This week in the AFL

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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
June 5, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)


After two straight wins, the Orlando Predators can jump right back in the Southern Division playoff race with a victory this weekend. Although they are only 3-4 on the season, the Predators are only one game behind the division-leading Carolina Cobras heading into this week's action. Orlando's opponent this weekend will be another division rival, the Tampa Bay Storm. Like the Predators, the Storm got out to a bad start this season and are currently in last place with a 2-5 record.

For some AFL fans, this may not seem like an important game, but for Predator and Storm fans, this game may be the pivotal point in the 2002 season and could be described as an almost must win game by both clubs. Both teams struggled on offense early in the season, but with victories last weekend, both should have a little more confidence entering this game.

Jay Gruden continues to lead the way for the Predators and, although he was picked off twice last weekend, he has had a solid come-back year. Thus far he has completed 165 of 229 attempts for 1,661 yards and 34 touchdowns. With game breakers such as Siaha Burley and Clif Dell, the Predators are capable of scoring quickly and often. Lets not forget that the Preds also have one of the best defensive players in the league in Kenny McEntyre. Now in his sixth AFL season, McEntyre is always a threat to intercept a pass and he gives 100 percent on every play, making receivers pay the price when they do catch a pass. McEntyre is already in line for another all-star season with five interceptions in his first seven games.

Since quarterback John Kaleo was injured way back in week number one, the Tampa Bay Storm have struggled to find a leader on offense. Coach Tim Marcum has tried three different starting quarterbacks in the past five games, but it was not until last weekend that the offense started to click. Scott Milanovich has emerged as the new starter for the Storm after a solid game last weekend against the Indiana Firebirds. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a 53-52 come from behind victory.

Another key piece of the puzzle for the Storm was the recent signing of offensive specialist, and former Arizona Rattler, Calvin Schexnayder. Last weekend in his first game of the season, Schexnayder hauled in eight receptions for 100 yards and two scores. He also did it on the ground for the Storm, rushing for two additional touchdowns. The Storm also have one of the top kickers in the AFL, Mike Black. Last week it was Black's last-second field goal that sealed the victory for the Storm. Black is currently the number two kicker in the league and is nine of 14 in field goals. Just as importantly, he has converted 31 of 35 extra point attempts.

Although both teams started out slow for various reason, both Tampa Bay and Orlando are excellent AFL franchises that are well supported by their fans. They have top notch management and coaching and will both find a way to turn their seasons around in 2002. I will not even make a prediction on the game. I am just going to turn on TNN Sunday afternoon and enjoy one of the best rivalries in football.

They don't call it the war on I-4 for nothing.

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 5, 2002


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.


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