Sports stats



Kansas City Brigade game notes

March 15, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


AT A GLANCE

Game: Kansas City Brigade (1-1) vs. Dallas Desperados (2-0)

Date: Friday, March 16, 2007

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (CT)

Site: Kemper Arena (16,200)

Officials: Referee-Dave Cutaia, Umpire-Doug Wilson, Head Linesman-Greg Shields, Line Judge-Dave Chesney, Back Judge-James Cole

Television: The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net Midwest with Dan McLaughlin (play-by-play) and Jayice Pearson (analysis)

Radio: The Brigade's flagship station, ESPN Radio 97.3, will broadcast the game live with the inaugural team of Chris Gervino (play-by-play) and Stan Weber (analysis) returning. The station will air a half-hour pre-game show hosted by Nick McCabe and Dave Borchardt beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Series record: Dallas leads 1-0

Last meeting: Dallas won 58-44

Series streaks: Dallas won the only meeting to date

LAST TIME

As with every other repeat opponent from the inaugural season, not many comparisons can be made to the Brigade's first-ever game, a 58-44 loss at the Dallas Desperados. AFL career passing leader Andy Kelly was the quarterback at the time and had success with a young receiving corps in the first action of 2006.

The Brigade stayed close through the third quarter, narrowing the Desperados lead to 37-30 on a Kelly 10-yard touchdown pass to WR/DB Calvin Spears. Dallas reeled off 14 unanswered points to start the final quarter and put the game out of reach.

While Kansas City was not expected to win the game as an expansion team-the Desperados finished with a league best 13-3 record and made it to the National Conference championship game-the contest was notable because it was the first time the Brigade took the field in the AFL.

Answers to many historical Brigade questions can be found in that game, including the first touchdown scored, first pass completion, first rushing attempt, etc. What will be on the historical record when the Brigade dons the bomber for a second time against Dallas?

UP NEXT

The Brigade's only home stand of the season is interrupted this week with a bye. While early in the season, it is a much needed break after facing three of the league's top teams.

THE SCHEDULES

2007 Kansas City Brigade (1-1)

Date Opponent Result/Time TV/Radio

March 4 CHICAGO (W) 54-41 ABC Regional ESPN Radio 97.3

Mar. 10 at Colorado (L) 44-40 ESPN Radio 97.3

Mar. 16 DALLAS 7 p.m. FSN Midwest

ESPN Radio 97.3

BYE

Mar. 30 ARIZONA 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

April 8 at Las Vegas 3 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

April 14 GRAND RAPIDS 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

April 20 at Nashville 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

April 27 COLORADO 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

May 5 at Philadelphia 6 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

May 12 UTAH 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

May 20 at New York 12 p.m. FSN Midwest

ESPN Radio 97.3

May 26 LOS ANGELES 5 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

June 2 at Grand Rapids 6 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

June 8 at Columbus 6 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

June 16 NASHVILLE 7 p.m. ESPN Radio 97.3

June 23 at Chicago 7 p.m. FSN Midwest

ESPN Radio 97.3

2007 Dallas Desperados (2-0)

Date Opponent Time (CT) Score

March 4 at New York 11:30 a.m. (W) 60-7

Mar. 10 TAMPA BAY 7:30 p.m. (W) 59-40

Mar. 16 at Kansas City 7 p.m. -

Mar. 26 at Orlando 6 p.m. -

Mar. 31 AUSTIN 7:30 p.m. -

April 5 COLUMBUS 7:30 p.m. -

April 16 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m. -

April 21 at Georgia 6 p.m. -

April 27 NASHVILLE 7:30 p.m. -

May 4 at Utah 8 p.m. -

May 11 CHICAGO 6:30 p.m. -

BYE

May 26 at Columbus 6 p.m. -

June 1 at Philadelphia 6:30 p.m. -

June 9 NEW ORLEANS 7:30 p.m. -

June 16 NEW YORK 7:30 p.m. -

June 25 at Colorado 9 p.m. -

2007 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.

AMERICAN CONFERNCE

Central Division

Team W L Pct. PF PA

Kansas City 1 1 .500 94 85

Chicago 1 1 .500 89 99

Colorado 1 1 .500 86 84

Grand Rapids 1 1 .500 113 121

Nashville 0 2 .000 86 121

Western Division

Team W L Pct. PF PA

Utah 2 0 1.000 138 132

Las Vegas 1 1 .500 115 126

Los Angeles 1 1 .500 102 103

San Jose 1 1 .500 111 106

Arizona 0 2 .000 136 144

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Southern Division

Team W L Pct. PF PA

Georgia 2 0 1.000 129 116

Austin 1 1 .500 108 96

New Orleans 1 1 .500 113 108

Orlando 1 1 .500 89 71

Tampa Bay 0 2 .000 67 111

Eastern Division

Team W L Pct. PF PA

Dallas 2 0 1.000 119 47

Philadelphia 1 0 1.000 63 30

Columbus 1 1 .500 103 108

New York 0 1 .000 7 60

WEEK 3 SCHEDULE (all times CT)

Thursday, March 15

Philadelphia Soul at Grand Rapids Rampage, 6 p.m.

Friday, March 16

Dallas Desperados at Kansas City Brigade, 7 p.m.

Austin Wranglers at Orlando Predators, 6:30 p.m.

Arizona Rattlers at Colorado Crush, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 17

Georgia Force at Tampa Bay Storm, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 18

New York Dragons at Chicago Rush, 2 p.m.

Utah Blaze at Nashville Kats, 3 p.m.

New Orleans VooDoo at Las Vegas Gladiators, 5 p.m.

THE COACHES

Kansas City-Kevin Porter

Second year, 4-14 overall

Fourth year as AFL coach, second as head coach

Porter became the inaugural head coach of the Kansas City Brigade in 2006 with the reputation as a brilliant defensive strategist in the Arena Football League. His reputation proved true as the Brigade finished its first season ranked second in total defense and third in passing defense. As the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans VooDoo in 2004-05, Porter led the AFL's second-ranked scoring defense, surrendering only 721 points, the fourth-ranked pass defense and the sixth-ranked run defense.

Previously, Porter was the head coach of two teams in arenafootball2. He took the Macon (Ga.) Knights to the 2003 ArenaCup as the head coach in 2001-03. His first head coaching job came with the Pensacola Barracudas in 2000. In four seasons as an af2 head coach, Porter made four playoff appearances and at the time had the most wins in af2 history with a 45-27 record. His career as an indoor football coach began in 1999 as the defensive backs coach of the AFL's Orlando Predators.

A third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1998 NFL Draft, Porter started four seasons at strong safety. He played with the New York Jets in 1992 and finished a five-year career with 290 tackles, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Previously, Porter starred for the Auburn Tigers as a four-year starter at cornerback, earning Honorable Mention All-American honors as a senior.

Dallas-Will McClay

In his fourth season as head coach, McClay has guided the Desperados to a 30-21-1 record and two Eastern Division titles. He took over the job in Feb. 2004, just three days prior to kickoff of the AFL season. McClay also served as the team's defensive coordinator until this season, continuing his role on the staff even before he became head coach. His defense led the league in 2006 in the only defensive stat that matters-fewest points allowed-with 44.1 per game.

AT SECOND GLANCE

Well, if the Brigade needed bulletin board material, the Desperados have provided it in the first three weeks of the season. Before the season Dallas proclaimed that its goal is to go undefeated in 2007. The team looked up to the task in Week 1, crushing the New York Dragons 60-7. The noise got a little louder after that victory.

Then last week the Desperados hosted the Tampa Bay Storm, a team generally known to be arrogant. Maybe Dallas just needed to show up Storm head coach Tim Marcum, but whatever the motivation, the Desperados definitely ran up the score. Ahead 52-40 with 55 seconds left, Clint Dolezel and offense took over at its own 5 yard line after Tampa Bay's kick went for a touchback. Four plays later and 45 seconds later, Dallas was in the end zone on a touchdown pass to Willis Marshall.

There is no telling what the Desperados have in store for this week, other than being introduced as a team rather than individuals during the pre-game ceremonies. However, a big clue as to their cockiness might be that the team will not hold a walk thru after it arrives in Kansas City.

2007 STATISTICAL COMPARISON

A look at the offensive and defensive league rankings of the Brigade and the Desperados after Week 2:

Brigade Offensive Category Desperadoes

8(314) Total Offense (yds/gm) 4(327)

15(5.9) Yards/play 4(7.4)

1 (56.5) Rushing offense 4(29.5)

14(257.5) Passing offense 8(297.5)

8(1.4) Pct. of INT/attempt 9(1.4%)

7(1.37) Sacked/100 pass plays 1(0)

4 (23.5) First downs/game 4(23.5)

3(73.7 made) Third down efficiency 2(77.8 made)

9(50% made) Fourth down efficiency 15(0% made)

10(18.3) Kickoff return average 2(20.7)

15(0% made) Field goal percentage 15(0% made)

11(8.5) Penalties/game 4(6.5)

5(42.5) Points/game 5(59.5)

Brigade Defensive Category Desperadoes

5(254.5) Total defense (yds/gm) 3(242)

12(6.8) Yards/play 4(5.1)

4(9.5) Rushing defense 10(16)

6(245) Passing defense 2(226)

6(3.1%) Pct. of INT/attempt 3(4.9%)

11(2.9) Sacks/100 pass plays 9(3.53)

4(18) First downs/game 2 (16.5)

7(50%) Third down efficiency 2 (28.6%)

16(100) Fourth down efficiency 5(14.3%)

3(13.6) Kick return average 6(15.6)

18(100%) Field goal percentage 2(0%)

18(4.5) Penalties/game 12(7.5)

5(42.5) Points/game 1(23.5)

ROSTER MOVES

The Brigade made a number of interesting moves in Week 3:

Move Date

Signed QB Ryan Dietz 3/14

Signed QB Jose Davis, WR Ira Gooch, and OL/DL Chad Pegues 3/14

Traded QB Michael Bishop to Grand Rapids for DL Jerry Turner 3/14

Signed LB Joseph Oniwor from practice squad to active roster 3/14

LB Byron Douzart placed on Left Squad 3/14

WR James Jordan placed on Recallable Waivers 3/14

Waived LB Robert Douglas (previously Other League Exempt) 3/14

Released OL Tyshaun Whitson 3/14

Signed DL Marquess Ledbetter and WR Cecil Moore to practice squad 3/14

INJURY REPORT

The Brigade's updated injury information for Week 3:

Player Status

WR Sam Simmons Probable

DL Chris Demaree Out-Injured Reserve

WR Boo Williams Out-Injured Reserve

DL Arrion Dixon Out-Injured Reserve

OL Ed Ta'amu Out-Injured Reserve

OL Jamarr Ward Out-Injured Reserve

A COACHING TREE

It's not exactly the House of David, but Brigade head coach Kevin Porter is developed his own Bill Walsh-style stable of assistant coaches. Consider these connections:

- Porter's second head coaching job in arenafootball2 was with the Macon (Ga.) Knights and in 2001 he hired Chris Siegfried, who had never coached before, as his offensive coordinator

- The Knights were rivals of the Augusta (Ga.) Stallions, whom Maurice Blanding played for as a defensive back in 2001 and then as the defensive backs and special teams coach in 2002.

- Porter and Blanding faced off four times in the last two seasons: twice when Porter coached for the New Orleans VooDoo and Blanding the Georgia Force, and twice last season between the Brigade and Force.

- Siegfried was in his first head coaching job in 2002 with the Cape Fear (N.C.) Wildcats of af2 when lineman Travis Crusenberry made the team. Crusenberry played another season for the Wildcats before joining Siegfried's staff in 2004 as the line coach. Crusenberry followed Siegfried when the moved to South Georgia in 2005 and became his assistant head coach when Siegfried accepted the Spokane Shock job. After one season Crusenberry joined Siegfried in Kansas City.

AF2 STOMPING GROUNDS

Both Porter and Siegfried enjoyed huge success in arenafootball2 before starting their AFL careers.

In four seasons as an af2 head coach, Porter made four playoff appearances, including a run to the ArenaCup in 2003. He left after that season with the most wins (47) in the league's history.

Siegfried was simply dominant in af2. He is the all-time leader in victories, compiling a 57-26 record in five seasons. He is one of only three coaches to reach the 50-win plateau, as his teams recorded 10 or more wins in four of out five seasons. Siegfried also owns the second-most playoff wins (6) and won the ArenaCup in 2006, for which he was named coach of the year.

NEW YEAR, NEW...EVERYTHING

An off-season full of changes saw head coach Kevin Porter hire an entirely new staff of four assistants. The roster also underwent serious changes.

- Only three-BJ Cohen, James Jordan, and Dawan Moss-of the original 12 players allocated to the Brigade from the New Orleans VooDoo in October 2005 are still on the team

- Only 10 players-Brown, Cohen, Coleman, Douzart, Jordan, Moss, Myers, Philyaw, Simmons, and Smalls-return from the roster that ended the 2006 season

- Of the 17 new players on the roster, eight were signed as free agents with AFL experience, and 9 are rookies. However, of those nine rookies, five have indoor experience and two have played in the NFL

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

The Brigade finished its inaugural season with 10 rookies on the roster, all of whom saw playing time during the season. Six of those rookies were regular starters, including the entire wide receiving corps, both linebackers, and the kicker.

While only five-Coleman, Douzart, Jordan, Myers, and Simmons-return in 2007, all of them now have one season of Arena Football experience and are expected to remain in the starting roles they filled last year.

STRONG FINISH

The Brigade was rarely better in its inaugural season than at the end of games, when it matters most. That attitude stems from Coach Porter's workman-like approach. The team outscored nine of its 14 opponent in the fourth quarter in 2006, giving up the second-fewest points in the league. The Brigade will surely need to repeat such late charges to be successful this season.

Game Fourth quarter score

Week 1 vs. Chicago 19-15

Week 2 at Colorado 13-17

Total 32-32

SOARING ATTENDANCE

How does an expansion team's arena get a nickname in its inaugural season? Air raid sirens and explosions, that's how. Kemper Arena became The Hangar in 2006 thanks to zealous Brigade fans that supported the team till the end. The Brigade finished third in the league in total and per-game attendance.

Game Attendance

Week 1 vs. Chicago 13,600

Total (one game) 13,600 (13,600 avg.)

NEW RECORDS

The Brigade's rushing attack against Chicago in Week 1 set a number of single-game franchise records.

Player Record

Yards Rushing Charles Frederick (59)

TD Rushes (tied) Charles Frederick (3)

Long Rush Charles Frederick (27)

Team Rushes 23

Team Yards Rushing 95

Team TD Rushes 6

WHEN STATS

The Brigade's record when this occurs:

When 2007 All-time

At Kemper Arena 1-0 3-6

On the road 0-1 1-8

Scores more than 40 points 1-0 4-9

Scores less than 40 points -- 0-4

Allows more than 40 points 1-1 3-13

Allows less than 40 points -- 1-1

Scores first -- 3-2

Opponent scores first 1-1 1-12

Commits fewer turnovers 1-0 4-3

Commits more turnovers -- 0-10

Even turnovers 0-1 0-2

Leads at halftime 1-0 4-1

Trails at halftime 0-1 0-12

Tied at halftime -- 0-1

Commits fewer penalties -- 2-5

Commits more penalties 1-1 2-9

Game decided by 7 points or less 0-1 1-6

Game decided by more than 7 points 1-0 3-8

SKY HIGH

2007 INDIVIDUAL SEASON HIGHS

High No. Player

Completions 29 Philyaw, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Attempts 39 Philyaw, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Completion pct. 74.4 Philyaw, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Passing yards 291 Philyaw, Week 2 vs. Colorado

TD passes 5 Philyaw, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Long pass 26 Philyaw, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Receptions 11 Frederick, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Receiving yards 119 Frederick, Week 2 vs. Colorado

TD catches 2 3 times, most recently Myers/Frederick Week 2 vs. Colorado

Long reception 26 Simmons, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Rushing att. 8 Frederick, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Rushing yards 59 Frederick, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Rushing TDs 3 Frederick, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Long rush 27 Frederick, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Long kick return 28 Simmons, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Long MFG ret. -- --

All-purpose yds 160 Frederick, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Tackles 7.5 Dennis, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Tackles for loss 1/-9 Demaree, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Sacks 1.0 Cohen and Demaree, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Pass defenses 3 McEntyre, Week 2 vs. Colorado

Interceptions 2 McEntyre, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Forced fumbles 1 Cohen and Coleman, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Fumble return 1 Demaree and Smalls, Week 1 vs. Chicago

Field goals -- --

Long field goal -- --

2007 TEAM SEASON HIGHS

High No. Game

Points 54 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Offensive touchdowns 8 (2 pass, 6 rush) Week 1 vs. Chicago

Total offense 320 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Total plays 56 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Yards per play 6.4 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Pass attempts 39 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Pass completions 29 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Passing yards 290 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Yards per completion 10.0 Week 2 vs. Colorado

TD passes 5 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Rushes 23 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Rushing yards 95 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Yards per rush 5.7 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Rushing TDs 6 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Time of possession 36:01 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Turnovers 0 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Tackles 27 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Tackles for loss 2 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Sacks 2 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Pass defenses 6 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Interceptions 2 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Forced fumbles 2 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Fumble recoveries 2 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Defensive touchdowns -- --

Special teams TDs -- --

Penalties 11 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Penalty yards 72 Week 2 vs. Colorado

Largest Lead 13 Week 1 vs. Chicago

Largest Deficit 10 Week 2 vs. Colorado

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 15, 2007


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.

OurSports Central