Stealth Protects LopezâStun Steamwheelers
May 25, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Wichita, KS - With seven years of experience under his belt quarterback Ron Lopez knew he would perform well. The million-dollar question of the night was whether or not the Stealth front line could protect him. The offensive line answered that questions with a 57-38 victory over the two-time defending champion Quad City Steamwheelers. Lopez was a welcomed sight to 3,629 faithful Stealth fans who saw a calmer and composed offense march time and time again into the end zone.
Lopez ended the evening 21 of 29 with 271 yards passing and 4 touchdowns, and was named the games most valuable player. He connected with four different receivers. The first half Lopez keyed on offensive specialist Corey McCoy eight times for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns. McCoy however would suffer a hamstring injury that would not allow him to return in the second half. Willie Grissom moved over the offensive specialist position and would be the only receiver Lopez would look for in the second half. Grissom ended with nine catches for 109-yards and 1 touchdown. Grissoms performance won him the Iron Man award. Xaiver Patterson would score his third rushing touchdown of the season and intercept one pass as well as catch three passes for 48 yards. Greg Kyler would round out the receiving core for the Stealth with one reception for 17-yards.
Possibly the best individual performance by any one was the outstanding play of defensive specialist Harold Piersey. Piersey set two team records with three interceptions and 10 pass defenses. He was rewarded with the ADT defensive player of the game.
The Stealth got things going early as the veteran Lopez barked hard counts repeatedly and drew the Quad City front line offsides on the very first play of the game. Two more consecutive penalties would give Wichita a first down at the Quad City 13-yard line. Lopez would then complete his first official pass attempt on a 13-yard bullet to McCoy for the first score of the game. Wichita would real off 14 more points in the first quarter and never look back.
The Quad City Steamwheelers suffered a huge loss two their starting quarterback Tony Zimmerman one week ago in the first meeting between the Stealth and the Steamwheelers. They turned to rookie quarterback Dan McMullen to lead their offense. McMullen had only attempted one pass on the season. He finished the night 15 of 34 with 186 yards passing. McMullen looked comfortable in the pocket but was one second slow several times with his delivery and left several passes short. Piersey would capitalize on the mistakes and help lead Wichita to its biggest win in franchise history.
arenafootball2 Stories from May 25, 2002
- Stealth Protects LopezâStun Steamwheelers - Wichita Stealth
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