Must-see matchups: week seven
March 19, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
ORLANDO QB JOE HAMILTON vs. CHICAGO QB RAYMOND PHILYAW
A quarterback showcase will be on display on NBC this Sunday at Noon ET. Chicago QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (6-1, 200, Louisiana-Monroe) and the Central Division leading Chicago Rush (4-1) rekindle an interdivision rivalry with rookie QB JOE HAMILTON (5-10, 190, Georgia Tech) and the Orlando Predators (2-3).
The Rush-Predators heated history dates back to the 2001 season, when the expansion Chicago Rush beat the defending champion Predators to secure a spot in the postseason. The very next week, the Rush traveled to Orlando for the opening round of the AFL playoffs and again defeated the Predators, 41-26, amassing existing tension between the two teams.
Philyaw's quick feet and smart decision-making helps make him the only quarterback in the League this season that has eluded a sack and has not thrown an interception (15 passing and eight rushing touchdowns). On the other end of the fifth-year star's passes are the duo of WR/DB LINDSAY FLESHMAN (22 receptions and four touchdowns) and Rookie OS ETU MOLDEN (23 receptions and seven touchdowns).
Hamilton (23 TDs and 2 INTs), who has the instincts of a seasoned veteran, remains a top contender for Rookie of the Year honors. The former Georgia Tech standout's main targets will be WR/LB CORY FLEMING (38 receptions and 11 touchdowns), WR/DB BRET COOPER (23 receptions and three touchdowns) and OS JAMES BOWDEN (22 receptions and four touchdowns).
COLORADO OS DAMIAN HARRELL vs. PHILADELPHIA WR/LB RICKY ROSS
Offensive stars will go toe-to-toe during "Rock vs. Jock" on NBC this Sunday at Noon ET. With all the attention being centered around JON BON JOVI vs. JOHN ELWAY or ArenaBowl championship coaches MICHAEL TRIGG vs. MIKE DAILEY â the matchup to watch will be on the field when red-hot Philadelphia WR/LB RICKY ROSS faces Colorado deep-threat OS DAMIAN HARRELL.
Ross (5-11, 187, Missouri), who is the Soul's leading receiver with 27 receptions for 367 yards and seven touchdowns, was named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Game against Columbus last week. The former Tiger is known for his route-running ability and his great hands.
Harrell (6-3, 200, Florida State), who was twice-named Offensive Player of the Game, leads the Crush this season with 33 catches for 469 yards and 15 touchdowns, and is tied for No. 2 in the league for scoring with 90 points. The former Seminole has great leaping ability and great ball awareness. Which go-to receiver will be the first to blink?
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 19, 2004
- Cobras Make Moves in Calm Before Storm - Carolina Cobras
- AFL final injury report - AFL I
- Firebirds add Fleming to coaching staff - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Firebirds place Horacek on injured reserve - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Storm sign two, place Wiren on IR - Tampa Bay Storm
- Detroit Fury to Visit Children in Local Hospital - Detroit Fury
- Quick hitters: week seven - AFL I
- Must-see matchups: week seven - AFL I
- VooDoo Vex Rattlers, 49-45 - Arizona Rattlers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
