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April 3, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


FIRE COMES UP SHORT: For the first time in four years the Fire opened the season with a loss, 45-37, to the hands of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Fire defense set the tone early with a Jeremy Chandler interception on the first play of the game; however the Fire was unable to convert. After going scoreless in the first quarter the Fire trailed just 17-13 at halftime. The Fire had a chance to tie the game late but offensive specialist Rob Mager was tackled on the 1 yard line as time expired.

DEFENSE STEPS UP: Despite the loss the Fire defense made several big plays. Rookie defensive specialist Jeremy Chandler had an interception on the first play of the game. Chandler also recorded four tackles and one pass break-up. Kabote Sikyala, DS, also recorded and interception and two pass break-ups. The defensive line totaled five tackles for a loss and one sack.

MAGER CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE STREAK: Fire OS Rob Mager continued an impressive streak dating back to June 11, 2005. Mager has tallied at least 100 yards receiving in 10 straight games for the Fire (he missed two games in the middle of last season with an injury). Mager caught 10 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns at Wilkes-Barre. Mager caught at least 10 passes in seven of those games and has totaled 35 touchdowns.

NEXT UP: The Fire will have their first "bye" of the season this week. The Fire will return to action Friday April 14 in Freedom Hall against Manchester.

LOCAL FLAVOR ON THE ROSTER: The 2006 roster has a lot of ties to Kentucky and Indiana. The following players attended college in Kentucky or Indiana:

Player Position School

Will Rabatin OL/DL Louisville (St. X)

Jeremy Chandler DS Western Kentucky

Anthony Payton WR/LB Kentucky Wesleyan

Nate Green WR/DB Georgetown

Scott Power FB/LB Hanover

Brett Dietz QB Hanover (Cov. Catholic)

Joel Steel QB Anderson

Rob Mager OS Indianapolis (Seymour, IN)

Cesare Manning WR/DB Indianapolis

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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.

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