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Georgia Force game notes

March 7, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release


Georgia Force (3-3) at Columbus Destroyers (3-3)

Date: March 10, 2006
Kickoff: 7:00 pm (ET)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,078)
Television: CSS (Matt Stewart: play-by-play, Chuck Oliver: color analyst)
Radio: WQXI 790 AM The Zone (David Hubbard: play-by-play, Brandon Leak: color analyst)
Coaches: Doug Plank, Georgia (16-9, 2nd Year)
Doug Kay, Columbus (3-3, 1st Year)
Series Record: Georgia leads the series 3-1
2002 @Georgia 54, Buffalo 33 (7/6)
2003 @ Georgia 43, Buffalo 63 (2/22)
2004 Georgia 72, @ Columbus 51 (5/9)
2005 @ Georgia 55, Columbus 48 (3/6)

THE OPPONENT
The Columbus Destroyers enter the game 3-3 on the season and riding a two game winning streak. Columbus defeated the New York Dragons last week 65-54 for their third win of the season.

Destroyers' QB John Kaleo has thrown for 1,188 yards on 103-of-195 passing and 20 touchdowns. Kaleo signed with Columbus in the offseason, coming over from the Los Angeles Avengers. Last season, the Avengers went 10-6 and claimed the Western Division crown under the leadership of Kaleo. Columbus' third ranked scoring defense is led by DS Jerald Brown. Brown has recorded five interceptions and 21 tackles through six weeks.
THE GAME

The Force will travel to Columbus to play the Destroyers on Friday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in Nationwide Arena. This will be Georgia's third road game of the season. The Force are 1-1 on the road this season with a 54-34 win at Las Vegas in Week 4 and a 61-60 loss at Tampa Bay in Week 3. Last week, the Force suffered their third loss of the season, falling to the Austin Wranglers 53-52.

The Force lead the series 3-1, including a 55-48 victory last year at Philips Arena. This year's meeting matches two of the top three scoring defenses against each other. Georgia has the second ranked scoring defense in the AFL, allowing 43.2 points per game through six weeks. Columbus' defense is ranked third in the AFL in scoring, giving up 43.3 points per game. Both teams enter the game 3-3 on the year and will be looking to move above .500 for the season.

Last week, Georgia dropped their third game of the season 53-52 to the Austin Wranglers. Georgia's QB Matt Nagy became the franchise's all-time leader in passing touchdowns in a career with 94. Nagy completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to WR/LB Derek Lee to break the record. The play also put Lee one step closer to another franchise record. The touchdown was Lee's third of the game and tied him with OS Markeith Cooper as the franchise's leading scorer with 274 points. With a touchdown against the Destroyers, Lee will become the team's all-time leader in scoring.

WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Date Day Time
3/6 Monday 11:05-1:00
3/7 Tuesday 11:05-1:00
3/8 Wednesday 11:05-1:00
3/9 Thursday 8:00-8:45

*All players and coaches will be available for interviews

2006 SOUTHERN DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM W L T PCT.
Austin 5 1 0 .833
Tampa Bay 4 2 0 .667
Orlando 4 2 0 .667
GEORGIA 3 3 0 .500
Kansas City 1 5 0 .167

GEORGIA FORCE NEXT WEEK

Georgia will travel to San Jose to face the SaberCats next week. The SaberCats lead the regular season series 3-1. Last season, San Jose defeated Georgia 54-48 at HP Pavilion.

San Jose is 2-4 through six weeks after defeating Utah 65-50 last week.

THE SCHEDULE

GEORGIA FORCE (3-3)

Date OPPONENT RESULT SCORE
Jan. 28 ORLANDO W 48-31
Feb. 5 COLORADO L 61-59
Feb. 10 @ Tampa Bay L 61-60
Feb. 17 @ Las Vegas W 54-34
Feb. 24 KANSAS CITY W 51-19
March 4 AUSTIN L 53-52
March 10 @ Columbus
March 17 @ San Jose
March 26 TAMPA BAY
April 1 @ Kansas City
April 9 @ Austin
April 14 @ Orlando
April 22 DALLAS
April 29 CHICAGO
May 6 @ New York
May 13 PHILADELPHIA

STATISTICS

A look at how Georgia and Columbus match-up on both sides of the ball based on statistics through Week 6 of the 2006 AFL season:

Statistical GEORGIA COLUMBUS
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 6th 54.0 16th 41.5
Scoring Defense 2nd 43.2 3rd 43.3
Total Offense (yds/g) 12th 278.8 18th 232.3
Total Defense (yds/g) 10th 284.0 5th 264.3
Pass Offense 9th 264.7 17th 210.2
Pass Defense 9th 260.5 5th 246.5
Rushing Offense 12th 14.2 8th 22.2
Rushing Defense 12th 23.5 7th 17.8
Pass Rating 6th 114.3 18th 76.1
Pass Def. Rating 4th 94.7 3rd 88.9
Kickoff Returns 8th 17.8 2nd 21.5
MFG Returns 16th 8.5 3rd 28.0
Interceptions (int-yds) 10th 6-128 2nd 10-127
Turnover Margin 7th +2 5th +3
Field Goals 4th 4-6 14th 6-14
PAT Kicking 15th 36-44 4th 29-31
Sacks By (sks-yds) 11th 5-43 13th 4-16
Sacks Against (sks-yds) 9th 4-26 11th 5-25
First Downs 11th 114 17th 98
Opp. First Downs 13th 121 8th 116
Penalties (yds/gm) 10th 38.3 6th 36.5
Opp. Penalties (yds/gm) 17th 28.7 12th 35.5
Red Zone Offense t-12th 20-25 t-16th 19-28
Red Zone Defense 4th 22-31 t-6th 23-30
Time of Possession 18th 27:31 5th 31:07

INDIVIDUAL COMPARISONS

FORCE DESTROYERS
Passing Yards
Nagy...............1,611 Kaleo...............1,188
Rushing Yards
Thomas...............43 Thompson............73
Receiving Yards
Lee.....................538 Davis...................368
Receiving TDs
Lee.......................11 Davis.......................6
Points Scored
Lee.......................66 Davis.....................42
Interceptions
Brown.....................4 J. Brown..................5
Sacks
Wilson.....................2 Janek.......................1

HEAD COACHES

DOUG PLANK, Georgia (16-9, 2nd Year): Doug Plank enters his second season as head coach of the Georgia Force in 2006. In his first season as an AFL head coach, he led the Force on a magical ride to ArenaBowl XIX. Plank was voted 2005 AFL Coach of the Year after leading the Force to a league best 11-5 regular season record and a 13-6 record overall.

The 11-5 mark was the best record in franchise history (previous best 8-8 in 2003), and secured the Force's first Southern Division Championship and the number one seed in the playoffs. The Force went on to win the inaugural National Conference Championship game by defeating the Orlando Predators 60-58. The victory secured the Force's place in ArenaBowl XIX.

Plank has coached in four straight ArenaBowls. He helped lead the Arizona Rattlers to three previous ArenaBowls as their defensive coordinator. In his final season with the Rattlers, the team finished with an 11-5 record and earned the top seed in the AFL playoffs.
A former member of The Ohio State University football team, Plank played in three consecutive Rose Bowls (1973-75). 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 selected by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the 1975 NFL 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.
He has prior broadcasting experience with the Sports USA Radio Network, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State University Football, Fox Sports Net, and Westwood One.

Plank and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Andrea and Michael.

DOUG KAY, Columbus (3-3, 1st Year): Doug Kay was named head coach of the Columbus Destroyers on July 14, 2005. Kay becomes the third head coach in Columbus Destroyers history and sixth in the Buffalo/Columbus franchise history. He has more than 40 years of football experience, including 12 seasons in the AFL. Overall Kay's teams have made the postseason in 10 of his 12 AFL seasons.

His AFL experience began in 1993 as defensive coordinator of the ArenaBowl VII champion Tampa Bay Storm. Four years later, Kay was once again defensive coordinator of a championship team, as the Arizona Rattlers captured ArenaBowl XI in 1997.

Kay will be guiding his third club in the AFL. He was head coach of the Charlotte Rage in 1995 and returned to Charlotte as the head coach of the Carolina Cobras in 2000 and 2001. Prior to the AFL, Kay spent four seasons in the United States Football League with the Boston/New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits.

On the gridiron, at Western Illinois he played under the tutelage of Lou Saban as a quarterback, defensive back, tight end and punter. Kay earned a master's degree in physical education at Indiana State in 1966. He and his wife, Dawn, have two children, Kimber and Bart.

LAST TIME THESE TEAMS MET

ATLANTA, GA - The Georgia Force kept their perfect mark at home, moving to 3-0 with a 55-48 victory over the Columbus Destroyers on 3/6/05. The win took the Force's home winning streak to a team-record five games and kept Georgia atop the AFL standings with a League best-tying 5-1 record. In addition, the Force set a new attendance mark for the third consecutive home game with a record 14,104 at Philips Arena.

Georgia OS Troy Bergeron kept his record setting pace with four receiving touchdowns on 10 receptions, while establishing a new Force single-game high with 169 yards receiving. Force QB Matt Nagy earned his first win as a Force starter, completing 24-of-37 passes for 275 yards and six touchdowns with one interception. For Columbus, WR/LB Cornelius White led the way with a game-high 11 catches for 95 yards and two scores.

Georgia was able to take a 28-21 advantage into the half on the strength of some defensive stops and quick strike offensive plays. Columbus was held scoreless on three possessions through the first two quarters with missed field goals by K Steve Videtich. Both teams traded touchdowns throughout the first quarter, as the Destroyers were able to tie the score as the quarter closed with the help of a WR/DB Sedrick Robinson 54-yard kickoff return. Georgia responded with 14 straight points on two receiving touchdowns from Bergeron, a 38-yard one-play strike from Nagy followed by a 22-yard touchdown reception in a two-play drive. Columbus added a touchdown from WR/LB Cornelius White on a 10-yard catch from D'Orazio to cut the Force lead to seven at the break.

In the third period, Bergeron caught his third touchdown of the game on a 19-yard pass to push the score and Georgia lead to 35-21. Following a fourth missed field goal by Videtich, the Columbus defense stepped up on the Force's next drive as DS Brandon Hefflin intercepted Nagy and returned it 47-yards for a touchdown.

The Destroyers were able to cut the Georgia lead to one point, at 35-34, with White's second scoring reception from four yards out, but that is as close a Columbus would come. The Force scored another 14 straight points on Bergeron's career-high fourth touchdown catch of the game and a net recovery on the ensuing kickoff by FB/LB Chris Demaree in the end zone. Both teams added a touchdown in the final two minutes of play as the Force held on for the win.

Score 1 2 3 4 Final
CLB 14 7 6 21 48
Georgia 14 14 7 20 55

LEADERS
Passing
CLB- Matt D'Orazio, 28-33-251-4
GA- Matt Nagy, 24-37-275-6-1

Receiving
CLB- Cornelius White, 11-95-2
GA- Troy Bergeron, 10-169-4

Rushing
CLB- Matt D'Orazio, 5-13-1
GA- Matt Nagy, 2-11-1

Offensive Player of the Game: Troy Bergeron, Georgia
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Gillis Wilson, Georgia
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Chris Demaree, Georgia

LAST WEEK

Georgia vs. Austin

ATLANTA, GA- Georgia fell to Southern Division rival Austin, 53-52, suffering their second loss of the season at Philips Arena and third overall. With the loss, the Force falls to 3-3 on the season and Austin improves to 5-1 with the win. Force WR/LB Derek Lee hauled in three touchdowns on six catches for 106 yards, helping him etch his name in the Force record books. Lee's three scores ties him with OS Markeith Cooper for first on the Force's all-time scoring list with 274 points scored.

In the first quarter, Georgia and Austin combined to score 35 points, with the Force leading the Wranglers 21-14 at the conclusion of the quarter. The 21 points tied a Force franchise-high for points in the first quarter (last time: at Tampa Bay, 2/13/04). Georgia's FB/LB Robert Thomas scored from two yards out on the opening possession. The ensuing kickoff bounced over an Austin player and was recovered by Georgia's WR/DB Jamin Elliott for a touchdown, giving Georgia a 14-0 lead. Austin's WR/DB Sedrick Robinson returned the following kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Force lead to seven. Georgia responded when QB Matt Nagy connected with Lee for a 34-yard touchdown, stretching the Force lead to 21-7. Austin capped off the scoring in the quarter when FB/LB Torrance Marshall scored from one yard out.

Georgia produced the first defensive stop of the game on Austin's first possession of the quarter as Wranglers QB John Fitzgerald's pass to WR/DB Kevin Nickerson was short of the first down. Georgia scored after the defensive stop, when Nagy completed an eight-yard pass to Lee for a touchdown. The two teams traded scores throughout the rest of the quarter with Force K Nelson Garner drilling a 34-yard field goal as time expired in the half. The field goal gave the Force a 38-33 lead over the Wranglers heading into the half.

After three quarters, Georgia led Austin 52-46. The two teams continued to trade scores with each team scoring two touchdowns a piece. Georgia's scores came on Lee's 29-yard reception and a FB/LB Matt Huebner one-yard touchdown run to end the quarter. Austin's scores came on an eight-yard pass to OL/DL Ramon Robinson from Fitzgerald and a 10 yard fumble recovery by Robinson after a blocked field goal by Georgia's OL/DL Jermaine Smith.

Austin outscored Georgia 7-0 in the final quarter to prevail 53-52. Midway through the fourth quarter, Fitzgerald rushed for a two-yard score to give the Wranglers a 53-52 lead, and they never looked back.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Austin 14 19 13 7 53
Georgia 21 17 14 0 52

LEADERS

PASSING:
GA- Matt Nagy, 22-31-310-4-1
AUS- John Fitzgerald, 23-32-213-4-0

RECEIVING:
GA- Jamin Elliott, 11-145-1
AUS- Kevin Nickerson, 9-104-2

RUSHING:
GA- Robert Thomas, 3-6-1
AUS- Henry Bryant, 2-17-0

OFFENSIVE MVP: Kevin Nickerson, Austin
DEFENSIVE MVP: Jermaine Smith, Georgia
IRONMAN: Derek Lee, Georgia

WEEK 5

Georgia vs. Kansas City

ATLANTA, GA- The Georgia Force defeated Kansas City 51-19 to improve to 3-2 on the year as the Brigade fall to 1-4. The win marked the first time in the 2006 season the Force won consecutive games. The Force have won 14 of 15 games at home dating back to 2004. Georgia was led by rookie WR/LB Jamin Elliott's 10 receptions, 111 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia scored on their opening possession when QB Matt Nagy connected with WR/LB Derek Lee on an 11-yard pass. Kansas City's K Tim Seder missed a 27-yard field goal on the Brigade's ensuing possession. Following the missed field goal, Nagy was sacked by Kansas City's OL/DL Aaron Hamilton, resulting in a safety and the Brigade's only points in the quarter. Force FB/LB Matt Huebner caused Brigade OS Steve Smith to fumble the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by Georgia's WR/DB Nick Ward in the end zone. The first quarter ended when Force OL/DL Jermaine Smith sacked Kelly giving Georgia a 14-2 advantage.

Force FB/LB Robert Thomas blocked Seder's field goal at the beginning of the second quarter; with the ball being recovered at the Kansas City six-yard line. On the next play, Force WR/LB Chris Johnson threw his first career touchdown pass to Lee for a three-yard score. The Brigade answered on the next possession as Kelly hooked-up with Smith for a 48-yard touchdown. Nagy threw his second touchdown of the game mid-way through the quarter when he found Elliott from six yards out. Force K Nelson Garner connected on a 21-yard field goal to end the half and extended the Force lead to 31-16.

The third quarter was highlighted by defense as the Force held the Brigade to only three points. Robert Thomas' one-yard scamper capped off a six-play drive and was the Force's only score of the quarter. Georgia stretched their lead to 38-19 at the end of the quarter.

Georgia's DS Chris Brown sealed the Force victory with a 49-yard interception return with 1:01 left in the fourth quarter. Brown's interception was his fourth in the past two games and his third straight interception return for a touchdown. Georgia held Kansas City scoreless in the final quarter to secure their third win of the season.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
KC 2 14 3 0 19
Georgia 14 17 7 13 51

LEADERS

PASSING:
GA- Matt Nagy, 19-30-203-2-0
KC- Andy Kelly, 29-48-277-1-1

RECEIVING:
GA- Jamin Elliott, 10-111-1
KC- Jerel Myers, 12-88-0

RUSHING:
GA- Robert Thomas, 4-10-2
KC- Jacques Rumph, 2-3-0

OFFENSIVE MVP: Jamin Elliott, Georgia
DEFENSIVE MVP: Nick Ward, Georgia
IRONMAN: Robert Thomas, Georgia

WEEK 4

Georgia at Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV- The Georgia Force, led by rookies DS Chris Brown and WR/DB Jamin Elliott, defeated the Las Vegas Gladiators 54-34. Brown recorded his first career AFL interception in the first quarter and added two more in the second quarter. Brown's three interceptions in a single game tied the franchise record for interceptions in a single game (last time: DS Kevin Gaines, 2/20/05). Elliott registered his first career touchdown reception in the third quarter on a 26-yard strike from Force QB Matt Nagy. He added two more scores in the fourth, while playing for an injured OS Chris Jackson (hamstring). The victory improves the Force's record to 2-2 and drops the Gladiators' to 1-3.

The difference in the first quarter was an interception by Force DS Chris Brown of Gladiator QB Craig Whelihan in the end zone to end Las Vegas' first possession. The interception by Brown marked his first of his AFL career. The Force scored on both of their possessions in the quarter with Nagy connecting with WR/LB Chris Johnson for the first score and Chris Jackson for the second. Las Vegas scored their first points of the game when Whelihan connected with OS Marcus Nash for a touchdown with three seconds remaining in the quarter. The Force led the Gladiators 13-7 at the end of the quarter.

The Force continued to be led by their defense in the second quarter. Georgia's Brown added two more interceptions in the second quarter, returning both for touchdowns (36 and four yards). Whelihan, of Las Vegas threw one touchdown and two interceptions in the quarter, connecting with WR/LB Joe Douglass on a 27-yard score. The other Gladiator score came on an eight-yard run by FB/LB Marlion Jackson.

Las Vegas scored as time expired in the third quarter to cut the Force lead to six points, 40-34, as Nash hauled in a 27-yard pass from Whelihan. After an interception by Nagy, the Gladiators drive stalled after Georgia's OL/DL Gillis Wilson sacked Whelihan on third down, and Las Vegas' K Eric Houle missed the ensuing field goal attempt. Force WR/DB Jamin Elliott recorded his first AFL touchdown reception when Nagy connected on a 26-yard pass with 39 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Elliott continued to produce in the fourth quarter by adding two touchdown receptions of 23 yards and 22 yards thrown by Nagy. Georgia's defense did not allow a single point in the fourth quarter on their way to a 54-34 victory.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Georgia 13 21 6 14 54
LV 7 14 13 0 34

LEADERS

PASSING:
GA- Matt Nagy, 24-36-252-6-3
LV- Craig Whelihan, 25-48-323-4-3

RECEIVING:
GA- Derek Lee, 9-84-0
LV- Marcus Nash, 8-101-2

RUSHING:
GA- Robert Thomas, 4-38-0
LV- Marlion Jackson, 2-8-1

OFFENSIVE MVP: Jamin Elliott, Georgia
DEFENSIVE MVP: Chris Brown, Georgia
IRONMAN: Robert Thomas, Georgia

WEEK 3

Georgia at Tampa Bay

TAMPA BAY, FL- The Georgia Force fell to their Southern Division rival Tampa Bay Storm, 61-60, after coming up short on a two-point conversion with no time remaining in the game. Force QB Matt Nagy ran for a touchdown as time expired in the fourth quarter to give the Force an opportunity for the win, but his pass to WR/LB Chris Johnson was just out of reach. Georgia falls to 1-2 on the season and 1-1 in the division, while the Storm improve to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the division.

The first quarter ended with Georgia trailing Tampa Bay 17-6. Storm QB Shane Stafford ran for a one-yard score on their first possession and connected with WR/LB Bobby Sippio for a touchdown on the team's second possession of the game. The Sippio score was set up by an interception by Tampa's WR/DB Lynaris Elpheage thrown by Force's Nagy. Georgia responded by WR/LB Derek Lee hauling in a 24-yard pass from Nagy.

With 2:11 remaining in the second quarter the Force trailed the Storm 30-13. Nagy hooked up with OS Chris Jackson for a score, cutting the Storm's advantage to 10-points, 30-20. On the ensuing kickoff, Storm DS Jonathan Ordway was stripped by Force FB/LB Robert Thomas and Georgia's FB/LB Chris Demaree recovered at Tampa Bay's five-yard line. Nagy connected with Lee to trim the Storm lead to three, 30-27, heading into the half.

Georgia and Tampa traded scores throughout the third quarter with the Storm leading 46-40 at the end of the quarter. The quarter was highlighted by Jackson returning a kickoff 58-yards for a touchdown. The 58-yard return set a Force franchise record for longest kickoff return (previously 57-yards, accomplished four times, last time by Chris Jackson vs. Austin, 4/8/05).

The two teams battled until the very last second of the fourth quarter. As time expired, Nagy rushed for a one-yard touchdown, making the score 61-60 in favor of the Storm. Georgia attempted a two-point conversion which failed as Nagy's pass intended Johnson fell incomplete.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Georgia 6 21 13 20 60
TB 17 13 16 15 61

LEADERS

PASSING: C-A-Yds-TD-Int
GA- Matt Nagy, 27-37-332-6-2
TB- Shane Stafford, 26-35-328-5-0

RECEIVING: Rec-Yds-TD
GA- Derek Lee, 16-157-3
TB- Lawrence Samuels, 10-107-2

RUSHING: Att-Yds-TD
GA- Chris Johnson, 1-8-0
TB- Jarrod Penright, 3-8-1

OFFENSIVE MVP: Bobby Sippio, Tampa Bay
DEFENSIVE MVP: Lynaris Elpheage, Tampa Bay
IRONMAN: Lawrence Samuels, Tampa Bay

WEEK 2

Georgia vs. Colorado

ATLANTA, GA- The Georgia Force suffered their first home loss in the last 14 games, falling to the Colorado Crush 61-59. The rematch of ArenaBowl XIX lived up to the hype as the game was decided in the final seconds when the Force failed to convert a two-point conversion.

At the end of the first quarter, Colorado led Georgia 14-13. The two teams traded scores throughout the first quarter, with both quarterbacks throwing for two scores. Force QB Matt Nagy completed touchdown passes to WR/LB Rob Carey from 25-yards out and OS Chris Jackson on a 14-yard completion. Crush QB John Dutton connected with OS Damian Harrell twice. The difference in the first quarter was a missed PAT by Force K Nelson Garner after the score by WR/LB Carey.

The Force produced the first defensive stop of the game at the beginning of the second quarter, when DS Nate Coggins deflected a fourth down pass intended for OS Damian Harrell in the corner of the end zone. The teams traded scores until the final minute of the half. The Crush recovered an on-side kick with one minute remaining in the first half. Six plays later, Crush QB John Dutton connected with OS Damian Harrell for his third receiving touchdown in the first half. Colorado's WR/LB Ahmad Hawkins returned a missed field goal 56 yards as time expired in the first half, giving the Crush a 34-20 lead heading into halftime.

A total of 38 points were scored between the two teams in the fourth quarter. Force QB Matt Nagy connected with WR/LB Derek Lee on an eight yard score with 25 seconds remaining. The Force attempted a two-point conversion which failed and sealed the Colorado victory.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Colorado 14 20 7 20 61
Georgia 13 7 21 18 59

LEADERS

PASSING: C-A-Yds-TD-Int
GA- Matt Nagy, 21-32-256-6-0
COL- John Dutton, 29-42-277-6-0

RECEIVING: Rec-Yds-TD
GA- Derek Lee, 10-92-2
COL- Damian Harrell, 11-132-5

RUSHING: Att-Yds-TD
GA- Kevin Aldridge, 2-10-1
COL- Saul Patu, 2-21-1

OFFENSIVE MVP: Damian Harrell, Colorado
DEFENSIVE MVP: Rob Carey, Georgia
IRONMAN: Willis Marshall, Colorado

WEEK 1

Georgia vs. Orlando

ATLANTA, GA- The Georgia Force defeated the Orlando Predators 48-31 in front of 13,265 fans at Philips Arena. The game was decided in the final 45 seconds as the Georgia Force returned two interceptions for touchdowns. The victory improved the Force's opening day record to 4-1 in the franchises five year history.

The Force (1-0) jumped out to an early lead on the first possession of the game as QB Matt Nagy completed 3-of-4 passes, capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass to OS Chris Jackson, to give Georgia their first score of the 2006 season. The touchdown would be the sole score of the first quarter as the Force defense forced the Predators to turn the ball over on downs on their first possession.

Georgia appeared to be on track for another score, but a fumble by OS Chris Jackson on the Orlando two-yard line was recovered by Predators WR Scott Cloman. Orlando would take advantage of the turnover, capping an 11-play drive with a six-yard touchdown pass from QB Joe Hamilton to OS Jimmy Fryzel.

The Force responded quickly as Nagy connected with WR Rob Carey for a 34-yard gain on the first play of the drive. Three snaps later, Nagy would find Jackson in the end zone for the receiver's second score (13 yards) of the game to give the Force a 14-7 lead with 3:24 remaining in the second quarter.

On the Predators following possession, Force LB Kevin Aldridge caused a Predators FB Malon Moye-Moore fumble on the second play of the drive to give Georgia good field position at the 11-yard line. The Force, however, would not find the end zone as the team went four-and-out and were forced to turn the ball over on downs on the Predators one-yard line.

Down by seven, the Predators drove the length of the field on six plays as Hamilton did it through the air and on the ground, completing 3-of-3 passes and capping the drive with a four-yard touchdown run.

With 33 seconds left in the half and the score tied at 14 apiece, Nagy completed three quick passes to WR Derek Lee to bring the Force into ideal field goal position. Force K Nelson Garner, who enters the season having kicked in three straight ArenaBowls, connected on the 29-yard attempt to give Georgia a 17-14 lead heading into the second half.

The Predators opened up the second half backed up on their own 12-yard line, and would have little success moving the ball. A couple of deep passes downfield by

Hamilton proved unsuccessful and the Predators were forced to give the ball over on downs. With good field position on the Predators 12-yard line, the Force were able to muster a Garner field goal (29 yards), increasing their lead to 20-14.

The Predators would respond on their next possession with a 23-yard field goal by K Jay Taylor after a time-consuming nine-play drive. It wouldn't take much time for Orlando to put points on the scoreboard again as the Predators got the ball back on the Force five-yard line after a Nagy fumble. On the very next play, Hamilton found Scot Cloman in the left corner of the end zone for a XX-yard touchdown completion to give the Predators a four-point lead with 14:56 remaining in the final quarter.

The two teams would trade scores with touchdown receptions by Georgia's Derek Lee and Orlando's DeAndrew Rubin. The game was decided by two interceptions returned for touchdowns by the Force's DS Nate Coggins with 35 seconds left in the game and WR/DB Nick Ward with 15 seconds remaining to seal the Force victory.

Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Orlando 0 14 3 14 31
Georgia 7 10 3 28 48

LEADERS

PASSING: C-A-Yds-TD-Int
GA- Matt Nagy, 23-28-256-4-0
ORL- Joe Hamilton, 20-40-189-3-2

RECEIVING: Rec-Yds-TD
GA- Chris Jackson, 9-117-3
ORL- Jimmy Fryzel, 8-63-1

RUSHING: Att-Yds-TD
GA- Robert Thomas, 2-6-0
ORL- M. Moye-Moore, 3-14-0

OFFENSIVE MVP: Chris Jackson, Georgia
DEFENSIVE MVP: Kevin Aldridge, Georgia
IRONMAN: Derek Lee, Georgia

FORCE RECORD BREAKERS

Current Force Players who hold franchise records

SERVICE

Most Games Played (regular season)
51 Jermaine Smith, 2002-03, 2005-Present
44 Marcus Keys, 2003-Present

SCORING

Points, Game
36 Derek Lee, at New York, 3/12/05
Points, Season
208 Derek Lee, 2005

PASSING

Touchdowns, Career
94 Matt Nagy, 2005-Present
Touchdown, Game
9 Matt Nagy vs. Dallas, 5/14/05
Touchdown, Season
66 Matt Nagy, 2005

RUSHING

Yards, Career
417 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Yards, Season
228 Robert Thomas, 2004
Attempts, Career
109 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Attempts, Game
8 Robert Thomas vs. New Orleans, 1/30/05
Touchdowns, Career
24 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Touchdowns, Season
13 Robert Thomas, 2004

RECEIVING

Yards, Game
173 Chris Jackson vs. Dallas, 5/14/05
Receptions, Career
167 Derek Lee, 2005-Present
Receptions, Game
15 Derek Lee, at Tampa Bay, 2/10/06
Receptions, Season
113 Derek Lee, 2005
Touchdowns, Career
44 Derek Lee, 2005-Present

Touchdowns, Game
6 Derek Lee at New York, 3/12/05
Touchdowns, Season
33 Derek Lee, 2005

DEFENSE

Tackles, Career
213.5 Willie Gary, 2003-Present
Tackles, Season
91.5 Willie Gary, 2005
Sacks, Career
13.5 Jermaine Smith, 2002-03, 2005-Present
Sacks, Game
3.0 Gillis Wilson vs. Grand Rapids, 4/15/05
Sacks, Season
5.5 Gillis Wilson, 2005
5.5 Jermaine Smith, 2003
Interceptions, Game
3(three times) Last time: Chris Brown vs. Las Vegas, 2/17/06

ON THE HORIZON

Force franchise records to keep an eye on

SCORING

Points, Career
274 Markeith Cooper, 2002-04
274 Derek Lee, 2005-Present

PASSING

Yards, Career
5,382 Leon Murray, 2003-04
4,614 Matt Nagy, 2005-Present

RECEIVING

Yards, Career
1,928 Markeith Cooper, 2002-04
1,795 Derek Lee, 2005-Present

DEFENSE

Interceptions, Season
9 Kevin Gaines, 2003
4 Chris Brown, through Week 5 of 2006
Interception Return Yardage, Season
135 Ron Carpenter, 2002
90 Chris Brown, through Week 5 of 2006

THE FORCE THIS SEASON ARE

2-2 at home
1-1 on the road

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

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

1-0 in January
2-2 in February
0-1 in March
0-0 in April
0-0 in May

2-2 in televised games

3-1 when leading at the half
0-0 when tied at the half
0-2 when trailing at the half

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

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

3-1 when the Force scores first
0-2 when opponent scores first

THINGS TO WATCH

Setting the Bar

Nagy: Last week against Austin, Nagy's fourth touchdown pass of the game etched his name in the Force record books. With the 29-yard completion to Lee, Nagy became the all-time leader in touchdown passes (94) in franchise history, surpassing Leon Murray (93).

Lee: On the play that put Nagy's name in the record books, Lee also found his name added to the Force record books. Lee has scored 274 career points, tying him with OS Markeith Cooper for the franchise record. With a score against Columbus on Friday, Lee will become the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

New Arrivals

Last season, Force rookies OS Troy Bergeron and WR/LB Derek Lee led the Force to ArenaBowl XIX. In 2006, rookies DS Chris Brown and WR/DB Jamin Elliott look to help the Force return to the ArenaBowl.

Chris Brown
Brown leads the team in tackles (37), interceptions (4) and is second in pass break-ups (6) through six games. In Week 4 at Las Vegas, Brown tied a franchise-high with three interceptions in a single game, returning two of the three for touchdowns. In Week 5 versus Kansas City, Brown collected his fourth interception of the season and his third returned for a touchdown. Brown has returned his last three interceptions for touchdowns. Due to his performances against Las Vegas and Kansas City, Brown was named AFL Rookie of the Month for January/February.

Jamin Elliott
Elliott, who played college football at Delaware with Force QB Matt Nagy, recorded his first touchdown in the AFL in Week 4 at Las Vegas. He registered four receptions for 77 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 54-34 Force victory. Elliott registered his first 100-yard receiving game Week 5 versus Kansas City. He hauled in 10 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in Georgia's 51-19 victory over Kansas City.

Action Jackson- By the Numbers

It is amazing to look how much OS Chris Jackson has done in just over six seasons. Here is a look at what the seven-year veteran has accomplished in 81 career regular season AFL games.

79 games with at least one TD
78 games with at least one receiving TD
56 games with at least two TDs
35 games with at least three receiving TDs
16 games with at least four receiving TDs
42 100-yard receiving games
21 games with 10+ receptions

Sophomore Stud

WR/LB Derek Lee is having no part of a "sophomore slump". After a tremendous rookie season in 2005, when he set an AFL rookie record with 113 receptions (105 by Mike Baker-St. Louis, 1996), Lee is continuing to be an unstoppable force. Lee set a franchise record for receptions in a single game in Week 3 at Tampa Bay by hauling in 15 receptions. Lee ranks third in the league in receptions (54), in addition to recording 538 yards and 11 touchdowns through the first six weeks of the season.

Defensive Toughness

Georgia closed out the 2005 regular season ranked second in the AFL in points allowed per game (46.6). The defense has continued in the same manner in 2006. After Week 6, the Force are second in scoring defense, allowing 41.2 points per game.

Scoring Defense in 2006

TEAM RANK PPG
Nashville 1 38.2
GEORGIA 2 43.2
Columbus 2 43.3

Pick Six

The Force defense has returned five interceptions for touchdowns through Week 6. The five interceptions returned for touchdowns is a franchise record for a single season. The previous mark was four in a single season. The AFL single season record is seven, which has been accomplished three times (last time: San Jose, 2003).

DS Chris Brown has recorded four interceptions in the last three games, including three straight returned for a touchdown. In Week 1, DS Nate Coggins and WR/DB Nick Ward returned interceptions for touchdowns in a 48-31 win over Orlando.

Interceptions Returned for Touchdowns

Opp. Player Yds.
Orlando Nate Coggins 18
Orlando Nick Ward 20
@Las Vegas Chris Brown 32
@Las Vegas Chris Brown 4
Kansas City Chris Brown 49




WEEKLY GAME AWARD WINNERS


Baby Ruth Offensive Player of the Game
WK TEAM PLAYER
1 GA Chris Jackson
2 COL Damian Harrell
3 TB Bobby Sippio
4 GA Jamin Elliott
5 GA Jamin Elliott
6 AUS Kevin Nickerson

ADT Defensive Player of the Game
WK TEAM PLAYER
1 GA Kevin Aldridge
2 GA Rob Carey
3 TB Lynaris Elpheage
4 GA Chris Brown
5 GA Nick Ward
6 GA Jermaine Smith

U.S. Army Ironman of the Game
WK TEAM PLAYER
1 GA Derek Lee
2 COL Willis Marshall
3 TB Lawrence Samuels
4 GA Robert Thomas
5 GA Robert Thomas
6 GA Derek Lee

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