andre Arnold. Arnold attempted a lateral to a teammate which was recovered by Berlin at their own 40, but an interception by Ligon finally brought the first half to an end.

Rhein was first on the board in the second half, scoring on a 36-yard touchdown throw by quarterback Nick Rolovich to wideout Kendall Newson as the Fire took a commanding 21-3 lead with 7:42 to play in the third. Berlin did not score in again until about five minutes remaining in the game when Stambaugh threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Jorn Heckenbach to cut the Fire lead to 21-10.

"We still have a lot to work on but any time a team holds a great team like Berlin to 10 points, you did something right," Kuharchek said.

Denson, along with his two touchdowns, had 114 yards rushing on 18 carries.

"I have to credit the offensive line," Denson said. "It is a lot easier to break through the line when those big guys are clearing the way. After a good week of practice it feels great to be able to bounce back from our Week 1 loss."

Quarterbacks Rolovich and Greisen combined for 15-23 for 195 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions with Rolovich throwing for 145 of those yards. Wide receivers Newson and Emmett Johnson both had four receptions and Newson led the corps with 62 yards receiving and one touchdown. Tight end Chad Mustard also contributed with four grabs for 42 yards.

Defensively the Fire held Berlin's passing attack to a less than 50 percent completion ratio. The Thunder were also held to 1-4 red zone efficiency and converted their third downs only 35 percent of the time. Rhein had six sacks on defense with defensive tackle Josh McKibben tallying three and Bastian Lano, Ligon and Arnold also adding one. McKibben also forced two fumbles, recovering one.

POST-BERLIN NOTES

A LOOK AT THE QBs

Nick Rolovich got this second start on Sunday, completing 12 of 17 throws for 145 yards and a score. Chris Greisen played the second and fourth quarters and threw for 50 yards and a touchdown while also running three times for 17 yards.

WR NOTES

Three Rhein receivers had four receptions led by WR Kendall Newson who also had a 36-yard touchdown grab and 62 yards total. Emmett Johnson added 49 yards receiving and TE Chad Mustard had 42 yards with his four catches. TE Dwayne Blakley and WR Charlie Adams also added a grab.

RB SUCCESS

Autry Denson was again the offensive MVP, running for an average of 6.3 yards a carry. Denson had 114 yards rushing with a touchdown as well as one reception for 25 yards and a score. Frank Moreau added 19 yards and had a 60-yard run taken away due to offensive holding.

OTHER OFFENSIVE NOTES

Outrushed Amsterdam by 30 yards and averaged 8.5 yards a pass play compared to 3.9 for Berlin.

LINEBACKERS

Despite the loss of star Courtney Ledyard to a shoulder injury, the other Fire linebackers stepped up their play, especially reserve LB Jay Johnson who played at all linebacker positions on Sunday. Johnson had seven tackles total. Recent signee and former Berlin LB Dane Krager contributed in his first action as he had one tackle for loss.

D-LINE

Berlin quarterbacks were under constant pressure on Sunday as Fire defensive linemen tallied five sacks. DT Josh McKibben was the defensive star on Sunday, earning 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble and recovery. DE Andre Arnold added one sack and a key fumble recovery and German national Bastian Lano added 1.5 sacks. Brad Harris also added five tackles and one forced fumble.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Against 42 pass attempts and numerous offensive sets, the Fire defensive backs held strong, highlighted by the play of Lemual Ligon and Teddy Gaines. Ligon had a crucial sack on Rhein's own goal line, forcing a key fumble which prevented a late Berlin first half score. Ligon also had an interception in the end zone to end the first half. Gaines was challenged all afternoon and rose to the task with four passes defended and three tackles. Safeties Abdual Howard and Greg Brown also played well with Howard leading the secondary with six tackles as Brown added five.

OTHER DEFENSIVE NOTE(S)

The Fire defense stiffened in the red zone for the second-straight week, forcing the Thunder into a 1-4 ratio with one turnover and two missed field goals. The defense also forced six fumbles (recovering two).

INGO

Former Schalke 04 soccer star Ingo Anderbrugge made his three point after attempts, giving him a 75 percent PAT performance on the year. Ingo did not attempt a field goal all afternoon.

RETURN GAME

Autry Denson was the only player who returned a kick or punt during Sunday's game, averaging 21.3 yards a kickoff return and losing yardage on his only punt return of the afternoon.

OTHER SPECIAL TEAM NOTES

For the second-straight game kicker Todd France did not get an opportunity to attempt a kick but he still contributed to the special teams, getting in Berlin kickoff returner Travis Coleman's way to save a touchdown return... Punter Jay Taylor improved his average on the season, booting five punts for a 41.6-yard average and also placing three punts inside the 20-yard line... Safety Greg Brown led the special teams with three tackles and RB Oye Ojo added two.

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National Football League Europa Stories from April 15, 2003


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