New Orleans VooDoo evens record, defeats Kats 59-34 in successful Kelly homecoming
February 5, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NASHVILLE, TENN â A stingy New Orleans defense that recorded three interceptions, and an outstanding performance by QB Andy Kelly helped pace the VooDoo and spoil Nashville's inaugural home opener, as they upended the Kats 59-34 before 16,517 fans at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. With the win, the VooDoo evened their record at 1-1.
The game marked a successful homecoming for Kelly, who started every game for the Kats when they previously existed from 1997-2001, and also is a Tennessee native, who starred for the Volunteers from 1988-91. Kelly set a career-high with an 87.9% completion percentage as he was 29 of 33 for 277 yards with six touchdown passes, capturing Offensive Player of the Game honors. This surpassed Kelly's previous career-high completion percentage of 83.3% (35-of-42) vs. the Houston Thunderbears on June 18, 1999.
"Anytime you get a win it's good," said Kelly. "We came out last week and lost. We needed to get a win and fortunately we came out and played better this week and we did it."
WR/LB Thabiti Davis recorded eight receptions for 58 yards and three touchdowns, to go along with one tackle, as he was voted Ironman of the Game. WR/DB Jacques Rumph also excelled offensively recording five receptions for a career-high 87 yards to go with two touchdown catches.
An opportunistic VooDoo defense was paced by interceptions from WR/DB Calvin Spears, DS Calvin Coleman and OL/DLB.J. Cohen, as well as recording three sacks. Cohen earned Defensive Player of the Game honors, as he had 2.5 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one interception and two sacks. The VooDoo defense also held the Kats scoreless in the first half, jumping out to a 17-0 lead before Nashville responded.
Nashville QB Leon Murray completed 16-of-33 passes with three interceptions for a total of 160 yards, and finished with one touchdown pass for the game. WR/LB Fred Coleman led Nashville's offensive attack with 7 catches for 68 yards and one touchdown. Coleman also excelled on special teams with five kickoff returns for 138 yards with a 56-yard return for a touchdown.
New Orleans made an immediate impact on the first offensive play of the game, as Kelly completed a 41-yard pass to Rumph and FB/LB Jason Bratton, a former Kat, rushed for a three-yard touchdown, creating a lead for New Orleans that would not be relinquished. Following a Brian Schmitz field goal at the end of the second half, the VooDoo took a commanding 17-0 lead early in the second half when Coleman's interception led to a Kelly connection to Davis for a 13-yard touchdown. Through the remainder of the game, the Kats could only come within ten points of the VooDoo, as the contest was topped off on New Orleans' last drive, which consisted of four straight rushing attempts, culminating with a one-yard touchdown rush by Spears.
The VooDoo will return to action on Sunday, February 13 for their home opener at the New Orleans Arena when they face the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at 2 p.m.
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