Kansas City Brigade Succumbs to Force

Published on February 24, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


ATLANTA - The momentum of the Kansas City Brigade's first-ever win was not enough to carry the team past the Georgia Force at Philips Arena on Friday night. The Brigade could not overcome early misfortunes that resulted in a 15-point first half deficit. Despite multiple chances in the red zone, Kansas City fell 51-19.

Kansas City's defense was a bright spot again as it held Georgia to its lowest point total since week one. Aaron Hamilton put the Brigade's first points on the board as he sacked Force quarterback Matt Nagy in the end zone for a safety. The score did not reflect the defensive effort as the field position battle definitely went to Georgia. The Brigade defense surrendered only 37 points and two of the Force's other touchdowns came on drives that started within the Kansas City five yard line.

A back-and-forth opening half turned in the final minute as the Brigade started to climb back in it. Aaron Hamilton sealed off the right side of the line for Byron Douzart to get in the end zone on a toss sweep to close the gap to 28-16 with 1:34 remaining. After the one-minute warning, Georgia met resistance against the Brigade defense but attempted a fourth-and-four in its own territory and could not convert.

Kansas City took over at the Force's 14 yard line but Andy Kelly and his receivers connected on only one of three passes and Tim Seder missed a 21-yard field goal. The half appeared to be over but a penalty by the Brigade on the ensuing return gave Georgia an untimed down. A Nagy to Chris Johnson pass should have ended the half but Kansas City was called for another penalty. Nelson Garner lined up and hit a 21-yard field goal with 0:00 on the clock for a 31-16 halftime advantage.

Kansas City came out of the locker room ready to score points, but the offense could not convert in the red zone. Kelly and his receivers missed on three passes from the Georgia five yard line, including on fourth-and-two. The Force started to put the game away as Nagy hit Jamin Elliott for 27 yards to get in scoring position and Robert Thomas ran it in from the one yard line for a 38-16 lead midway through the third quarter.

While the deficit was large the Brigade still had time on the clock to make a comeback. Kansas City was able to move the ball as Georgia let Kelly hit Sam Simmons on short routes underneath the defense. At the Georgia three yard line Kelly dropped back and was sandwiched by two Force linemen, forcing a fumble that Kyle Rasmussen recovered at the 13 yard line. Seder hit a 29-yard field goal to shorten the lead to three scores, as close as the Brigade would get.

Jerel Myers had another monster game, catching at least nine balls for the fourth time this season. He finished with 12 receptions for 88 yards. Steve Smith saw more action that helped fill the void left by the injured James Jordan. After bobbling a kickoff that forced Kansas City to start at its own one yard line, Smith made up for it on the receiving end of a 48-yard touchdown pass-the longest of his career-from Kelly.

The Brigade did get its share of cheers at the game. B.J. Cohen, a native of Decatur had 45 friends and family members see him record a sack. Owner and Managing Partner Tyler Prochnow, an Atlanta native who attended Oglethorpe University, had 35 tickets reserved. Head coach Kevin Porter received a warm ovation from fans of the Macon Knights, the af2 team he coach for three years and led to an ArenaCup.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 24, 2006


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