Riptide-Talons Preview
April 21, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
Date: Saturday, April 23, 2005
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. PST
Series Record: SDG 0- TUL 3
Last Meeting: SDG 48, TUL 65; 5/24/03
Kane Claunch completed 70% of his passes for 343-yards in a losing effort against the Tulsa Talons. The Talons (7-1 at the time) scored on ten of eleven drives, including converting two Riptide turnovers into touchdowns. The Tulsa Talons were the eventual ArenaCup Champions in 2003.
Game Preview: The Riptide return to San Diego after a winning one and losing one on their two-game road series. The team looks to improve to 2-1 as they take on the Tulsa Talons (1-1) this Saturday at the ipayOne Center.
San Diego's team is led by FB/LB Asi Faoa, OS Steve Gonzalez, and WR/LB Anthony Griffin. Faoa (6'4" 274 lbs) has made a big impact on the defensive side of the ball. Through two games he has recorded three sacks, including two against the Blitz, and he is well on his way to beating the 10.5 season sack record for the 'Tide. Gonzalez (6'0" 185 lbs, as a rookie offensive specialist, has racked up 13 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Riptide's two contests. He has also become the team's number one kick returner and is currently averages 28-yards per return. Griffin (5'10" 190 lbs) has been playing effectively on both sieds of the ball, leading the team in tackles and rushing yards. For his efforts, Griffin was named the Ironman of the Game in Week two.
The 'Tide's defense will look to contend against the most high scoring team in the National West Divsion, the Tulsa Talons. Coming fresh off a bye week, the Talons enter this week's match up refreshed. Losers in Week One on a last-second touchdown pass at Amarillo; the Talons (1-1) turned the tables on Bossier (0-2) in the 'Wings second straight loss at home.
The Talons offense currently leads the National West Conference in scoring led by WR/LB Donavan Morgan. Morgan has hauled in a total of 15 catches for 234 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 117 yards per game. On defense, he's recorded four tackles and a fumble recovery. The âTide's defense will look to contain him in order to come away with the win.
Head Coach David Alexander starts his first season as head coach in Tulsa after spending last year as the team's General Manager. Alexander spent ten years in the NFL before landing with the Talons. Joining Alexander on the coaching staff is former Tulsa quarterback, Mitch Allner. Allner holds several records to his credit with the Talons and the league. Both men will be looking to get the Talons back to the level they were in 2003 when they one the ArenaCup Championship.
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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.
