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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

SaberCats Look to Move to 12-0

July 3, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK (July 3, 2002) - Having already clinched the No. 1 seed in the 2002 playoffs, the San Jose SaberCats (11-0) looks to earn the league record for best regular season start, when they face the Indiana Firebirds (5-6) this Friday at 10:30 p.m. (ET). A victory would set the AFL mark for most victories to start a season (12). The game features two of the league's all-time greats square off in a classic match-up -- WR/LB BARRY WAGNER versus OS EDDIE BROWN. The two future Arena Football Hall of Famers are No. 1 and 2 in numerous all-time offensive records, but continue to bring out the best in one another with each head-to-head meeting. The last time this pair met on the field (July 15, 2001), Brown exploded with 16 receptions for 185 yards and five touchdowns in a Firebirds victory. The two stars have a combined six Ironman and five Offensive Player of the Year Awards.

The playoff spotlight burns bright in Western Michigan when QB BILLY DICKEN and the Chicago Rush (7-4) travel to Grand Rapids take on Offensive Player of the Year candidate QB CLINT DOLEZEL and the defending ArenaBowl champion Rampage (6-5) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (ET). The Rampage sent the expansion Rush home with a 53-21 loss in last season quarterfinal match-up on their way to the league title, but Chicago head coach MIKE HOHENSEE seeks revenge and a two-game advantage in the division title race. The individual match-up to keep an eye on will be Rampage OS STEVE SMITH (156 points, No. 4 in AFL) against defending Ironman of the Year, DAMEON PORTER (8 INTs, No. 1). The victor could be decided by which defense can stop the opposing offense -- Chicago (No. 2, 53.8 PPG) and Grand Rapids (No. 3, 53.5 PPG). A Chicago win would clinch a playoff berth for the second-year team.

One of the better rivalries continuing to develop adds yet another chapter out West when 2002 Hall of Fame inductee DANNY WHITE leads the Rattlers (8-3) into Staples Center to face first-year head coach ED HODGKISS and the Avengers (7-4) on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (ET). Both squads give chase to the undefeated San Jose SaberCats, but with home field advantage and playoff implications on the line -- figure to turn up the heat in the smoldering rivalry. Ironman and Built Ford Tough Man of the Year candidates GREG HOPKINS and CHRIS HORN lock-up in a showcase showdown, the two are No. 1 and 2 in receptions and are both in the top five in scoring this season. While Arizona has clinched a playoff spot, a victory for the Avengers would place the third-year team in the playoffs for the first time.

Regardless of records or time of the season, Orlando (5-6) versus Tampa Bay (4-7) is always a must-see game. Both teams find themselves in the middle of a tight Southern Division race and square off on The New TNN on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Orlando QB JAY GRUDEN makes his first homecoming to Tampa Bay since returning as a player following his retirement after capturing an ArenaBowl title with the Storm in 1996. The former Louisville star led the Storm to four championship titles -- two of them came under the guidance of current Tampa Bay coach TIM MARCUM. The veteran coach, who was elected in the AFL Hall of Fame in 1998, looks to keep his playoff participation streak alive -- 14 seasons as an AFL coach with 14 playoff appearances.

Other games include Carolina at Toronto on Thursday, New Jersey at New York, Buffalo at Georgia, and Detroit at Dallas on Saturday.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 3, 2002


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