Top-ranked Wolves look to clinch East Division crown Saturday
Published on July 15, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
MANCHESTER, N.H. (July 15, 2005) - The No.1-ranked Manchester Wolves (11-2) have the East Division title in their sights and will look to claim the crown this Saturday (July 16) when they travel to Memphis to take on the No. 3-ranked Memphis Xplorers (10-3). A Wolves win would also guarantee the team an opportunity to host a second round playoff game in August. Tomorrow night's game kicks off at 8:00 p.m. at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, MS.
Fans who want to cheer on the Wolves from their homes in New Hampshire can listen to the action live on WFEA AM 1370. Local radio veteran Dick Lutsk will provide the play-by-play. Also, thanks to TEAMLINE, fans from around the world can listen to the Wolves on the internet for FREE. It doesn't matter where you are, anyone with internet access can hear all the live action of a Wolves game by visiting manchesterwolves.com and clicking on the TEAMLINE link at the lower left corner of the page. It's that easy. Fans can also access the Wolves' game broadcasts using any telephone for a minimal fee by calling TEAMLINE at 1-800-846-4700 and entering Team Code: 4084.
Saturday's match up at a glance - Manchester Wolves (11-2) at Memphis Xplorers (10-3)
In what some may call a preview of the 2005 ArenaCup, the Memphis Xplorers enter Saturday's game with a 10-3 record and are in first place in the National Conference, Mid West Division. Memphis, ranked No. 3 in the Weekly Coaches Poll, has stumbled a bit of late, losing two games in a row. The Xplorers, however, are a strong team all-around that has dominated much of their opposition. Their 10 wins have come by an average of 21.1 points while their losses have all been by just three points each. QB Brian Jones, who is the 2nd-highest rated passer in the league, leads the offense with 2,736 yards passing and 55 touchdowns with six interceptions. He's also a threat in close, ranking second in the af2 in rushing touchdowns with 19. His main target is Kevin Prentiss, who ranks among the league leaders in receiving yards (3rd - 1,302) and receiving touchdowns (3rd - 32). Prentiss is also a dangerous kick return man who is third in the league in kick return yards (1,109). He has three returns for touchdowns and averages over 25 yards per return ( 25.2). On defense, Dahnel Singfield may be the best defensive specialist in the league. The veteran from Buffalo leads the league is passes defended (41) and is tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine. Lineman Khreem Smith is a bully up front for Memphis who leads the league in sacks with 14.0. The Xplorers defense ranks second in the league in scoring defense at 37.8 points per game allowed. Memphis leads the all-time series, 1-0. In their only other career head-to-head battle, the Xplorers defeated the Wolves, 55-54, in 2004.
The top-ranked Wolves (11-2) will look to counter with the dynamic duo of QB Jake Eaton and WR/LB J.J. McKelvey on offense. Eaton has been sharp all season, connecting on a league-leading 71.8 percent of his passes. The former Maine signal caller is also among the league's top QBs in passer rating (1st - 126.9) and passing touchdowns (T-2nd - 71). McKelvey has been Eaton's favorite target. He leads the league with 112 receptions and also ranks among the league's best in scoring (2nd - 252 points). As a group, the Wolves offense ranks fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 51.8 ppg. On defense, William "Roc" Haith and Allistair Sebastien are impact players in the secondary. Haith leads the league in tackles (104) and is among the top-5 in passes defended (29). Sebastien is among the af2 elite in interceptions with six. The Wolves defense ranks third in the league in scoring defense, allowing just 38.1 ppg.
Fans, be sure to join us on Friday, July 29 for our 2005 regular season finale, "Fan Appreciation Night." It promises to be our most special event of the season with great giveaways all night. The 168 Magazine pre-game concert series starts things off at 6:00 p.m. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. To get in on the fun, purchase your tickets today at the Verizon Wireless Arena box office or through Ticketmaster at 603-868-7300, at Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Adult seats start as low as $14.25 in the upper bowl while youth (12-and-under) and senior (65-and-over) tickets start at just $9.75. The Wolves also have great group offers and birthday party packages available. Contact the Wolves at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them on the web at www.manchesterwolves.com and make your plans with us today!
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