Stealth Win First Game of the Season
April 28, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Wichita, KSâIt wasn't pretty, but it ended as 31-27 victory for the Stealth over the Hawaiian Islanders in front of 4,702 deserving fans. Wichita fell behind early but battled back from a 14-point deficit to win their first game of the season and move to 1-3 on the season.
Quarterback Matt Hicks who won the games most valuable player award led the Stealth. Hicks completed 30 of 45 passes for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns. The only drawbacks to Hicks performance were two interceptions and another fumbled snap, that was recovered by Hawaii inside the Wichita 10-yard line and eventually resulted in an Islander touchdown. Hicks would overcome the mistakes and solidify himself as the top quarterback for the Stealth.
Wichita also received a stellar performance from rookie Kicker Dylan Pohlman. The local talent signed with the Stealth one day before debuting Saturday night with a perfect 4-4 performance in extra point attempts and a 26 yard field goal to end the first half.
Hawaii jumped on top of the Stealth early and stretched their lead to 14 before Wichita started things rolling and pulled within 3 before halftime. The second half was a different story for Hawaii. Countless turnovers and 11 total turnovers for 63 yards killed the Islander's momentum, and swung to the Stealth. A key loss to the Islanders came early in the first half when their top receiver, Darrell Jones, left the game with an ankle injury. Jones returned in the second half, but the lift wasn't enough as the Stealth fought off numerous charges by the Islanders.
The biggest play of the game came with less than eight minutes left in the game. Wichita led by four, but Hawaii was knocking on the door with a drive that started at their own 15-yard line. Islander quarterback Darnell Arceneaux led Hawaii all the way to the Wichita 14-yard line. Then came third down and a great rush by the Wichita defensive line forced Arceneaux to run and throw an off balanced pass that was picked off by Stealth defensive back Corey McCoy at the Wichita 6-yard line. McCoy would return it to the 20-yard line of Wichita and all but seal the deal for the Stealth. A few more completions from Hicks and two rushes by Wichita's Alex Doran would allow the Clock to run out and give the Stealth their first victory of the season.
Wichita's Corey McCoy was selected as the Iron Man of the game. He ended the contest with 5 receptions for 58-yards, and one touchdown on offense. On defense he had one tackle, one pass defense, and more importantly a virtual game winning interception that he returned for a 20-yard gain.
The ADT Defensive Player of the Game was Wichita's Defensive Specialist Will Sullivan. Sullivan also intercepted a pass and made 2 pass defenses. Sullivan now has two interceptions on the season, both of which came at key moments of the game and were spectacular diving grabs to deny opponents big plays.
The MVP award was a unanimous decision in favor of Wichita Quarterback Matt Hicks. Hicks threw for 297 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Needing to play consistently, Hicks did just that. Disregarding an early fumbled snap and two interceptions, Hicks drove his team the length of the floor before connecting with McCoy on a 26-yard pass that would give Wichita a lead that they would not relinquish.
Wichita gained some much needed help inside the divisional race as both the Peoria Pirates and the Louisville Fire lose Saturday night and edge Wichita that much closer to the rest of the division.
Wichita's next home game is a little ways away, as the team hits the road for 3 consecutive weeks. Along the way the Stealth will take on Peoria on May 3rd, then travel to Fresno, California to play the Frenzy, and then finally on to Quad City to Challenge divisional leader, and defending Champion, Quad City Steamwheelers.
The next Stealth home game will be May 25th, against the Quad City Steamwheelers. Great seats are available by calling 755-SEAT or by setting up a group night through the Wichita Stealth front office.
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