AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Showdown in Big D highlights week 11 ESPN2 coverage

Published on May 9, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK - The Drive to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans flexes as the Eastern Division leading Dallas Desperados (9-1) welcome the ArenaBowl XX Champion and Central Division leading Chicago Rush (8-1) to American Airlines Center on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday on May 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com.

The Desperados, No. 2 in this week's Schutt Sports Poll, are undefeated (5-0) at home and 9-1 in their last 10 home contests. Dallas can record their third 10-win season in franchise history and clinch a playoff berth with a win. The Georgia Force (9-1), who has a bye, can also clinch a playoff berth this week (see page 2 for scenario).

Led by QB CLINT DOLEZEL (2,830 YDs, 68 TDs) the Desperados boast an offense that has the third-highest point total in the AFL (625 points). Dolezel's triple threats of WR/DB WILL PETTIS (76 REC, 810 YDs, 24 TDs), WR/DB MARCUS NASH (68 REC, 958 YDs, 20 TDs) and FB/LB JOSH WHITE (58 ATT, 212 YDs, 7 TDs) hope to exploit the Rush's defense.

Chicago, No. 3, is on an eight-game winning streak and looks to keep its momentum going on the road against the National Conference's number one defense (274 ypg.).

Rush WR BOBBY SIPPIO (94 REC, 1,347 YDs, 40 TDs) and WR/DB ANDY MCCULLOUGH (48 REC, 371 YDs, 3 TDs) return to Dallas to face their former team for the first time since joining Chicago.

In a Southern Division matchup with playoff implications, the Orlando Predators (5-4), No. 9, host the New Orleans VooDoo (4-5) in a race for second place on Friday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

VooDoo QB ANDY KELLY (2,084 YDs, 35 TDs) connected with WR/DB TROY MASON on a 14-yard TD pass with 11 seconds remaining as New Orleans, No. 11, outscored Orlando 27-19 in the second half to take a 48-45 victory on March 31.

Orlando QB SHANE STAFFORD (2,311 YDs, 41 TDs) has thrown for 913 yards, 19 touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last four starts.

The Colorado Crush (6-4) travel to the Gaylord Entertainment Center to square off against the Nashville Kats (4-6) in a Central Division contest on Friday, May 11, at 8 p.m. ET (CET - Live, Mountain West Sports Network - Live, CSS - NDD, 5/12, 12 p.m. ET, AFL NET).

Led by QB JOHN DUTTON (2,657 YDs, 52 TDs), the Crush, No. 5, hopes to bounce back from their 59-48 loss to the Rush on Monday night.

At the beginning of this season, the Crush had an impenetrable defensive backfield with DB RASHAD FLOYD, DB CHRIS ANGEL, and DB AHMAD HAWKINS on their roster. Due to salary cap restrictions, Hawkins was released prior to the start of the season, but has emerged in Nashville as a dominant force who leads the AFL in interceptions (10).

Floyd and Angel have also faired well with Floyd, the ADT Defensive Player of the Month for April, leading the League in tackles (104.5) and Angel tying for fifth in interceptions (5).

April's Rookie of the Month, QB JEFF SMOKER (2,357 YDs, 40 TDs), leads Nashville's offense in hopes of bouncing back from a 71-55 defeat to Grand Rapids on Saturday.

Utah Blaze QB JOE GERMAINE (3,396 YDs, 74 TDs) leads the AFL's top offense into Kemper Arena to challenge DB KENNY MCENTYRE (4 INTs, 1 TD) and the American Conference's top defense as the Kansas City Brigade (5-4) host the Utah Blaze (5-5) on Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET.

In their only previous meeting, the final game of each team's 2006 inaugural season, then Blaze QB ANDY KELLY hit WR/LB TOM PACE for a four-yard touchdown pass with four seconds remaining to secure a 55-54 victory.

This week's games also include: Grand Rapids at Columbus on Friday (Columbus Sports Net - Live, Comcast local Detroit - Live, AFL NET); Austin at Arizona on Sunday (FSN Southwest - Live, FSN Arizona - SDD, 5/13, 12 a.m, ET); Las Vegas at San Jose on Saturday; Tampa Bay at Los Angeles on Saturday (SUN - Live, FSN Prime Ticket - SDD, 5/13, 1:30 a.m. ET, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 123); and New York at Philadelphia on Monday (SIRIUS Radio - Channel 122).

Following is Dallas' and Georgia's postseason-clinching scenario for Week 11:

The Dallas Desperados clinch a National Conference playoff spot with a win.

The Georgia Force clinch a National Conference playoff spot with a: New Orleans VooDoo loss + Tampa Bay Storm loss + New York Dragons loss + Austin Wranglers loss + Dallas Desperados win.

SCHUTT SPORTS TOP 12 POLL

(As selected by the AFLWA)

RANKING TEAM RECORD POINTS 1 Georgia Force (16) 9-1 235

2 Dallas Desperados 9-1 213

3 Chicago Rush (4) 8-1 212

4 San Jose SaberCats 6-3 179

5 Colorado Crush 6-4 157

6 Columbus Destroyers 5-4 112

7 Kansas City Brigade 5-4 105

8 Los Angeles Avengers 5-4 102

9 Orlando Predators 5-4 99

10 Utah Blaze 5-5 70

11 New Orleans VooDoo 4-5 41

12 Philadelphia Soul 4-5 14

Also receiving votes: Nashville Kats 12, Tampa Bay Storm 8, Grand Rapids Rampage 1.

Dropped out: Nashville Kats (12).

GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE (3-6) AT COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (5-4)

FRIDAY, MAY 11, AT 7:00 P.M. ET

COLUMBUS SPORTS NET

COMCAST LOCAL - DETROIT

AFL NET

RAMPAGE: Going for first two-game win streak of the season...Offense leads AFL in miscellaneous TDs (12)...Offensive special teams ranks third in kickoff return avg. (20.9)...Offense ranks fourth in field goal pct. (60.0)...QB CHAD SALISBURY has thrown consecutive seven TD games...WR/DB TIMON MARSHALL leads League with 2,179 all-purpose yards, and five touchdown returns on kickoffs...WR SCOTTY ANDERSON ranks third among rookies with seven third-down receptions...DB TREY BELL ranks second among rookies in forced fumbles (3)...DESTROYERS: Offensive special teams leads League in kickoff return avg. (21.4)...QB MATT NAGY has fourth highest third-down passing rating of 103.1...WR DAMIEN GROCE tied for fourth with 12 third-down receptions...Defense ranks second in fourth-down pct. (30.8)...Defense tied for third in sacks (12)...Defense ranks fourth in scoring (47.0)...Defense ranks fifth in net turnover differential (+6)...DB JERALD BROWN tied for fifth in INTs (5)...DL KEN JONES leads League with 12 TFL and 8.5 for sacks. On pace to break single-season sack record with 15.

2007 LEADERS RAMPAGE DESTROYERS SERIES LEADER LEADS 5-2

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Won vs. Nashville: 71-55 Won vs. New York: 51-42

2007 LEADERS RAMPAGE DESTROYERS PASSING Salisbury: 131-198-1378-31-5 Nagy: 187-307-2059-45-7

RECEIVING Marshall: 67-792-17 Groce: 70-822-19

RUSHING Ryan: 47-108-8 Wells: 46-120-7

TACKLES Wesley: 51.5 Freeman: 58.0

SACKS Balous: 2 Jones: 8.5

INTERCEPTIONS Harris: 4 Brown: 5

KICKING Gowins: 57-65 PAT; 9-15 FG: 84 PTS Martinez: 49-59 PAT; 9-16 FG: 76 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 55.3 PPG (8th); 266.0 YPG (17th) 51.3 PPG (T-12th); 245.7 YPG (19th)

TEAM DEFENSE 64.8 PPG (19th); 330.7 YPG (19th) 47.0 PPG (4th); 287.7 YPG (6th)

NEW ORLEANS VOODOO (4-5) AT ORLANDO PREDATORS (5-4)

FRIDAY, MAY 11, AT 7:30 P.M. ET

Matchup between last two Southern Division Champions (New Orleans - 2005, Orlando - 2006)...VOODOO: Offense tied for fifth with five miscellaneous TDs...QB ANDY KELLY second in League with 1.3% of pass attempts intercepted...Defense ranks third in fourth-down pct. (45.5)...DB CHRIS BROWN ranks second in tackles (65.5)...OL/DL HENRY TAYLOR tied for third in TFL (8.0). Tied for fourth in sacks (6.0). Led AFL in sacks in 2006 as member of Orlando...Defensive special teams leads League in kickoff return avg. (12.4)...PREDATORS: Offense ranks fifth in rushing yards per game (23.4)...QB SHANE STAFFORD second in league on third-downs (111.9 passer rating)...WR JAVARUS DUDLEY leads team in receptions (63), yards (917) and TDs (17)...Defense leads AFL in scoring (43.6) and red zone efficiency (69.8)...Defense ranks second in net turnover differential (+9)...Defense tied for second in sacks (13)...DL GREG WHITE ranks third in sacks (6.5)...DB LIN-J SHELL ranks fifth in tackles (63.5)...K JAY TAYLOR ranks second in touchbacks (26)...DB RAYSUN REED ranks third among rookies in INTs (3)...DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON leads all rookies with 13.5 special-teams tackles...Defensive special teams ranks third in kickoff return avg. (15.9).

2007 LEADERS VOODOO PREDATORS SERIES LEADER LEADS 4-1

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Lost vs. Georgia: 57-72 (Week 9) Lost at Georgia: 34-55

2007 LEADERS VOODOO PREDATORS PASSING Kelly: 206-307-2084-35-4 Stafford: 197-307-2311-41-6

RECEIVING Jordan: 60-580-8 Dudley: 63-917-17

RUSHING Curran: 25-57-3 Nagle: 32-109-1

TACKLES Brown: 65.5 Shell: 63.5

SACKS Taylor: 6 White: 6.5

INTERCEPTIONS Haith: 3 Bowers: 4

KICKING Houle: 51-52 PAT; 8-14 FG: 75 PTS Taylor: 55-60 PAT; 5-10 FG; 70 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 51.2 PPG (14th); 298.1 YPG (9th) 49.3 PPG (15th); 282.4 YPG (14th)

TEAM DEFENSE 52.1 PPG (7th); 295.3 YPG (11th) 43.6 PPG (1st); 294.4 YPG (9th)

COLORADO CRUSH (6-4) AT NASHVILLE KATS (4-6)

FRIDAY, MAY 11, AT 8:00 P.M. ET

CET - LIVE

MOUNTAIN WEST SPORTS NETWORK - LIVE

CSS - NDD, 5/12, 12 P.M. ET

AFL NET

CRUSH: Offense has third lowest amount of sacks allowed (5)...WR DAMIAN HARRELL ranks fourth in League with 29 receiving touchdowns. Looking to extend streak of consecutive games with TD reception to 77. Ranks fourth in scoring (174 points). Tied for fourth with 12 third-down receptions...WR BRAD PYATT ranks third among rookies in first downs (43). Ranks fourth among rookies in yards from scrimmage (790)...Defense ranks fourth in fourth-down pct. (46.7)...DB RASHAD FLOYD leads league with 104.5 tackles. On pace to break own single-season record of 134.5 set in 2006...DB CHRIS ANGEL tied for fifth in INTs (5)...AFL Kicker of the Month K JASON BALL is tied for League lead in field goals with 10...KATS: Leads AFL in rushing TDs (31)...Offense ranks fourth in fourth-down pct. (68.4) and red zone pct. (82.4)...Offense tied for fifth in first downs (21.9)...AFL Rookie of the Month QB JEFF SMOKER ranks second in League averaging 8.73 yards per completion...WR KENNY HIGGINS has League high average of 15.7 yards per catch. Ranks third among rookies in scoring (108 points)...FB DAN ALEXANDER has single season record 28 touchdowns, and is perfect 6-6 on third-and-one plays. Leads League in attempts (99) and third in yards (209). Stands three attempts shy of breaking single-season mark of attempts in a season. Ranks fifth in scoring (170 points)...Defense ranks fourth in yards per game (282.8)...DB AHMAD HAWKINS leads AFL in INTs (10).

2007 LEADERS CRUSH KATS SERIES LEADER LEADS 4-1

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 2-3

LAST GAME Lost at Chicago: 48-59 Lost at Grand Rapids: 55-71

2007 LEADERS CRUSH KATS PASSING Dutton: 235-388-2657-52-10 Smoker: 167-270-2357-40-10

RECEIVING Harrell: 77-949-29 Higgins: 62-974-18

RUSHING Thomas: 19-18-7 Alexander: 99-209-28

TACKLES Floyd: 104.5 Ezekiel: 45.5

SACKS Patu/Snyder: 2 McConnell: 2.5

INTERCEPTIONS Angel: 5 Hawkins: 10

KICKING Ball: 57-66 PAT; 10-19 FG: 87 PTS Witczak: 65-73 PAT; 2-8 FG: 71 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 49.3 PPG (16th); 277.9 YPG (16th) 55.5 PPG (7th); 300.4 YPG (8th)

TEAM DEFENSE 53.1 PPG (9th); 295.1 YPG (10th) 57.7 PPG (15th); 282.8 YPG (4th)

UTAH BLAZE (5-5) AT KANSAS CITY BRIGADE (5-4)

SATURDAY, MAY 12, AT 8:00 P.M. ET

BLAZE: Highest scoring offense in AFL (64.9 ppg)...Offense leads League in yards (344.1 ypg)...Only team with over 3,400 total yards (3,441)...Offense ranks second in passing TDs (76)...Offense ranks fourth in first downs (22.5)...Offensive special teams ranks second in kickoff return avg. (21.1)...QB JOE GERMAINE had eight 300-yard passing games in career entering season. Has eight this season. Germaine has highest passing rating in fourth-quarter for quarterbacks with 50 or more attempts (128.1) and leads League in yards (3,396). Ranks second in TD passes (74) and passer rating (131.3)...WR SIAHA BURLEY leads League with 102 receptions and 1,385 yards. On pace to break single-season record in both categories. 72 of Burely's receptions resulted in first-downs. Ranks third in scoring (186 points)...K STEVE VIDETICH leads League with 75 PATs, eighth season with 70 or more PATs, and 28 touchbacks...BRIGADE: Offense ranks second in rushing yards per game (29.6) and third-down pct. (56.4)...Offense ranks third in fourth-down pct. (68.8)...Offense has third lowest amount of sacks allowed (5)...QB RAYMOND PHILYAW ranks third in League with a 72.3 completion percentage...WR/LB CHARLES FREDERICK leads all rookies in rushing attempts (35), yards (101) and TDs (11)...Top Defense in AFL (2,319 yards allowed)... Defense tied for third in net turnover differential (+7)...Defense ranks third in scoring (46.6)...Defense ranks fourth in first downs (19.8)...DB KENNY MCENTYRE is three INTs shy from becoming first player to record 70 career INTs...DB ISAIAH TRUFANT leads all rookies with 15 passes defensed.

2007 LEADERS BLAZE BRIGADE SERIES LEADER LEADS 1-0

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 3-2

LAST GAME Lost vs. Dallas: 59-66 Won at Philadelphia: 53-41

2007 LEADERS BLAZE BRIGADE PASSING Germaine: 273-393-3396-74-4 Philyaw: 222-307-2500-41-7

RECEIVING Burley: 102-1385-31 Frederick: 65-805-11

RUSHING Robinson: 9-43-1 Moss: 35-122-5

TACKLES Lawson: 49.5 Trufant: 37.0

SACKS Janek/Smith: 3 Cohen/Douzart: 2

INTERCEPTIONS Bryant: 3 McEntyre: 4

KICKING Videtich: 75-87 PAT; 4-10 FG: 87 PTS Rush: 50-64 PAT; 2-8 FG: 56 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 64.9 PPG (1st); 344.1 YPG (1st) 51.3 PPG (T-12th); 307.2 YPG (T-6th)

TEAM DEFENSE 63.6 PPG (18th); 296.2 YPG (12th) 46.6 PPG (3rd); 257.5 YPG (1st)

AUSTIN WRANGLERS (3-6) AT ARIZONA RATTLERS (2-8)

SATURDAY, MAY 12, AT 10:00 P.M. ET

FSN SOUTHWEST - LIVE

FSN ARIZONA - SDD, 5/13, 12 A.M. ET

WRANGLERS: Offense leads AFL in rushing yards per game (38.6)...Only team over 300 yard rushing mark...Offense ranks fifth in field goal pct. (58.8)...FB CHAD DUKES is 3-3 on third-and-one plays...WR OTIS AMEY ranks fourth among rookies in all-purpose yards (967)...K MARK LEWIS is tied for league high in field goals (10). Ranks second in points (89)...RATTLERS: Offense tied for League lead in sacks allowed (2)...Offense ranks third in first downs (22.7) and in red zone (87.5)...Offense ranks fourth in yards per game (319.5) and third-down pct. (54.4)...Offense ranks fifth in fourth-down pct. (66.7)...QB SHERDRICK BONNER ranks third in passing yards (2,883), and fourth in touchdowns (61)...WR TRANDON HARVEY is third in third-down receptions with 13, that resulted for 177 yards and 5 touchdowns. Harvey leads rookies with 71 receptions...FB BO KELLY ranks second in carries (67), and fourth in rushing yards (164)...Defense leads AFL in rushing yards per game (7.9). Only team that has not allowed 100 rushing yards (79)...Defense ranks third in first downs (19.4)...DB KEYUO CRAVER is tied for third in League in tackles with 64.5.

2007 LEADERS WRANGLERS RATTLERS SERIES LEADER TIED 1-1

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 1-4

LAST GAME Lost vs. Tampa Bay: 45-66 Lost vs. San Jose: 49-56

2007 LEADERS WRANGLERS RATTLERS PASSING McPherson: 189-311-2379-42-10 Bonner: 225-355-2883-61-10

RECEIVING D. Lewis: 69-948-20 Harvey: 71-1021-21

RUSHING McPherson: 38-226-6 Kelly: 67-164-11

TACKLES Coggins: 57.5 Craver: 64.5

SACKS Krager: 2 Gaines: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Coggins/Harper/Krager/Mason: 1 Todd/Damond/Steen: 2

KICKING M. Lewis: 59-62 PAT; 10-17 FG: 89 PTS Christofilakos: 7-7 PAT; 0-1 FG: 7 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 52.1 PPG (10th); 297.6 YPG (10th) 57.7 PPG (6th); 319.5 YPG (4th)

TEAM DEFENSE 57.7 PPG (15th); 299.0 YPG (13th) 62.1 PPG (16th); 323.8 YPG (18th)

LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS (1-9) AT SAN JOSE SABERCATS (6-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 12, AT 10:30 P.M. ET

GLADIATORS: QB BRIAN JONES leads team with 1,373 YDs and 22 TDs. Ranks second on team in rushing yards (33). Leads team in rushing TDs (6)...WR THABITI DAVIS leads team in receptions (76). Ranks second on team in yards (809). Tied for team lead of 12 TDs. Tied for fourth in AFL with 12 third-down receptions...WR/DB ETU MOLDEN ranks second on team in receptions (61) Leads team in receiving yards (816). Tied for team lead of 12 TDs...FB/LB JOSHUA RUE ranks second among rookies in rushing attempts (19), yards (61) and TDs (3)...DB EARTHWIND MORELAND leads team in INTs (3)...K STEVE AZAR leads rookie kickers in touchbacks (17)...SABERCATS: Leads Western Division...Offense leads League in first downs per game (23.8)...Offense ranks second in fourth-down pct. (71.4)...Offense tied for second in field goal pct. (63.6)...Offense ranks third in scoring (62.9 ppg), yards per game (322.8) and third-down pct. (55.6)...Offensive special team's ranks fourth in kickoff return avg. (19.8)...Head coach DARREN ARBET going for 100th career victory. Can become fifth coach in AFL history to record 100 victories with win...QB MARK GRIEB has 35 career 300-yard passing games, including 5 this season. Ranks second in completions (255). Ranks fourth in passer rating (125.1) and yards (2,852)...WR BEN NELSON is fourth in receptions (89) and yards (1,111). 70 of 89 receptions for first downs...Defense leads League in first downs allowed (18.7). Only team that has not allowed 170 total first downs...Defense ranks second in rushing yards per game (12.3)...Ranks third in AFL in total defense (279.7 ypg)...Defense ranks fifth in red zone efficiency (75.6)...DB TRESTIN GEORGE leads League with average of 25.1 yards per kickoff return...OL/DL RONALD JONES tied for fourth in sacks (6.0). Tied for fifth in TFL (7.5)...K A.J. HAGLUND leads League with 98 points by a kicker and rookies with 71 PATs.

2007 LEADERS GLADIATORS SABERCATS SERIES LEADER LEADS 7-3

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 4-1

LAST GAME Lost vs. Los Angeles: 37-59 Won at Arizona: 56-49

2007 LEADERS GLADIATORS SABERCATS PASSING Jones: 118-176-1373-22-4 Grieb: 255-352-2852-60-9

RECEIVING Davis: 76-809-12 Nelson: 89-1111-23

RUSHING Rue: 19-61-3 Johnson: 31-64-7

TACKLES Moreland: 44.5 Thomas: 50.0

SACKS Eggleston/Riley/Thompson: 1 Jones: 6

INTERCEPTIONS Moreland: 3 Thomas: 4

KICKING Azar: 52-59 PAT; 7-15 FG: 73 PTS Haglund: 71-76 PAT; 7-11 FG: 98 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 45.7 PPG (19th); 297.1 YPG (11th) 62.9 PPG (3rd); 322.8 YPG (3rd)

TEAM DEFENSE 63.5 PPG (17th); 312.7 YPG (15th) 52.9 PPG (8th); 279.7 YPG (3rd)

TAMPA BAY STORM (3-6) AT LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (5-4)

SATURDAY, MAY 12, AT 10:30 P.M. ET

SUN - LIVE

FSN PRIME TICKET - SDD, 5/13, 1:30 A.M. ET

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 123

STORM: Offense tied for second in field goal pct. (63.6)...Offense ranks fourth in rushing yards per game (23.6)...QB BRETT DIETZ has thrown for 457 YDs, seven TDs in two career games with Storm...FB TORRANCE MARSHALL is tied for second with 11 rushing touchdowns...Defense ranks second in red zone efficiency (77.8) and first downs (19.2)...Defense ranks fourth in third-down pct. (43.5)...DB JEROID JOHNSON is tied for second in league in INTs (6)...K SETH MARLER leads rookies making 95.7% of PATs...AVENGERS: Offense ranks second in first downs (22.8)...QB SONNY CUMBIE has League high of 127.8 passing rating on third-down. Cumbie is 32-of-51 for 414 yards and 14 touchdowns...WR KEVIN INGRAM ranks fifth in receptions (85)...FB LONNIE FORD ranks fifth in rushing yards (143). Tied for second in rushing TDs (11)...Defense ranks third in red zone efficiency (82.6)... Defense tied for third in sacks (12)...Defense ranks fifth in rushing yards per game (15.1)...DB DAMEN WHEELER ranks fifth in passes defensed (14)...WR/DB EDDIE CANONICO leads League with 15.0 special teams tackles...OL/DL SILAS DEMARY tied for fourth in sacks (6.0). Tied for fifth in TFL (7.5).

2007 LEADERS STORM AVENGERS SERIES LEADER LEADS 2-1

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 3-2

LAST GAME Won at Austin: 66-45 Won at Las Vegas: 59-37

2007 LEADERS STORM AVENGERS PASSING Kaleo: 133-199-1464-18-6 Cumbie: 218-331-2571-48-6

RECEIVING Toliver: 73-928-12 Ingram: 85-966-22

RUSHING Filer: 27-96-9 Ford: 53-143-11

TACKLES Johnson: 56.5 Canonico: 55.0

SACKS Briggs: 4 Demary: 6

INTERCEPTIONS Johnson: 6 Wheeler: 4

KICKING Marler: 45-47 PAT; 6-7 FG; 63 PTS Hamilton: 60-67 PAT; 9-17 FG: 87 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 46.4 PPG (18th); 289.8 YPG (12th) 54.6 PPG (9th); 307.2 YPG (T-6th)

TEAM DEFENSE 53.4 PPG (10th); 288.0 YPG (7th) 56.3 PPG (13th); 314.2 YPG (16th)

NEW YORK DRAGONS (2-7) AT PHILADELPHIA SOUL (4-5)

MONDAY, MAY 14, AT 7:30 P.M. ET

SIRIUS RADIO - CHANNEL 122

DRAGONS: Offensive special teams ranks fifth in kickoff return avg. (19.5)...QB AARON GARCIA has thrown for 536 YDs, and 12 TDs in two games this season...WR MIKE HORACEK ranks fourth in yards from scrimmage (1,129). Ranks fifth in receiving yards (1,083)...WR/DB DASHANE DENNIS leads team in kickoff return avg. (21.4)...DB BILLY PARKER ranks third in passes defensed (16)...DL JONATHAN NIX ranks third among rookies in sacks (2.0)...SOUL: Offense tied for third with seven miscellaneous TDs...WR CHARLES PAULEY tied for fourth with 12 third-down receptions. Ranks fifth in all-purpose yards (1,508)...Defense leads AFL in third-down pct. (39.4)...Defense ranks fifth in scoring (48.4)...DB EDDIE MOTEN leads League in passes defensed (20). Tied for second in INTs (6)...OL/DL DWAYNE MISSOURI ranks second in AFL in defensive FR (3)...DL BRYAN SAVE leads all rookies in sacks (3.0)...Defensive special teams ranks second in kickoff return avg. (15.0).

2007 LEADERS DRAGONS SOUL SERIES LEADER LEADS 4-2

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 0-5

LAST GAME Lost at Columbus: 42-51 Lost vs. Kansas City: 41-53

2007 LEADERS DRAGONS SOUL PASSING Davey: 156-247-1888-33-13 Graziani: 101-164-1352-28-4

RECEIVING Horacek: 73-1083-24 Pauley: 65-970-16

RUSHING Toombs: 27-90-9 Ours: 17-48-3

TACKLES Dennis: 50.5 Moten: 54.0

SACKS Nix: 2 Missouri/Save: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Holder/Parker: 3 Moten: 6

KICKING Warley: 48-55 PAT; 5-11 FG: 63 PTS France: 56-64 PAT; 5-9 FG: 71 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 47.0 PPG (17th); 288.8 YPG (13th) 51.4 PPG (11th); 278.4 YPG (15th)

TEAM DEFENSE 55.7 PPG (11th); 292.2 YPG (8th) 48.4 PPG (5th); 317.0 YPG (17th)

CHICAGO RUSH (8-1) AT DALLAS DESPERADOS (9-1)

MONDAY, MAY 14, AT 8:30 P.M. ET

ESPN2 - LIVE ESPN360.COM - LIVE

ANNOUNCERS: MERRIL HOGE & RAY BENTLEY

RUSH: Leads Central Division...Going for franchise record ninth consecutive victory... Offense leads AFL in fourth-down pct. (75.0)...WR BOBBY SIPPIO leads AFL in touchdowns (40) and scoring (240 points). On pace to break single-season record in both categories. Ranks second in receptions (94) and yards (1,347)...Defense leads AFL in net turnover differential (+18)...Defense leads League with 31 takeaways...Defense ranks second in scoring (46.2)...Defense ranks fourth in red zone efficiency (80.0)...Ranks fifth in total defense (285.7 ypg)...WR/DB DEJUAN ALFONZO leads League with 4 defensive fumble recoveries...DB DENNISON ROBINSON is tied for third in tackles with 64.5...K DAN FRANTZ ranks third in touchbacks (25)...DESPERADOS: Leads Eastern Division...Going for third 10-win season in franchise history...Can clinch playoff berth with win...Offense leads League in third-down pct. (59.6) and sacks allowed (2)...Offense ranks second in red zone (91.5)...Offense ranks third in passing TDs (69) and rushing yards per game (24.5)...Offense ranks fourth in scoring (62.5 ppg)...QB CLINT DOLEZEL ranks third in passer rating (126.6) and passing TDs (68). WR WILL PETTIS ranks second in all-purpose yards (1,792)... Ranks fifth overall in first downs (59)...FB JOSH WHITE is second in rushing yards (212)...Defense leads League in fourth-down pct. (30.4)...Ranks second in total defense (274.0 ypg)...Defense tied for second in AFL with 15 INTs... Defense tied for second in sacks (13)...Defense tied for third in net turnover differential (+7)...Defense ranks fifth in first downs (19.8)...DL COLSTON WEATHERINGTON leads League in FF (5). Ranks second in sacks (8)...DB BOBBY KEYES leads rookies with 6 interceptions...WR/DB JERMAINE JONES ranks second in League with 17 passes defensed...K TODD SIEVERS has League high 97% completion rate on PATs.

2007 LEADERS RUSH DESPERADOS SERIES LEADER LEADS 4-2

LAST FIVE GAMES 5-0 4-1

LAST GAME Won vs. Colorado: 59-48 Won at Utah: 66-59

2007 LEADERS RUSH DESPERADOS PASSING D'Orazio: 191-287-2224-48-7 Dolezel: 215-310-2565-59-6

RECEIVING Sippio: 94-1347-40 Pettis: 72-744-23

RUSHING D'Orazio: 37-80-9 White: 55-200-7

TACKLES Robinson: 64.5 Jones: 53.0

SACKS Burt: 5 Weatherington: 8

INTERCEPTIONS Alfonzo/Unertl: 4 Keyes: 6

KICKING Frantz: 64-70 PAT; 7-17 FG: 85 PTS Sievers: 55-57 PAT; 3-6 FG: 64 PTS

TEAM OFFENSE 58.3 PPG (5th); 262.8 YPG (18th) 62.5 PPG (4th); 311.2 YPG (5th)

TEAM DEFENSE 46.2 PPG (2nd); 285.7 YPG (5th) 50.5 PPG (6th); 274.0 YPG (2nd)

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 9, 2007


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.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central