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Georgia Force game notes

March 1, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release


QUICK FACTS:

Georgia Force (4-1) vs. Columbus Destroyers (1-3)

Date: March 6, 2005
Kickoff: 2:00 ET
Site: Philips Arena (18,200)
Radio: WQXI 790 AM The Zone (David Hubbard: play-by-play, Chuck Oliver: color analyst).
Coaches: Doug Plank, Georgia (3-1, 1st Year).
Chris Spielman, Columbus (1-3, 1st Year).
Series Record: Georgia leads the series 2-1
@ Georgia 54, Buffalo 33 (7/6/02)
@ Georgia 43, Buffalo 63 (2/22/03)
Georgia 72, @ Columbus 51 (5/9/04)

THE GAME:

The Georgia Force return to Philips Arena to host the Columbus Destroyers on Sunday, March 6th at 2 pm ET. Georgia is currently off to their best start in team history with an AFL best tying 4-1 record. The Force players will welcome the site of home field following back-to-back road wins at Las Vegas and Austin in the span of five days. Georgia is a perfect 2-0 this season at Philips Arena.

Quarterback Matt Nagy will get his first start in a Force uniform against the Destroyers after Jim Kubiak was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury earlier in the week. Nagy stepped in for Kubiak in the second quarter last week at Austin and finished the game with seven touchdowns on 19-of-25 passing for 257 yards and one interception leading Georgia to a 66-63 victory.

THE OPPONENT:

The Destroyers are in their
second season playing in
Columbus, Ohio after relocating
from Buffalo prior to the 2004
season. Under the direction of
new head coach Chris Spielman,
the Destroyers are 1-3 on the
year after falling to the Grand Rapids Rampage last week 57-66. The victory was Grand Rapids' first of the season and only their second win in the last two years.

Columbus is led by quarterback Matt D'Orazio, who was named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week two weeks ago when he helped the Destroyers to their first win of the season over Chicago in his first career AFL start. On the season, D'Orazio is 46-of-70 passing for 539 yards with 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has also added 54 rushing yards on 15 carries and one score on the ground.


THE SCHEDULE:

GEORGIA FORCE (4-1)

Date OPPONENT RESULT SCORE
Jan. 30 NEW ORLEANS W 46-44
Feb. 4 @ Los Angeles L 41-46
Feb. 12 ARIZONA W 61-47
Feb. 20 @ Las Vegas W 38-13
Feb. 25 @ Austin W 66-63
March 6 COLUMBUS
March 12 @ New York
March 19 ORLANDO
March 26 @ New Orleans
April 2 @ Tampa Bay
April 8 AUSTIN
April 15 GRAND RAPIDS
April 22 @ Orlando
BYE WEEK
May 8 TAMPA BAY
May 14 DALLAS
May 21 @ San Jose

GEORGIA FORCE NEXT WEEK:

The Force travel out for their third road game in their last four contests when they head to New York to face the Dragons on Saturday, March 12th at 7 pm ET at Nassau Veterans Coliseum. This will be the first trip to the Big Apple for Georgia in team history. New York leads the all-time series 2-0 against the Force capturing a 54-28 win in the season opener last season.


THE FORCE THIS SEASON ARE:

2-0 at home
2-1 on the road

0-0 vs. Central Division
0-0 vs. Eastern Division
2-0 vs. Southern Division
2-1 vs. Western Division

1-1 on Fridays
1-0 on Saturday
2-0 on Sundays

1-0 in January
3-1 in February
0-0 in March
0-0 in April
0-0 in May

2-1 in televised games

4-1 when leading at the half
0-0 when tied at the half
0-0 when trailing at the half

4-0 when leading after 3 quarters
0-0 when tied after 3 quarters
0-1 when trailing after 3 quarters

0-0 outcome 7 points or less
2-1 outcome 3 points or less
0-0 overtime games

2-1 when the Force scores first
2-0 when opponent scores first


STATISTICS:

A look how Georgia and Columbus match-up on both sides of the ball based on 2005 regular season statistics:

Statistical GEORGIA COLUMBUS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 11th 50.4 15th 44.5
Scoring Defense 3rd 42.6 7th 46.8
Total Offense (yds/g) 7th 291.2 16th 239.5
Total Defense (yds/g) 12th 297.2 5th 253.8
Pass Offense 4th 275.6 15th 218.2
Pass Defense 13th 285.0 2nd 214.8
Rushing Offense 11th 15.6 7th 21.2
Rushing Defense 3rd 12.2 16th 39.0
Pass Rating 2nd 120.6 16th 87.9
Pass Def. Rating 6th 98.3 12th 114.0
Kickoff Returns 10th 17.5 1st 23.1
MFG Returns T-15th 0.0 1st 33.0
Interceptions (int-yds) 3rd 7-31 17th 1-0
Turnover Margin 6th +3 15th -5
Field Goals 4th 5-6 1st 5-5
PAT Kicking 8th 29-33 1st 23-23
Sacks By (sks-yds) 11th 2-12 17th 1-5
Sacks Against (sks-yds) 8th 3-27 11th 5-46
First Downs 4th 103 17th 65
Opp. First Downs 16th 110 4th 82
Penalties (yds/gm) 14th 64.8 10th 62.5
Opp. Penalties (yds/gm) 1st 73.8 13th 59.5
Red Zone Offense 12th 18-24 16th 11-16
Red Zone Defense 1st 14-21 15th 17-19
Time of Possession 12th 28:57 14th 28:19

THINGS TO WATCH:


HOME COOKING:

For the first time in the team's four-year history, Georgia has started a season 2-0 at home. Currently, the Force are riding a team-record four-game winning streak at home dating back to last season.

Georgia has never finished the season with a winning home record.

YEAR RECORD VENUE
2002 3-4 Philips Arena
2003 3-5 Arena at Gwinnett Center
2004 3-5 Arena at Gwinnett Center
2005 2-0 Philips Arena



MAKING A HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE:

The Force have established a new mark for home attendance in each of their first two home games this season. Versus Arizona (2/12), a record number 13,297 fans saw Georgia defeat the Rattlers 61-47 in Philips Arena.

Two weeks earlier and despite a severe ice storm that affected Atlanta causing the Georgia-New Orleans game to be pushed back one day, the Force played to their then largest home crowd in their four-year history of 11,328 fans.

Before this season, the previous record for a Force home crowd was 11,200, which happened twice with home opener sell-outs at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in 2003 and 2004.


VEGAS HOLD ‘EM:

Georgia's defense stepped up to the challenge at Las Vegas (2/20) and not only came away with a victory but established several new team records in the process.

By only giving up 13 points to the Gladiators, the Force set a new team record for least points allowed in a game (previously 19 at Carolina 4/18/03). Georgia held Las Vegas scoreless in the 1st, 3rd and 4th quarters, which was the second time in team history they had pitched a shutout in the second half (at Carolina 4/18/03).

The Force defense was able to create five turnovers (3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries) and forced two turnovers on downs. DS Kevin Gaines hauled in all three interceptions on the night tying his career-high.

Georgia is currently ranked 3rd in the AFL in points allowed per game (42.6) and 1st in red zone defense only allowing opponents to score on 14-of-21 tries on the season.


FLAG ON THE PLAY:

The Force and Las Vegas Gladiators combined for 34 penalties in their game on February 20th to set a new AFL record. The previous mark for most penalties in a contest was 21, which had been done twice (once by the Georgia on 4/20/02 vs. Orlando).

That next week, Georgia and Austin combined for 30 penalties in their game on February 25th for the second most penalties in League history.

Currently, the Force are the fourth most penalized team in the League averaging 64.8 yards per game in penalties while Georgia opponents are ranked first in the AFL in most penalty yards per game with a 73.8 average.

DOUBLE HEADED ROOKIE MONSTER:

Force rookies Troy Bergeron and Derek Lee are making their presence felt week-in and week-out. So far this season, the two have combined for 25 receiving touchdowns and 978 receiving yards on 78 receptions. Both rank in the Top 10 in the AFL in all receiving categories.

Last week at Austin (2/25), Lee set the Force single-game record with 5 receiving touchdowns and broke the Force mark for longest single-game reception with his catch and run for a score of 49 yards (also longest in the AFL this season). His 32 points scored in the contest is the most by a player in an AFL game this season (5 touchdowns and a two-point conversion)

Against the Wranglers, Bergeron added a career-high and Force single-game tying record with 11 catches (Lee established the 11 catch mark earlier in the season at Los Angeles). Bergeron finished the game with 162 receiving yards (second most in team history) and three touchdowns (his fifth three touchdown game of the season).


3-PEAT (five times):

Through the first five games of the season, rookie OS Troy Bergeron has caught three receiving touchdowns in each game. His 15 total receiving scores currently are second in the AFL.

On his current pace, Bergeron will set the AFL record for most receiving touchdowns by a rookie which is 42 (1994- Eddie Brown, Indiana).

Bergeron leads the team in receiving with 43 receptions (1st in AFL) for 532 yards (3rd in AFL) and 15 touchdowns (2nd in AFL). His 90 points scored on the season is also 2nd in the AFL.

Not only is Bergeron getting it done on offense, but he is a huge part of the Force's special teams. His 20 kickoff returns (4th in AFL) for 382 yards (4th in AFL) place him among the League's best.

Bergeron is 3rd in the League in all-purpose yards with 914.

At only 21 years old, Bergeron never played a snap of football in college. Last year, he played for the af2 Columbus Wardogs.

HEAD COACHES:

DOUG PLANK, Georgia (4-1, 1st Year): On July 30, 2004, Doug Plank was announced as the new head coach of the Georgia Force becoming the fourth head coach in the team's history. Plank comes to the Force having served as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers from 2002-2004, which included three consecutive ArenaBowl championship game births.

Following a 3-5 start in 2004, the Rattlers turned their season around to finish with a league-tying best 11-5 record and secure the top seed in the AFL playoffs. In 2002, Plank helped guide the Rattlers defense to a number one regular season ranking in rushing defense and scoring defense. In his three years with the Rattlers, he coached four First Team All-Arena selections, two Second Team All-Arena players and four All-Ironman Team choices, including 2003 AFL Ironman of the Year Randy Gatewood.

A former member of The Ohio State University football team, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls, 1973, 1974, and 1975. While at Ohio State, he played for legendary coach Woody Hayes.

Plank brings with him a wealth of football experience that includes an impressive career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL Entry Draft and started at safety for eight seasons. The "46 Defense" created by Buddy Ryan was named for Plank's jersey number and aggressive style of play. Plank was also the first Bears rookie to ever lead the team in tackles.

Following his playing career, Plank became a franchisee for the Burger King Corporation owning and operating 17 restaurants in three different states.


Plank's professional history also includes experience as a member of the Rattlers broadcast team. Prior to becoming defensive coordinator, he spent five years as the Rattlers' radio analyst and two seasons as their television color analyst.

His broadcasting experience also includes stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State University Football, Fox Sports Net, Westwood One and Sports USA Radio Network.

CHRIS SPIELMAN, Columbus (1-3, 1st Year): Chris Spielman begins his second season with the Destroyers and first as the club's Head Coach & General Manager. Spielman was named Columbus' second head coach in team history on August 4, 2004, succeeding legendary coach and current Destroyers VP of Football Operations, Earle Bruce.

Spielman was a standout on the football field, starring at The Ohio State University after a stellar high school career at Massillon Washington High School where he was even featured on a Wheaties cereal box. Spielman was a two-time All-American (1986 & 1987), two-time Big Ten champion (1984 & 1986) and three-time All-Big Ten selection (1985, 1986 & 1987) at linebacker for the Buckeyes under Bruce. He made 546 tackles in his OSU career (2nd most in school history), including a school record 283 solo stops. Spielman won the Lombardi award in 1987 as the nation's top linebacker and finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Spielman was the 29th overall selection (2nd round) in the 1988 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. During the following eight seasons, he earned Pro Bowl honors four times (1989, 1990, 1991 & 1994) and was the first player to lead the Lions in tackles seven straight seasons. In 1996, Spielman joined the Buffalo Bills where he eclipsed the 100 tackle plateau for third time in his career. But in 1997, Spielman suffered a broken neck to end his 114 consecutive game streak. He had surgery to fuse vertebrae in his neck, which put his football career in jeopardy.

The Canton, Ohio native returned to football with the expansion Cleveland Browns in 1999. Spielman's comeback attempt ended during the preseason when he announced his retirement from the NFL. The neck injury suffered in 1997 would not allow him to continue to play the game he loved so much.

After retiring from the NFL, Spielman stepped into the broadcast booth. He currently hosts "Spielman on Sports" on 1460 The Fan in Columbus.

LAST TIME THESE TEAMS MET:

COLUMBUS, OH. – With a season-high in points, the Georgia Force snapped their team-record six game-losing streak in huge fashion defeating the Columbus Destroyers 72-51. Force quarterback Leon Murray, named Offensive Player of the Game, had one of the best passing days in club history throwing for 334 yards on 24-of-34 passing with eight touchdowns. Murray would also add 23 yards on the ground rushing on three carries including a touchdown. His eight scoring passes tied the single game team record, while his 334 passing yards ranked second in the team record books.

Markeith Cooper and Dialleo Burks, who both went over the 100-yard receiving mark and each caught three touchdowns, aided Georgia's offensive explosion. Cooper registered 148 receiving yards and three touchdowns on ten catches, while Burks posted 104 yards on eight receptions and three scores. For Columbus, Sedrick Robinson turned in a strong effort with two receiving touchdowns, two kickoff return touchdowns and one rushing score.

After struggling offensive for the last seven weeks, the Force broke through to set a new team record for first half points to lead the Destroyers 44-23 at the half (previously mark 39 points at San Jose 5/4/02). Georgia scored on all seven of their drives in the half with six touchdowns and one field goal paced by Murray. Murray completed five touchdown passes and threw for 205 yards in the first half alone. His biggest target was Dialleo Burks, who hauled in two touchdown passes and 74 yards receiving in the first half on five receptions.

All three of Columbus' first half touchdowns came as a result of Sedrick Robinson. Robinson gave the Destroyers an early 7-6 lead six minutes into the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Vena. Robinson then made his presence felt on special teams as he returned back-to-back kickoffs for touchdowns of 56 and 39 yards respectively.

The Georgia defense, not to be left out of the spotlight, forced two turnovers in the first half with a fumble and an interception resulting into ten points. The first turnover came on a special teams play that gave the Force the ball on the Destroyer one-yardline. Newly acquired Force lineman Oscar Sturgis intercepted a Vena pass with 15 seconds remaining in the second quarter, which led to a 26-yard field goal by Steve McLaughlin as time expired for the half.

FORCE LAST WEEK:

AUSTIN, TX – Nelson Garner's 49-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Georgia Force to a 66-63 victory over the Austin Wranglers. With the win Georgia takes their record to a league tying best 4-1 and the best start in team history. Force QB Matt Nagy, who stepped in for injured started Jim Kubiak following a knee injury suffered in the second quarter, finished the game with seven touchdowns and 257 yards passing on 19-of-25 throws.

The late dramatics were set-up by touchdown drives by both teams with under a minute remaining in the game. Georgia WR/LB Derek Lee scored his career-high fifth touchdown of the game on a nine-yard reception with 45 seconds on the clock. Austin countered with a four-yard scoring rush by Henry Bryant with 11 seconds left showing. Force QB Matt Nagy was able to run two plays to move the ball up to the Force 17-yard line setting the stage for Garner.

The first half was dominated by the offenses with both teams scoring on all their possessions, as the Force took a 33-28 lead into the break. For Georgia, rookies OS Troy Bergeron and Lee each had two receiving touchdowns with FB/LB Chris Demaree rushing in from one-yard out for the Force's first score of the contest. Austin's offensive charge was led by WR/DB Kevin Nickerson, who caught two touchdowns of 45 and three-yards respectively.

Both teams traded scores in the third quarter with Nagy connecting with Lee and Bergeron, while Austin combated with an eight-yard pass from QB John Fitzgerald to WR/LB Darrin Chiaverini and a five-yard touchdown rush from Nickerson.


LEADERS

Passing
GA- Matt Nagy, 19-25-257-7-1
AUS- John Fitzgerald, 33-34-300-5-1

Receiving
GA- Troy Bergeron, 11-162-3
AUS- Darrin Chiaverini, 9-123-2

Rushing
GA- Chris Demaree, 2-10-1
AUS- Henry Bryant, 6-7-3

Offensive MVP: Matt Nagy, Georgia
Defensive MVP: Kevin Gaines, Georgia
Ironman: Troy Bergeron, Georgia



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 1, 2005


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