Phantoms Make Good on Guarantee
April 25, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Toronto Phantoms News Release
Toronto, Ontario â Toronto Phantoms' President and CEO Rob Godfrey guaranteed a win for the Phantoms' home opener against the Detroit Fury and his Phantoms did not disappoint.
Behind the five-touchdown passing performance of quarterback Chad "Big Country" Salisbury, the Phantoms sent the crowd of 7,107 fans home happy as Toronto remained undefeated on the season, improving to 2-0.
"We got out to an early start. The Offensive line did a great job and gave me time to find people. Once it got rolling it was a snowball effect," Salisbury said, "I'm still learning but these guys make me look good."
Coach Mark Stoute had nothing but praise for his quarterback. "When Chad is going there is no defence that can play against him."
"Big Country" made the field look small, going 21 for 32 with 283 yards passing earning game MVP honours. He connected with Ironman Charlie Davidson for two touchdowns in the first half covering 35 and 31 yards. After the Fury made the game 14-12 courtesy of a Rickey Foggie to offensive specialist Robert Gordon 44 yard touchdown pass, Salisbury took to the air and found offensive specialist Damian Harrell with a 40 yard bomb of his own. That play set up an one yard Jermaine Younger touchdown run. Toronto went ahead 21-12.
Just before the half, Salisbury and the offence were on the move again. Salisbury drove the team down to the three-yard line and found tight end Kevin Ingram with a 3 yard pass giving the Phantoms a 29-12 lead at the half.
The second half saw more of the same from the Phantoms. Defensive back Ty Law stepped in front of a Rickey Foggie pass and returned it 43 yards for another Phantom score.
But the Fury would not rest, replacement quarterback Drew Miller drove Detroit down to the eight yard line where he found Chuck Levy in the end zone but the Fury could not convert the touchdown and trailed 36-18 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth, Salisbury continued to sizzle. Salisbury again drove the Phantoms into Fury territory and found full back Phil Glover with a shovel pass that Glover took 13 yards to paydirt. For the rookie FB/LB, it marked his second touchdown in as many games. Toronto took a comfortable 43-18 lead. Then after a Del Lee interception of Drew Miller, Salisbury threw a 21 yard dart into the hands of Harrell for his fifth touchdown pass of the game and 50-18 lead.
The Fury added two late touchdowns but the Phantoms would not be denied and went on to win the game 50-30 giving them a 2-0 record on the season and making Godfrey's prediction come to fruition.
Godfrey gave all the credit for the win to his players. "I was confident that our players would deliver, obviously I has to be if I put up a guarantee like that. Once again our players made me look good."
Stoute saw the guarantee as a win-win situation for the fans. "If we won they got to see a win but if we lost they got a free ticket to the another game. I am glad we held our end of the bargain." The Phantoms now have an extended break before heading to Phoenix to face the Rattlers next Saturday.
The following week, "Thursday Night Gridiron Madness" returns to the Air Canada Centre, as the Phantoms play host to the Indiana Firebirds on May 9th. Tickets to that game and the other home dates on Toronto's regular season schedule are now on sale and can be purchased by calling (416) 341-1552 or by logging on to torontophantoms.com. Get "Insane for the Game" and be a part of "Thursday Night Gridiron Madness!"
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2002
- Phantoms Make Good on Guarantee - Toronto Phantoms
- Fury Fall to Phantoms - Detroit Fury
- The Deuce Scoop - AFL I
- AFL Week Two - AFL I
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
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