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Halfway mark give Wings time to ponder

May 25, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings News Release


BOSSIER CITY - Sitting in last place at the halfway mark of the 2005 af2 slate was not where the Battle Wings expected to find themselves, but with eight games remaining in the schedule following this weekend's pass, nobody in the organization feels the least bit like this club is close to done.

Fresh off the heels of a landmark victory over then top-ranked Florida, the 'Wings went to Oklahoma City and fell flat offensively, giving up more touchdowns to the Yard Dawgz defense on interceptions (three) than they produced on their own (two) in a 52-17 defeat. The Sooner State remains unkind to the Battle Wings - Bossier is now 0-4 all-time in Oklahoma.

"I think it was a combination of things, but maybe the high of beating Florida just hadn't worn off yet," said 'Wings head coach Keith Barefield. "I've had teams before that had to learn to win, and after beating a top-ranked team, they came out flat the next week. They learned the next time, however, that they should expect to win every time they step on the field."

While the offense clearly had its struggles, the defense shined bright for the 'Wings - especially in the first quarter. The 'Wings deferred after winning the opening toss, then stopped the Yard Dawgz on downs at the Bossier one yard line after OKC had first-and-goal from the two. After missing a long field goal attempt, Bossier again stood tall in the red zone and halted the Dawgz at the Battle Wing two - again after OKC had first-and-goal, this time from the six. The 'Wings broke a scoreless deadlock at the start of the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead.

"Our defense played very, very well, especially in the early going," Barefield continued. "They only gave up 31 points. Considering we'd gotten to the point where we were allowing 65 points per game, having your defense give up only 53 points over two games is a pretty encouraging sign. We're 2-6. There are three teams ahead of us with only three wins and we play every one of them. We're not out of the playoff picture by any means."

Quarterback Tim Hicks struggled throughout the game and gave way to rookie milker Brent Rawls late in the third. The former OU Sooner quarterback, roundly booed by Oklahoma fans in the house, connected on three of seven passes but also tossed three interceptions on the 'Wings final three drives - two of which were returned for Yard Dawgz touchdowns.

"That was Brent's most significant playing time yet and I think he found first-hand the adjustments you have to make in professional football," Barefield said. "He hasn't had a lot of time on the field since his high school days.

The team's frustration at The Ford Center was further compounded by the penalty situation. Up until the game's final moments, the 'Wings had been flagged 14 times for 164 yards in penalties. Oklahoma City was whistled just once for minus two steps through the same portion of the game.

"We're one of only two teams that have played straight through the first eight weeks," Barefield added, "and I think some of the lumps have taken their toll. The last three teams we played were all coming off bye weeks. Now, we're ready to play four games, take another break, and finish with four more. I told the guys in camp that it's not how you start, it's how you finish. We're going to evaluate everyone and look to see where we are, of course, but I can't help but feel less than desparate knowing we've improved to this point and can continue to get better.

To that end, the Battle Wings got a bit bigger at the WR/LB spot by completing a trade with San Diego for former Grambling star Chris Highshaw. The 6-5, 200-pounder played in four games with the Riptide this season, grabbing 10 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, he had six solo tackles and a single defended pass. San Diego accepted future considerations for the lanky receiver/'backer.

Bossier will be without the services of Fred Perry, who departed the River Cities for Saskatchewan in the Canadian Football League. The 'Wings placed Perry on the "other league exemption" list and retain his rights should he become available again. Also, OL/DL Andy Galloway, who came in to replace Greg Jones on an emergency basis, was placed on re-callable reassignment.

The Battle Wing players have the bulk of the week off. Barefield said he and his staff would be looking at additional players during mid-week tryouts with most, if any, roster moves being made next week before the team heads to Albany, NY for the start of the season's second half. Bossier remains on the road the following week, traveling to Macon, GA before returning home June 18 for a Saturday return date with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. Tickets for that 7 p.m. game at the Century Tel Center are available at the Battle Wings headquarters (4400 Barksdale Blvd.) or by calling (318) 746-8755.

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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.

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