Must-see matchups: week six
March 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK OS WILL HOLDER vs. TAMPA BAY OS FREDDIE SOLOMON
Two of the AFL's hottest offensive specialists â New York's WILL HOLDER and Tampa Bay's FREDDIE SOLOMON â go head-to-head when the New York Dragons (2-3) battle the Tampa Bay Storm (2-3) this Sunday at Noon ET on NBC.
Solomon (5-11, 185, South Carolina State) enters Week 6 has the AFL's leading scorer (96 points). The speedy second-year standout is known for his ability to get open in crunch time. He has totaled 29 catches for 358 yards and 16 TDs, giving him nearly one touchdown reception for every two catches. This week, Solomon will be on the receiving end of passes from ArenaBowl XVII hero QB PAT O'HARA (6-3, 200, USC), who takes over for SHANE STAFFORD (6-3, 220, Connecticut) as the starter.
Holder (6-0, 192, Monmouth), who is right on Solomon's heels as the AFL's No. 2 scorer (tied, 78 points) with 13 touchdowns (12 receiving and one rushing), is an emerging star and continues to flourish with AARON GARCIA (6-1, 195, Sacramento State) as his quarterback. Holder, who is known for his ability to make the tough catch, leads the team with 28 receptions for 436 yards, both ranking him near the top of League leaders. Holder was named the AFL's U.S. Army Ironman of the Week during the opening weekend of the season and tallied five receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 64-50 victory over the previously-undefeated San Jose SaberCats.
LOS ANGELES OS CHRIS JACKSON vs. GRAND RAPIDS OS STEVE SMITH
Aspiring receivers take note. This will be the game to watch as Los Angeles OS CHRIS JACKSON and Grand Rapids OS STEVE SMITH will be teaching the finer points of receiving this Sunday. Class is in-session starting at Noon ET on NBC.
Jackson (6-2, 204, Washington State), the 2003 Offensive Player of the Year, is coming back after two weeks and looks to make up for lost time. The former Cougar, who is known for his instincts and great hands, has scored a touchdown in every game of his career except one â 126 touchdowns in 52 games. "Action" Jackson has 20 receptions for 269 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding a touchdown pass in 2004.
Smith (5-8, 158, Utah State) has racked up the all-purpose yards (207.4 YPG, No. 1 in AFL) in both the receiving and kick-return game. With lightning-quick speed and shifty moves, Smith has been the spark plug for the Rampage offense. The former Aggie has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and is the AFL's leading return man (661 yards). While on offense, Smith leads the Rampage with 25 receptions for 295 yards and four touchdowns. His best performance (six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns) came in last week's loss, 66-50, to Dallas.
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