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Kansas City Brigade game notes

May 9, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


AT A GLANCE
Game: Kansas City Brigade (3-12) vs. Utah Blaze (6-9)
Date: Friday, May 12, 2006
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. (CT)
Site: Delta Center (16,400)
Officials: Referee-David Cutaia, Umpire-Doug Wilson, Head Linesman-Greg Shields, Line Judge-Dave Chesney, Back Judge-James Cole
Television: The game will be broadcast live on the WB Kansas City and tape-delayed on Metro Sports with Dave Armstrong doing the play-by-play and Jayice Pearson and Duke Frye providing the color commentary. Danni Boatwright will patrol the sidelines.
Radio: The Brigade's flagship station, 97.3 MAX FM, will broadcast the game live with Chris Gervino handling the play-by-play and Stan Weber supplying the color analysis. The station will air a half-hour pre-game show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Series record: The teams have never played
Last meeting: This is the first-ever meeting
Series streaks:

_________________________________________________________

OVERVIEW
The Brigade closes out its inaugural season in a match-up with the other expansion team in the league this year. The two teams are as similar as they are different. The Brigade started the season with a rookie head coach and a veteran quarterback while Utah began with one of the best coaches in AFL history and a young backup quarterback getting his first starting job. The Blaze also endured a tough stretch to open the season, losing eight of its first 11 games before pulling into playoff contention the last month of the season.

This game is important for numerous reasons. The Brigade wants to end the season on a strong note to carry over a positive attitude to next season. The Blaze is in a much more serious situation, needing a win to clinch a playoff spot. But the Blaze will not be led by former Brigade quarterback Andy Kelly, who went 3-1 as a starter in Utah. Injured starter Joe Germaine replaced Kelly in last week's loss at Chicago and will likely start this week with the playoffs on the line.

The Brigade must improve its play on the offensive and defensive lines to leave Salt Lake City victorious. Last week Orlando was often in the backfield hassling Sanders and Philyaw, but the quarterback tandem should have more time to throw this week. The Blaze does not protect its quarterback or get after the opposing quarterback all that well.

A healthy receiving corps will give the Brigade offense plenty of weapons to keep up with the Blaze. Jordan's return to lineup will not only free up Myers and Boone but also provide yet another playmaker to create problems for the defense. The Brigade offense has to maximize its possessions to be as efficient as possible. Turnovers and wasted opportunities only put more pressure on the Brigade defense to make plays.



UP NEXT
The 2006 Road to ArenaBowl XX begins Sunday, May 21 with the wild card round and concludes June 11 with the title game in Las Vegas.

THE SCHEDULES
All times CT
2006 Kansas City Brigade (3-12)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 at Dallas Lost 58-44
Feb. 3 at Orlando Lost 48-41
Feb. 12 AUSTIN Lost 37-33
Feb. 19 COLUMBUS Won 45-24
Feb. 24 at Georgia Lost 51-19
Mar. 5 TAMPA BAY Lost 69-59
Mar. 13 PHILADELPHIA Lost 54-24
Mar. 18 at Austin Lost 64-37
Mar. 24 at New York Lost 54-48
Apr. 1 GEORGIA Lost 55-47
Apr. 9 LOS ANGELES Won 62-45
Apr. 16 COLORADO Lost 55-49
Apr. 22 at Nashville Won 58-52
Apr. 29 at Tampa Bay Lost 58-42
May 6 ORLANDO Lost 63-42
Date Opponent Time (CT) TV/Radio
May 12 at Utah 8:00 p.m. WB62, MS /97.3 FM

2006 Utah Blaze (6-9)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 28 at San Jose Won 48-35
Feb. 4 DALLAS Lost 56-53
Feb. 11 NEW YORK Lost 84-81
Feb. 18 at Arizona Lost 45-38
Feb. 25 at Los Angeles Won 68-66
Mar. 4 SAN JOSE Lost 65-50
Mar. 10 NASHVILLE Won 63-34
Mar. 16 at Grand Rapids Lost 59-49
Mar. 24 LAS VEGAS Lost 49-47
Apr. 1 at Tampa Bay Lost 56-41
Apr. 7 ARIZONA Lost 64-52
Apr. 15 LOS ANGELES Won 63-61
Apr. 21 at Colorado Won 52-40
Apr. 29 at Las Vegas Won 63-52
May 6 at Chicago Lost 84-48
Date Opponent Time (CST) TV/Radio
May 12 KANSAS CITY 8:00 p.m.

2006 STANDINGS
This season the playoffs will be separated into conferences with division winners receiving first round byes. The next four teams with the best records within each conference qualify for the postseason

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Southern Division
Team W L Pct. PF PA
y-Orlando 10 5 .666 773 693
x-Austin 9 6 .600 749 714
Georgia 8 7 .533 814 678
Tampa Bay 7 8 .466 760 796
Kansas City 3 12 .200 650 787

Eastern Division
Team W L Pct. PF PA
y-Dallas 12 3 .800 847 672
x-New York 10 5 .666 810 805
Columbus 8 7 .533 677 649
Philadelphia 8 7 .533 720 706

AMERICAN CONFERNCE
Central Division
Team W L Pct. PF PA
y-Colorado 10 5 .666 844 798
x-Nashville 7 8 .466 752 749
Chicago 6 9 .400 755 787
Grand Rapids 5 10 .333 675 805

Western Division
Team W L Pct. PF PA
y-San Jose 9 6 .600 830 802
x-Arizona 8 7 .533 739 697
Utah 6 9 .400 816 850
Las Vegas 5 10 .333 742 851
Los Angeles 4 11 .266 765 879
x-clinched playoff spot
y-clinched division and first round bye

WEEK 16 SCHEDULE (all times CT)

Friday, May 12
Kansas City at Utah, 8 p.m.
Austin at Orlando, 6:30 p.m.
New York and Dallas, 7:30 p.m.
Arizona at Colorado, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 13
Chicago at Grand Rapids, 3 p.m.
Philadelphia at Georgia, 6 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Nashville, 7 p.m.
Las Vegas at Los Angeles, 9:30 p.m.
Columbus at San Jose, 9:30 p.m.

THE COACHES
Kansas City-Kevin Porter, first year
3-12 overall
Kevin Porter comes to the Brigade as its first head coach with a reputation as one of the AFL's finest young defensive minds. In his first season as the defensive coordinator with New Orleans in 2004, the VooDoo finished second in the league in scoring defense, surrendering only 721 points, sixth in rushing defense and fourth in passing defense.

Porter's previous head coaching experience was in arenafootball2 with the Macon Knights and Pensacola Barracudas. He is the winningest coach in af2 history with a 45-27 record and he led his teams to the playoffs every year, including a trip to the 2003 ArenaCup with Macon. Porter started his coaching career as the defensive backs coach of the Orlando Predators in 1999.

Porter was a third round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1988 NFL Draft and played five years at strong safety, the last two with the New York Jets. He recorded 290 tackles, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Porter was an honorable mention All-America as a senior cornerback at Auburn.

Utah-Danny White, first year, 14th overall
6-9, 147-74 overall
White became the first head coach of the Blaze on April 21, 2005 after 13 seasons as head coach and general manager of the Arizona Rattlers. He led the Rattlers to 12 playoff appearances in 13 years and five ArenaBowl berths (1994, 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004), winning in 1994 and 1997. White was named AFL Coach of the Year in only his second season (1993) and his 141-65 (.684) record in Arizona is second all-time in the AFL. He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2002.

White is best known as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1980's. The Cowboys made five trips to playoffs and won three NFC East titles with White under center. He holds 10 team records, including single-season marks for completions, attempts, touchdowns and yards.

LOCAL ANGLE
Former Brigade QB Andy Kelly was picked up by Utah before Week 12 after being released and has started the last four games. The Brigade and Blaze were also partners in two trades this season. In the preseason the Brigade sent OL/DL Hans Olsen to Utah for K Tim Seder, who is no longer on the team. The Brigade also traded OL/DL Aaron Hamilton and OL/DL Matt Walls for OL/DL Bryan Henderson.

STATISTICAL COMPARISON
A look at the offensive and defensive league rankings of the Brigade and the Blaze:
Brigade Offensive Category Blaze
11 (280.9) Total Offense (yds/gm) 4 (304.9)
16 (5.8) Yards/play 4 (6.7)
9 (18.7) Rushing offense 15 (12.8)
11 (262.3) Passing offense 4 (292.1)
16 (4.0%) Pct. of INT/attempt 9 (2.7%)
7 (1.97) Sacked/100 pass plays 16 (4.70)
3 (21.3) First downs/game 4 (21.1)
12 (45.4% made) Third down efficiency 8 (48.3%)
10 (46.2% made) Fourth down efficiency 7 (52.0% made)
9 (17.2) Kickoff return average 10 (17.1)
15 (35.7% made) Field goal percentage 18 (35.0% made)
12 (7.6) Penalties/game 5 (6.5)
18 (43.4) Points/game 4 (54.4)

Brigade Defensive Category Blaze
2 (266.4) Total defense (yds/gm) 16 (295.6)
4 (6.1) Yards/play 16 (6.8)
16 (24.7) Rushing defense 2 (13.3)
1 (241.7) Passing defense 16 (282.3)
18 (1.2%) Pct. of INT/attempt 13 (2.4%)
10 (2.55) Sacks/100 pass plays 18 (1.45)
12 (19.9) First downs/game 10 (19.8)
14 (50.6%) Third down efficiency 10 (48.4%)
14 (52.9%) Fourth down efficiency 11 (47.6%)
6 (16.6) Kick return average 4 (15.6)
17 (62.5%) Field goal percentage 4 (40.9%)
6 (7.4) Penalties/game 1 (8.2)
9 (52.5) Points/game 16 (56.7)

ROSTER MOVES
The Brigade's updated roster information for Week 16:
Move Date
OL/DL Bryan Henderson re-signed 5/8
WR/LB John Booth activated from Injured Reserve 5/5

INJURY REPORT
The Brigade's updated injury information for Week 16:
Player Injury Status
OL/DL Jon McCall Shoulder IR-May 12
FB/LB Dawan Moss Ankle IR- May 12
OL/DL Chad Pegues Knee IR- May 12
DS Denario Smalls Knee IR- May 12
DS Cliff Green Achilles IR-out for season
WR/LB Nathan Black Knee IR-out for season

POINTS OF INTEREST
- Chris Sanders rushed for a touchdown in the eighth straight game. His 13 rushing touchdowns are tied for the league lead.

- Aaron Boone caught a touchdown for the sixth straight game.

- Sam Simmons returned the first kickoff for a touchdown in team history.

- Byron Douzart's 18-yard rush in the third quarter was a yard short of tying the season-long of 19 by Dawn Moss in Week 3 against Austin.

- Raymond Philyaw played for the first time since last year's American Conference championship game with Chicago.

- The attendance of 16,095 was the franchise's second-highest behind the home opener in Week 3 against Austin.

ROOKIES TAKE FLIGHT
The Brigade has played as many as seven rookies in a game this season but they have performed with exceptional confidence on a weekly basis. As these difference-makers continue to climb the statistical charts, the talk of all-rookie honors will only grow louder (includes all rookies, not just specific position):

WR/LB Jerel Myers (15 games)
- First in receptions
- Third in first downs
- Third in touchdown receptions
- Third in receiving yards
- Third in yards from scrimmage
- Third in scoring for non-kickers
- Third in all-purpose yards
- Seventh in third-down receptions

FB/LB Byron Douzart (14 games)
- First in special teams tackles (first in AFL)
- Third in rushing touchdowns
- Sixth in rushing yards
- Eighth in forced fumbles
- Top 10 in solo tackles
- Top 10 in total tackles
- Top 10 in combined tackles for loss

DS Travis Coleman (12 games)
- Third in solo tackles
- Third in combined tackles
- Seventh in forced fumbles

WR/DB Sam Simmons (six games)
- Second in kickoff return average
- Second in combined kickoff/field goal return yards
- Eighth in third-down receptions
OS Aaron Boone (six games)
- Fourth in touchdown receptions
- Fifth in first downs
- Fifth in third-down receptions
- Fifth in scoring for non-kickers
- Sixth in receptions

STRONG FINISH
The Brigade has rarely been better than at the end of games when it matters most. The team has outscored nine of its 14 opponent in the fourth quarter, giving up the second-fewest points in the league:
Game Fourth quarter score
Week 2 at Orlando 20-17
Week 4 vs. Columbus 17-14
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia 12-3
Week 9 at New York 21-13
Week 10 vs. Georgia 13-13
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles 21-10
Week 12 vs. Colorado 22-6
Week 13 at Nashville 21-10
Week 14 at Tampa Bay 14-7
Total (through all 15 games) 204-173

SOARING ATTENDANCE
The Brigade continues to fight for the top spot in the league in attendance after eight homes games with one week left. The franchise is currently second in total attendance and third in average attendance:
Game Attendance
Week 3 vs. Austin 16,523
Week 4 vs. Columbus 14,632
Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay 15,227
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia 15,379
Week 10 vs. Georgia 16,032
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles 15,173
Week 12 vs. Colorado 12,814
Week 15 vs. Orlando 16,095
Total (8 games) 121,875 (15,234 avg.)

BRIGADE HONORS
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Offensive Player of the Game Stats
Andy Kelly, Week 2 vs. Orlando 33-56, 353 yds, 6 TDs
Jerel Myers, Week 3 vs. Austin 10 rec., 116 yds, 2 TDs
Jerel Myers, Week 4 vs. Columbus 5 rec. 71 yds, 1 TD
Steve Smith, Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay 11 rec., 124 yds, 4 TDs
Chris Sanders, Week 10 vs. GEO 29-41, 280 yds, 4 TDs; 9 rush, 12 yds, 3 TDs
Aaron Boone, Week 11 vs. LA 13 rec., 157 yds, 5 TDs
Chris Sanders, Week 13 at Nashville 24-30, 291 yds, 6 TD9 rushes, 24 yds, 2 TD
Defensive Player of the Game Stats
Denario Smalls, Week 4 vs. CLB 6 tkls (5 solo), 4 pass def., 1 forced fum., 1 fum. recovery, 2 int. (1 ret. 39 yards for TD)
Chris Pointer, Week 6 vs. TB 3.5 tkls (3 solo)
Calvin Spears, Week 11 vs. LA 4.5 tkls (3 solo), 3 pass def.
Chris Pointer, Week 13 at Nashville 5.5 tkls (5 solo), 3 pass def.
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game Stats
Jacques Rumph, Week 4 vs. CLB 5 rec. for 46 yds, 1 rush for 1 yd, 4 tkls (3 solo)
James Jordan, Week 8 at Austin 5 rec, 101 yds, 2 TD3 tkls (3 solo)
James Jordan, Week 11 vs. LA 2 rec., 46 yds, 3.5 tkls (2 solo)
B.J. Cohen, Week 12 vs. Colorado 1 tkl (1 solo), 1 TFL, 1 sack
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game Stats
James Jordan, Week 13 at Nashville 8 rec., 104 yds, 3 TD
Sam Simmons, Week 15 vs. Orlando 8 rec, 59 yds, 1 TD; 6 ret, 162 yds, 1 TD; 3.5 tksl (3 solo)
AFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
AFL Offensive Player of the Week Stats
Chris Sanders, Week 13 at Nashville 24-30, 291 yds, 6 TD9 rushes, 24 yds, 2 TD
AFL PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
AFL Rookie of the Month Stats
Aaron Boone, month of April (five games) 48 rec, 550 yds, 13 TD

WHEN STATS
The Brigade's record when this occurs:
When Record
At Kemper Arena 2-6
On the road 1-6
Scores more than 40 points 3-8
Scores less than 40 points 0-4
Allows more than 40 points 2-11
Allows less than 40 points 1-1
Scores first 3-1
Opponent scores first 0-11
Commits fewer turnovers 2-2
Commits more turnovers 0-10
Leads at halftime 3-0
Trails at halftime 0-11
Tied at halftime 0-1
Commits fewer penalties 1-5
Commits more penalties 2-7
Game decided by 7 points or less 1-4
Game decided by more than 7 points 2-8

SKY HIGH
INDIVIDUAL SEASON HIGHS
High No. Player
Completions 33 Kelly, Week 2 at Orlando
Attempts 56 Kelly, Week 2 at Orlando
Completion pct. 81.0 Sanders, Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
Passing yards 353 Kelly, Week 2 at Orlando
TD passes 7 Sanders, Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
Long pass 48t Kelly, Week 5 at Georgia
Receptions 14 Myers, Week 14 at Tampa Bay
Receiving yards 157 Boone, Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
TD catches 5 Boone, Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
Long reception 48t Smith, Week 5 at Georgia
Rushing att. 9 Sanders, Week 8 at Aus, Week 10 vs. Geo, Week 12 at Nashville
Rushing yards 30 Sanders, Week 8 at Austin
Rushing TDs 3 Sanders, Week 10 vs. Georgia
Long rush 19 Moss, Week 3 vs. Austin
Long kick return 55t Simmons, Week 15 vs. Orlando
Long MFG ret. 31 Rumph, Week 4 vs. Columbus
All-purpose yds 309 Smith, Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay
Tackles 10.5 Smalls, Week 3 vs. Austin
Tackles for loss 2.0 Douzart, Week 7 vs. Tampa BayHenderson, Week 12 vs. Colorado
Sacks 1 12 times, most recently Brown and Henderson Week 12 vs. Colorado
Pass defenses 4 Smalls, Week 4 vs. ColumbusSpears, Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
Interceptions 2 Smalls, Week 4 vs. Columbus
Forced fumbles 1 11 times, most recently Henderson Week 12 vs. Colorado
High No. Player
Fumble return 1 12 times, most recently Johnson Week 11 vs. Los Angeles
Field goals 4 Seder, Week 4 vs. Columbus
Long field goal 43 Seder, Week 1 at Dallas

TEAM SEASON HIGHS
High No. Game
Points 62 Week 11 vs. LA
Offensive touchdowns 9 (7 pass, 2 rush) Week 11 vs. LA
Total offense 371 yards Week 2 at Orlando
Total plays 59 Week 2 at Orlando
Yards per play 7.8 Week 13 at Nashville
Pass attempts 56 Week 2 at Orlando
Pass completions 33 Week 2 at Orlando
Passing yards 353 Week 2 at Orlando
Yards per pass 8.3 Week 11 vs. LA
TD passes 7 Week 11 vs. LA
Rushes 13 Week 10 vs. Georgia
Rushing yards 31 Week 8 at Austin
Yards per rush 6.0 Week 2 at Orlando
Rushing TDs 3 Week 10 vs. Georgia
Time of possession 34:07 Week 10 vs. Georgia
Turnovers 4 Week 7 vs. PHI
Tackles 39 Week 8 at Austin
Tackles for loss 5 Week 9 at New York
Sacks 4 Week 9 at New York
Pass defenses 7 Week 13 at Nashvile
Interceptions 2 Week 2 at OrlandoWeek 4 vs. Columbus
Forced fumbles 2 Four times, most recently Week 10 vs. Georgia
Fumble recoveries 3 Week 4 vs. Columbus
Defensive touchdowns 1 Week 4 vs. Columbus
Special teams touchdowns 1 Week 4 vs. ColumbusWeek 7 vs. TBWeek 15 vs. ORL
Penalties 15 Week 8 vs. PHI
Penalty yards 71 Week 8 vs. PHI
Largest Lead 29 Week 4 vs. Columbus
Largest Deficit 42 Week 7 vs. PHI

TEAM FIRSTS
The Brigade has recorded a number of firsts in its inaugural season:
First Play
Completion, Week 1 vs. Dallas Kelly to Myers for five yards
First down, Week 1 vs. Dallas Kelly to Myers for nine yards
Rushing TD, Week 1 vs. Dallas Moss for one yard
Passing TD, Week 1 vs. Dallas Kelly to Myers for 20 yards
Field goal, Week 1 vs. Dallas Seder from 43 yards
Tackle, Week 1 vs. Dallas Pointer
Sack, Week 5 at Georgia Cohen
Forced fumble, Week 1 vs. Dallas Noah
Fumble recovery, Week 1 vs. Dallas Moss
Interception, Week 1 vs. Dallas Spears
Int. ret. for TD, Week 4 vs. CLB Smalls
Kick ret. For TD, Week 15 vs. ORL Simmons
Net rec. for TD, Week 4 vs. CLB Coleman
Safety, Week 5 at Georgia Hamilton
Lead, Week 2 vs. Orlando 14-10 in second quarter
Fourth quarter comebackWeek 13 at Nashville Down 52-50 with 4:05 leftWon 58-52
50-point game, Week 6 vs. TB 59 total points
60-point game, Week 11 vs. LA 62 total points



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 9, 2006


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