State Rivals to Face-Off for First Time Ever
April 20, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Everett Hawks News Release
The Everett Hawks continued their success last week with a win on the road versus the Lincoln Capitols. That brings their record to an undefeated 4-0. Their opponent this week is the Tri-Cities Fever. The Fever won their opener, but then dropped their next game which started turmoil between ownership and coaching â thus forcing the ownership to look a different direction. Firing Craig Beverlin and then announcing special teams coach Dan Whitsett as interim head coach. This decision didn't go good with starting QB Scott Mitchell and he also decided to part ways with the team.
The team had a tough time adjusting to the coaching changes and struggled finding someone to step up into that leadership role between their after Mitchell left and lost their second consecutive game. The Fever had their running back Jarvis Dunn get on his cell and start making some calls; he was able to get in touch with a former teammate of his from last year, NIFL ALL-STAR QB Doug Coleman. Tri-Cities had no problem finding a way to win last week under the leadership of Coleman, as he played right to his 2004 form and threw for 7 TD's.
Head Coach Dan Whitsett
A shocker for the Tri-Cities Fever. Just two weeks into their very first season, there is a new man in charge. Craig Beverlin resigned as head coach of the Fever. Beverlin described the move as a firing while the team called it a resignation, but the bottom line--the two parted ways over differences in player discipline and how the team was to be run on the field. Special teams coach Dan Whitsett will take over on an interim basis.
Whitsett began scouting both amateur and professional baseball talent for the Network Scouting Service. He has been responsible for sending over 80 baseball players to college and professional baseball in the last 10 years. His scouting abilities transferred into the game of football and since 2000 he has sent several small college athletes into Arena Football and to CFL camps. He is currently the Head Football and Baseball Coach at Tri-Cities Prep High School in Pasco.
Lee Leslie, a coach who led the Utah Warriors to the National Indoor Football League title game two years ago and will coach the new Salt Lake City team in the Arena Football League next year, will serve as a consultant to Fever coaches Dan Whitsett, Tim Maher, and Steve Farrington.
Key Players for the Tri-Cities Fever
QB Doug Coleman
Height: 6'2
Weight: 245
College: Eastern New Mexico University
The Tri-Cities Fever announced the signing of veteran quarterback Doug Coleman. The 6'2", 245 QB Coleman played for the Houma Bayou Bucks in 2004. Coleman had 2,328 passing yards with 62 touchdowns and 47 rushing yards over a span of 12 games and 333 plays. He also led the Bayou Bucks to the playoffs. Coleman attended Eastern New Mexico University.
Coleman's signing with the Fever comes after Tyler Thomas shattered his wrist during the Fever's first road game against the Wyoming Cavalry. Scott Mitchell was the original QB, but left the team after their coaching change. Coleman played his first game last week and throw for 7 touchdowns.
RB Jarvis Dunn
Height: 5'7
Weight: 175
College: SW Mississippi Community College
Dunn was the Houma Bayou Bucks (NIFL) top rusher in 2004 with 120 carries for 561 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games. He was also the leagues top kick-returner with a 25.8 yards per carry average. With a 40 time of 4.39, Dunn is amongst the fastest players in the NIFL.
DB Rhodri Kirwan
Height: 5'11
Weight: 195
College: UNLV
Kirwan played last season with the now defunct Myrtle Beach Stingrays. He was second on the team in tackles. He has already made his presence felt this year with the Fever, recording 2 INT's in their game vs. the Wyoming Cavalry.
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National Indoor Football League Stories from April 20, 2005
- State Rivals to Face-Off for First Time Ever - Everett Hawks
- Rage looking for redemption Friday against top-rated defense - RiverCity Rage
- Home Game this Saturday - Montgomery Bears
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