AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Graziani, Mann Set to Battle

February 2, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


PHILADELPHIA QB TONY GRAZIANI vs. LOS ANGELES QB BRIAN MANN

QB TONY GRAZIANI (6-3, 200, Oregon), faces his old team for the first time this week and battles new Los Angeles QB BRIAN MANN (6-2, 205, Dartmouth). Both QBs led their teams to victory last week and look to do the same this week at the Wachovia Center this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

Graziani (19-34, 283 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT) started strong in Week 1 finding three different receivers for TD passes. He also demonstrated his mobility, scoring one TD on the ground. With WR/DB MIKE BROWN (6-0, 195, Charleston Southern) and WR/DB SEAN SCOTT (6-2, 200, Millersville) aiming to surpass 80 yards receiving for the second consecutive game, the Avengers will have to be ready for anything to shut down this dynamic offense.

Last week was supposed to be part of an ongoing QB controversy in Los Angeles between Mann (10-27, 193 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INT) and QB RYAN VAN DYKE (6-5, 230, Michigan State), but Mann solidified his role as the starter, playing the entire second half and orchestrating a win. The newly minted starter, along with help from Ironman of the Week WR/DB KEVIN INGRAM (6-0, 185, West Chester), will look to extend the winning streak into Week 2.

GEORGIA WR/LB CHRIS JACKSON vs. COLORADO OS DAMIAN HARRELL

In this rematch of ArenaBowl XIX, two of the most exciting offensive talents in the league face off in what should be an electrifying match up. Georgia features the explosive WR/LB CHRIS JACKSON (6-2, 205, Washington State), while Colorado unleashes OS DAMIAN HARRELL (6-3, 200, Florida State) at Philips Arena this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

Jackson (9 receptions, 117 yards, 3 TDs) made a statement in Week 1 tearing up the Predators for 194 all-purpose yards. His strong performances should continue with QB MATT NAGY (6-1, 210, Delaware) throwing the ball and with WR/DB DEREK LEE (6-5, 210, Tennessee Tech) helping to spread the field.

Harrell (7 receptions, 111 yards, 4 TDs) is a highlight waiting to happen. He is the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, holds the current AFL record with 50 consecutive regular season games with a TD reception, and caught the game winning pass from QB JOHN DUTTON (6-5, 210, Nevada) last week against the Chicago Rush with one second remaining.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 2, 2006


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