Must-see matchups: week one
Published on January 26, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
PHILADELPHIA QB TONY GRAZIANI vs. TAMPA BAY QB SHANE STAFFORD
The Soul are set to meet the Storm in an exciting battle between two of the most talented quarterbacks in the AFL. Philadelphia starts QB TONY GRAZIANI (6-3, 215, Oregon), a First Team All-Arena selection, while Tampa Bay counters with QB SHANE STAFFORD (6-3, 220, Connecticut) at the Wachovia Center this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC.
Graziani had an outstanding 2005 season (328-555, 4,262 yards, 90 TDs and 15 INTs) and looks to become even more dangerous with the additions of OL/DL E.J. BURT (6-2, 265, West Liberty) and OL/DL ERNEST ALLEN (6'4, 300, Cincinnati) to the offensive line. They are expected to significantly improve both pass protection and the pass rush.
Stafford (405-631, 4,522 yards, 83 TDs, and 10 INTs) will strive to keep the aerial assault alive against Philadelphia. The offseason acquisition of WR/DB BOBBY SIPPIO (6-3, 215, Western Kentucky), who has a 15 yard-per-catch career average, from Dallas adds 61 receptions, 863 yards, and 22 TDs to the mix. Sippio's addition should strengthen a premier passing attack that features fellow WR/DB LAWRENCE SAMUELS (6-2, 210, Livingston), who hauled in 123 passes (career high) for 1,411 yards (career high) and 19 TDs last season.
LOS ANGELES WR/DB KEVIN INGRAM and WR/LB GREG HOPKINS vs. ARIZONA WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD
Reigning U.S. Army Ironman of the Year WR/DB KEVIN INGRAM (6-0, 185, West Chester) teams with 2002 Ironman winner WR/LB GREG HOPKINS (6-2, 205, Slippery Rock) to help Los Angeles challenge Arizona's WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD (6-0, 185, UNLV), the 2003 winner of the award, to a battle for the ages at STAPLES Center this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC.
Ingram made his mark last season, producing 88 receptions for 1,052 yards and 23 TDs. He also dominated on defense with six INTs (tied for fifth in the league). Ingram's success was only aided by playing with all-time AFL great, Hopkins (89 recs, 891 yards, 13 TDs, and five INTs in 2005).
Gatewood will be a handful for fellow Ironmen, Hopkins and Ingram. The tough Arizona veteran had a brilliant 2005 season hauling in 82 balls for 1,057 yards and 18 TDs, and making 58.5 tackles and grabbing five INTs. Gatewood has been a key member of the Rattlers for the past 10 seasons.
COLORADO OS DAMIAN HARRELL vs. CHICAGO WR/LB ETU MOLDEN
This 2005 American Conference Championship game rematch, also known as the "Confetti Game" (due to confetti mistakenly falling onto the field before the end of the highly contested game) pits ArenaBowl XIX Champion OS DAMIAN HARRELL(6-3, 200, Florida State) against WR/LB ETU MOLDEN (6-2, 195, Montana), one of the most exciting players in the game, at Pepsi Center this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC.
Harrell, QB JOHN DUTTON (6-5, 210, Nevada) and the Crush return on a mission to repeat as ArenaBowl champions with their core virtually intact. Dutton (367-586, 4,143 yards, 89 TDs, and 14 INTs) has the option of rifling passes to 2005 Offensive Player of the Year Harrell, who drove the offense with 122 catches for 1,486 yards and 41 TDs or setting up two-time Kicker of the Year K CLAY RUSH (6-3, 220, Missouri Western) for game-winning field goals. Rush kicked the winning field goal in ArenaBowl XIX to defeat the Georgia Force, 51-48, as time expired.
The Rush lost their leader from last year, QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (6-1, 200, Northeast Louisiana State) to free agency. Molden looks fill the leadership void and provide game-breaking ability on both offense (96 recs, 1,158 yards and 19 TDs) and defense (3 INTs). Look for Molden, a member of the 2005 All-Ironman Team, to challenge for the 2006 U.S. Army Ironman of the Year award.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 26, 2006
- Brigade announce television and radio broadcasting teams - Kansas City Brigade
- Soul partner with local charities - Philadelphia Soul
- Blaze announce television partners - Utah Blaze
- AFL enhances fantasy football selections - AFL I
- Austin Wranglers' season opener tomorrow - Austin Wranglers
- Hohensee named D'Orazio starting QB - Chicago Rush
- AFL week one injury report - AFL I
- Quick hitters: week one - AFL I
- Must-see matchups: week one - AFL I
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