Must-see matchups: week five
Published on February 24, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
ARIZONA QB SHERDRICK BONNER vs. NEW YORK QB AARON GARCIA
Two former teammates and top AFL quarterbacks go head-to-head when the Arizona Rattlers (1-3) travel to play the New York Dragons (2-1) at Nassau Coliseum this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.
Arizona QB SHERDRICK BONNER (6-4, 240, Cal-Northridge), who missed his last three starts due to injury, looks to give the Rattlers' offense a lift. The 12-year veteran signal caller is the all-time leader with 90 career victories as a starter. His 618 career touchdown passes rank No. 3 all-time. A leader on and off the field, Bonner is known for his strong arm and his ability to will his team to victory.
New York QB AARON GARCIA (6-1, 195, Sacramento State) has the Dragons off to a solid start in the tough Eastern Division. Known for his toughness and leadership skills, Garcia is the AFL's all-time leader in career touchdown passes with 649 and has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14-to-1 in 2005.
DALLAS QB CLINT STOERNER vs. PHILADELPHIA QB TONY GRAZIANI
Rookie Dallas' QB CLINT STOERNER (6-2, 220, Arkansas) and Philadelphia's TONY GRAZIANI (6-3, 210, Oregon) are two of the League's top quarterbacks and are going head-to-head this Sunday at Wachovia Center at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.
Stoerner is proving to be a quick-study by completing 75-of-119 passes (63.0%) for 1,034 yards and 17 touchdowns and a career record of 3-1 as a starter, while leading the No. 7 offense (286.8 YPG). His presence in the pocket along with a strong arm make him one of the AFL's best young guns in a tough quarterback division.
Graziani continues to show why he is one of the League's best year-in and year-out. The 2004 All-Arena performer continues his record-setting pace by completing 80-of-130 passes (61.5%) for 1,131 yards and 27 touchdowns, along with a career mark of 30-20 as a starter. His accuracy and ability to protect the ball are the trademarks he hopes will carry him to an Eastern Division crown.
LOS ANGELES DS ANTUAN SIMMONS vs. COLORADO OS DAMIAN HARRELL
The budding of one of the AFL's most exciting matchups will take place when Los Angeles rookie DS ANTUAN SIMMONS (5-9, 200, USC) attempts to contain one of the AFL's most explosive offensive threats â Colorado OS DAMIAN HARRELL (6-3, 200, Florida State) â at Pepsi Center at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.
Simmons, who leads the Avenger secondary with 26.5 total tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions, is a physical defensive back with speed and instincts of a seasoned veteran.
Harrell, who has 30 receptions for 407 yards and 11 touchdowns, is a tall receiver with great hands. His highlight-reel catches and pure athletic ability make him one of the premier go-to receivers in the League. The veteran receiver has an active streak of 37 straight games with at least one touchdown reception.
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