Luke Guides The Coyotes Past Lubbock

Published on July 16, 2007 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


(Fresno, Calif.) - Through 13 games the Central Valley Coyotes relied on the arm and legs of quarterback Clay Groefsema and he delivered. With 15 rushing touchdowns, 3,500 yards passing and 75 passing touchdowns Groefsema proved to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league. But, after an injury last week in the Coyotes 82-63 victory over Stockton, Groefsema's season would come to an end. Enter a 6'5 235 backup quarterback named Brian Luke. In his first ever start in the af2, Luke would pick up right where Groefsema left off guiding the Coyotes to a 56-52 road win over the Lubbock Renegades.

Going into the game Luke had an almost unbelievable passer rating of 158.33 completing all 8 of his passes for 3 touchdowns, a 2 point conversion through the air and 134 yards. Saturday night in Lubbock his numbers were a little more realistic but, the leagues #1 scoring offense didn't miss a beat as Luke finished the night 19 of 34 for 241 yards and 4 touchdowns. The rookie also added one rushing touchdown. "Brian has been to every practice, every quarterback meeting and has waited patiently behind Clay all year long," said Coyote Head Coach Fred Biletnikoff Jr. "I told the team before the game that the offense would be fine and Brian helped back up my words."

Luke spread the ball nicely to Tonae Martin (6 receptions for 51 yards, 1 td), Michael Lawrence (4 receptions for 86 yards), and Jason Barnes (7 receptions 85 yards, 2 td's). He also added a 6 yard touchdown pass to TE Donyell Booker as Booker's catch was recorded as the "Cutters Catch of the Game". But as the passing game was reliable, it was the Coyotes running game that stepped up to take the pressure off of Luke. Behind three Fresno State linemen, Sean Finnerty, Dartagnon Shack, and Booker FB Damian Walker led the charge on 5 carries for 56 yards and one touchdown. Martin added two rushing touchdowns of his own as the Coyotes rushed the ball 14 times for 78 yards and four touchdowns. "We have a great offensive line. They've only given up 10 sacks all year and they're constantly telling me to run the ball more. Well tonight we did and the o-line ‘dumped ‘em off', as they say", said Biletnikoff.

As in recent weeks it was the Coyotes defense that enabled the Coyotes to pull away from the Renegades. Two interceptions, one by DB Tierre Sams, which was returned for 18 yards, and one by LB Weston Borba proved to be deciding points of the game. The Coyotes defense had 3 stops in the 3rd quarter which was the turning point of the game. DB Aleric Clark turned in another great all around performance with 2 tackles, 3 pass breakups and 9 kickoff returns for 137 yards.

The Coyotes return to the road for their next game on July 21st visiting Boise, Idaho to take on the Burn. They will return home on July 28th for their regular season finale against the Bakersfield Blitz. You can get more information on group or individual game tickets, by contacting the Central Valley Coyotes at (559) 263-9780 or by visiting www.centralvalleycoyotes.com.



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