Steeldogs Aiming for Three Straight
Published on April 25, 2007 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release
Birmingham, Ala. - When the Alabama Steeldogs (2-1) take the field against the Tulsa Talons (3-0) this Saturday, the offensive unit will be a little hard to recognize from a week ago.
With the announcement Sunday that quarterback Robert Kent had been traded to the Lubbock Renegades, Steeldogs rookie quarterback Mitch Tanney has emerged as the team's new leader under center.
Tanney, who has played in two games for the Steeldogs this season, will face a tall order in his first start as he goes up against the Talons' ninth-ranked pass defense. In addition, Tulsa had held opposing quarterbacks to a meager 60.5 pass rating in three games.
"Mitch has got a great opportunity to lead this team and accomplish the things we need him to as our quarterback," Steeldogs Head Coach Ron Selesky said. "The quarterback position is by the far the most important in arena football, and Mitch understands that."
The standout from Monmouth has already had his share of success this season, leading the Steeldogs to a win against Louisville last week after replacing Kent at the end of the first half. Tanney completed 13-of-16 passes for 130 yards and five touchdowns en route to a 63-47 Steeldogs victory.
The Talons are off to a great start this season, winning their first three games while outscoring their opponents by 87 points combined. Tulsa leads the af2 in Scoring Offense, averaging 68.7 points per game.
"Tulsa has been very successful on offense this year," Selesky said. "Our defense will have to limit their mistakes and play tough for four quarters."
The Steeldogs welcome two fresh faces to the active roster this week in quarterback Justin Midgett and wide receiver Bradley Chavez. Midgett was acquired from Lubbock on Sunday in the Kent trade and Chavez rejoins the squad after finishing fourth in receiving on the Steeldogs 2006 squad.
"Bradley is a talented player who has learned our game and can make plays on both sides of the ball," Selesky said. "I am looking forward to getting him in the lineup ASAP."
Midgett, who has started all three games for the Renegades this season, has thrown for 680 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is in his second af2 season after spending 2006 with the Florida Firecats.
"Justin is a highly-touted recruit out of Florida and I feel like he will do well in our system," Selesky said.
A Steeldogs win on Saturday would give the team its first three-game winning streak since 2004. The Steeldogs are 2-2 all-time against the Talons, with Alabama winning the two teams' last match-up in the second round of the 2004 playoffs, 53-34.
The Steeldogs kick off against Tulsa at 7 p.m. this Saturday at the Tulsa Convention Center in Tulsa, Okla. The game can be heard live on the Alabama Steeldogs Flagship station WSPZ 690 "The Animal" with veteran broadcasters Matt Coulter and Roger Shultz calling the action.
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