Rolling On
June 1, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Dallas Desperados News Release
PHILADELPHIA - When the Desperados lost wide receiver Marcus Nash to a broken hand last week in Columbus, they knew they would have to rely on Dialleo Burks, who was ready to return to the team after missing the first 12 games of the season.
But while Burks played Friday night and actually scored a touchdown against Philadelphia, it was Will Pettis who came to the forefront, doing just about everything possible in helping the Desperados squeak past the Soul for a 59-56 win here at the Wachovia Spectrum.
The Desperados, who have already clinched the AFL Eastern Division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs, improved to 12-1. The Soul is still fighting for a playoff spot despite falling to 6-7.
But while Philadelphia had won two straight games since the return of quarterback Tony Graziani, who suffered a separated shoulder in the first meeting against the Desperados back in April, the Soul needed an offensive playmaker like Pettis.
From the first series of the game when Pettis hauled in a 46-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-11 to quiet the raucous Philly crowd, to late in the fourth quarter when he caught a 45-yard touchdown to answer a Philadelphia comeback, the all-Ironman standout just wouldn't let the Desperados lose.
"I knew I had to step up tonight," Pettis said. "With (Nash) out, we all had to do our part. It didn't matter what happened, we had to get the job done."
Pettis did his part and then some, catching nine passes for 191 yards and four touchdowns and scoring a fifth touchdown with a 3-yard run in the third quarter.
Pettis also had two kickoff returns for 29 yards and picked off a pass on defense, which led to a field goal before the half.
"I've said time and time again, he's the best player in this league," Desperados head coach Will McClay said of Pettis. "It's just another illustration of everything he can do. I just haven't seen a player who makes the impact that he does on offense, defense and special teams."
Two of Pettis' touchdowns occurred in a wild fourth quarter in which the Desperados answered each of Philadelphia's attempts to keep the game close.
Leading 38-34 to start the fourth quarter, Desperados quarterback Clint Dolezel needed just one play to give his team some breathing room, firing a 40-yard strike to Pettis, who had gotten past the Philadelphia defense again for a touchdown.
However, after a kickoff return to near midfield, Graziani needed just one play to answer, connecting with Charles Pauley for an 18-yard touchdown that cut Dallas' lead to 45-41.
But on the ensuing drive, after a penalty on the kickoff pushed the ball back to the 1, the Dolezel found Andrae Thurman on a quick push pass to the flat and let the speedy receiver do the rest. Thurman broke two tackles, sidestepped along the sideline and raced 49 yards for the touchdown, the longest play in Desperados history.
"We were just looking for some room," McClay said. "But (Thurman) has some good moves. We knew he's a guy that can make a difference and he made a big play for us."
Philadelphia did answer, scoring on a 1-yard run by Wes Ours with 7:49 to play to cut the lead to 52-48.
But it was Pettis to the rescue again. He caught a 45-yard touchdown just three plays into the next drive, extending the lead back to 11.
After Philly finally scored again with less than a minute to play, Desperados linebacker Bobby Perry recovered the onside kick and the offense eventually ran out the clock for the win.
It was the team's sixth win this year by seven points or less.
"We're just finding a way to get the job done," McClay said. "It doesn't matter if we blow teams out or not. We're winning the games and we're doing the little things that you need to do. It's Arena Football. It's not to easy to win, but we're finding a way."
Dolezel, who was named the game's top offensive player, completed 21 of 35 passes for 320 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. Willis Marshall had six catches for 47 yards, while Thurman had three for 63. Burks caught two passes for 16 yards, including 3-yard touchdown.
The Desperados will return home June 9 at American Airlines Center (7:30 p.m. CDT) to face the New Orleans Voodoo (4-8).
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 1, 2007
- Rolling On - Dallas Desperados
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- Soul Lose To Deperados 59-56 - Philadelphia Soul
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- 2007 Team and Individual Season Record Breakers - AFL I
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