Head-to-head Black & Blue made for an instant rivalry in Week 15, to reignite in the playoffs
Published on May 23, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
The Georgia Force begins its first ever postseason action when it travels to American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Desperados on Saturday, May 24th at 3:00 ET. Georgia enters this Wild Card Round match-up as the league's 12th seed, while host Dallas will be playing as the 5th seed. It has only been two weeks since these two teams last saw each other as Dallas captured a one-point victory 56-55 in their first ever meeting with Georgia.
Since the AFL has went to a 12-team playoff format in 2000, there has only been one 12 seed to upset a number 5 seed. Last season, Tampa Bay defeated Los Angeles 66-41 in the Wild Card Round.
Game Preview:
The Wild Card Round of the AFL playoffs begins this Saturday when the No. 5 Dallas Desperados host the No. 12 Georgia Force. The teams met previously two weeks ago at the Gwinnett Center where the Desperados narrowly held on to win 56-55 after a near fourth-quarter comeback by the Force.
Dallas Head Coach Joe Avezzano has an offense that is averaging a fifth-best 56.8 points per game. Led by second year QB Jim Kubiak, who fared well against the Force two weeks ago (21-29; 258 yards; five touchdowns), and WR/LB Dialleo Burks, who also had a standout game at Georgia (five receptions; 68 yards; two touchdowns) hope to overpower a Force defensive unit led by DS Kevin Gaines (10.0 tackles; two interceptions in last two games).
Georgia Head Coach Marty Lowe has a few weapons as well. Rookie QB Leon Murray had a standout performance vs. Dallas, passing for 354 yards and eight touchdowns. His two top receivers, OS Tyronne Jones (nine receptions vs. Dallas) and WR/LB Darryl Hammond (four touchdowns vs. Dallas), combined for 270 yards in the last meeting with Dallas. A tough obstacle standing in Georgia's way is last week's ADT Defensive Player of the Week, Dallas OL/DL Tom Briggs (12.0 tackles; 2.0 sacks in last five games).
Considering the close score when these teams last squared off, this game could boil down to which squad has the best fourth quarter performance. Dallas and Georgia have both proven to be very strong late in the game. This season the Desperados and Force have both scored more points in the fourth than any other quarter (275 points and 227 points, respectively).
Wild Card Must-See-Matchup: DS Kevin Gaines vs. WR/LB Dialleo Burks
The last time the Dallas Desperados and Georgia Force met, the Desperados came away with a hard-fought 56-55 victory at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth on May 10. Now, the No. 12 Force will get their chance at revenge, when they travel to American Airlines Arena in the re-match on Saturday against the No. 5 Desperados at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The Desperados claim the AFL's fifth-best offense led by WR/LB DIALLEO BURKS (6-2, 195, Eastern Kentucky). Georgia, with the AFL's No. 3 defense, led by DS KEVIN GAINES (6-1, 190, Louisville) will attempt to stop them in their tracks.
In only his second AFL season, Burks (102 receptions for 1,221 yards and 28 touchdowns) has managed to establish himself as a marquee player. With a pair of touchdowns and 61 receiving yards in the last meeting with the Force, Burks will be looking for a repeat performance. Judging from the statistics in his last five games (27 receptions and 10 touchdowns), it is safe to say that Burks is playing at the top of his game and will be a major contributor to Dallas' Drive to ArenaBowl XVII.
Gaines, who is in his sixth AFL season, will be one of Georgia's defensive backs assigned to cover Burks. Gaines has had a standout season leading his team in tackles (53.0) and interceptions (9) making him best-suited for the matchup. In his last five appearances, Gaines recorded five interceptions and 16.5 tackles â proving that he is hitting his stride at the right time. This may prove to be the best one-on-one coverage battles of the Wild Card round.
Darryl Hammond named to AFL 2003 AFL All-Ironman Team
The Arena Football League announced Wednesday that wide receiver/ linebacker Darryl Hammond was named to the All-Ironman team. Hammond seems to defy time as he plays in his 13th season in the AFL breaking the league record for career years of service. (Previous mark 12 years- Sylvester Bembery 1988-2000 and George LaFrance 1988-2000). This marks the third time in his career that he has been named to the All-Ironman team garnering the honor in 2000 and 2001.
Lineman Jermaine Smith named to All-Arena First Team
Tuesday the Arena Football League announced the All-Arena teams, naming offensive/defensive lineman Jermaine Smith in only his second year in the AFL. Smith has established himself as one of the league's most premiere lineman earning his second straight post season award after garnering All-Rookie team honors last season.
Leon Murray named to All-Rookie Team
Leon Murray was named to the All-Rookie team on Monday. Murray established new single-game club marks for passing touchdowns, completions and twice set the record for passing yardage in a game, while leading the Force to the AFL playoffs for the first time in team history.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 23, 2003
- AFL Wild Card Injury Report - AFL I
- AFL Tabs Players of the Month - AFL I
- Fury Kicker Nick Gatto Named AFL's Kicker of the Month - Detroit Fury
- Head-to-head Black & Blue made for an instant rivalry in Week 15, to reignite in the playoffs - Georgia Force
- Chatman Named Offensive Player of the Month - Chicago Rush
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.
