Playoff Bound BlueCats Add Two For Championship Run
July 6, 2006 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Evansville BlueCats News Release
EVANSVILLE, IN: The Evansville BlueCats are pleased to announce the signing of two wide receivers who have joined the team this week as the BlueCats prepare to make their run at the United Bowl in the UIF playoffs. The BlueCats are riding a franchise record 4 game win streak as they prepare to face the Sioux Falls Storm in the regular season finale. The two new players are Gerald Clark and Tommy Manus. Both of them will look to make an immediate impact.
Gerald is returning to Evansville after playing for the BlueCats during the 2005 season. Last season he averaged over 14 yards per catch as he led the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, with 616 yards and 15 touchdowns in only 13 games. He finished second on the team with 44 receptions and third on the team with 92 points scored. He has other previous indoor football experience with the Winston-Salem Energy, Tupelo Fireants, and Osceola Outlaws. Last season, BlueCats Owner and President John Voliva said, "Gerald Clark is a PLAYMAKER!"
Tommy joins the BlueCats after signing a rookie free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2005. Standing at just over 6' 5", he will be a big receiving target for the BlueCats offense. He played in 3 preseason games with the Ravens before an injury forced his release and an injury settlement. Manus also spent time with the LA Avengers in the AFL last season. This season, he played in 4 games split between the af2 Memphis Xplorers and Louisville Fire, with 9 catches, 131 yards, and 4 touchdowns. In college, he led Morgan State in receptions and earned All-MEAC Conference honors as a senior in 2004. He caught 64 passes for 658 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2004, and had 40 catches for 578 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2003.
These additions to the BlueCats offense come after the recent additions of Deion Holts and AJ Bryant to the BlueCats defense, which made an already excellent BlueCats defensive unit one of the best in indoor football.
Bryant and Holts have each played in 3 games since arriving in Evansville. Bryant was named UIF Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts last week against Ohio Valley when he led all players with 9 tackles and made the game winning interception. He's made 3 interceptions in only 3 games. Deion Holts has played linebacker and defensive end, and has recorded 3 sacks in only 3 games. Bryant and Holts have combined for 24 tackles overall since joining the team.
The defensive unit as a whole has improved in numerous measurable ways since the arrival of Bryant and Holts, including turnover margin. The BlueCats defense has forced 11 takeaways in the last 3 games, making the team +2 on the season. Before Holts and Bryant arrived, the team was -6 on the season.
The BlueCats coaching staff hopes the influx of offensive talent will be just what the team needs as they prepare for the playoffs. BlueCats Head Coach John Hart said, "Our defense been playing very well and we're looking forward to the addition of these offensive guys coming in and looking forward to their added contributions to take us to the next level."
Bryant, Holts, and Manus were scouted and placed through the Indoor Football Scouting Bureau.
If the BlueCats defeat the Storm, and if Fort Wayne defeats Omaha, the BlueCats will receive a home playoff game for the first time in team history. In the event of a home playoff game, tickets will go on sale next Wednesday at the Roberts Stadium box office.
The BlueCats will put their winning streak on the line once again when travel to play the Sioux Falls Storm next Saturday night in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Kickoff for Saturday, July 8th, is set for 7:05pm and can be heard live on ESPN Radio 94.9 in Evansville. For the complete Evansville BlueCats 2006 schedule, please visit the website at www.evansvillebluecats.com.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 6, 2006
- UIF Transactions - UIF
- Extreme to Hold Merchandise Sale in Honor of Fan Appreciation Day - Bloomington Extreme
- UIF Week 16 Broadcast Schedule - UIF
- Storm Playoff Tickets to go on Sale Saturday - Sioux Falls Storm
- Extreme offer discounted merchandise - Bloomington Extreme
- Playoff Bound BlueCats Add Two For Championship Run - Evansville BlueCats
- BlueCats Announce Playoff Ticket Procedure - Evansville BlueCats
- BlueCats AJ Bryant Named Player of the Week - Evansville BlueCats
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.
