VooDoo Go for Two this Friday Night
Published on April 9, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (April 9, 2014) - The New Orleans VooDoo (1-2) are hoping to make it two in a row as they travel to Pittsburgh (2-1) to take on the Power this Friday night.
The VooDoo are coming off their most complete performance of the year, a 62-55 win over the Orlando Predators. The Power, who are looking for their third straight victory, are coming off a 70-17 thrashing over San Antonio. Last time these two teams met, New Orleans edged Pittsburgh 59-54.
The VooDoo will also see a familiar face in linebacker James Bryant. Bryant, known for the Hannibal Lecter mask he sports under his helmet, was a defensive leader for New Orleans last year.
New Orleans found some offensive consistency last week and will need to continue that against a Pittsburgh team that has allowed just 127 points, which is second fewest in the AFL. Quarterback Kurt Rocco returned from injury to get the start last week, and he responded with an efficient 129.92 passer rating. Rocco threw six touchdowns and completed 66.7-percent of his passes. He was practically mistake-free, throwing zero interceptions and was not sacked. Rocco and the VooDoo have relied heavily on receiver L.J. Castile, who has 27 receptions for 361 yards (6th AFL) and 10 touchdowns (3rd AFL). Castile had a season-high 12 catches against Orlando last week. Larry Beavers has also been a reliable target with 19 catches for 266 yards on the year.
For Pittsburgh, quarterback Tommy Grady has been a solid producer. Grady has 718 passing yards and a 59.3-percent completion rating. He has also thrown 15 touchdowns. Grady put up similar numbers to Rocco in the Power's win at San Antonio (22-33, 265 yards, 5 touchdowns). Grady's top receiving threat a week ago was Aaron Lesue who had 12 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. He has 25 catches on the year. Shaun Kauleinamoku also has 25 receptions, and he leads the Power with 260 yards. Fullback Tommy Taggart leads a decent rushing attack with 51 yards and four touchdowns.
New Orleans gave up 55 points against Orlando last week, but the VooDoo defense played its best game of the season. The VooDoo grabbed three interceptions and notched a sack. Defensive back Cameron McGlenn leads the team with three interceptions. He also recorded the team's first pick-six last week.
The VooDoo have seven picks (T-2nd AFL) so far in 2014. The VooDoo are also tied for fifth in the league with six sacks.
Pittsburgh's defense leads the league with eight interceptions. Defensive back Virgil Gray leads the Power individually with three picks. The Power have had a tough time getting to the quarterback because they only have four sacks on the season, but Pittsburgh does a good job of keeping teams out of the end zone and off the scoreboard.
Both teams have serviceable numbers in special teams. In kick returns, Beavers leads the way for the VooDoo with nine returns for 173 yards. Lesue leads the Power kick return unit with 11 returns for 153 yards.
Kickoff for Friday night's game is set for 6 p.m. CDT at the Consol Energy Center. Fans can tune in to 99.5 WRNO for radio coverage of the game. The VooDoo return to the Graveyard on April 18 to host the San Antonio Talons.
Arena Football League Stories from April 9, 2014
- Charlie Hunt Returns to Sharks, Scaccia Activated - Jacksonville Sharks
- Storm Sign Toliver, Duhart, Activate Hills - Tampa Bay Storm
- Thunder to Reward Runners at Race for the Roses - Portland Thunder
- VooDoo Go for Two this Friday Night - New Orleans VooDoo
- Shock, Kroc Center Team up for 9th Man Kids Day - Spokane Shock
- VooDoo at BWW Tonight - New Orleans VooDoo
- Game Preview: Soul Gets Ready to Take on Predators - Philadelphia Soul
- Rattlers Remain No. 1 in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
