Mohegan Making Serious Playoff Push At 6-3

Published on June 12, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, Conn. (June 12, 2003) – The Mohegan Wolves (arenafootball2) return home this Saturday night, June 14, to tackle the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers on the heels of two straight road victories. The Wolves (6-3) currently stand in second place in the Northeast Division and fifth overall in the American Conference playoff race. The top six teams from each conference (American and National) make the postseason.

"We're still not where we want to be, but we're getting there," Mohegan Coach Mark Stoute said, referring to his team's playoff potential. "The last half of the season is crucial. If we play the way we're capable of playing, we could be dangerous.

Saturday's game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. As part of "Army Bangstix Night," every fan through the doors will receive a FREE pair of bangstix, courtesy of the US Army, Norwich Bulletin and 103.7 FNX Radio. A number of scouts from the area will also be on hand to cheer on the Wolves as part of "Scout Night." All scouts in attendance will receive a special commemorative patch on behalf of the Wolves.

This Saturday's matchup at a glance – Mohegan Wolves (6-3) vs. WB/Scranton Pioneers (3-6)

Saturday's game is the fifth all-time meeting between the Wolves and Pioneers. The Pioneers currently lead the series 3-1. Their most recent head-to-head battle came on April 11 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Wolves defeated the Pioneers in that contest, 41-38, on a last-second touchdown toss from QB Mike Bath to OS Mel Long. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is led on offense by QB Chris Boden and OS Cosmo DeMatteo. Boden ranks eighth in the league in completions (169) and ninth in touchdown passes (36). DeMatteo leads the team in receptions (55), receiving yards (607) and touchdowns (15). Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's defense, however, is a sore spot for the club. The Pioneers rank near the bottom of the league in scoring defense, allowing nearly 49 points per game (48.9). In contrast, the Wolves defense is rock solid. A year after recording just 18 sacks in 16 games, Mohegan currently ranks among the league's best in sacks with 18 in 2003 (nine games). Offensively, the Wolves will look for a solid showing from QB Greg Smith and his receiving corps. Smith is currently among the league's sharpest passers, ranking seventh in pass rating at 110.8. OS Mel Long leads all Wolves receivers with 36 receptions for 541 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Wolves Game Nine Recap – 6/7/03 – The Mohegan Wolves won on the road for the second straight week, defeating the Rochester Brigade, 40-31, at Blue Cross Arena. The Wolves fought off a tough Brigade bunch on the strength of their superior special teams effort. Mohegan offset a subpar offensive showing by scoring three touchdowns on kick returns. After a Charles Eger 24-yard field goal gave the Brigade a 10-7 first-quarter lead, Wolves WR/DB ANTHONY COMER took the ensuing kickoff back 56 yards for a touchdown. Mohegan's next kick return for a score came at the 7:53 mark of the second quarter by WR/DB CY BUTLER (57-yard kickoff return). Comer capped off Mohegan's second-quarter scoring with his second return touchdown of the night, a 55-yard missed field goal run back. OS MEL LONG also played well for the Wolves, earning game MVP honors for his efforts (5 catches, 67 yards, 2 TDs) in taking down the Brigade. DS ALLISTAIR SEBASTIEN earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game accolades (game-high nine tackles).

Catch Head Coach Mark Stoute on the all-new "Wolves Locker Room Show" Sundays at 10 AM on your local PAX TV station. Don't miss the next show, which airs on June 15. This exciting program will take you into world of New England's hottest Arena Football team! The Wolves Locker Room Show will be shown on WHPX-TV 26 in Hartford & New Haven and on WPXQ-TV 69 in Providence & New Bedford.

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