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Thunder Shoot for Three-Game Winning Streak

May 14, 2003 - National Football League Europa (NFLE)
Berlin Thunder News Release


The two-time defending World Bowl champion Berlin Thunder (2-4) try and win their third straight contest and their second in two weeks against the first-place Barcelona Dragons (4-2) this Saturday, May 17th at Berlin's historic Olympic Stadium. The Thunder are aiming to win their fifth game in a row against the Dragons, a series they lead 6-4 all-time. League-leading Barcelona is coming off a 24-14 setback last week in Spain to the Thunder, a defeat that broke their four-game winning streak. Berlin jumped out to a demanding 21-0 halftime lead and never looked back.

TELEVISION COVERAGE:

Saturday's contest will be broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports Net at 1:00pm EST. The play-by-play will be handled by the experienced Dave Pasch, with color commentary coming from one of the top NFL return men of all-time, Brian Mitchell of the New York Giants. Kick-off at Olympic Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local Berlin time.

THIS WEEKEND'S FOX TEAM

DAVE PASCH: This season marks his second year as a play-by-play voice for Fox Sports' coverage of NFL Europe. The former play-by-play voice for Syracuse University football and men's basketball the past three years, enjoyed a spectacular rookie season as the new radio "voice" of the Arizona Cardinals. Pasch, 29, is a 1994 graduate of Syracuse's University's College of Visual and Performing Arts and owns a wide-ranging broadcast resume. A frequent voice for several national and international broadcasts, Pasch has been part of the Westwood One/CBS Radio Sports coverage of the 2001 Masters, the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and many other NCAA Men's basketball broadcasts. During the summer of 2000, Pasch worked for Major League Baseball Radio as a talk-show host and co-hosted the network's World Series coverage. Pasch broadcast Syracuse football, men's basketball, and men's lacrosse as an undergraduate on the school radio station, then worked from 1997-99 at WMAQ Radio in Chicago where he hosted a nightly talk show as well as pre and post-game shows for the Chicago Blackhawks games. In addition, he filled in on play-by-play duties for several Blackhawk broadcasts and announced various events for Fox Sports Chicago.

BRIAN MITCHELL: One of the most feared return men in the history of the game, Brian Mitchell has arguably put up Hall-of-Fame numbers during his 12-year career. This will be his first live game as broadcaster. He is the all-time leader in 8 different return categories, Mitchell is also ranked 3rd in league history in combined net yards behind Walter Payton and Jerry Rice. Not bad for a college quarterback from Southwestern Louisiana who never returned a punt or kickoff until reaching the pro ranks in 1990. The versatile Mitchell has lined up at RB, WR, QB, PR, KR, as well as playing on all of the coverage teams during his career. Mitchell joined the Eagles on 6/9/00, after spending 10 seasons with the Washington Redskins, who selected him in the 5th round in 1990 and he now plays for the New York Giants. With 20,263 combined net yards, ranks 3rd on the NFL's all-time list behind Walter Payton (21,803) and Jerry Rice (21,017). Has played in at least one contest against each of the 31 NFL clubs entering 2002. Ranks 1st in NFL playoff history in kickoff return yards (741), tied for 1st in kick returns (31) and 2nd in punt returns (26) and punt return yards (281). Earned his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1995 as he led the NFL in all-purpose yards for the 2nd consecutive year with 2,359. Saw action as a kick returner, running back, and quarterback during his rookie season.

THE SERIES

With Berlin winning 24-14 last week in Barcelona and sweeping the 2002 series, the Thunder now hold a 6-4 advantage in the all-time series against the Dragons.

Berlin's Largest Margin of Victory: 10; 24-14 (May 12, 2002) in Berlin; 10; 24-14 (May 10, 2003) in Barcelona
Barcelona's Largest Margin of Victory: 32; 42-10 (May 1, 1999) in Barcelona
Most Recent Tie: There has never been a tie
Current Winning Streak: 4; Thunder, (June 30, 2001 - Present)

LAST TIME VS. BARCELONA

The Thunder jumped out to a 21-0 first half lead and never looked back as they handed the Dragons their second loss of the season and first since Week 1. Berlin came out determined as Henry Burris led Berlin on an impressive 95-yard opening drive that took over eight minutes of the clock. Burris, allocated by the Chicago Bears, completed 6 of his 7 passes for 70 yards during the drive, which was capped off when David Allen (Jacksonville) found the end zone from 4 yards out.

Phil Stambaugh took to the air during the second quarter as the free agent quarterback completed 9 of his 12 attempts for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. On his first series Stambaugh faced a daunting task as the Thunder was backed up to their own 3-yard line, however Stambaugh's patience guided the Thunder out of the shadow of their own end zone and down the length of the field. Seven minutes later the Thunder had added to their 7-0 lead as Stambaugh found wide receiver Sean Scott (Philadelphia) on a 23-yard touchdown pass and Berlin had a 14-0 lead just past the midway point of the second quarter.

The Dragons offensive woes continued as on the second play of the drive following Scott's touchdown reception quarterback Chris Finlen (New Orleans) pass was intercepted by Daryon Brutley handing the ball right back the Thunder offense. And the Thunder did not take long to make the Dragons pay for their costly turnover.

In just under three minutes Stambaugh led the Berlin offense 43-yards on 7 plays, highlighted by a 12-yard pass to tight end Chad Hayes (Tennessee), which brought the ball inside the Dragons 30-yard line. Allen then brought the Thunder even closer to the end zone as a 14-yard run gave the Thunder a first and goal on the 9-yard line and 2 plays later the Thunder had opened up a 21-0 lead as Elijah Thurmon scored his second touchdown in as many weeks. The Dragons offense struggled to get on track. Having just accumulated just 88 total yards of offense in the first half, Jack Bicknell's troops were dominated by the inspired Thunder squad and were unable to get either the running game or the passing game going.

As the second half opened the offensive struggles seemed to plague both teams as neither could generate a productive drive as they combined for just 3 first downs in the 3rd quarter. The Thunder defense was aided by defensive end Lamanzer Williams (Miami) who registered two third quarter sacks.

The fourth quarter opened and the Dragons went to work on the Thunder defense as Seth Burford (San Diego) led Barcelona on their first scoring drive of the afternoon. Burford engineered a 7-play, 76-yard drive, with the help of receivers Sean Morey (Philadelphia), 2 catches for 40 yards, and Kerwin Cook (New Orleans) 1 catch for 21 yards, as the Dragons did their best to get back into the game. Following one of Morey's catches, running back Dameon Hunter (Baltimore) plowed into the end zone to put the Dragons on the scoreboard and cut the Thunder lead to 21-7.

However, the Thunder matched the Dragons scoring drive with one of their own. Stambaugh and company drove 67 yards in 8 plays, thanks in large part to a 39-yard scamper by Allen, however the Dragons defense tightened making the Thunder settle for a 24-yard Axel Kruse field goal that extended the Berlin lead to 24-7.

Morey took the kickoff 76 yards giving the Dragons wonderful field position at the Berlin 10-yard line. The Barcelona offense struggled however as it took a roughing the passer penalty on the Thunder's Jamal White (Oakland) on third down to keep the drive going. However, Burford made the Thunder pay for their mistake as he found Morey on the fifth play of the drive from 6 yards out to bring the Dragons to within 10 points of the Thunder at 24-14 with just under eight minutes remaining.

The Dragons defense stepped up and forced a Berlin punt with 4:27 left giving the Dragons the ball on their own 20-yard line down 10 points. However, the 10-point deficit proved to be too much for the Dragons to overcome as the Thunder defense lead by Williams, who recorded his fourth sack on fourth down to end the hopes of the Dragons and send the Thunder back to Berlin at 2-4.

Source: Fitz Ollison

A THUNDER VICTORY WOULD...

- Improve Peter Vaas's career coaching record to 19-18 in the regular season and to 6-3 all-time against the Dragons, including the 24-17 World Bowl IX victory.

-Improve the overall franchise record to 24-25.

-Give the Thunder their fifth straight win against Barcelona.

NO MORE TWO-HEADED MONSTER AT QB

The one-two punch of Stambaugh and Burris has come to an end. Quarterback Henry Burris (Chicago Bears) has been put on IR and sent to Birmingham after injuring his left knee in the 3rd quarter of last week's game in Barcelona. Stambaugh, the league's top-rated passer, will now be the full-time starter. Free agent Mike Watkins of the Rhein Fire joined the Thunder this week and will back up Stambaugh on Saturday.

FORMER COACHING MATES SET FOR BATTLE

From 1998-99, Peter Vaas served as offensive assistant for Jack Bicknell's Dragons and helped guide the Spanish club to a World Bowl appearance in 1999 with the help of running back Lawrence Phillips.

Since becoming head coach of the Thunder in 2000, Vaas has gone 4-3 against the Dragons in the regular season and won the biggest game of all in 2001 when he led Berlin to a 24-17 victory over Barcelona in World Bowl IX in Amsterdam.

Vaas says: "It's always tough playing a Jack Bicknell-coached team. Jack and I are great friends. I would prefer that we didn't have to play each other because that means one of us is going to have to lose. However, when it comes to those 60 minutes on the field, we are going to do everything we can to come out on top."

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Not only do the head coaches have something in common, but Thunder offensive coordinator Bob Bicknell has a connection to Barcelona as well. Bob is the son of Jack Bicknell and he played collegiately for his father at Boston College.

"It's always tough to coach against my father twice a year," Bob Bicknell said. "We're both very competitive and I know that he'll have his team ready to go, as will we. It's going to be a lot of fun this weekend, but once the first whistle blows, it'll be all business."

HEAD COACHES

PETER VAAS: Peter Vaas completed his third season in 2002 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. 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.

JACK BICKNELL: Bicknell enters his 42nd year of coaching in 2003. He has won the most regular season games, 57, and is the only coach to have been with the same team throughout the history of the league. Bicknell has made four World Bowl appearances during his tenure. In 1991, he led the Dragons to an 8-2 mark and a berth in the first World Bowl. In 1997, his Dragons won the first half of the season and went on to win World Bowl '97 in Barcelona. In 1999, the Dragons posted a league-best 7-3 mark before losing to Frankfurt in the World Bowl. Also posted a league-best 8-2 record in 2001 before losing World Bowl IX to the Berlin Thunder in Amsterdam. Served as head coach at Boston College for 10 seasons (1981-1990). His Eagles posted a 59-55-1 record during his tenure. Led Eagles to a 10-2 record in 1984, as Doug Flutie won the Heisman Trophy as America's outstanding collegiate player. Their 45-28 Cotton Bowl victory over Houston marked the first time Boston College had ever participated in three consecutive postseason bowl games. Bicknell also guided the Eagles to 1982 Tangerine Bowl, 1983 Liberty Bowl, 1985 Cotton Bowl and 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl. Selected as head coach for postseason teams in 1985 Hula and Japan Bowls, as well as 1990 East-West Shrine Bowl. Served as head coach at Maine (1976-1980) with a record of 18-35-1. Born February 20, 1938. Nicknamed "Cowboy Jack" because of his love for country music and horse riding. He and his wife, Lois, have three children, Jack, Jr., Wendy and Robert.

FROM COACH VAAS (his take on the team's situation right now)

"I was very pleased with our intensity last weekend in Barcelona. We were able to put aside the distractions of being on the road and focus on the task at hand. We are not out of the World Bowl race by a long shot. Every game is pivotal from here on out." (on the keys to the game)

"One of the big factors is turnovers and we were able to win that battle last week against the Dragons. We have some momentum going with two straight wins, now we'll see how we do back at home against the same team twice in a row. I would like to think that we'll come out with the same energy as last week. I have a lot of confidence in our football team. It's always tough to go up against Jack Bicknell and the Dragons. We'll try to get up early like last week, that's always ideal."

D.A. KEEPS ON TRUCKING

All-purpose back David Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) is the runaway league leader in combined net yards gained with a total of 1160 yards. He is on course to smash one of the oldest records in the book, 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. Allen is also first in punt return average (8.6 yards per return). The back from Kansas State is fifth in rushing with 347 yards on 53 carries after his top performance last week in Spain when he rushed 16 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. His 39-yard scamper in the fourth quarter helped swing the momentum back in Berlin's favor after Barcelona started to get back in the game. Allen has scored four touchdowns and is the only player in the league to do so three different ways (two rushing, one receiving, and one on a kickoff return).

QUICK STATS

Offensive Game Averages: 22.8 pts, 329.2 total yds, 110.3 rushing yds, 218.8 passing yds.
Passing Leader: Stambaugh (842 yards)
Rushing Leader: Allen (347 yards)
Receiving Leader: Scott (21 rec), Irvin (202 yards)
Defensive Game Averages: 33.67 pts, 397 yds, 180.2 rushing yds, 216.8 passing yds.
Sack Leader: Williams (5)
Interception Leader(s): T.Coleman, White, Harris, Brutley (1)

THUNDER OFFENSIVE NOTES

-Wide receiver Sean Scott (Philadelphia Eagles), the team's leading receiver and ninth in the league with 21 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown, has been put on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury.

-German national wide receiver Joerg Heckenbach is in his seventh year in the league, fifth 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. Heck 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. -Quarterback Phil Stambaugh is the league's top rated passer with a rating of 96.2. The journeyman from Lehigh is with his seventh team in three years and will now have full reigns of the Thunder offense since the injured Burris has departed.

-Running backs Sedrick Irvin (Miami Dolphins) and David Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) provide the ground game with an effective variety of styles. Irvin is a power runner that can get the team those much-needed extra yards and is elusive in the open field. Allen uses his quickness to make opposing defenders miss and has great breakaway speed. -Center Josh Warner (Chicago Bears) and tackle Freddie Moore return for their second seasons with the Thunder and help anchor one of the biggest offensive lines 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.

THUNDER DEFENSIVE NOTES

-Defensive end Lamanzer Williams earned NFL Europe Defensive Player of the Week honors for his four-sack performance last week, a Thunder record. Williams now leads the league in that category with 5 total.

-Safety Tim Carter, a two-year starter and leader in the defensive backfield, became the latest casualty after sustaining a torn MCL in his left knee in Week 5 against the Admirals.

-Cornerback Travis Coleman was moved to free safety last week to take the place of Carter in the secondary. Cornerback Daryon Brutley was moved from right to left corner and started in the vacant spot left by T.Coleman. Both played well at their new positions in Barcelona. Brutley picked off a pass thrown by Barcelona's Finlen and also chipped in with four tackles while T.Coleman covered well and totaled two tackles.

-Defensive tackle Reggie Grimes is tied for seventh in the league in sacks with 3.0 through six games. -Defensive end Teto Simpson will match up with his old team from 2001 once again this week. He has brought an array of energy to the Thunder defense since joining the team from Amsterdam during Week 1. Simpson played his college ball at the University of North Carolina. He has totaled 21 tackles and has a forced a fumble through the first six games for Berlin.

-Defensive end Ryan Wingrove has been a human wrecking ball for the D-line. The spitfire from Bowling Green has a non-stop motor and is tied for fifth on the team with 23 tackles. - Four-year NFL Europe veteran 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 and will most likely see even more playing time in the secondary now that Carter is gone. He had a career-high 7 tackles in the win over Amsterdam in Week 5.

-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 26 tackles.

-Clint Finley (32), Jamal White (32), Byron Thweatt (28), and Travis Coleman (26) lead the team in tackles through six games.

THUNDER SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES

-Kicker Axel Kruse's streak of 84 straight PATs was broken in Week 5 when his first attempt hit the right upright and fell short. The former German soccer star has connected on three of four field goal attempts. He is in his fifth season and is the Thunder's all-time leading scorer with 149 points, after adding 3 PATs and a 24-yard field goal last week.

-Kicker J.R. Jenkins (Baltimore Ravens) has been used sparingly all season as far as field goals are concerned. The Thunder offense has been producing touchdowns, especially the past couple weeks, and therefore keeps Jenkins warm only on kickoffs. His duties include kickoffs and field goals beyond 30 yards. He hasn't attempted a field goal since Week 2 against Rhein and is one of four for the season, but his kickoffs have been more than 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 six games of the season. He's punted 24 times, totaling 948 yards with an average of 39.5 yards per boot and is second in net average with 36.2 yards/kick.

ADDITIONAL THUNDER STRIKES

-Wide receiver Pierre Brown (Detroit Lions) returned to action after missing two games through injury and caught 1 pass for 6 yards.

-Wide receiver Elijah Thurmon (Chicago Bears), born in Heidelberg, Germany, scored on a 4-yard touchdown catch last week.

-National wide receiver Joerg Heckenbach missed both games against the Dragons last season due to injury and did not catch a pass last week.

-Receiver Kirk Rogers (Kansas City Chiefs) caught 4 passes for 41 yards last week and has 15 receptions on the season.

-Receiver Sean Scott (Philadelphia Eagles) caught a team-best 5 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown last week.

-Tight end Bryan Fletcher (Chicago Bears) has 8 catches for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season.

-Tight end Chad Hayes (Tennessee Titans) caught a 12-yard and a 9-yard pass last week and leads all Thunder tight ends with 9 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown on the season.

-Defensive end Reggie Grimes recorded 4 tackles against the Dragons last week.

-Defensive end Teto Simpson recorded 1 tackle against his old team last week. Played for the Dragons in 2001 and ended that season with 7 tackles.

-Linebacker Jamal White (Oakland Raiders) ranks joint-first on the Thunder with 32 tackles this season after adding 3 tackles vs. Dragons.

-Linebacker Chris Ball made 3 tackles last week.

-Cornerback Travis Coleman (Chicago Bears) recorded 2 tackles last week.

-Cornerback Calvin Coleman recorded 4 tackles last week.

-Safety Clint Finley recorded 2 tackles and 1 pass defense last weekend and jointly leads team with 32 tackles this season.

NEXT WEEK

The Thunder take on the Rhein Fire next Sunday, May 25th at the Arena AufSchalke. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00pm, local German time.

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