This Week in the AFL - Playoff Edition

by Mark Sargent
August 8, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

As week three of the AFL post season approaches, just four teams remain in the hunt for the Arena Bowl Championship. San Jose, Arizona, Chicago and Orlando all survived some very tough challenges last weekend to advance in the playoffs. Probably the most exciting finish occurred in Arizona where the Rattlers defeated the Carolina Cobras 61-59, on a last second hail-mary pass from Sherdrick Bonner to Chis Horn.

On Saturday afternoon, the Southern Division Champion Orlando Predators visit San Jose to battle the Western Division Champion Sabercats. The Predators were slow out of the gate this year, but they finished strong and ended the season on a winning note at 7-7. They then went on to defeat Buffalo, 32-27, and New Jersey, 49-46, to advance to the semi-finals. Veteran quarterback Jay Gruden leads a solid offense, while Kenny McEntyre anchors a very tough defensive corps. The Predators have been exceptionally strong on the road this season winning five out of seven contests. They are healthy and will be fired up for this important game.

San Jose had an incredible regular season, and they excelled in all aspects of offense and defense. They showed their true character last weekend by overcoming a 16-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Storm, 55-48. Quarterback John Dutton has filled in admirably for the injured Mark Grieb. Last weekend Dutton completed 24 of 38 passes for 327 yards and six touchdowns. Ironman Barry Wagner was the true star as he ran for two touchdowns, caught three more and intercepted a pass.

So, what if Orlando's defense key's on Barry Wagner and shuts him down? The problem for Orlando is that if you shut down Wagner, then you have to worry about James Hundon, who caught 98 passes in the regular season of which some 35 resulted in touchdowns. Then there is Shalon Baker, James Roe and Omarr Smith, who are all exceptional receivers capable of big games.

The bottom line with San Jose is they appear to be unstoppable this season. Although I think that this game will be close (7-10 points), I give the edge to San Jose and look for them to advance to the championship game.

On Sunday afternoon the 9-5 Chicago Rush continue their excellent season as they visit Arizona to take on the 11-3 Rattlers. These two teams are evenly matched and both are very explosive on offense. They can score very quickly, yet they are both capable of playing solid defense and generating turnovers.

Sherdrick Bonner had another outstanding year at quarterback for Arizona, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 69 touchdown passes. He finished up the season as the number two pivot in the league with a QB rating of 115. Last week's offensive hero, Chris Horn, hauled in 104 receptions on the year including 29 touchdown passes, making him the number two receiver in the league. Add in receivers like "Hunkie" Cooper and Randy Gatewood, and one can see why Arizona has a potent offense.

Chicago can answer Arizona's attack with their own offensive power. Quarterback Billy Dicken finished the year with a QB rating of 111, as he passed for over 3,500 yards and 74 touchdowns. He too has some excellent receivers to throw to. Rookie OS Antonio Chatman, had an outstanding season, hauling in 74 catches for 1,068 yards and 23 touchdowns. Add players like Anthony Ladd, Dameon Porter, James McGourty and Jamie Bowers to the mix and you have sever targets for Dicken.

This game has all the potential to be a very high scoring affair and is the type of match-up that could come down to some last minute heroics for the win. In either event, we are in for some very good football action this weekend as we gear up once more for the Arena Bowl Championship game.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 8, 2002

• This Week in the AFL - Playoff Edition - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.