Manchester Wolves Add Two More Veterans To Roster
May 7, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
MANCHESTER, NH-The Manchester Wolves added more veteran leadership, experience, and talent to the team again this week in advance of meeting the undefeated Firecats in a crucial arenafootball2 league match-up in Florida on Saturday night.
DeShon Stovall, who started on all three Wolves teams which made the playoffs in 2005-07, and Trey Bell, who played for the Arena Football League Grand Rapids Rampage last season and spent 2006 on the practice squad of the Chicago Rush team which won Arena Bowl XX, were assigned to the Wolves by the af2 office on Wednesday.
Manchester Head Coach Danton Barto said he is happy to welcome Stovall back to the Wolves and that Bell came highly recommended by Chicago Rush Vice President of Player Personnel and Defensive Backfield Coach Brian Schwartze.
"With the signing of Trey Bell, the Manchester Wolves are on a gravy train with biscuit wheels," Schwartze said when reached by phone at the Rush's headquarters. "Trey is a very talented football player with a lot of skill and ability. He just needs to play football."
Bell (5'9, 205 lbs.) will surely get that opportunity right away in a Wolves secondary that has been decimated by injuries this season.
Barto said he intends to start the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater product when the Wolves, who have dropped their last four games and skidded to 1-4, face the 5-0 Firecats on their home field.
Stovall, who is expected to be a strong and solid leader on a young Wolves team, will also start in his first game back after missing the beginning of this season with a hernia injury. But instead of taking his customary place on the offensive and defensive lines, Stovall (6'3, 310 lbs.) will start in the fullback slot.
"He hasn't played the position before, but he's excited about it," said Barto. "He's really excited to be back on the team and we are happy to have him."
The signing of Bell and Stovall follow the addition of veteran offensive/defensive lineman Jimmy Williams and rookie defensive back Raquan Pride just last week. Williams also started on the Wolves three consecutive playoff teams and will be back in his starting role this week. Pride, who started last week and earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game honors with 10 tackles in his debut, will work with Bell in the defensive backfield.
Stovall and Bell both possess qualities and attributes that extend beyond the football field.
"Trey is a fabulous human being," said Schwartze. "I'm sure he'll be a joy to coach and will be a real asset to the team and to the Manchester community."
Their arrival could not have come at a more fortuitous time for a team which needs to get back on the winning track in a hurry. Following the Firecats test on Saturday night, the Wolves return home on Friday, May 16th to take on the 6-0 and defending ArenaCup champion Tulsa Talons.
"Obviously, the Firecats are a very good football team," said Barto, who was not looking ahead. "They're undefeated at 5-0 and they are a perennial powerhouse in this league. We have got to go out and play football the way we are capable of playing.
*** The auction of the players' jerseys right from their backs following last week's home game on Brady Sullivan Field at the Verizon Wireless Arena earned $1,700 for the future Pediatric Emergency Department at Manchester's Elliot Hospital.
Specially priced season ticket packages and individual tickets for all remaining home games are still available and may be purchased through tickets@manchesterwolves.com or by calling 603-627-9653.
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