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The Rematch

May 2, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, C.T. (May 2nd, 2002)- For the final game of a long three game road swing, the Wolves will travel to Norfolk, Virginia to take on the Nighthawks (0-3). It is the last road game until May 24th when the Wolves take on the New Haven Ninjas. Mohegan is coming off a disheartening loss at the hands of the Ninjas last week. Meanwhile, Norfolk had a bye week to rest and prepare for the Wolves (2-2). Game time is set for 7:00 pm on Saturday at Norfolk's Scope Arena (8,965). The Wolves bring with them the top rated pass defense, second rated pass offense, third rated total defense and sixth rated total offense in the af2. Norfolk stands at the bottom of the af2 in most statistical categories due in large part to the bye week last week.

Head Coach Gary Porter added this about the game at Norfolk:

"We expect Norfolk to be much improved from our first match up. The have some very talented kids and in their own building they should play better. Its just like New Haven last week, they are a very dangerous team that is hungry for that first win. If we play the way we did last week it could make for a long trip. I expect our guys to be mentally ready for this game. They have no excuse not to play at the top of their abilities this weekend."

THE SERIES

This is the second meeting in the series between Norfolk and Mohegan. The Wolves defeated Norfolk 47-29 for the first victory in franchise history. Offensive Specialist Brandon Burnside was named Game MVP after returning a kick for a touchdown and catching another touchdown pass. Burnside caught 7 passes for 63 yards also. Fullback/Linebacker Kenyea Ware was named Ironman of the Game despite tearing his ACL. That injury ended Kenyea's season. Defensive Specialist Carlos McLaurin earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game. He recorded 3 ½ tackles to go with an interception and 3 passes broken up. QB Cable Davis passed for 4 touchdowns to 4 different receivers on the night. Since that meeting the Wolves have gone 1-1 while Norfolk lost to Richmond 75-12 after a bye week.

INJURY REPORT

The Wolves played the second half of last week's game against New Haven without starting quarterback Cable Davis who injured his hand in the first half. He missed practice on Monday but will play against Norfolk.

ROSTER REPORT

The Wolves made a few roster changes this week after the disheartening effort at New Haven last week. OL/DL Alex Sepulveda, who hasn't played since the first game due to injuries has been designated for re-assignment. Also WR/LB Anthony Giovingo was also re-assigned. His roster spot was replaced by Brian Shubin, a rookie from Central Connecticut State. Shubin played Quarterback at Central Conn. State and has the ability to play a variety of positions for the Wolves. He was signed as a Wide Receiver/Linebacker but can play defensive back, wide receiver, quarterback and linebacker. He provides depth at various key positions.

NEXT WEEK'S OPPONENT: Albany Conquest (3-1) 5/10/02

In Week 7 of the inaugural af2 campaign for the Wolves they will return home to take on the 1st place Albany Conquest. The Conquest defeated the Wolves 29-14 on opening night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in front of crowd of 5,041. Conquest Offensive Specialist Corey Hill was named Game MVP with his 14-reception 103-yard night. Albany's Henry Baker was named ADT Defensive Player of the game after he intercepted two of Cable Davis's passes. Offensive/Defensive Lineman Alex Houston was named Ironman of the Game. He provided constant pressure on the Wolves backfield. Since beating the Wolves on opening night the Conquest ripped off two more victories: beating Rochester 42-36 on May 13th, and beating Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 34-28 on May 20th. Last week Albany lost their first game of the year to Rochester 32-24. The Conquest have a bye this week in preparation for next week's huge divisional match up. Albany boasts the 2nd best scoring defense in the entire af2. They have the 3rd most interceptions in the league with 7 on the year. Corey Hill is the 4th leading receiver in the league. He has hauled in 35 passes so far this season. Henry Baker is 2nd in interceptions with 4, Matt Vittengl is leading the af2 in forced fumbles, and he has forced 3 thus far. Alex Houston is tied for 4th in sacks with 4 on the year. Brandon Tinson is the 2nd leading tackler in the league with 31 tackles. A win versus Albany would put the Wolves right back in the hunt for a Northeast Divisional crown.

WOLVES IN THE COMMUNITY

Mohegan Wolves Head Coach Gary Porter and Director of Football Operations Andy Osborne appeared on the local access show "On the HomeFront" based out of Willimantic, Connecticut. The show had a sports theme and introduced the Mohegan Wolves to the northeast part of the state. It will air on Thursday, May 2nd at 8 pm, Tuesday May 7th at 2:30 pm, Saturday May 11th, at 2 pm and Thursday May 16th, at 8 pm on channel 14 in northeastern Connecticut. This weekend, while the team is on the road traveling to Norfolk, the Wolves will still be active in the area. Members of the Wolves front office staff will be at the 11th Annual Kids Karnival at the Groton Sub base Youth Center on May 4th and 5th. -cont'd-

WOLVES IN THE COMMUNITY

The Kids Karnival will be from 11 am-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Patrons will be able to purchase tickets and receive information about the team at the Wolves booth. For further information contact the Wolves offices at (860) 443-1900.

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