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AFL Arena Football League

Jaworski Takes on Swann in AFL Opener

March 3, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release


Week One: NFL Network ‚¬â„¢s ‚¬Å“Arena Football Friday ‚¬Â

Philadelphia Soul (0-0, 0-0) at Pittsburgh Power (0-0, 0-0)

Friday, March 11, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Consol Energy Center/SMG (18,087) ‚¬" Pittsburgh, PA

HOW THEY MATCH UP: JAWS VS. SWANN

The first time Lynn Swann matched up with Ron Jaworski was on Saturday, December 20, 1975. Swann threw on his black and yellow, Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, while Jaworski threw passes for the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

During the tough, defensive battle, Swann only hauled in one ball for four yards. Jaworski led the Rams to a 10-3 victory but was held to only six completions for 79-yards and an interception.

The two would match up again on Sunday, September 30, 1979. This time, Jaworski was in a Philadelphia Eagles jersey facing Swann. Swann, however, was scratched from the game. With Pittsburgh down a receiving threat, Jaworski lifted the Eagles to an impressive 17-14 victory and posted 158-passing yards. Swann and the Steelers, however, would become Super Bowl Champions.

Now, both are back in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, respectively. Friday, March 11, 2011 will be the first time since December 20, 1975 the two will suit up in competition; not as players, but as Owners in the Arena Football League. All the action can be seen on NFL Network kicking off at 8:00 p.m./ET.

QUICK HITTERS

- On Friday, March 11, 2011, RON JAWORSKI ‚¬â„¢S Philadelphia Soul will take on LYNN SWANN ‚¬â„¢S Pittsburgh Power. The former NFL stars are icons in Pennsylvania and nation-wide.

- In his 15-years (1974-89) as an NFL quarterback, Jaworski played ten seasons (1977-86) for the Philadelphia Eagles.

- Jaworski was named as a Pro Bowler in 1980.

- Swann shined at wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers during his nine-year career (1974-82). His 336 receptions for 5,462-yards and 51 touchdowns paved the way to a Hall of Fame induction in 2001.

THE HEATED RIVALRY

The Pittsburgh-Philadelphia sports rivalry is as intense an intra-state rivalry as they come.

The Phillies and Pirates have been competing in the Major League Baseball National League since 1887. In the NHL ‚¬â„¢s Atlantic Division, the Penguins and Flyers have been dueling for ice supremacy since 1967 and the Steelers and Eagles storied history together ‚¬" including the 1943 season, when the two teams actually merged to become the ‚¬Å“Steagles ‚¬Â ‚¬" dates back to 1933. This year marks the beginning of a new rivalry in Pennsylvania sports, as the Soul and Power will clash for the first time on March 11.

ABOUT THE AFL GAME

Although the NFL season has ended, football is far from over. Arena Football is a unique, intimate, fast-paced and high-scoring game. Played in an arena by squads of eight men on a fifty-yard field, the Arena Football League offers the same action-packed, high-caliber competition of the outdoor game in a fun, innovative manner. In 2011, the AFL will even take the Arena game outdoors, as the Spokane Shock will host the Utah Blaze on July 9 at Joe Albi Stadium in the AFL ‚¬â„¢s first ever regular season outdoor game. The 18-game, 20-week regular season runs March 11-July 22. Postseason play begins July 29 and the AFL season concludes with ArenaBowl XXIV on August 12.

AFL ON NFL NETWORK

NFL Network will once again showcase the Arena Football League with ‚¬Å“Arena Football Friday. ‚¬Â This is the second consecutive season NFL Network and the AFL have partnered to bring Arena Football games to fans across the country. For the 2011 season, NFL Network will feature 23 AFL games, including 20 regular season contests, two playoff games and ArenaBowl XXIV. Not only will Arena Football games be broadcasted nationwide, the games will also be shown internationally on American Forces Network. ‚¬Å“Arena Football Friday ‚¬Â kicks off with in-state rivals, Philadelphia Soul at Pittsburgh Power.

ABOUT THE POWER

The Pittsburgh Power is the fourth city to be added to the 2011 AFL season. Pittsburgh rejoins the AFL after playing from 1987-1991 as the Pittsburgh Gladiators. Pittsburgh rejoins the AFL with great excitement after a strong recruiting offseason and guidance from Head Coach Chris Siegfried. Siegfried was previously the offensive coordinator of the AFL ‚¬â„¢s Kansas City Brigade and Jacksonville Sharks. In 2006, Siegfried became the Head Coach of the first year expansion af2 team, Spokane Shock. In his first season as coach, Siegfried led the Shock to an ArenaCup Championship and a 14-2 regular season record. Coach Siegfried brought with him to Pittsburgh standout athletes like Bernard Morris and Jerome Mathis. Siegfried also signed Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli, in order to create competition with Morris for the starting quarterback position. ‚¬Å“That ‚¬â„¢s the direction that we as an organization wanted to go. We wanted to get young guys that we can build the franchise around and grow with. We have a lot of young players at other positions as well. I think that goes with the M.O. of the franchise, ‚¬Â Head Coach Chris Siegfried said. Siegfried has also brought in defensive weapons like cornerback Carlos Campbell and defensive lineman Terrance Carter.

The new additions to the Pittsburgh Power have created excitement all across the city. Siegfried plans on bringing his winning mentality and offensive mindset to the Pittsburgh organization. Coach Siegfried acknowledges that if he wants to have success in the AFL, it is extremely important to bring in players who have a strong will and desire to win and succeed. The Power will have a tough competitor right out of the gates, as they take on their cross-state rival, Philadelphia Soul. Both teams head into the AFL season after missing 2010. Pittsburgh will host Philadelphia in the new Consol Energy Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Both teams look to win their first game back in the AFL, and show other teams in the League their talents and tough style of play. Coach Siegfried and the Pittsburgh Power understand that the goal of winning the ArenaBowl Championship begins with Philadelphia on March 11. Pittsburgh also hopes to win and gain bragging rights in the battle for state supremacy.

ABOUT THE SOUL

On July 27, 2008, the Philadelphia Soul were crowned champions for the first time in franchise history, defeating the San Jose SaberCats 59-56 in ArenaBowl XXII. But when the Arena Football League went on a one-year hiatus in 2009, so did the Soul. The League returned to arenas in 2010, but the Wells Fargo Center remained vacant. Now, in 2011, Philly is back and, perhaps, better than ever.

The Soul has only one goal in mind: bringing the ArenaBowl trophy back to Philadelphia. However, the Soul ‚¬â„¢s journey to ArenaBowl XXIV begins with not simply a new division adversary, but with a cross-state rival in the expansion Pittsburgh Power.

In preparation for the 2011 campaign, Philadelphia underwent an incredible makeover. The Soul were among the most active teams during the 2010 offseason, adding personnel and raiding talent from around the League.

The renovation started at the top, as Mike Hohensee was brought in as the team ‚¬â„¢s head coach. Hohensee, a legendary figure in the AFL, is the only person to be involved with the League, either as a player or coach, all 24 years of its history. The third-winningest AFL coach of all-time (140-112) spent the past nine seasons with the Chicago Rush and led the franchise to victory in ArenaBowl XX.

Coach Ho brought with him to Philly the 2010 AFL Ironman of the Year, DeJuan Alfonzo, who starred as a receiver and Jack linebacker for the Rush last season.

The overhaul continued with the additions of QB Justin Allgood and All-Arena WR Donovan Morgan, who set franchise records at their respective positions last season in Tulsa.

The team also brought in an experienced backup in AFL veteran QB Ryan Vena, who passed for 3,964 yards and 78 touchdowns with Iowa in 2010. But Vena isn ‚¬â„¢t the only former Barnstormer about to take flight in Philly ‚¬" All-Arena defensive back Tanner Varner joined the Soul after leading the League with 146 tackles last year.

The franchise also returns a couple of fan favorites ‚¬" and playmakers ‚¬" from the 2008 ArenaBowl team in WR Larry Brackins and WR/DB Mike Brown. Brackins, who spent last season in Dallas, hauled in 29 touchdowns for the Soul in 2008 en route to the championship, while Brown ‚¬" acquired in a trade with San Jose ‚¬" has become a force in the defensive secondary, as well as a dangerous return man.

There is no doubt the game has changed since the Soul last waged ‚¬Å“War on the Floor ‚¬Â in 2008. The competition has gotten stronger, faster and younger. But the goal remains the same: reclaiming the title they believe they never lost. With an 18-game, 20-week regular season, the path to the ArenaBowl is no easy task. But the road to glory will begin March 11, as two of the nation ‚¬â„¢s most storied football towns square off to write a new chapter in their historic rivalry.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

The city of Pittsburgh will host the season opener of the AFL season for the third time in the League ‚¬â„¢s history. Pittsburgh hosted the first AFL game in 1987 against the Washington Commandos on June 19. The Pittsburgh Gladiators won the game 48-46 with nearly 12,000 fans attending the game.

Pittsburgh also hosted the 1990 AFL season opener against the Detroit Drive franchise on June 6. The 1990 season would be the last time we saw a Pittsburgh franchise in the AFL league.

During the AFL ‚¬â„¢s second season, Detroit played host to Pittsburgh and had nearly 16,750 in attendance, which is the second highest attendance record in a season opener. The record was eventually beaten in 2005 when Columbus hosted Nashville and had nearly 17,150 fans attend.

The Philadelphia Soul enter the League after being absent since 2008. The AFL season opener will be the first in the Philadelphia Soul history.

MEET THE COMMISSIONER: JERRY B. KURZ

AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz enters his second season as Commissioner. Kurz has been involved with the Arena Football League for 26 years, including five seasons as President of the af2. One of the original founding fathers of the AFL, Kurz still works extremely hard to developing the AFL name and its brand. In 2009, Kurz and a group of investors helped revive the AFL and create a stronger economic model.

Kurz has tried to further the AFL game by providing strong business ethics and core values to create the highest quality product for the fans. Kurz has tried tirelessly to create a fair and exciting product that fans can be proud of and want to see.

Kurz has also been in charge of the League ‚¬â„¢s international exposure. He was responsible for the H3 Visa program, which allowed international players to play for AFL teams statewide. He also executed all internationally played games for the Arena Football League.

Kurz understands the game of football and knows what it takes to be successful. Kurz has been a player, coach, General Manager, and owner during his lifelong involvement with the game of football. Today, Kurz uses his previous experience to create the most entertaining and exciting product possible.

JAWS MAKING POWER ‚¬â„¢S BULLETIN BOARD

On February 10, 2011, Ron Jaworski gave the Power bulletin board material for the season ‚¬â„¢s opener:

‚¬Å“In our mind, although Spokane won the ArenaBowl last year, we are the defending Arena Football League Champions from the 2008 season. ‚¬Â

MEET THE SOUL

QB JUSTIN ALLGOOD

Ranking second all-time in University of Central Oklahoma history in passing yards (4,870) and touchdowns (34), Allgood led the Arena Football League with 109 touchdowns in 2010 as a member of the Tulsa Talons. Allgood completed 351-of-560 passes last season for 4,359 yards. He led the Talons to victory in the af2 ‚¬â„¢s ArenaCup in 2007.

WR DONOVAN MORGAN

Morgan spent one season at the Unviersity of Louisiana-Lafayette and one season at Pearl River C.C., earning Junior College All-American Honors and being named top JUCO WR in 2002. He earned First-Team All-Arena honors in 2010 as a member of the Tulsa Talons, leading receiving touchdowns with 52. As a member of the Chicago Rush in 2008, Morgan was named AFL Rookie of the Year.

WR LARRY BRACKINS

An AFL-veteran, Brackins caught 107 balls for 1,412 yards and 29 touchdowns as a member of Philadelphia ‚¬â„¢s 2008 ArenaBowl team. The Pearl River C.C. product spent last season with the Dallas Vigilantes, recording 734 yards and 20 touchdowns on 61 catches.

WR/LB DeJUAN ALFONZO

A First-Team All-American in 1999 at Indiana State, Alfonzo played for the Chicago Rush from 2003-2008 and again in 2010. He was named the AFL Ironman of the Year in 2010 after recording 72 tackles, four interceptions ‚¬" three of which were returned for scores ‚¬" and a forced fumble. Offensively, he hauled in 28 catches for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Alfonzo is a four-time All-Ironman Team selection (2006-2008, 2010) and a two-time First-Team All-Arena selection (2007-2008).

DB TANNER VARNER

A First-Team All-American at the University of Northern Iowa, Varner led the AFL with 146 total tackles in 2010. The MVP of the 2005 1AA National Championship game recorded eight interceptions and was named First-Team All-Arena with the Barnstormers last season.

MEET THE POWER

QB BERNARD MORRIS

Morris played QB at the University of Marshall from 2004-2007. During his time at Marshall, Morris became the only player in Marshall history to pass for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards. After college, Morris joined the af2 and the Arkansas Twisters in 2008. After his time in the af2, Bernard Morris made his AFL debut and signed with the Jacksonville Sharks in 2010. During his time in Jacksonville, Morris was used as a utility player because of his enormous athletic skills and game changing abilities. Listed at 6 ‚¬â„¢4, 215, Morris played quarterback in four games last season and rushed for 97 yards and six touchdowns. Because of his great stature and athleticism, Jacksonville incorporated Morris at wide receiver and kick returner where he caught two touchdowns for 132 yards and returned a kick for a touchdown.

Morris looks to have a strong performance against the Philadelphia Soul in Week 1 by featuring his overwhelming speed and size.

DL TERRANCE CARTER

Carter enters his first season with the Pittsburgh Power after spending his previous four seasons at defensive end with the Tulsa Talons. In Tulsa ‚¬â„¢s first year in the AFL Carter compiled an impressive 9.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Before his AFL career, Carter was a three-year starter at Colorado State University. Carter has combined his 6 ‚¬â„¢3 255 frame and deceiving quickness to get through the line of scrimmage and create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Carter looks to help the Pittsburgh Power pass rush and aggravate the Philadelphia Soul and new quarterback Justin Allgood.

DB CARLOS CAMPBELL

Campbell brings his talents to Pittsburgh after a having a strong season with the AFL ‚¬â„¢s Cleveland Gladiators in 2010. Campbell totaled three interceptions and had a kick return for a touchdown during his time with Cleveland. Campbell played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish where he started at both wide receiver and defensive back. Campbell was considered a standout at both positions because of his tremendous agility, speed, and physicality. Campbell played his first two seasons at wide receiver for Notre Dame and moved to cornerback because of his overwhelming and apparent physicality and toughness. Campbell was also a special team ‚¬â„¢s standout during his time at Notre Dame and with the Cleveland Gladiators. Campbell plans to help the Pittsburgh defense by bringing intense pass coverage and physical play against the talented Philadelphia Soul wide receiving core.

WR JEROME MATHIS

Mathis enters his first season in the AFL. Mathis played college football at Hampton University where he became a standout special teams player. Mathis still holds the NCAA record for career kick return average with 26.6 yards per return. He also set the NCAA record with six career kickoff returns for touchdowns. After college, Mathis recorded the third fastest 40 yard dash time with a blazing 4.28 time. Mathis was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2005 and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the AFC as the starting kick returner in his rookie season. He was only one of three rookies to be selected to the Pro Bowl. In 2005, Mathis also earned First-Team AP All-Pro honors after returning two kickoff returns for touchdowns, including a 99-yarder. After his time in Houston, Mathis signed with the Washington Redskins and Toronto Argonauts. However, because of injury problems, Mathis did not see very much playing time. Jerome Mathis looks to bring his explosiveness and blazing speed to the Pittsburgh offense and special teams. The Philadelphia Soul will have to be prepared for Mathis and his blazing speed and athleticism in Week 1.

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