Georgia Force game notes
May 2, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
QUICK FACTS
Georgia Force (8-6) at New York Dragons (9-5)
Date: May 6, 2006
Kickoff: 7:00 pm (ET)
Site: Nassau Coliseum (11,985)
Television: CSS
Radio: WQXI 790 AM the Zone (David Hubbard: play-by-play, Chuck Oliver: color analyst)
Coaches: Doug Plank, Georgia (21-12, 2nd Year)
Weylan Harding, New York (19-12, 2nd Year)
Series Record: The New York Dragons lead the all-time series 3-0
2003 @ Georgia 27, New York 34 (4/12)
2004 @ Georgia 28, New York 54 (2/8)
2005 Georgia 51, @ New York 53 (3/12)
THE OPPONENT
The New York Dragons (9-5) enter the contest in the midst of the National Conference playoff race. Through 14 weeks, the Dragons hold the third playoff seed in the conference. Despite a season ending injury to All-Arena QB Aaron Garcia in Week 5, New York has posted a 7-3 record, including three straight victories. Last week, the Dragons defeated the Philadelphia Soul, 65-58, for their ninth win of the season.
New York has been led by QB Nick Browder and WR/LB Mike Horacek. Browder has completed 177-of-277 passes for 2,188 yards, 45 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Horacek, one of the best two-way players in the league, has recorded 113 receptions for 1,570 yards and 34 touchdowns in 14 games.
THE GAME
With two weeks remaining in the regular season and playoff spots still up for grabs, the Georgia Force will travel to New York to play the Dragons on Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m., in Nassau Coliseum. Through 14 weeks, the Dragons hold the third seed in the National Conference playoff race while the Force are currently the fourth seed. These two teams are fighting for playoff positions as well as the right to host at least one playoff game. A win by Georgia will clinch a playoff birth and provide them the inside track for the third seed with one week remaining in the regular season.
Georgia is led by their explosive offense trio of: QB Matt Nagy, OS Chris Jackson and WR/LB Derek Lee. Nagy has completed 324-of-453 passes for 3,724 yards and 76 touchdowns in 14 games. His 128.2 quarterback rating and 71.5% completion percentage lead the league. Jackson finds himself with 101 receptions for 1,214 yards and 32 touchdowns despite missing two games with injury. Lee leads the Force in receptions (111) and has added 1,256 yards and 24 touchdowns receiving.
This game will match-up two of the best two-way players in the game, Georgia's WR/LB Derek Lee and New York's WR/LB Mike Horacek. Lee has registered 111 catches for 1,256 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense and has added 12.5 tackles, three interceptions, three pass defenses and one fumble recovery on defense. Horacek's numbers are equally as impressive, as he has recorded 113 receptions for 1,570 yards and 34 touchdowns in addition to 25 tackles, one interception, six pass defenses and one fumble recovery on defense.
2006 SOUTHERN DIVISION STANDINGS
TEAM W L T PCT.
Orlando 9 5 0 .643
GEORGIA 8 6 0 .571
Austin 8 6 0 .571
Tampa Bay 7 7 0 .500
Kansas City 3 11 0 .214
WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Date Day Time
5/01 Monday OFF
5/02 Tuesday 11:30-1:00 p.m.
5/03 Wednesday 11:00-12:30 p.m.
5/04 Thursday 11:00-12:30 p.m.
5/05 Friday 9:00-10:00 a.m.
*All players and coaches will be available for interviews
GEORGIA FORCE NEXT WEEK
Georgia will host the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m., in Philips Arena for their regular season finale. Georgia is currently 4-3 at Philips Arena through seven games this season.
Last week, the Soul where defeated by New York, 65-58, falling to 7-7 on the year.
THE SCHEDULE
GEORGIA FORCE (8-6)
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 W 68-50
March 17 @ San Jose L 56-55
March 26 TAMPA BAY W 61-51
April 1 @ Kansas City W 55-47
April 9 @ Austin W 61-29
April 14 @ Orlando L 57-41
April 22 DALLAS L 62-59
April 29 CHICAGO W 55-20
May 6 @ New York
May 13 PHILADELPHIA
CONNECTIONS
Georgia QB Matt Nagy spent one season with the Dragons in 2002...Force DS Nate Coggins attended training camp with the Dragons in 2005...New York offensive coordinator Tony Kimbrough held the same position with the Force in 2002 for the team's first five games...Dragons back-up QB Sam Clemons attended training camp with the Force this season.
STATISTICS
A look at how Georgia and New York match-up statistically on both sides of the ball through Week 14 of the 2006 AFL season:
Statistical GEORGIA NEW YORK
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 3rd 55.2 6th 54.1
Scoring Defense 3rd 45.1 16th 55.0
Total Offense (yds/g) 14th 280.1 8th 287.7
Total Defense (yds/g) 16th 299.6 12th 290.8
Pass Offense 10th 264.9 5th 273.9
Pass Defense 16th 279.2 10th 266.4
Rushing Offense 10th 15.3 15th 13.8
Rushing Defense 10th 20.4 16th 24.4
Pass Rating 1st 127.0 4th 118.3
Pass Def. Rating 7th 104.2 5th 102.8
Kickoff Returns 9th 17.3 8th 17.5
MFG Returns 3rd 21.8 4th 21.0
Interceptions (int-yds) 14th 12-242 1st 23-297
Turnover Margin t-3rd +6 6th +3
Field Goals 10th 6-13 17th 6-17
PAT Kicking 16th 87-105 9th 85-97
Sacks By (sks-yds) 1st 22-135 12th 12-53
Sacks Against (sks-yds) 7th 10-55 18th 36-152
First Downs 15th 258 9th 277
Opp. First Downs 17th 292 16th 289
Penalties (yds/gm) 6th 39.2 17th 46.6
Opp. Penalties (yds/gm) 18th 32.5 16th 33.1
Red Zone Offense 3rd 54-63 6th 49-61
Red Zone Defense 5th 58-77 4th 56-75
Time of Possession 18th 27:47 11th 30:05
INDIVIDUAL COMPARISONS
FORCE DRAGONS
Passing Yards
Nagy..................3,724 Browder...............2,188
Touchdown Passes
Nagy.......................76 Browder....................45
Rushing Yards
Thomas.................107 McCleskey.................53
Receiving Yards
Lee....................1,256 Horacek...............1,570
Receiving TDs
Jackson...................32 Horacek....................34
Points Scored
Jackson.................216 Horacek..................218
Interceptions
Brown.......................4 Singfield.....................7
Sacks
Smith......................6.0 Cowsette..................7.0
HEAD COACHES
DOUG PLANK, Georgia (21-12, 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.
WEYLAN HARDING, New York (19-12, 2nd Year): Weylan Harding begins his second season as the head coach of the Dragons in 2006. Last Year, in his first season he took the Dragons to their third consecutive Eastern Division Championship with a 10-6 record. He was also a runner up for Coach of the Year honors and mentored All-Arena and All-Rookie sensation DS Billy Parker. Running the Dragon's defense, Harding's defensive backs led the league in interceptions with 28.
Harding had a standout collegiate career at Iowa State University where he was a key component to their defensive unit in the early 90's. In his junior season, he was named to the All-Big 8 team with 74 tackles and 21 pass defenses.
LAST TIME THESE TEAMS MET
UNIONDALE, NY - New York (5-1) K Rob Bironas' 32-yard field goal with 14.5 seconds left in the game proved to be the difference as the Dragons defeated the Georgia Force (5-2) 53-51. New York DS Billy Parker sealed the victory with an interception off Georgia QB Matt Nagy in the final seconds.
The Dragons were led by WR/DB Corey Johnson, who finished the game with two touchdowns on special teams returns and added one score receiving on six catches for 73 yards. Johnson also contributed on defense with an interception. For Georgia, WR/LB Derek Lee posted a then career-high six receiving touchdowns on 11 receptions for 148 yards.
The first half was a tale of two quarters with both teams scoring at will in the first 15 minutes of play and defensive pressure in the second period. New York got on the scoreboard first with an QB Aaron Garcia touchdown pass to OS Mike Horacek from 9-yards out. After that each team went on a scoring frenzy with the next 34 points coming off of only seven plays. Georgia put up 14 quick points on a one-play strike from Nagy to Lee from 31-yards, then Nagy found OS Troy Bergeron on a two-play possession from 35-yards but a missed PAT by Nelson Garner left the Force down by one. Between the Georgia's two touchdowns, the Dragons Johnson returned a kickoff 55 yards for a score. Lee added another touchdown from Nagy on a three-play 14-yard TD, as New York took a 21-20 lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Georgia defense came up with the game's first stop forcing the Dragons into a turnover on downs. On the Force's following drive, Nagy was intercepted by Johnson in the red zone. New York grabbed a three point lead at the break as Bironas connected from 24 yards to give the Dragons a 31-28 advantage.
Georgia evened the score at, 44-44, by the end of the third quarter with a key safety by OL/DL Jermaine Smith. Both quarterbacks added touchdown passes in the third frame and Johnson made his second special teams score of the contest with a 57-yard missed field goal return. In the fourth quarter, the Force took their only lead of the game at 51-50 on Lee's sixth touchdown of the game with 4:21 left. New York was able to drive down on their next possession and run enough time off the clock setting up Bironas' game winning kick. Nagy, who passed for a game-high seven touchdowns in the game, threw two interceptions in the final quarter.
Score 1 2 3 4 Final
Georgia 20 8 16 7 51
N.Y. 21 10 13 9 53
LEADERS
Passing
NY- Aaron Garcia, 24-32-275-5-1
GA- Matt Nagy, 23-37-328-7-3
Receiving
NY- Mike Horacek, 8-100-3
GA- Derek Lee, 11-148-6
Rushing
NY- Josh White, 3-19
GA- Kevin Aldridge, 1-3
Offensive Player of the Game: Derek Lee, Georgia
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Chris Angel, New York
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Chris Johnson, New York
LAST WEEK
Georgia vs. Chicago
ATLANTA, GA- The Georgia Force moved one-step closer to a playoff berth with their eighth win of the season, 55-20, over the Chicago Rush last weekend. With the win, Georgia improves to 8-6 on the season while Chicago falls to 5-9. The Force defense recorded four sacks and two interceptions on the night while Georgia's offense scored touchdowns on eight of their 10 possessions. Georgia's WR/LB Derek Lee recorded eight catches for 108 yards and three touchdowns on offense and added three tackles and one interception on defense. Lee returned the interception 45 yards for Georgia's final score of the game.
The first quarter ended with Georgia leading Chicago, 14-7. The Force opened the game with a four-play drive resulting in a 31-yard touchdown grab by Lee from QB Matt Nagy. Chicago's QB Matt D'Orazio was sacked on third down by Georgia's OL/DL Chris Demaree. D'Orazio injured his ankle on the play and did not return. Rush K Dan Frantz attempted a 54-yard field goal which was blocked by the Force's OL/DL Jermaine Smith. Georgia took advantage of the defensive stop when Lee caught his second touchdown pass of the quarter, this time from 18 yards out. Chicago scored on an eight-yard pass from QB Michael Bishop to WR/LB Etu Molden with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter.
At the end of the half, the Force led the Rush, 42-7. The seven points allowed by Georgia was the fewest points allowed in the first half since June 14, 2002 at Carolina. Georgia's defense continued to supply the force necessary to stop Chicago. The Force defense stopped the Rush on all three of their possessions in the second quarter, in addition to recording two sacks (Smith, OL/DL Bobby Setzer) and an interception by FB/LB Kevin Aldridge. Georgia's offense continued to light up the score board, scoring all three possessions in the quarter. Nagy connected with Lee, OS Chris Jackson and WR/LB Carl Morris for scores. The touchdown reception by Morris marked his first career receiving touchdown in the AFL. In the first half, Lee recorded seven catches for 105 yards and three touchdowns.
Georgia continued to lead Chicago at the end of the third quarter, 49-13. Chicago's 12-year AFL veteran FB/LB Bob McMillen scored the Rush's second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run. Georgia answered as Nagy hit WR/DB Rob Carey in the back of the end zone on the Force's ensuing possession. Carey marked the fourth different receiver to catch a touchdown pass for Georgia in the game.
Each team scored a touchdown in the final quarter as Georgia defeated Chicago, 55-20. The Force's score came on a 45-yard interception return by Lee. The interception return was the seventh interception returned for a touchdown by the Force this season. The seven returns ties an AFL record for interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season with San Jose (2003).
Score 1 2 3 4 Total
Chicago 7 0 6 6 20
Georgia 14 21 7 7 55
LEADERS
PASSING:
GA- Matt Nagy, 20-28-236-7
CHI- Michael Bishop, 28-42-2-2
RECEIVING:
GA- Derek Lee, 8-108-3
CHI- Etu Molden, 10-77-1
RUSHING:
GA- Kevin Aldridge, 2-10
CHI- Charlie Cook, 1-10
OFFENSIVE MVP: Matt Nagy, Georgia
DEFENSIVE MVP: Jermaine Smith, Georgia
IRONMAN: Derek Lee, Georgia
FORCE RECORD BREAKERS
Current Force Players who hold franchise records
SERVICE
Most Games Played (regular season)
59 Jermaine Smith, 2002-03, 2005-Present
SCORING
Points, Career
358 Derek Lee, 2005-Present
Points, Game
42 Chris Jackson, vs Tampa Bay, 3/26/06
Points, Season
216 Chris Jackson, through Week 14 of 2006
PASSING
Touchdowns, Career
142 Matt Nagy, 2005-Present
Touchdown, Game
9 Matt Nagy vs. Dallas, 5/14/05
Touchdown, Season
76 Matt Nagy, through Week 14 of 2006
Yards, Season
3,724 Matt Nagy, through Week 14 of 2006
Yards, Career
6,727 Matt Nagy, 2005-Present
RUSHING
Yards, Career
480 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Yards, Season
228 Robert Thomas, 2004
Attempts, Career
125 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Attempts, Game
8 Robert Thomas vs. New Orleans, 1/30/05
Touchdowns, Career
26 Robert Thomas, 2004-Present
Touchdowns, Season
13 Robert Thomas, 2004
RECEIVING
Yards, Game
192 Derek Lee at San Jose, 3/17/06
Yards, Career
2,513 Derek Lee, 2005-Present
Receptions, Career
224 Derek Lee, 2005-Present
Receptions, Game
15 Derek Lee, at Tampa Bay, 2/10/06
Receptions, Season
113 Derek Lee, 2005
Touchdowns, Career
57 Derek Lee, 2005-Present
Touchdowns, Game
6 Derek Lee at New York, 3/12/05
Chris Jackson vs. Tampa Bay, 3/26/06
Touchdowns, Season
33 Derek Lee, 2005
DEFENSE
Tackles, Career
245.5 Willie Gary, 2003-Present
Tackles, Season
109.5 Chris Brown, through Week 14 of 2006
Sacks, Career
18.5 Jermaine Smith, 2002-03, 2005-Present
Sacks, Season
6.0 Jermaine Smith, through Week 14 of 2006
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
RECEIVING
Receptions, Season
113 Derek Lee, 2005
111 Derek Lee, through Week 14 of 2006
Touchdowns, Season
33 Derek Lee, 2005
32 Chris Jackson, through Week 14
DEFENSE
Interception Return Yardage, Season
135 Ron Carpenter, 2002
90 Chris Brown, through Week 13 of 2006
THE FORCE THIS SEASON ARE
4-3 at home
4-3 on the road
1-1 vs. Central Division
1-1 vs. Eastern Division
5-3 vs. Southern Division
1-1 vs. Western Division
3-3 on Fridays
3-2 on Saturday
2-1 on Sundays
1-0 in January
2-2 in February
2-2 in March
3-2 in April
0-0 in May
6-5 in televised games
7-4 when leading at the half
1-0 when tied at the half
0-2 when trailing at the half
8-3 when leading after three quarters
0-1 when tied after three quarters
0-2 when trailing after three quarters
0-0 outcome 7 points or less
0-5 outcome 3 points or less
0-1 overtime games
6-2 when the Force scores first
2-4 when opponent scores first
THINGS TO WATCH
SETTING THE BAR HIGH
Lee: In Week 8, WR/LB Lee surpassed former Force OS Markeith Cooper as the franchise's all-time scorer (304) with his touchdown grab in the first quarter against San Jose. Lee also passed Cooper as Georgia's all-time leader in receiving yards (2,051) that same week. Lee registered 192 yards receiving against San Jose, setting the franchise record for receiving yards in a single game (Chris Jackson: 173 vs. Dallas, 5/14/05). With his three receiving touchdowns and an interception returned for a touchdown against Chicago in Week 14, Lee passed Jackson as the franchise's all-time leading scorer (358). Jackson currently has 348 career points as a member of the Force.
Jackson: In Week 9 against Tampa Bay, OS Chris Jackson recorded 10 receptions for 124 yards for six touchdowns on offense and added two kickoff returns for 75 yards and one touchdown. His seven touchdowns marked a Force franchise record in a single-game, surpassing teammate Derek Lee's record of six that he set on 3/12/05 at New York. The 42 points that Jackson scored were also a new Force single-game high, passing Lee's 36 points. Jackson was named AFL Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Tampa Bay.
Nagy: In Week 10, QB Matt Nagy surpassed former Force QB Leon Murray as the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards. On his first completion of the game with a 28-yard pass to WR/LB Jamin Elliott, Nagy passed Murray (5,382) with 5,398 yards as a member of the Georgia Force. He finished with 295 yards in the game and with 5,665 yards passing as Georgia's quarterback. Nagy's seven touchdown performance in Week 13 against Dallas set a new franchise single-season high in touchdown passes in one season (69). The previous mark was set by Nagy last season with 66. In Week 14, Nagy passed Murray (3,645) as the franchise's single-season leader in passing yards. He finished with 236 yards against Chicago, giving him 3,724 yards through Week 14.
Brown: In Week 12, DS Chris Brown became Georgia's single-season tackle leader with 96.5. Brown passed DS Willie Gary's 91.5 set last year. Brown recorded 5.5 tackles against Orlando in Week 12. He currently has 109.5 tackles on the year.
Smith: Georgia's OL/DL Jermaine Smith has recorded 18.5 sacks as a member of the Force. The 18.5 sacks with the Force makes him the all-time leader in sacks in franchise history. In Week 9 against Tampa Bay, Smith recorded two sacks, including a safety late in the first half. In Week 12 against Orlando, Smith recorded 1.5 sacks and three total tackles. Smith recorded one sack against Chicago in Week 14. Smith has 6.0 sacks through 14 games, a new Force single-season record (Jermaine Smith: 5.5, 2003).
Defense: The Force defense has set several Force franchise single-season records themselves. The defense has recorded 22 sacks on the year, surpassing the previous mark of 16 set in 2003. Georgia currently ranks first in the AFL in sacks (22) through Week 14. The defense has also returned seven interceptions for a touchdown through 14 weeks. The seven interceptions for touchdowns tie the San Jose SaberCats (2003) for an AFL single-season high.
PULLING AWAY
The Force are ranked second in the league in scoring differential through 14 games. Georgia has scored 779 points, while their opponents have scored only 631 points, a difference of 146 points.
Scoring Differential
Rank Team Point Differential
1 Dallas 178
2 GEORGIA 146
3 Orlando 59
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. In Week 8, Lee recorded a franchise-high 192 yards receiving in a single-game on 11 catches for five touchdowns. Lee is tied for seventh in the league in receptions (103), in addition to having recorded 1,148 yards and 21 touchdowns through 13 weeks of the season. Lee was named AFL U.S. Army Ironman of the Week in Week 11 for his performance against Austin. Lee recorded six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown on offense and added two tackles and an interception on defense. In Week 14, Lee recorded eight catches for 108 yards and three touchdowns on offense and added three tackles and an interception on defense. He returned the interception 45-yards for a touchdown.
IRONMAN OF THE YEAR
In just under two seasons Derek Lee has placed himself as one of the best two-way players in the game. Lee should lead the conversation when it comes to AFL Ironman of the Year for the 2006 season. Through 14 weeks, Lee has registered 111 receptions for 1,256 yards and 24 touchdowns on offense in addition to 12.5 tackles, three interceptions, three pass defenses and one fumble recovery. Last week, Lee returned an interception 45-yards for a touchdown, his first interception returned for a touchdown in his career. Lee was named AFL U.S. Army Ironman of the Week in Week 11 for his performance against Austin. Lee recorded six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown on offense and added two tackles and an interception on defense.
SACK MASTER
Georgia's OL/DL Jermaine Smith has recorded 18.5 sacks as a member of the Force. The 18.5 sacks with the Force makes him the all-time leader in sacks in franchise history. In Week 9 against Tampa Bay, Smith recorded two sacks, including a safety late in the first half. In Week 12 against Orlando, Smith recorded 1.5 sacks and three total tackles. Smith recorded one sack against Chicago in Week 14. Smith has 6.0 sacks through 14 games, a new Force single-season record (Jermaine Smith: 5.5, 2003).
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, WR/DB Jamin Elliott and WR/LB Carl Morris look to help the Force return to the ArenaBowl.
Chris Brown: Brown is second the league in tackles (109.5), in addition to his four interceptions and has eight pass defensed through 14 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. In Week 8, Brown led the team with 10.5 tackles at San Jose.
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. Elliott added four scores against Columbus in Week 7, three receiving touchdowns and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. In Week 12, Elliott registered eight catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns and added 5.5 tackles on defense at Orlando.
Carl Morris: Morris made his AFL debut in Week 13 against Dallas. Morris recovered an onside kick and returned it 36-yards for a touchdown in his first career AFL game. Last week, he recorded three catches for 26 yards and one touchdown on offense and added 2.5 tackles on defense.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE
Georgia's high octane offense is the most efficient in the AFL. The Force have scored on 117-of-156 (75%) possessions through 14 weeks, ranking them first in the league.
Overall Scoring Percentage
Team Rank Poss. TD FG Scores Score%
GEORGIA 1 156 111 6 117 75
Dallas 2 169 112 7 119 70.41
Los Angeles 3 163 90 23 113 69.33
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 89 career regular season AFL games.
87 games with at least one TD
86 games with at least one receiving TD
62 games with at least two TDs
39 games with at least three receiving TDs
20 games with at least four receiving TDs
47 100-yard receiving games
26 games with 10+ receptions
* Only player to win the AFL Rookie of the Year (2000) and later capture AFL Offensive Player of the Year (2003).
PICK SIX
The Force defense has returned seven interceptions for touchdowns through Week 14. The seven interceptions returned for touchdowns is a franchise record for a single-season. The previous mark was four in a single-season. Georgia has tied the single-season record of seven, which has been accomplished three times (last time: San Jose, 2003).
DS Chris Brown has recorded four interceptions on the year, 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. Last week, rookie WR/LB Jamin Elliott returned his first career interception 36 yards for a touchdown en route to a 61-29 win over Austin.
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
@Austin Jamin Elliott 36
Chicago Derek Lee 45
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Force DS Chris Brown is a leading candidate for AFL Rookie of the Year. Brown is second in the league in tackles (102.5) in addition to recording four interceptions, eight pass defenses and one fumble recovery through 14 games. He has returned three of his four interceptions for touchdowns and recorded three interceptions at Las Vegas in Week 4 and returned two of them for touchdowns. The following week against Kansas City, Brown returned his third straight interception for a touchdown to secure Georgia's, 51-19, victory over the Brigade. Brown was also named AFL Rookie of the Month for January/February.
YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD
The Georgia Force are ranked third in the league in scoring offense through 14 weeks. Georgia is averaging 55.2 points per game.
Scoring Offense
Rank Team PPG
1 Dallas 57.1
2 Colorado 56.3
3 GEORGIA 55.2
4 San Jose 54.9
SEEING RED
The Force's red zone offense is ranked third in the league through 14 weeks. Georgia is scoring 85.7% of the time in the red zone, including 51 touchdowns and three field goals.
Red Zone Offense
Rank Team Scoring %
1 Los Angeles 89.9
2 San Jose 86.8
3 GEORGIA 85.7
4 Colorado 83.5
5 Orlando 82.8
HOLDING THEIR OWN
The Force defense has held their own when it comes to scoring points. Georgia's defense has scored 12 touchdowns through 14 weeks. They have recovered five fumbles for touchdowns and have returned seven interceptions for touchdowns. Orlando and Dallas have scored the second most defensive touchdowns with seven.
AFL HISTORY 101
Georgia Force players and their place in AFL History.
* QB Matt Nagy currently ranks first in career completion percentage in AFL history. Nagy's 68.2 completion percentage leads San Jose's Mark Grieb (66.1) and Orlando's Joe Hamilton (66.1).
* Nagy is also currently ranked second in career QB rating in AFL history. In the 20 year history of the AFL, Nagy's 121.38 rating ranks him only behind San Jose's Mark Grieb (123.79).
* OS Chris Jackson ranks third in all-time scoring in AFL history. Jackson has scored 1,386 points in almost seven seasons. AFL greats Barry Wagner (2,392) and Eddie Brown (2,070) are ahead of Jackson on the list.
* Jackson also ranks fifth all-time in receiving touchdowns in AFL history. He has recorded 218 career receiving touchdowns, placing him behind Eddie Brown (303), Barry Wagner (264), Damian Harrell (239) and Corey Fleming (234) on the all-time list.
* Jackson has recorded 9,375 yards receiving, ranking him seventh on the AFL's all-time list.
LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS
AFL Rookie of the Week
DS Chris Brown- Week 4
AFL Rookie of the Month
DS Chris Brown- January/February
AFL Offensive Player of the Week
OS Chris Jackson- Week 9
AFL Ironman of the Week
WR/LB Derek Lee- Week 11
MOVING THE CHAINS
Georgia's offense is ranked first in the AFL in third down conversion percentage through Week 14. The Force have converted on 49-of-79 third downs, good for a 62% clip. Colorado ranks second, converting 54.8% of their third downs.
Team Conv. Att Pct.
GEORGIA 49 79 62
Colorado 51 93 54.8
Dallas 44 83 53
Chicago 50 101 49.5
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
WR/LB Derek Lee and OS Chris Jackson are one of only two receiving tandems in the league to each have over 1,200 yards receiving through Week 14.
Top four receiving tandems through Week 14
Name Team Rec. Yds TD
Lee/Jackson Georgia 111/101 1,256/1,214 24/32
Shaw/Pettis Dallas 96/88 1,364/1,220 32/25
Horacek/Swayne N.Y. 113/90 1,570/1,057 34/26
Harrell/McCullough Colorado 138/80 1,730/957 51/13
MR. CONSISTENCY
Force OS Chris Jackson has caught at least one touchdown pass in 27 straight games dating back to Week 2 of 2005. In 20 of the 27 games Jackson has recorded at least two receiving touchdowns.
200 CLUB
In Week 13, OS Chris Jackson passed the 200 point plateau on the year. Jackson has scored 216-points through 14 weeks, despite missing two games due to injury. Jackson's 216 points is a new franchise record for points scored in a single-season (208), which was set by Derek Lee last year.
CAN YOU HANDLE THE PRESSURE
The Force are 8-0 when they record more sacks then there opponent. In four of their six losses Georgia has not recorded a sack and in their other two losses the opposition matched Georgia's sack total. Last week, the Force registered four sacks in their, 55-20, victory over Chicago.
WEEKLY GAME AWARD WINNERS
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
7 GA Chris Jackson
8 GA Derek Lee
9 GA Chris Jackson
10 KC Chris Sanders
11 GA Chris Jackson
12 ORL Joe Hamilton
13 DAL Terrill Shaw
14 GA Matt Nagy
15
16
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
7 GA Adam Metts
8 GA Nate Coggins
9 GA Jermaine Smith
10 GA Nate Coggins
11 GA Jamin Elliott
12 ORL Kenny McEntyre
13 DAL C. Weatherington
14 GA Jermaine Smith
15
16
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
7 GA Jamin Elliott
8 SJ Phil Glover
9 TB Bobby Sippio
10 GA Kevin Aldridge
11 GA Derek Lee
12 ORL Javarus Dudley
13 DAL Dialleo Burks
14 GA Derek Lee
15
16
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