Talons Tear Through Stealth
Published on July 20, 2002 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Wichita, KS - The Wichita Stealth began Saturday's contest with visions of payback to avenge a loss earlier in the season. Tulsa withstood the punches thrown at them by the Stealth, buying their time, just waiting for an opportunity to strike deep into the Stealth's armor. It happened early in the third quarter as the Talons began a roll that would lead them to a 21 point victory over the Stealth, 57-36 in front of Wichita's largest crowd of the season, 7012 fans.
The Stealth and the Talons battled back and forth for the majority of the first half. The Talons took a nine-point lead after Game MVP Anthony Buich connected with co-ADT Defensive Player of the Game Henry Stephens for a four-yard touchdown. Wichita would get the ball back with: 53 seconds left in the first half, and drive all the way into Talons territory with enough time for Phil Aguilar to kick a 22-yard field goal. Wichita trailed at halftime by only six, 28-22. The second half would be the test for both teams.
The Talons would waste little time getting things going in the second half. Mitch Allner would have a quiet first half only catching one pass for five yards. He opened the second half with a 31-yard touchdown catch from Buich to put Tulsa on top 34-22. Exactly two minutes later Will Sullivan would score for the Stealth on a 24-yard pass from Ron Lopez. Lopez ended the night with 279 yards passing and five touchdowns. Both starting quarterbacks ranked among the top ten at the beginning of the night, but Buich would have the biggest night. He ended with seven touchdown passes and 335 yards passing. Allner would shine for the Talons in the second half. He ended with 10 catches and 123 yards receiving, including two touchdowns. Keonta Golson was another factor for the Talons as he hauled in six catches for 93-yards on to his way to earning the Iron Man award. Tulsa 's Defensive Specialist Larry Hollinquest was named co-ADT Defensive Player of the Game, ending with four-and-a-half tackles, and one pass break-up.
The front line of the Talons put pressure on Lopez for the majority of the game. Lopez avoided the charge and was only sacked once. Corey McCoy was the top receiver for the Stealth catching seven passes for 91 yards. Will Sullivan ended with four catches for 44-yards and two touchdowns. Willie Grissom caught three passes for 49-yards and one touchdown, moving him over the 2000-yard career reception mark.
Wichita will benefit from a bye in the final week of the season. They will have two weeks to prepare for the Peoria Pirates, who are their first round opponents. Wichita ended the season with a record of 6-10, and won five of their last six home games.
arenafootball2 Stories from July 20, 2002
- Steam sweeps Prowlers, finishes season at 8-8 - Roanoke Steam
- Talons Tear Through Stealth - Wichita Stealth
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- Brigade Clinches Playoffs with Theus's Record Setting Catch - Rochester Brigade
- Brigade clinch playoff birth with 28-18 victory - Mohegan Wolves
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