Stealth Squeak by Islanders

May 3, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release


Wichita, Kan. - Stealth offensive specialist Michael Dritlein didn't have a pass reception all night, but the one time he touches the ball he returns it 57-yards for the game winning score, as the Wichita Stealth (4-1) downed the Hawaiian Islanders (3-2) 36-29 in front of 6,549 fans at the Kansas Coliseum.

The Stealth came into the game averaging 245.2 yards of total offense per game, but were held to 142 by the Islanders. Stealth quarterback Anthony Buich was held to a season low of 101 yards passing and two touchdowns. Stealth fullback/linebacker Brian Goolsby was voted as the Game MVP by the media for his performance on the night. Goolsby finished the night with eight yards rushing and two unassisted and two assisted tackles on the night. He also added a field goal block.

The turning point of the game came in the fourth quarter with the Islanders deep in Wichita territory. On third and two from the Wichita 7-yard line, Stealth fullback/linebacker John Norman tipped Islanders' quarterback Darnell Arceneaux's pass at the line and it was intercepted by Stealth fullback/linebacker Daren Williams at the Wichita 11-yard line and returned 4 yards to the Wichita 15. On the ensuing drive, Buich found wide receiver/defensive back Ty Ardoin for a 19-yard touchdown reception to pull the Stealth even with the Islanders.

On Hawaii's final drive they began at their own 9-yard line and were only able to gain fourteen yards to bring it to near midfield. They brought on kicker Kimo Naehu for a 43-yard attempt, which was returned by Dritlein 57 yards for the game winning score, handing the Islanders their second loss of the season.

The Islanders' were led by wide receiver/defensive back Nian Taylor. Taylor had 10 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. Taylor also had 72 yards of returns on the night. Islanders' defensive specialist Eddie Klaneski was voted as the ADT Defensive Player of the Game for his defensive effort on Michael Dritlein.

The Stealth, now with sole possession of first place in the West Division, will conclude their three-game home stand next week as they face the Quad City Steamwheelers, who come into the game with a 3-2 record and winners of their last three games. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available by calling the Stealth office at 316.755.3307.



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