Postseason Drive to Virgin Mobile Arenabowl XXII Begins with Wild Card Weekend
June 25, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The Mitsubishi Motors Drive to Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII New Orleans gets underway Friday and concludes with a Monday night doubleheader on ESPN2.
For the first time in its 22-year history, the AFL will debut instant replay for all postseason games. Each coach will have a total of two (2) challenges per game that can be used at anytime during regulation.
Coaches will be equipped with a red "challenge" flag to be thrown on the field to alert officials that they wish to challenge a play. Reviewable plays will include: scoring, change of possession, fan interference and, at the referee's discretion, game administration.
For the first time in team history, the #3 Dallas Desperados (13-3) welcome the New York #6 Dragons (8-8) to American Airlines Center for postseason action on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN HD, ESPN360.com, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 127) in a National Conference matchup.
Dallas ended the regular season winning five of its last eight, including a 51-49 victory over New York at home in Week 16.
Desperados QB CLINT DOLEZEL looks to lead Dallas into the Divisional Round for the third consecutive season with a victory. Dallas is 2-3 all-time at home during the playoffs and 1-1 all-time during the Wild Card Round.
After beginning its season 1-4, New York has won seven of its final 11 games on its way to its 10th playoff berth in 14 seasons (including Iowa). The Dragons are 1-2 all-time in the Wild Card Round.
New York QB AARON GARCIA needs 211 passing yards and four passing touchdowns to move into seventh place all-time in both postseason categories. The Desperados lead the all-time series 8-3, are 4-2 all-time at home against the Dragons including three in a row dating back to 2006.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 25, 2008
- Blaze pair earn honors - Utah Blaze
- Five 'Cats garner All-Arena honors - San Jose SaberCats
- Thomas Named ADT Defensive Player of the Month - San Jose SaberCats
- New York's Garcia Attempts to Climb Passing Ladder on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Friday - AFL I
- Blaze Recievers Set New AFL Record - Utah Blaze
- Rush Donovan Morgan Named AFL Rookie of the Month - Chicago Rush
- Postseason Drive to Virgin Mobile Arenabowl XXII Begins with Wild Card Weekend - AFL I
- Awards Keep Coming for Soul - Philadelphia Soul
- MacPherson, Kicker Gowins Named AFL Players of the Month - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Robinson, Alfonzo and Harrel Voted to AFL All-Arena Teams - Chicago Rush
- Dragons' Parker and Taylor Earn All-Arena Recognition - New York Dragons
- 2008: It Was a Very Good Year - AFL I
- Rampage WR Higgins Makes All-AFL Second Team - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Samuels Honored - Tampa Bay Storm
- Gladiators' Marlion Jackson and Otis Amey Earn All-Arena Honors - Cleveland Gladiators
- Grand Rapids' Gowins Earn Player of the Month Honors - AFL I
- McGill Receives All-Arena Honor - Tampa Bay Storm
- Columbus Destroyers Offensive Linemen Will Rabatin and Howard Duncan Earn All-Arena Honors - Columbus Destroyers
- Seven Soul Players Named to All-Arena Team - Philadelphia Soul
- Three Desperados Named to AFL All-Arena Team - Dallas Desperados
- Philadelphia Places Four on First Team - AFL I
- Soul to Give Tickets to Morrisville Residents as Part of Chris Jackson Day - Philadelphia Soul
- Major Milestones and Records Set During Regular Season - AFL I
- Tiger Jones Named to All-Rookie Team - Georgia Force
- Soul Home Attendance Figure Increases - Philadelphia Soul
- Soul Band & Drumline March The Streets Of Philly - Philadelphia Soul
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