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Toronto Phantoms Game Notes

April 9, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Toronto Phantoms News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Toronto Phantoms (0-1)
vs. New York Dragons (0-1)
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2002
Kickoff: 7:00 PM EST
Site: Air Canada Centre (17,100)
National Anthem: Melissa Silva
Officials: Darrel Leftwich (Referee), Thomas Laverty (Umpire), Bill Ward (Head Linesman), Jim Hatfield (Line Judge), Michael Banks (Back Judge)
Radio: MOJO AM 640 – Jim Lang & Bruce Barker Series Record: Toronto leads 2-0 (4-0 including pre & post-season play)
Last Meeting: 7/27/01 Toronto 64 New York 57
Coaches: Toronto Phantoms – Mark Stoute (8-6, 2nd Year)
New York Dragons – John Gregory (69-39, 9th Year)

THE STAKES: This is the final "tune-up" for a pair of teams that each dropped their preseason openers. Toronto lost by a point to the Rampage in Grand Rapids, while New York was blown out 72-48 by New Jersey. This is the first of 3 scheduled contests in 2002 between New York and Toronto.

THE SERIES: In its inaugural season in Toronto, the Phantoms completed a rare 4-game single season sweep of the New York Dragons. Toronto defeated New York 67-35 on April 2, 2001 in a preseason affair – the first Arena Football game held in Air Canada Centre. The first regular season win in Phantoms history came on April 21, 2001 as Toronto defeated New York 68-58 on the road. On June 23, 2001, Toronto defeated New York 66-49 at Air Canada Centre touching off a 5 game win streak that carried the Phantoms to the top of the Eastern Division. Finally, on July 27, 2001, Toronto eliminated New York from the post-season with a 64-57 win.

HEAD COACHES: Toronto's Mark Stoute enters his 2nd season as the Head Coach & General Manager of the Toronto Phantoms. Stoute led the Phantoms to an 8-6 record in 2001 capturing the Eastern Division Championship. New York's John Gregory has headed up the Dragons franchise since its inception as the Iowa Barnstormers. Gregory has compiled a career record of 69-39 winning the AFL's Coach of the Year award twice (1995 & 1996).

2001 REVIEW: In the team's inaugural season in Toronto, the Phantoms posted a record of 8-6 capturing the Eastern Division championship.

The Phantoms won just 3 times in the club's first 9 games, but rallied to win the final 5 games on the regular season schedule surging to the top of the division.

Toronto emerged a winner in the first playoff game in team history, defeating the New York Dragons 64-57 on July 27, 2001. Toronto thus completed a unique 4-game sweep of the Dragons having won 1 preseason game, 2 regular season games and 1 post-season game with New York.

The Phantoms 2001 campaign came to a disappointing end on August 3, 2001 in Nashville. The hometown Kats scored a touchdown with 1 second remaining in regulation time to defeat the Phantoms 45-38.

Charlie Davidson enjoyed a most successful season in 2001, being named as a 2nd Team All-Arena WR / DB. The team captain missed 5 games due to injury during the season. In his absence the Phantoms struggled with a 1-4 record. Toronto was 7-2 in the games in which Davidson appeared.

Anthony Derricks further confirmed his status as one of the league's most dangerous kick return specialists racking up 1606 kick return yards. Derricks finished in the AFL's top 10 in all-purpose yardage, interceptions, passes defended, tackles and fumbles recovered.

Damian Harrell emerged as the unquestioned leader of the Phantoms' receiving corps. Harrell scored a team-high 20 touchdowns and finished among the league leaders in receiving yards and receiving yards per game.

PRESEASON HISTORY: The Toronto Phantoms have now played 3 preseason games in club history.

On March 23, 2001, Toronto traveled west to face the San Jose Sabercats. San Jose emerged victorious, winning 56-33.

On April 2, 2001, 9397 curious fans turned out to watch the Toronto Phantoms face the New York Dragons in the first Arena Football League game played in Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New York 67-35, the first of 4 wins over New York in 2001.

On April 6, 2002, Toronto lost 47-46 to the Grand Rapids Rampage on a last second 52-yard field goal by Brian Gowins. Jerald Long turned in a strong showing in the losing effort scoring two touchdowns and recording a team-high 3 ½ tackles.

LAST SERIES MEETING: July 27, 2001 (Toronto, Ontario): The Toronto Phantoms emerged victorious in the first Arena Football League playoff game ever contested in Canada. The Phantoms defeated the New York Dragons 64-57 led by the efforts of Chad Salisbury and Damian Harrell. Salisbury threw for 7 touchdowns in the game, completing 4 scoring passes to Harrell. With 8 receptions for 147 yards, Harrell was selected as the MVP.

Kerry Brown had a strong game on both sides of the ball and was named as the Ironman. The Dragons' tandem of Quarterback Aaron Garcia and Offensive Specialist Kevin Swayne turned in spectacular efforts in a losing cause connecting for 5 New York touchdowns. Both Garcia and Swayne have since signed NFL contracts.

With the win Toronto completed a 4 game season sweep of New York, adding to 2 regular season victories and a win in the pre-season.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

"I thought we did a lot of things very well in this game, but the best thing was that we got to take a good long look at some of our young players." Phantoms Head Coach & General Manager Mark Stoute on the 47-46 preseason loss to Grand Rapids.

"I really think Jerald Long came to play. This was like his coming out party." Toronto quarterback Chad Salisbury on the standout performance of WR/LB Jerald Long in the Phantoms' preseason opener. Long recorded team highs with 2 touchdowns and 3 ½ tackles (3 unassisted, 1 assisted)

"The preseason is fun. It gives you a chance to catch some balls. I realize that we have a lot of returning vets, so I might have to sit back and wait for my chance. Most of all, I'm just happy that I got back to playing after that injury a year ago." WR/LB Jerald Long referring to a dislocated wrist that he suffered during his rookie year.

"I look at my numbers from a year ago and I think this year I can double all of them. The yards might be difficult to double up on, but yes I think it's reasonable to expect twice as many catches and touchdowns receptions from me." Toronto Offensive Specialist Damian Harrell who recorded 98 receptions, 1340 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 2001.

"What you have to understand is that I'm here 100% for the Toronto Phantoms. I'm playing for my teammates and my coach – I'm not playing for the NFL scouts. I want to put up those big numbers, but if I don't and we still win the Arena Bowl then you have to know that I'm going to be happy!" Harrell on whether his attention will be divided in the upcoming regular season after being invited to work out for both the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans during the off-season.

"I keep trying to instill in him that he can be the best player in this league – the best, without question." WR/LB Kerry Brown on his teammate Damian Harrell

TORONTO PHANTOMS NEXT WEEK: On Saturday, April 20th, the Toronto Phantoms will begin the second season in the club's history facing the Storm in Tampa Bay. During the 2001 season, the Phantoms got blown out 70-33 in a game held in Tampa Bay (5/12/01). Toronto made 3 trips to Florida last season to face Tampa Bay, the Orlando Predators and the Florida Bobcats respectively. Toronto lost all 3 games, getting outscored 191-99 in the process.

TEAM NOTES/TRENDS: The Toronto Phantoms have 17 players returning from last season's team to this year's training camp roster. Of the new players to the team, 7 are gaining their first experience in the Arena Football League.

Toronto has added some well-respected veterans to its camp roster, most notably former All-Arena performer Tommy Henry. Henry was acquired from Tampa Bay in a trade. He led the AFL in passes defended during the 2001 season.

Doug Lytle, Kahlil Carter and Anthony Martin have all joined the Phantoms from the now-defunct Milwaukee Mustangs. They have followed Rick Frazier and Bob Landsee over from Milwaukee. Frazier, the head coach of Milwaukee a year ago, is now the Assistant Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator in Toronto. Landsee has joined the Phantoms staff as the Offensive & Defensive Line Coach.

Anthony Hicks & Kelvin Ingram both signed with Toronto as free agents. Hicks spent last season with the Nashville Kats, while Ingram was a member of the Arizona Rattlers. Together these veterans bring a combined 9 years of experience to Toronto. Both cited the chance to win a championship as the primary reason they chose to sign on with the Phantoms.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Phantoms OS Damian Harrell: Now entering his 4th year in the league, Harrell has emerged as one of the top receivers in the game. In 2001, he starred in a pair of wins over the New York Dragons. On June 23rd, Harrell recorded 8 receptions for 127 yards – he scored 2 touchdowns. In the first round playoff match-up between these teams, Harrell scored 4 touchdowns including the game-winner with 45 seconds remaining in regulation time.

Phantoms QB Chad Salisbury: "Big Country" took over as the Phantoms' first-string quarterback in the June 23rd meeting between Toronto and New York. Salisbury was inserted into the Phantoms' lineup at halftime replacing the injured Pat O'Hara. He led the Phantoms to victory in that game and the four that followed to close out the regular season schedule. In the post-season win over New York, Salisbury completed 7 touchdown passes. Playing just over a quarter in Grand Rapids in the preseason opener, the Toronto quarterback completed a pair of scoring passes.

Leverson & Long: The tandem of WR/DB Luke Leverson and WR/LB Jerald Long was particularly effective in the preseason opener in Grand Rapids. Leverson & Long took advantage of extended playing minutes (with Ty Law & Charlie Davidson sitting out) to combine for 11 receptions and 3 touchdowns. A potential 4th touchdown was waved off when Leverson was ruled to be out of bounds on an apparent scoring catch.

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