San Diego Fleet Game Notes vs. Atlanta
February 14, 2019 - Alliance of American Football (AAF)
San Diego Fleet News Release
SAN DIEGO FALLS AT SAN ANTONIO IN OPENER
The San Diego Fleet (0-1) lost in The Alliance of American Football's inaugural game, 15-6, to the San Antonio Commanders (1-0) in the Alamodome on Feb. 9. K Donny Hageman (San Diego State) connected on a pair of field goals in the final 1:17 of the first half to send the game tied, 6-6, into the break. However, a three-yard touchdown run by Kenneth Farrow II four seconds into the fourth quarter put the Commanders ahead for good. RB Ja'Quan Gardner (Humboldt State) led all rushers with 55 yards and DE Damontre Moore recorded a game-high 10 tackles with 1.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. San Antonio held a 35:18 to 24:42 edge in time of possession.
FULL NELSON
QB Philip Nelson (East Carolina) relieved starting QB Mike Bercovici (Arizona State) to start the fourth quarter at San Antonio and finished 5-for-10 with 68 yards and an interception. He also rushed three times for 20 yards in his first career professional action. The performance was strong enough for Head Coach Mike Martz to name him the starting quarterback for Week 2 following the game. Martz previously coached Nelson at the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star Bowl - a game in which the 25-year-old won the MVP after finishing 11-for-18 for 100+ yards and a rushing touchdown. Bercovici left the opener having competed 15-of-25 passes for 176 yards and two interceptions.
HERE'S THE KICKER...
K Donny Hageman (SDSU) was the only Fleet player to records points in the opener - and the 25-year-old signed just three days before the opener. The former Aztec had been training with former Chargers kicker John Carney while waiting for a professional opportunity. As a senior in 2015, Hageman was named "Mountain West Conference's Best Under Pressure" by Sporting News. He nailed tries of 47 and 28 yards in his only two opportunities in San Antonio. He replaced K Cole Murphy on the roster.
SAN DIEGO FOOTBALL IS BACK!
When the Fleet took the field in San Antonio on Feb. 9, San Diego football fans boasted their own professional football team since the Chargers last represented the city on Jan. 1, 2017 - ending a 56-year stay in America's Finest City (1961-2016). Sunday's game will mark the first professional football game at SDCCU Stadium in 777 days. In the college ranks, San Diego State University continues to call SDCCU home and has since the facility opened in 1967.
• Discuss this story on the Alliance of American Football message board...
Alliance of American Football Stories from February 14, 2019
- Manchester Financial Group Donates Tickets for Home Opener - San Diego Fleet
- San Diego Fleet Game Notes vs. Atlanta - San Diego Fleet
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.
