Must-see matchups: week eight
March 17, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
TAMPA BAY QB SHANE STAFFORD vs. PHILADELPHIA QB TONY GRAZIANI
Two of the AFL's hottest quarterbacks will go head-to-head when Tampa Bay QB SHANE STAFFORD (6-3, 210, Connecticut) and the Storm head north to Wachovia Center to face Philadelphia QB TONY GRAZIANI (6-3, 210, Oregon) and the Soul in a National Conference showdown this Sunday at noon ET on NBC.
The former Huskies quarterback has guided the No. 1 scoring offense (57.0 PPG) by completing 158-of-241 passes (65.6%) for 1,685 yards, 36 touchdowns and only one interception. His ability to protect the football, strong arm and pocket awareness make him one of the elite signal callers in the AFL.
The former Ducks quarterback continues to be among the League leaders in most passing categories. Graziani has completed 137-of-233 passes (58.8%) for 1,802 yards and 40 touchdowns. The 2004 All-Arena performer is known for his accuracy, leadership and ability to protect the ball â trademarks that suit him well in a tough Eastern Division.
NEW ORLEANS SECONDARY vs. CHICAGO WR/LB ETU MOLDEN & OS HENRY DOUGLAS
In this possible ArenaBowl XIX Las Vegas preview, the NBC spotlight will shine on WR/LB ETU MOLDEN (6-2, 195, Montana) and OS HENRY DOUGLAS (6-0, 175, North Carolina A&T) when the New Orleans VooDoo (5-2) travel to Allstate Arena to face the Chicago Rush (4-3) this Sunday at noon ET on NBC.
Molden, a 2004 All-Rookie performer, is emerging as a U.S. Army Ironman of the Year candidate. The former Grizzly leads the Rush in receptions (49), receiving yards (570) and touchdowns (14), while adding 17.0 total tackles and two interceptions on defense. His size, great hands and athletic ability make him one of the AFL's most dangerous go-to guys in the red zone.
Douglas, who is coming off a three-touchdown performance against Grand Rapids last week, gives Chicago head coach MIKE HOHENSEE the deep threat to stretch the defense. Known for his speed and route-running abilities, the second-year standout will have the full attention of the defensive secondary.
The task of defending Molden and Douglas will fall to DS CHRIS POINTER (5-11, 187, Kentucky State), DS MONTY MONGOMERY (6-0, 195, Houston), WR/DB CALVIN SPEARS (6-1, 195, Grambling) and DS DENARIO SMALLS (5-9, 185, East Tennessee State). The four have led a defense that has recorded eight interceptions and allowed 233.6 passing yards per game (No. 3 in AFL).
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