Riptide game preview
July 6, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
Date: Saturday, July 9, 2005 Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. PST Series Record : SDG 1- LOU 0 Radio: None
Game Preview: The Riptide enter the last month of the season with high hopes of clinching a spot in the ArenaCup 2005 playoffs. The team will rely on their high powered offense to lead them to victory against one of the weakest defenses in the league.
After spraining his MCL(knee) against the Dorados two weeks ago, quarterback Kane Claunch has traveled the rapid road to recovery thanks to the bye week. He has been practicing with the team this week with a knee brace and is listed as questionable against the Fire. The 'Tide were assigned quarterback Joe Jackson earlier this week due to Claunch's situation. Jackson spent time with the Essen Generals of the German Football League and the Carolina Cobras of the North American Football League. He previously spent time with the Arkansas Twisters and Quad City Steamwheelers.
Nian Taylor and Steve Gonzalez lead the Riptide receiving core. Taylor needs two receiving touchdowns to break the previous Riptide single season record (23). The previous record was set last year by fellow Riptide Nakoa McElrath. Steve Gonzalez leads the team with an average 73.4 receiving yards per game. In addition to his receiving duties, Gonzalez has been a rocket on kickoff returns having pitched in with over 400 return yards in his last two starts.
The 'Tide defense will have the tough task of containing the league's number one offense. The Fire, under the leadership of Head Coach Tommy Johnson, leads the league in total offense (294.6ypg) and passing offense (281.3 ypg). The Louisville Fire can clinch a spot in the ArenaCup 2005 playoffs with a win.
Quarterback Matt Sauk is at the top of virtually all league passing categories, averaging 282.3 yards per game and completing 70 touchdowns. Sauk's primary targets are Rob Mager and Cesare Manning.
Mager is among the top five receivers in the league, hauling in 29 touchdowns in just 10 games. The rookie out of Indianapolis averages 110.3 receiving yards per game. Cesare Manning had a breakout performance against the Albany Conquest last weekend. He took home af2 Offensive Player of the Week honors after coming down with 12 receptions for 152 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Fire defense and special teams play has been less than stellar. The defensive line has reached quarterbacks only six times on the season. The team has also allowed opponents 286.7 yards per game. On kickoff returns, the team averages just 15.8 yards per game.
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