Riptide-Coyotes Preview
May 25, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2005
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. PST
Giveaway: First 1,500 fans receive a free foam finger
Radio: World Talk Radio
Series Record: SDG 7 â CEN 4
Game Preview: The Riptide need a win against the second ranked National West Conference Central Valley Coyotes. San Diego's offense has struggled this season, but recently assigned quarterback Kane Claunch has been an offensive powerhouse when he's playing at home. Two weeks ago, in his 2005 debut, he threw for a career high nine touchdowns. Last season, he averaged just over five touchdowns a game while in front of the home crowd.
Claunch will get plenty of help from WR/DB Ryan Smith. He has been extremely effective on all sides of the ball this season. He is tied for second on the team in rushing touchdowns (3), is tied for third on the team in receiving touchdowns (3), is tied for third on the team in scoring (36pts), is tied for third in kick returns and return yards (8-154), leads the team in interceptions (2) and breakups (9), has recorded 11 tackles.
The Riptide defense has also been highly effective allowing opponents to average just 224 yards of offense per game. The team has also only allowed 1454 passing yards this season, third in the league. The team also has a +2 turnover margin. The defense will have a hefty task of containing the fourth best offense in the league.
Since finishing last season with a 3-13 record, this year has been a complete turn around for the Coyotes franchise as they are currently second in the National West Division with a 4-3 record. The 2005 squad is an assortment of star players with af2 experience including former Hawaiian Islanders Anthony Arceneaux and Vai Notoa, former Green Bay Blizzard receiver DeRonn Finley, and former Riptide lineman Oscar Grajeda. Arceneaux, Notoa, and Finley scored a total 11 touchdowns against the Riptide in 2004.
The team is led by second year quarterback Juston Wood. Wood is currently ranked number one in average passing yards per game (266.8), among the top ten in total offense (274 ypg), and passing touchdowns (35). Despite the absence of Kenyatte Morgan, the Coyotes leading 2004 receiver, the Coyotes have been just as effective in the passing game with the addition of George Williams and Anthony Arceneax. DeRonn Finley, who was second on the team in receptions, has also stepped it up this season.
The team's defense is led by Josh Robinson's 32 tackles and 11 break ups. Ahmad Bhatti (3.5) and Vai Notoa (2) have recorded 5.5 sacks between them. Central Valley is currently ranked third in total defense and passing defense.
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