Stealth Quench the Fire
Published on June 15, 2002 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Wichita, KS - Storm Clouds rolled across the plains of Kansas and dumped rain all over the Kansas Coliseum. Still, 4,007 fans came to the see the Stealth demolish the Louisville Fire 62-39, and move three-and-a-half games ahead of the Fire for the final playoff spot in the Midwest Division.
The Stealth offense, spearheaded by quarterback Ron Lopez, was sizzling. Lopez connected on six of his first eight passes and scored on his first pass attempt with a 29-yard completion to Willie Grissom, 36 seconds into the game. Lopez would end the evening with 245 yards passing, and seven touchdowns. Lopez was named the games Most Valuable Player, and collected his third victory as the leader of the Stealth.
Former Stealth quarterback Matt Hicks started for the Fire, and was never allowed to become comfortable in the pocket. The front line of the Stealth brought down Hicks three times. ADT Defensive Player of the Game Bryan Henderson broke the Stealth's single season record for sacks with two take downs of Hicks, moving his total to 12 for the season. His brother Bruce Henderson joined Bryan Henderson in the defensive attack. Bruce was awarded Iron Man of the Game with two rushing touchdowns, one-and-a-half tackles, and a forced fumble.
Wichita led at one time by as many as 37 points, and never relinquished the lead after their first score. Two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 13 penalties for 103 yards, which resulted in 14 points for the Stealth, plagued Louisville. Wichita's defense aided an offense that started rolling early, and was virtually unstoppable.
Offensive Specialist Willie Grissom lead the Stealth receiving core with seven catches for 58 yards and one touchdown. Carl Richardson, Greg Kyler, and Xavier Patterson all caught two touchdown passes each. The defensive line was strong all night long for the Stealth, but the defensive backs allowed the first and only touchdown pass Louisville has ever scored in the Kansas Coliseum. The return of Defensive Specialist Harold Piersey was huge for the Stealth. Piersey intercepted his fourth pass of the year and led the team with five and-a -half tackles.
This was a key game for both teams, as they are each other's competition for the playoffs. Wichita will travel to Louisville in two weeks where these two teams will face off again. Between here and there is a tough game against the Bossier City Battle Wings in Shreveport, Louisiana.
With the win Wichita moved to 4-7 on the season, and lead the 1-9 Louisville Fire by three-and-a-half games in the playoff race. The Stealth hopes to benefit from a bye in the last week of the season to heal before the playoffs begin.
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