Thunder Shoot for Third Win in Amsterdam
May 28, 2003 - National Football League Europa (NFLE)
Berlin Thunder News Release
The two-time defending World Bowl champion Berlin Thunder (2-6) head to the hostile confines of Amsterdam Arena to face the Amsterdam Admirals (3-5) this Saturday, May 31st. The Thunder are attempting to make it three in a row against the Admirals, a series they lead all-time 7-2. Last week, the Thunder suffered a crushing road defeat to the rival Rhein Fire 28-21, while the Admirals lost at home to Scotland, 31-20.
TV:
Saturday's contest will be broadcast in the United States on Direct TV at 1:00pm EST and live on DSF in Berlin. The U.S. play-by-play will be handled by veteran Detroit-area announcer Matt Shepard, with color commentary coming from former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Curtis Baham. Kick-off at Amsterdam Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local Amsterdam time.
THIS WEEKEND'S FOX TEAM
MATT SHEPARD- Matt Shepard is a broadcasting veteran of 15 years, the last 11 years in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He has called play-by-play for professional and college football, basketball and hockey for the better part of seven years and been nominated for an Emmy for his ability. He has been part of the Fox Sports Net family for six years and prides himself on his versatility as a play-by-play announcer, sideline reporter, host, and sports news reporter. Shepard also works for a Detroit sports station as an anchor/TSH and is heavily involved in the Detroit metropolitan community. Shepard is married to his wife of 12 years, Lisa and they proudly boast three sons: Chad (11), Sean (8), and Scott (5).
CURTIS BAHAM- Curtis Baham played defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks in 1987 and played his college ball at Tulane. He is vice president of the New Orleans Chapter of the NFLPA. His son Curtis is a sophomore wide receiver for Clemson who might be a starter this season and was ranked as the 80th best wide receiver in the nation by rivals100.com.
THE SERIES
With Berlin notching their first win of the 2003 season against Amsterdam, the Thunder now hold a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series.
Berlin's Largest Margin of Victory: 32; 42-10 (May 8, 1999) in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Largest Margin of Victory: 5; 24-19 (April 20, 2002) in Berlin
Most Recent Tie: There has never been a tie
Current Winning Streak: 2; Thunder, (May 3, 2002 - Present)
LAST TIME VS. AMSTERDAM
In Berlin, the Thunder entered Week 5 still searching for their first victory of the season, behind the steady play of quarterbacks Phil Stambaugh and Henry Burris (Chicago) the Thunder defeated the Amsterdam Admirals 34-30. The victory was Berlin's first since winning the World Bowl in Düsseldorf at the conclusion of last season.
The Thunder jumped out to a 34-10 lead as both quarterbacks registered two scoring passes apiece and each threw touchdown passes to tight end Bryan Fletcher (Chicago). Burris, who saw action in the first and third quarters also ran for a touchdown as the Thunder offense had everything go their way.
The Thunder started the scoring as Burris found tight end Ryan Prince (Oakland) form 5 yards out giving Berlin a 7-0 lead. The Admirals responded as tight end Kirk McMullen (Carolina) caught a Shaun Hill (Minnesota) touchdown pass evening the score at 7 apiece. Fletcher then got into the mix as he scored his first touchdown midway through the second quarter. Following a 29-yard Silvio Diliberto field goal, the Thunder, behind Stambaugh, executed a perfect version of the 2-minute drill in which they traveled more than half the field and scored on an 18-yard pass to Elijah Thurman (Chicago) with 18 seconds remaining in the half.
The second half saw the Thunder extend their lead to as much as 24 points as both Burris and Stambaugh continued their impressive afternoon. Fletcher's second touchdown of the game and a 1-yard run by Burris concluded the Berlin scoring, but the fireworks were far from over.
The Admirals attempted a comeback late in the fourth quarter behind quarterback David Priestley. Taking over for the injured Hill, Priestley led the Admirals on two scoring drives, the first cumulated in a 2-yard touchdown pass to running back Tellis Redmon (Seattle) with just over a minute remaining and the successful two-point conversion brought the Admirals within 10 points of the Thunder. A successful onside kick handed the ball back to Amsterdam and Priestley then found wide receiver Justin Skaggs (Washington) on a 30-yard bomb to the corner of the end zone and the Admirals were within four points at 34-30.
However, the afternoon belonged to the Thunder as the Admirals attempt at another onside kick was recovered by Thurman, ending any hopes of an amazing Amsterdam comeback.
A steady combination of passing and timely long runs aided the Berlin cause and played a major role in the victory. Running back Sedrick Irvin rushed for 83 yards to pace the Thunder ground attack while Stambaugh was nearly perfect as he completed 16 of his 19 passes for 163 yards to go along with his 2 touchdown passes.
Source: Fitz Ollison
A THUNDER VICTORY WOULD...
- Improve Peter Vaas's career coaching record to 21-20 overall and to 6-2 against the Admirals.
- Improve the franchise overall record to 24-27.
- Give the Thunder their third straight win against Amsterdam.
HEAD COACHES
PETER VAAS completed his third season as head coach of the Berlin Thunder by leading his squad to the team's season best-tying record at 6-4 and their second consecutive World Bowl title in 2002. Vaas finished his fifth year of coaching in NFL Europe, having joined the league in 1998 as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach for the Barcelona Dragons. In 1999 as offensive assistant he helped the Dragons to a league best 7-3 record and a World Bowl berth. Under his guidance running back Lawrence Phillips rushed for 1,021 yards and 14 touchdowns and was named the league's Offensive MVP. Vaas began his coaching career in 1974 as an assistant at Allegheny College and from 1979-85 worked as offensive coordinator at the University of New Hampshire. In 1986, Vaas returned to Allegheny as their head coach, guiding a team that had not posted a winning record in seven years to two North Coast Athletic Conference championships. In his second season he led the Gators to an undefeated 9-0-1 regular season record. Vaas went on to become running backs and then quarterbacks coach at Notre Dame. There he coached players such as Rick Mirer, Jerome Bettis, and Ricky Watters, all of who became top-flight NFL players. He was head coach at Holy Cross from 1992 to 1995 before becoming the offensive coordinator for the Montreal Allouettes of the Canadian Football League. Peter Vaas is married to Rosann and they have two daughters, Katelyn and Kelly and reside in Hampton, New Hampshire.
BART ANDRUS: Bart Andrus enters his second year as head coach with the Admirals after leading Amsterdam to a 4-6 record in 2001. He spent the 2000 NFL Europe season as offensive coordinator for the Rhein Fire. The Fire offense topped the league in total yards gained and total points scored that year. Prior to his appointment with the Fire, Andrus spent three seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans as offensive assistant from 1997-98 and as the quarterbacks coach in 1999. Andrus is credited for over 10 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including one season as the head coach at Rocky Mountain College. He received the 1996 NAIA Coach of the Year Award for his efforts in restructuring a struggling program that had not won a game in 4 years. At the helm of Rocky Mountain, Andrus ended the season at 6-4 with his offense ranking first in the nation. Prior to his stint at Rocky Mountain, Andrus filled the role as the offensive coordinator at three different institutions: Southern Utah University ('93-'95), Montana State ('90-'91) and Humboldt State ('86-'89). Rounding out his career, Andrus served as a graduate assistant at Brigham Young University in 1984 after a three year position as the head coach at St. Patrick High School in Vallejo, CA. Andrus is a graduate of the University of Montana where he played quarterback for four years (1978-81). He was born in Los Angeles, California, March 30, 1958. Andrus and his wife, Karen, are the proud parents of a daughter Brooke (13) and a son Travis (10).
FROM COACH VAAS
(on what he is looking for this week)
"We have a short week after our game last Sunday against Rhein, but I expect our guys to be ready to go. This season has been a disappointment, but we are professionals and I expect us to continue playing our tails off. We have had some great efforts the past couple weeks, but have just come up short. We will be working hard for win number three in Amsterdam."
(on the keys to the game)
"The keys for us are always taking care of the ball on offense and forcing turnovers on defense. Like last weekend's game in Rhein, the Amsterdam crowd brings a similar challenge. We will need to block out the noise and focus on the task at hand. If we do these things, we will have a chance to come away with a victory."
D.A. CONTINUES TO PILE UP YARDAGE RECORD
All-purpose back David Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) is the runaway league leader in combined net yards gained with a total of 1,568 yards and smashed one of the oldest records in the book in Week 7, formerly held by Tony Baker of Frankfurt, who gained 1,367 yards in 1991. The speedster garnered NFL Europe Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his performance against Scotland in week 4. He totaled 129 yards on four returns, including a 74-yard scamper down the sideline for a touchdown. The back from Kansas State is fourth in rushing with 534 yards on 85 carries after his top performance in Week 6 in Spain when he rushed 16 times for 125 yards and a touchdown and his second consecutive 100-yard day the following week when he totaled 105 yards on 17 carries. Allen has scored five touchdowns and is the only player in the league to do so three different ways (three rushing, one receiving, and one on a kickoff return).
QUICK STATS
Offensive Game Averages: 22.2 pts, 340.9 total yds, 121.5 rushing yds, 219.4 passing yds.
Passing Leader: Stambaugh (1335 yards)
Rushing Leader: Allen (534 yards)
Receiving Leader: Thurmon (28 catches for 320 yards, 4 TDs)
Defensive Game Averages: 31.6 pts, 366.5 yds, 170.7 rushing yds, 195.7 passing yds.
Sack Leader: Williams (8) Interception Leader(s): T.Coleman, Harris (2)
THUNDER OFFENSIVE NOTES
-Wide receiver Elijah Thurmon (Chicago Bears) has been a standout in the Thunder passing game as of late. He finished with 79 yards on 4 receptions last week including an impressive catch, juke, spin, and run late in the second quarter against Rhein. The 6'4" big-body receiver from Howard is seventh in the league with 28 catches for 271 yards and 4 touchdowns, including an 80-yarder from Stambaugh against Barcelona in Week 7.
-Wide receiver Sean Scott (Philadelphia Eagles), one of Stambaugh's go-to guys with 21 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown, missed his second consecutive game last week while on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury. Scott has been put back on the active roster and will see action in Amsterdam.
-German national wide receiver Joerg Heckenbach is in his sixth year in the league, fourth with the Thunder. He was named NFL Europe National Player of the Week for his performance against Amsterdam in Week 5 in which he finished with 3 receptions for 57 yards and one tackle on special teams. Heckenbach had 12 catches for 205 yards in 2002, including a 66-yard reception and started off the 2003 campaign with two touchdowns in the first two games He has 13 catches for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season after adding 3 receptions for 30 yards last week. -Quarterback Phil Stambaugh is the league's fourth-rated passer with a rating of 83.7. The journeyman from Lehigh is with his seventh team in three years and will now have full reigns of the Thunder offense for the third straight week, since the injured Henry Burris departed. He had his most accurate day against Amsterdam earlier in the season connecting on 16 of 19 passes for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mike Watkins (re-assigned from the Rhein Fire) will back up Stambaugh for the third straight game.
-Running backs Sedrick Irvin (Miami Dolphins) and David Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) provide the ground game with an effective variety of styles. Irvin (73 rushes for 339 yards, 26 catches for 241 yards) is a power runner that can get the team those much-needed extra yards and is elusive in the open field. Allen (85 rushes for 534 yards, 18 catches for 193 yards) uses his quickness to make opposing defenders miss and has great breakaway speed. -Center Josh Warner (Chicago Bears) and tackle Freddie Moore are in their second seasons with the Thunder and help anchor the biggest offensive line that the organization has had in its five years of existence.
-Offensive tackle Chris Smith (New York Jets), a converted collegiate tight end at California-Davis, has been a steady blocker for Bob Bicknell's O-line. Smith has put on 50 pounds in just two years in the professional ranks and is one of the keys in both the rushing game and in pass protection for the upstart Berlin offense.
BIG "L" REMAINS TOP DOG IN SACKS
Defensive end Lamanzer Williams (Miami Dolphins) has been on a mission since returning from Birmingham where he was rehabbing a hamstring injury. The 28-year old from the University of Minnesota has racked up 7 sacks in the past three games and 8 overall in just five games of action and is the league-leader in that category. Williams earned NFL Europe Defensive Player of the Week honors for two consecutive weeks after his dominating performances against the Dragons in Weeks 6 and 7. "L" is fast approaching the Thunder team record for sacks in a season of 10, held by Jonathon Brown in 2000.
THUNDER DEFENSIVE NOTES
-The defense has been much improved the past several weeks after struggling early on in the season. The addition of linebacker Josh Symonette, the team's emotional leader who missed half of the season with a shoulder injury, has helped turn things around for the Thunder stoppers. Symonette, who played collegiately at Tennessee Tech, led the team with 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assists) last weekend and has totaled 17 since returning to the starting lineup the past two games -Cornerback Travis Coleman was moved to free safety during Week 6 to take the place of the injured Tim Carter in the secondary. Cornerback Daryon Brutley was moved from right to left corner and now starts in the vacant spot left by T.Coleman. -Free agent defensive end Ryan Wingrove continues to outplay his opponents with his hustle and relentless fight to the football. The D-lineman from Bowling Green is fourth on the team with 32 tackles. He also has totaled 3 sacks this season and had a solid performance last week with 5 tackles on defense, including an 8-yard sack, and an assist on special teams.
--Defensive tackle Reggie Grimes finished with 4 tackles last week and has 28 tackles and 3 sacks on the season. The free agent from Alabama had 2 tackles and a sack in the last Thunder meeting with the Admirals and will look to be just as effective this weekend.
-Four-year NFL Europe veteran and Thunder defensive back Lelan Brickus returns to the Thunder defense for the 2003 season. Brickus, a German national safety in his fourth season with Berlin, was named NFL Europe National Player of the Week in week 8 for his performance against Scotland last season. He had a career-high 7 tackles in the win over Amsterdam in Week 5 and has 24 tackles on the season, most among National players.
-Defensive back Travis Coleman (Chicago Bears) has been one of the bright spots for Berlin. He picked off a pass thrown by Claymore quarterback Shane Stafford and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown in Week 1 and is fourth on the team with 29 tackles.
- Jamal White (41), Clint Finley (40), Byron Thweatt (35), and Ryan Wingrove (32) lead the team in tackles through eight games.
THUNDER SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
-Kicker Axel Kruse's streak of 84 straight PATs was broken in Week 5 versus Amsterdam when his first attempt hit the right upright and fell short. The former German soccer star has connected on six of seven field goal attempts this year. He is in his fifth season and is the Thunder's all-time leading scorer with 161 points, after adding 1 PAT and three field goals of 31, 30, and 19 yards in Week 7 and 2 PATs last week at Rhein.
-Kicker J.R. Jenkins (Baltimore Ravens) has been used more the past couple weeks in the kicking game and was rewarded with NFL Europe Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance last week. He gave Berlin a boost with a 4-point, 52-yard boot (his second 4-pointer in as many weeks) and a 45-yard boomer as well. His duties include kickoffs and field goals beyond 30 yards. Jenkins' kickoffs have been impressive as he oftentimes lands them inside the 10-yard line.
-Steve Cheek (New York Giants) is third in the league in punting. He has done a solid job throughout the first eight games of the season. He's punted 31 times, totaling 1,257 yards with an average of 40.6 yards per boot.
ADDITIONAL THUNDER STRIKES
-Running back David Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) gained 152 all-purpose yards last week and leads the Thunder in rushing. He scored on a 15-yard run against Rhein.
-Running back Sedrick Irvin (Miami Dolphins) rushed for 58 yards last week and has gained 580 total yards this season (339 rushing, 241 receiving). Rushed for 82 yards in previous meeting with the Admirals.
-Wide receiver Pierre Brown (Detroit Lions) caught 3 passes for 44 yards last week.
-Receiver Kirk Rogers (Kansas City Chiefs) caught 5 passes for 41 yards last week and has 23 receptions for 241 yards on the season.
-Tight end Bryan Fletcher (Chicago Bears) has 9 catches for 56 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season after adding a 5-yard reception last week. He scored twice against the Admirals in the Week 5 victory.
-Tight end Chad Hayes did not have a catch last week and has 10 for 110 yards on the season.
-Defensive end Teto Simpson recorded 5 tackles and a sack last week and has 29 stops this season.
-Linebacker Jamal White (Oakland Raiders) recorded 7 tackles last week and leads the team with 41 stops this season.
-Linebacker Chris Ball made 6 tackles last week.
-Cornerback Calvin Coleman recorded 1 tackle last week. Led team with 9 tackles in first game against Admirals.
-Safety Clint Finley recorded 4 tackles last weekend and ranks second on the team with 40 tackles this season.
NEXT WEEK
The Thunder will host the rival Frankfurt Galaxy for their final game of the season on Saturday, June 7th at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (EST), 7:00 Local Berlin Time.
• Discuss this story on the National Football League Europa message board...
National Football League Europa Stories from May 28, 2003
- Claymores Head to Spain for Crucial Game - Scottish Claymores
- Admirals out for Revenge to End 2003 Home Season on a High - Amsterdam Admirals
- Thunder Shoot for Third Win in Amsterdam - Berlin Thunder
- Galaxy chase Bowl berth - NFLE
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