Former 'Wheelers Off to Good Start in '04 AFL Season
February 9, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa â The Arena Football League kicked off its 18th season this past weekend and 15 former Quad City Steamwheelers entered the weekend as a member of one of the 19 AFL teams rosters. Of those, six players saw enough action to get into the box score and three others were enjoying their "bye" week with the Austin Wranglers.
Those players waiting to make their 2004 debut with the expansion Wranglers are: wide receiver/linebacker Mitch Allner, defensive specialist Brent Browner and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jamarr Ward.
The former Steamwheelers player making the biggest splash was Las Vegas Gladiators fullback/linebacker Frank Carter. Carter had 31 yards of offense, 10 on the ground and 21 through the air and added three tackles (two solo) on defense. Carter also forced a fumble in a 43-42 loss to the Colorado Crush on Friday night.
His former and current teammate Dennison Robinson added two tackles in the losing effort.
2003 af2 Offensive Player of the Year and current Indiana Firebirds quarterback Tony Zimmerman had an impact in Saturday nights contest against the Columbus Destroyers. Listed as the backup quarterback on the Firebirds website, Zimmerman came into the game in the fourth quarter to replace starter Kevin Daft. Daft was injured early in the quarter.
Zimmerman came in and completed his first pass for a touchdown. Zimmerman connected with Brett Bech for the 29-yard go-ahead score. Later in the game, however, Zimmerman would not be as fortunate.
Destroyers defensive specialist JoJo Polk picked off Zimmerman's attempt and returned it four yards for the go ahead score. The Firebirds lost the game 54-48 and Zimmerman finished the game 3-of-7 for 48 yards with the touchdown and interception.
Los Angeles Avengers defensive specialist Cornelius Coe had a big day in a winning cause for the Avengers. The Avengers are the team picked to win it all and got off to a good start with a 51-32 victory against the Arizona Rattlers.
Coe was the games leading tackler with seven tackles (all solo) and added an interception, which he returned 12 yards. That stopped any Rattlers attempt at a comeback.
On the losing side of the ball, was former Steamwheelers fullback/linebacker Frank Trentadue. Trentadue, who now plays for the Rattlers, caught a 6-yard pass and rushed for four yards. Trentadue added two tackles as well.
Last, but not least, New York Dragons wide receiver/linebacker Chris Anthony helped the Dragons stop the Georgia Force 54-28. Anthony caught three passes for 41 yards on the afternoon. Anthony had a pass breakup on the defensive side of things.
Every Sunday the AFL is on NBC. This upcoming weekends game that will be featured in the Quad City area is the Chicago Rush visiting the New York Dragons. Don't miss former âWheelers WR/LB Chris Anthony look to help the Dragons improve to 2-0 this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. (CT).
About Arena Football League Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, will begin its 18th season in February 2004. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.
The arenafootball2 league is in its Fifth Anniversary season and serves as the AFL's developmental league. The arenafootball2 (af2) league consists of 25 teams in small- to medium-sized markets with the purpose of training players, coaches and officials for higher levels of football. Several former af2 coaches have joined AFL teams and more than 175 players have advanced to the AFL over the past three years.
The Steamwheelers are gearing up for their Fifth Anniversary season as one of the charter members of the league. Season tickets are currently on sale starting as low as $54. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets may contact Steamwheelers Director of Ticket Sales Brian Forth at 563-324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX. For all the up to the minute Steamwheelers news, visit www.steamwheelers.com.
• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...
arenafootball2 Stories from February 9, 2004
- Former 'Wheelers Off to Good Start in '04 AFL Season - Quad City Steamwheelers
- Coyotes Flashback: 2003 - Central Valley Coyotes
- Texas talent strengthens Dorados - Rio Grande Valley Dorados
- Wolves standouts from 2003 look forward to their new home in New Hampshire - Manchester Wolves
- Bucks & Law Out & About - Laredo Law
- Duval sign with NFL, Scott traded to Albany - Columbus Wardogs
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.
