This week in the Arena League

by Mark Sargent
April 25, 2001 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

by Mark Sargeson

If week two is any indication of what to expect, we are in for a lot of exciting AFL action this season. Believe it or not, over seven hundred and seventy-five total points were recorded by the 18 teams that saw action this past week. Only one team, Grand Rapids, had a bye week, as the AFL kicked into high gear for 2001.

Five teams, Oklahoma, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Carolina, all jumped out to 2 and 0 starts. Four of these same five teams, will attempt to extend their winning streaks in week three, as they take the field in some key match-ups.

In the East, Buffalo will visit the New York Dragons, who are led by all-star quarterback Aaron Garcia. The Dragons, formerly the Iowa Barnstormers, lost their opening game of the season, despite putting 58 points on the scoresheet. Last year's Central Division leaders, the Dragons, are an explosive team and a definite threat to score quickly and often. Expect this game to be an exciting, wide open and, yes, high scoring affair.

In a key game in the Western Division, the Oklahoma Wranglers are taking their undefeated record into Detroit to play the expansion Fury. Last week the Fury lost to the Carolina Cobras in a game that saw a total of 131 points scored. Although they gave up 79 points, the Fury, led by veteran quarterback Scott Semptimphelter, put up a great fight. The veteran QB was 26 of 41, racking up 346 yards in passing and throwing an impressive eight touchdowns. Expect the Fury to be tough once again this week, as they play their very first regular season home game at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Western Division's San Jose SabreCats take their perfect record up against the one and one Houston ThunderBears. Both teams were involved in close games last week. Houston outlasted L.A., 58 to 48, and San Jose slipped by Arizona, 48 to 37. SabreCats QB John Dutton went 21 of 33 and tossed four touchdowns in the win. As for Houston, some fans may consider this a pivotal game even though the season is still young. A Houston win will put them in a tie with San Jose at two and one, however, a loss would drop them to one and two, leaving them two games behind their division rival.

As far as individual performances go, week two was once again full of stars. After returning from last year's retirement, Eddie Brown was up to his old tricks again. The veteran receiver hauled in 10 catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Firebirds to a 38 to 6 victory over Milwaukee. Another wide receiver,also had a terrific game last week in his return to arena football. Robert Gordon, a nine-year CFL veteran and a member of the 1998 Arena Bowl Champion Orlando Predators, caught 12 passes for 173 yards and scored an electrifying six touchdowns for the Detroit Fury.

So if you have the opportunity to take in some AFL action in your area during week three, get out and support your team. If you happen to be a season ticket holder or a frequent fan, why not bring a friend along to the game and introduce them to the excitement.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2001

• Coach Moss aids Toronto - OSC Original by Campbell Blake
• This week in the Arena League - OSC Original by Mark Sargent

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.