Week 16: Saturday Night Matchups

July 10, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release

MANCHESTER WOLVES (6-7) AT ALBANY FIREBIRDS (6-7)

SATURDAY, July 11, 2009 - Times Union Center (13,901) 8:00 P.M. ET

Week 16 kicks off with the fourth and final matchup of the season between the Manchester Wolves and Albany Firebirds. These two rivals last met on June 5, as the Wolves lost a nail-biter in front of their home crowd to the Firebirds, 48-46. Both teams sit at 6-7 on the season and are looking to reach the .500 mark and strengthen their playoff position. Manchester leads the all-time series 15-10. Both teams are coming off of bye weeks for the Fourth of July holiday and should be well rested ahead of Saturday's game. Two weeks ago, the Wolves traveled to Quad City to face the Steamwheelers. They put on a solid performance for a 53-35 victory. QB MIKE POTTS was good for 24-of-37 passing for 252 yards and 6 TDs; he also added a rushing TD. His favorite target of the season so far has been WR STEVE SAVOY, who grabbed seven passes for 114 yards and 3 TDs in the game. Savoy leads the team in receiving with 81 catches for 988 yards and 28 TDs this season. WR T.J. WILLIAMS stepped up for the Wolves and added eight catches for 71 yards and 2 TDs. The game saw another impressive performance from Manchester DB BRANDON ISAAC who had an interception. He leads the club with eight on the season. Isaac also had four solo tackles and a pass breakup. DL BRYAN ROBINSON came up with another sack, bringing his total to 10 on the season. With three games left in the regular season, Manchester ranks both its defense and offense in the top half of the league standings. The defense, at 13th, has allowed 266.2 yards per game, while the offense is 13th in the league in average points per game with 51.8. The Firebirds also had a good Week 14, beating Peoria at home in Albany, 56-52. WR/LB ALViN RAY JACKSON had another outstanding performance, catching seven balls for 105 yards and 3 TDs, including the go-ahead score with a little over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. QB STEPHEN WASIL was his usual efficient self, completing 26-of-41 passes for 368 yards, 8 TDs and no interceptions. In addition to Jackson, Wasil found WR ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ seven times for 154 yards and 3 scores, including a 44-yard bomb. Wasil is 6-3 as the starting signal caller for the Firebirds. The defense also played well for the Firebirds, coming up with a clutch stop as the fourth quarter drew to close to turn the ball over on downs and seal the victory. DB E.J. WHITLEY led the Firebirds in tackles on the night with 5.5 and DB MALIK JACKSON had an interception and two tackles. They rank 10th as a team in scoring defense, allowing opponents 50.8 points per game. If the last meeting was any indication, expect this week's battle to be just as intense.

WOLVES FIREBIRDS SERIES LEADER Manchester leads 15-10

LAST MEETING Albany won on 6/5/09 48-46

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Win at Quad City 53-35 Win vs. Peoria 56-52

LEADERS WOLVES FIREBIRDS PASSING Pinkney: 186-301-6; 2375; 49 TDs Wasil: 204-329-8; 2609; 53 TDs

RECEIVING Savoy: 81-988; 28 TDs Wise: 80-1221; 17 TDs

RUSHING Jefferson: 52-210; 5 TDs Wasil: 25-79; 4 TDs

TACKLES Phillips: 66.5 Williams: 47.0

SACKS Robinson: 10 Tash: 5.0

INTERCEPTIONS Isaac: 8 Jackson: 7

KICKING Koepplin: 67-86 PAT; 7-13 FG; 88 PTs Umstead: 69-75 PAT; 3-12 FG; 78 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 51.8 PPG; 288.5 YPG 45.8 PPG; 292.5 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 49.2 PPG; 266.2 YPG 50.8 PPG; 265.3 YPG

TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (10-3) AT KENTUCKY HORSEMEN (8-5)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Rupp Arena (23,000) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Vipers head to Lexington, Ky. to face off against the Horsemen for the second time in these two teams' history. The Vipers won the first ever matchup on June 6, 41-13, shutting down the potent Kentucky offense. The Horsemen, who lead the league in scoring at 62.4 points per game, could only manage just two first-half touchdowns against the tough Tennessee Valley defense. The No. 3-ranked Vipers are coming off a Week 14 home win against No. 4 Tulsa, 55-39. QB KEVIN EAKIN completed 26-of-42 passes for 342 yards and six TDs in the game with no interceptions. Eakin, who currently holds the 10th best passer rating in the league (114.5), has thrown only six INTs this season. WR JEREMY GRIER caught 10 passes for 106 yards and two TDs against the Talons. WR LARRY SHIPP had eight receptions for 161 yards and four TDs. Grier is second on the team in receiving with 78 catches for 739 yards and 16 TDs over eight games. WR/LB TRAVIS BLANCHARD added two rushing TDs and returned five kickoffs for 93 yards. DB DEMETRIUS DERICO tallied 11.0 tackles, while DB HENRY FREEMAN added 10 tackles. The Vipers' defense, led by DB DESMOND FOSTER (71 tackles, 2 INTs, 17 PBUs), boasts the second lowest point per game average in the league (36.5), trailing only Spokane. Kentucky, currently ranked No. 9 in the latest league coaches poll, handed the Corpus Christi Sharks a 58-37 loss in Week 14. QBs JARED LORENZEN and JUSTIN RASCATI combined to complete 15-of-28 passes for 178 yards and six TDs, while throwing no INTs. WR LONNELL DEWALT was good for 10 catches for 113 yards and four TDs. WR QUENTIN MCCORD added three grabs for 52 yards and two TDs. DB QUINTON GRIFFIN was a menace on defense with two interception returns for touchdowns to go along with 5.5 tackles. DB AARON MASON added 7.0 tackles as well. Lorenzen ranks second in the league in rushing TDs with 19. With the Horsemen having the benefit of playing at home, expect this week's game to be a lot closer than the first head-to-head meeting in Week 11.

VIPERS HORSEMEN SERIES LEADER Tennessee Valley leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Tennessee Valley won 41-13 on 6/6/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 4-1

LAST GAME Won vs. Tulsa 55-39 Won at Corpus Christi 58-37

LEADERS VIPERS HORSEMEN PASSING Eakin: 310-478-6; 3215; 68 TDs Lorenzen: 186-315-8; 2306; 54 TDs

RECEIVING Bocage: 81-701; 14 TDs Dewalt: 92-1091; 30 TDs

RUSHING Kent: 29-46; 8 TDs Lorenzen: 50-238; 19 TDs

TACKLES Foster: 71.0 Haskins: 58.0

SACKS White: 5.5 Martin: 7.0

INTERCEPTIONS Blanchard: 4 Mulder: 9

KICKING Hayes: 76-93 PAT; 2-7 FG; 82 PTs Daniels: 97-111 PAT; 4-12 FGs; 109 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 50.2 PPG; 263.3 YPG 62.4 PPG; 284.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 36.5 PPG; 257.7 YPG 53.6 PPG; 299.5 YPG

GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (8-5) AT QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (4-10)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - i wireless Center (9,315) 8:05 P.M. ET

The Blizzard travel to Quad City this week for a Midwest Division matchup against the Steamwheelers. These two clubs have met 15 times overall. Green Bay is 2-0 against Quad City in 2009 and currently leads the all-time series, 8-7. The Blizzard are currently ranked No. 10 in the latest league coaches poll and sit one game behind Iowa in the division. Their most recent result was an 86-42 road win against in-state rival Milwaukee. After both teams scored 21 points in the first quarter, Green Bay went on an explosive 65-21 run over the final three periods. Pacing Green Bay on offense was QB Gino Guidugli who completed 22-of-25 passes in the game with five touchdowns and 290 yards. He also had three rushing TDs. WR NATE FORSE had a strong outing as well with 12 catches for 184 yards and three TDs. DB TRACY BELTON (7 tackles, 1 INT) and DL ZARNELL FITCH (2 sacks) were key contributors on the defensive side. As a team, the Blizzard rank second in the league standings in sacks (32) and sixth in interceptions (21). Quad City enters this week's contest after suffering a 49-36 road defeat in Week 15 at Peoria. The loss was the eighth straight for the Steamwheelers. QB Brian Zbydniewski completed 20-of-45 passes for 245 yards and four scores. He also threw one interception and was sacked three times. WR Brian Jackson led all receivers with 109 yards on eight catches but was kept out of the end zone. WR Jesse Schmidt had eight catches and three TDs. The third-year veteran receiver, who entered the game with 2,035 yards on the year, finished with 78 against the Pirates on to bring his season total to a new league record total of 2,113. The previous record was 2,086 yards set in 2000 by Carl Bond of Tallahassee. Schmidt, who also played defense and recorded the first interception of his career, leads the af2 in receiving yards in addition to scoring (308 points) and touchdowns (51). DeMarcus Robinson paced Quad City on the defensive side with 5.5 tackles. LB Tyus Jackson had 4.0 tackles. Jackson leads the club with seven sacks on the year. If the Steamwheelers want to stay competitive on Saturday, they'll need to put some defensive pressure on the Blizzard early and often.

BLIZZARD STEAMWHEELERS SERIES LEADER Green Bay leads 8-7

LAST MEETING Green Bay won 52-49 on 5/29/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 0-5

LAST GAME Won at Milwaukee 86-42 Lost at Peoria 49-36

LEADERS BLIZZARD STEAMWHEELERS PASSING Guidugli: 245-392-14; 3118; 47 TDs Zbydniewski: 105-201-8; 1307; 25 TDs

RECEIVING Forse: 108-1532; 22 TDs Schmidt: 149-2113; 51 TDs

RUSHING Medlock: 44-155; 8 TDs Monk: 19-37; 2 TDs

TACKLES Belton: 71.0 Robinson: 58.0

SACKS Fitch: 9.5 Jackson: 7.0

INTERCEPTIONS Belton: 8 Robinson & Goines: 4

KICKING Forstrom:70-83 PAT; 18-32 FG; 124 PTs Denny: 1-9 PAT; 84-90 FGs; 87 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 52.0 PPG; 305.4 YPG 47.1 PPG; 282.6 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 50.2 PPG; 279.8 YPG 57.1 PPG; 259.9 YPG

FLORIDA FIRECATS (6-7) AT SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (8-5)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Albany Civic Center (8,034) 8:30 P.M. ET

After a week's rest for both the Florida Firecats and the South Georgia Wildcats, the two teams return to the arena to play the second of their back-to-back matchups this season. The Firecats were able to tie the series rivalry up 9-9 with their win against the Wildcats on June 27, 62-45. In their last meeting, these South Division opponents played a tight game with Florida up by one point at the half. Even with South Georgia outscoring Florida in both net passing yards (258 to 173) and total offensive yards (290 to 225), Florida was able to shutout the Wildcats in the third quarter and widened the scoring gap by 15 points. QB CHRIS WALLACE, who ranks No. 6 individually in total offensive yards, completed 64% of his passes (18-of-28) with 174 yards and six touchdowns, and added two rushing TDs. He was also picked off and sacked once during the game. On the receiving end, WR JAMES PANUI caught nine passes for 96 yards and three TDs. With seven solo tackles, DB ANTHONY HAILSTOCK led the defense in preventing the Wildcats from putting numbers on the board. The Firecats also recorded two sacks. With the Wildcats' loss, they are now tied with Kentucky in the division and remain two games behind Tennessee Valley. Although South Georgia ultimately lost in this cat fight, they still managed to keep the quarters tight despite being shutout in the third quarter. QB DARNELL KENNEDY completed just over 50% of his passes (19-of-37) with 272 yards and five touchdowns. WR/DB IVORY MCCANN played an all-around solid game, stepping up to fill numerous positions on the field. McCann led the team with 125 all-purpose yards, 59 from two receptions (scoring one touchdown) and 66 from three kickoff returns. He also contributed on the defensive end with two solo tackles. LB KINNY SPOTWOOD had one sack in the game along with 5.5 total tackles (5 solo, 1 assisted). The Wildcats upgraded their roster this week by bringing in veteran WR/LB MEL LONG. Long was an all-af2 jack linebacker last year with the Austin Wranglers. South Georgia hopes playing in front of the home fans will help the club break its current three-game losing streak while at the same time clinch a spot in the postseason.

FIRECATS WILDCATS SERIES LEADER Series tied at 9-9

LAST MEETING Firecats won 62-45 on 6/27/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 2-3

LAST GAME Won vs. S. Georgia 62-45 Lost vs. Florida 45-62

LEADERS FIRECATS WILDCATS PASSING Wallace: 277-454-12; 3245; 72 TDs Kennedy: 228-385-9; 3093; 64 TDs

RECEIVING McKinney: 102-1125; 29 TDs Robinson: 84-1262; 23 TDs

RUSHING Bear: 47-125; 7 TDs Kennedy: 49-171; 17 TDs

TACKLES Hodges: 74.0 McCray: 64.0

SACKS Edwards: 4.5 Turner: 7.0

INTERCEPTIONS Tisdale: 3 Burrell: 4

KICKING Rivas: 41-58 PAT; 0-2 FG; 41 PTs Guberman: 86-98 PAT; 0-1 FGs; 86 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 50.3 PPG; 275.6 YPG 55.5 PPG; 291.2 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 54.4 PPG; 274.7 YPG 52.4 PPG; 261.5 YPG

MAHONING VALLEY THUNDER (1-12) AT PEORIA PIRATES (4-9)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Peoria Civic Center (9,873) 8:00 P.M. ET

In their first meeting ever, the Mahoning Valley Thunder travel to Illinois to meet the Peoria Pirates on their home turf. With the worst record in the league, the Thunder are struggling to add to their one win this season, which happened to be in their first game. In their last game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Thunder had a solid run in the first three quarters and were able to keep the score somewhat close, but fell in the final quarter, scoring only six points to the Pioneers' 13. Although Mahoning Valley outgained Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in both total passing yards and total offensive yards, they were still unable to close out the victory and end their 11-game losing streak. QB BRAD ROACH threw for 309 yards and five touchdowns with 21-of-41 completed passes and two interceptions. WR C.J. BREWER had a solid outing as well, contributing to four of Mahoning Valley's seven touchdowns. Brewer gained five rushing yards with two touchdowns and caught nine passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. The Thunder defense was led by DB PATRICK WELLS (7 tackles, 2 pass breakups). In the Midwest Division, the Peoria Pirates were able to come away with the win against the No. 8 defense, the Quad City Steamwheelers. Keeping the Steamwheelers to zero points in the third quarter, the Pirates were able to keep a steady scoring pace throughout the game. QB LUKE DRONE, who leads the team with a 60% completion record (176-of-292) and 46 touchdowns, completed 15-of-27 passes for 208 yards and seven touchdowns. He also led the team with 26 rushing yards. WR BRIAN ALLBROOKS contributed to the team's win with four receptions for 70 yards and three touchdowns, as well as two kickoff returns for 53 yards. DB MICHAEL PHILLIPS, who leads the team with 64 tackles on the season, had a successful night with 7.5 total tackles (7 solo, 1 assisted) and one interception. With the help of his teammates, the Pirates defense was able to break through their opponent's offensive line and sack the quarterback three times. If the Thunder are able to pound the ball into the end zone and force the Pirates offense to make unnecessary mistakes, then they may have a fighting chance at winning their second game of the season.

THUNDER PIRATES SERIES LEADER First time these two teams are meeting

LAST MEETING No previous meeting

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 2-3

LAST GAME Lost vs. W/B Scranton 47-62 Won vs. Quad City 49-36

LEADERS THUNDER PIRATES PASSING Vinson: 117-200-15; 1295; 19 TDs Drone: 176-292-12; 2096; 46 TDs

RECEIVING Payne: 86-1299; 26 TDs Ridgeway: 58-802; 16 TDs

RUSHING Vinson: 27-135; 5 TDs Smith: 27-129; 5 TDs

TACKLES Taylor: 69.0 Phillips: 64.0

SACKS Harrison: 4.0 Lewis: 5.0

INTERCEPTIONS Taylor: 4 Golder: 5

KICKING Schorejs: 47-60 PAT; 4-14 FG; 59 PTs Longest: 41-55 PAT; 6-14 FGs; 59 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 40.4 PPG; 249.2 YPG 50.8 PPG; 247.5 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 61.5 PPG; 310.8 YPG 58.5 PPG; 302.4 YPG

RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (7-6) AT TULSA TALONS (11-2)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - BOK Center (6,777) 8:00 P.M. ET

In their first match-up of the season, the Rio Grande Valley Dorados will journey inland to play the Central Division leading Tulsa Talons. With Tulsa leading the series 6-4 and having one of the best records in the league thus far, the Dorados will need to feed off their energy from last week's win in order to clinch a much-needed victory this week. In last week's game against Oklahoma City, the No. 1-ranked Dorados' offense came away with a three-point win, 46-43. QB NICK HILL, who leads his team in passing (283-of-422; 3737; 76 TDs) and rushing (47-145; 12 TDs), completed 18-of-38 passes for 237 yards and five touchdowns. He was also able to add 11 yards to his total rushing numbers. WR/DB CRAIG TURNER also had an outstanding game, scoring one rushing touchdown and 152 all-purpose yards, 107 from four kickoff returns. On the defensive end, DL QUINTON STATON had two sacks while DB DAHNEL SINGFIELD recorded one interception. In Tulsa's game two weeks ago, the Talons suffered their first loss (second overall) after a string of 10 straight wins. In the first half, the Talons were held to seven points per quarter, trailing the Vipers by 14 going into the half. QB JUSTIN ALLGOOD's impressive performance was not enough to hold the team together. Allgood, who ranks No. 7 individually for the league's total offense, completed 70% of his passes (26-of-37) and five touchdowns. WRs CARLESE FRANKLIN and JEFF HUGHLEY combined for 20 catches, 206 yards and four touchdowns (2 TDs each). Hughley leads the league in all-purpose yards with 3,095. He had four kickoffs returns for 131 yards against the Vipers, giving him a total of 245 all-purpose yards in the game. Surprisingly, this was not enough for the Talons to score more than 39 points in the game. Defensively, LB JAMAR RANSOM, who is ranked No. 4 in the league's tackle statistics with 75, had 6.5. If the Talons want to get back on the winning track this week, they'll need to toughen up their defense to slow down the high-powered Dorados.

DORADOS TALONS SERIES LEADER Tulsa leads series 6-4

LAST MEETING Tulsa won on 6/21/08, 58-52

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 1-4

LAST GAME Won vs. Oklahoma 46-43 Lost at Tennessee Valley 39-55

LEADERS DORADOS TALONS PASSING Hill: 283-422-15 3737; 76 TDs Allgood: 291-434-12; 3604; 90 TDs

RECEIVING Windsor: 144-1743; 46 TDs Hughley: 114-1551; 41 TDs

RUSHING Hill: 47-145; 12 TDs Floyd: 12-83; 5 TDs

TACKLES Singfield: 62.5 Ransom: 75.0

SACKS Chude: 7.0 McClinton: 7.5

INTERCEPTIONS McAlpine: 4 Thomas: 6

KICKING Rubio: 37-37 PAT;1-4 FG; 40 PTs Phillips: 63-71 PAT; 4-12 FGs; 75 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 57.6 PPG; 304.4 YPG 62.2 PPG; 296.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 56.5 PPG; 272.8 YPG 45.0 PPG; 264.4 YPG

CORPUS CHRISTI SHARKS (2-11) AT ARKANSAS TWISTERS (9-4)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - ALLTEL Arena (6,820) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Sharks travel to Little Rock, Ark. this week to challenge the Arkansas Twisters. This is the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Arkansas dominated the last match-up, 82-59, stretching the series lead to 4-0. In the Sharks' last game against the Kentucky Horsemen, they were unable to end their four-game losing streak and endured a 21-point loss, 58-37. Corpus Christi dominated the game in the air with 304 net passing yards (Kentucky with 178), but struggled to connect with their receivers. QBs JOHN DE LOS SANTOS and SEDALE THREATT had a combined 304 yards which only resulted in three touchdowns, whereas Kentucky's quarterbacks had 178 yards but managed to score six touchdowns. On the receiving end, WR JONATHON GRAHAM, who leads the team in receiving (103-1029), put the Sharks on the board with 14 catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Sharks had a difficult time making the most of their tackling efforts. Three members of the defense led the team with 3.5 tackles, namely defensive back ZACH EAST, who also picked up one of the team's two sacks. In Arkansas' last match-up on Rio Grande Valley's home turf, the Twisters were able to come away with a three-point victory, 57-54. Arkansas, who ranks No. 2 in total offense and No. 6 in the latest coaches poll, were able to successfully connect passes and put pressure on the Dordos defense. QB KYLE ROWLEY, who individually ranks No. 2 in total offense, completed 26-of-34 passes for 262 yards and six touchdowns. WR AARON FAIROOZ had nine catches in the game, five of which he turned into scores for the Twisters. The defense, however, was the main reason the Twisters were able to keep Rio Grande Valley from scoring more than two touchdowns in the second half. Along with five total sacks in the game, the Twisters defense was able to hold the Dorados below their points per game average of 57.6. BRANDON FREEMAN led the pack with six solo tackles, as well as one breakup, while DLs TRAMAINE JEHOVAH and JERRY TURNER each had two sacks. This week the Sharks will need to strengthen their defensive line in order to protect their end zone from the No. 2 offense in the league.

SHARKS TWISTERS SERIES LEADER Arkansas leads 4-0

LAST MEETING Arkansas won on 5/30/09 82-59

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 3-2

LAST GAME Lost vs. Kentucky 37-58 Won at Rio Grande Valley 57-54

LEADERS SHARKS TWISTERS PASSING Cooper: 220-376-17; 2474; 39 TDs Rowley: 341-512-15; 3904; 83 TDs

RECEIVING Graham: 103-1029; 16 TDs Harper: 107-1375; 38 TDs

RUSHING Cooper: 36-63; 12 TDs Cook: 35-139; 7 TDs

TACKLES Mosley: 33.5 Freeman: 42.5

SACKS Robinson: 4.5 Turner: 5.5

INTERCEPTIONS Shakoor: 3 Todd: 4

KICKING Gatto: 50-67 PAT; 9-18 FG; 77 PTs Paul: 72-93 PAT; 2-3 FGs; 78 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 42.7 PPG; 261.1 YPG 59.2 PPG; 317.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 61.5 PPG; 288.0 YPG 52.5 PPG; 264.2 YPG

MILWAUKEE IRON (5-8) AT IOWA BARNSTORMERS (9-4)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Wells Fargo Arena (8,403) 8:00 P.M. ET

In their second battle of the season, the Milwaukee Iron will play the Iowa Barnstormers, this time traveling to Des Moines, Iowa. This is also the second all-time match-up between the two teams. Iowa was able to storm away with a 60-38 win in their previous meeting, which gave Iowa the 1-0 lead in the series. Before their bye last week, the Iron hosted the Green Bay Blizzard where they endured a painful loss, 86-42. Besides being shut out in the third quarter, the Iron failed to capitalize on passing plays and only had six touchdowns overall. QB TODD HAMMEL completed 60% of his passes (23-of-38) and threw for 344 yards, but was only able to connect for four touchdowns. He was also picked off twice and sacked three times. WR ANTOINE BURNS had 10 catches and earned 128 yards, but was only able to turn 2 of those catches into touchdowns. With zero interceptions and zero sacks, the Iron weren't able to throw the Blizzard off their game and prevent them from moving the ball up the field. Iowa's performance, on the other hand, was drastically different. In a thrilling match-up between the Barnstormers and the Spokane Shock, the Barnstormers were able to pull off a 54-48 victory that shattered the Shock's 12-game winning streak. Spokane, who scores an average of 60.5 PPG, was held to a shocking touchdown per quarter for the first three quarters in the game. Although Spokane overpowered Iowa in total offense yards (316 vs. 187), Iowa QB BRIAN VILLANUEVA completed 19-of-35 passes for 184 yards and five touchdowns. WR DUSTY KAIN also had an impressive showing, with five receptions for 50 yards and four of the team's seven touchdowns. This win, however, should be accredited to the Iowa defense. DB TANNER VARNER, who leads his team and the league with an overwhelming 103 tackles, pressured the Spokane offense with 11 total tackles (9 solo, 4 assisted) and one breakup. With an additional one interception and two sacks, the Barnstormers defense gave their fans an incredible show. In this upcoming Midwest Division showdown, the Iron need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

IRON BARNSTORMERS SERIES LEADER Iowa leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Iowa won 60-38 on 3/27/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 4-1

LAST GAME Lost vs. Green Bay 42-86 Won vs. Spokane 54-48

LEADERS IRON BARNSTORMERS PASSING Hammel: 102-162-6; 1268; 24 TDs Villanueva: 230-385-13; 2719; 49 TDs

RECEIVING Burnoski: 81-1028; 15 TDs McCown: 91-1147; 19 TDs

RUSHING Young: 12-218; 8 TDs Payne: 34-105; 2 TDs

TACKLES Aldridge: 68.5 Varner: 103.0

SACKS Vickerson: 4.0 Curvey: 7.5

INTERCEPTIONS Stepter: 4 Davis: 7

KICKING Walls: 66-73 PAT; 6-21 FG; 84 PTs Glas: 79-94 PAT; 16-32 FGs; 127 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 44.6 PPG; 239.8 YPG 54.8 PPG; 232.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 56.9 PPG; 255.9 YPG 48.4 PPG; 313.0 YPG

BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT BATTLEWINGS (8-5) AT OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (7-7)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Cox Convention Center (10,595) 8:05 P.M. ET

Week 16 action continues with the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings paying a visit to the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in their first and only meeting of the season. While both teams have already secured their playoff spot, this game could provide key practice for the upcoming postseason. Bossier-Shreveport QB ANDRICO HINES has had a solid season in the pocket, completing 60.1% of his passes with only 11 interceptions. He is averaging 239.5 offensive yards per game and has put 61 touchdowns on the board so far this season. WR P.J. BERRY has proven to be a reliable receiver for Hines, making 73 catches for 1,047 yards and 18 touchdowns. Berry is averaging 186.4 all-purpose yards per game and has tallied 27 touchdowns on the season. On the ground, FB JASON SCHULE is dominating the league. Schule has rushed 84 times for a league-high 480 yards and 20 touchdowns. In their last outing, the BattleWings tallied a decisive victory over Amarillo, 62-27. Oklahoma City started off its season strong, but has had an up and down battle since. After winning their first four games, the Yard Dawgz went on a five game losing streak before finally coming up with three wins mid-season. They are most recently on a two-game losing skid, losing to Spokane and Rio Grande Valley. The Yard Dawgz are led behind the arm of QB ROBERT KENT. Kent is a pivotal player in Oklahoma City's offense, so far tacking 82 total touchdowns onto the board (70 pass, 12 rush). Kent is averaging 25.9 yards per game rushing and 264.6 yards passing, which is how he has accumulated 4,068 total offensive yards on the season (second best in the league). Over the last two games, however, the team plans on resting Kent for the playoffs and will start rookie TOMMY GRADY at quarterback. Grady hasn't thrown a pass this year. Also putting numbers on the board offensively is WR AL HUNT. Hunt, the league's all-time leading scorer, is averaging 17.6 points per game and has tallied 32 touchdowns receiving and eight rushing. DB ANDRE BURNS is doing his part as well, so far making 74 tackles. Burns has also returned 61 kickoffs for 1,110 yards so far this season. This game should be a back and forth battle.

YARD DAWGZ BATTLE WINGS SERIES LEADER Battle Wings lead 3-2

LAST MEETING Bossier won 67-50 on 6/21/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 3-2

LAST GAME Won vs. Amarillo Dusters 62-27 Lost at Rio Grande 43-46

LEADERS YARD DAWGZ BATTLE WINGS PASSING Kent: 242-360-13; 3474; 65 TDs Hines: 211-351-11; 2610; 61 TDs

RECEIVING Hunt: 68-1013; 28 TDs Berry: 73-1047; 18 TDs

RUSHING Kent: 42-319; 11 TDs Schule: 84-480; 20 TDs

TACKLES Burns: 74.0 Cola: 67.0

SACKS Chavers: 7.5 Pittman: 6.0

INTERCEPTIONS Shaw: 8 Cola: 6

KICKING Hendrix: 68-86 PAT; 6-10 FG; 86 PTs Camody:93-106 PAT; 5-14 FGs; 108 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 58.5 PPG; 305.7 YPG 60.8 PPG; 272.5 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 51.8 PPG; 253.8 YPG 50.4 PPG; 321.9 YPG

TRI-CITIES FEVER (2-11) AT BOISE BURN (11-2)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Qwest Arena (5,006) 9:10 P.M. ET

With their records exactly flip-flopped, the Burn play host to the Fever for the fourth time this season. Boise has won all three previous meetings. The Fever are averaging the lowest points per game in the league (31.5) while giving up the third most (59). They have also scored the least amount of touchdowns overall (54) and only have a pass completion rate of 51.5%. They have had their fair share of quarterbacks this season as well. COLLIN DRAFTS received his first start with the Fever since 2007 two weeks ago against Stockton. Drafts completed 27-of-36 passes for 288 yards and five touchdowns as Tri-Cities scored its second win of the year, 42-35. WR Brandon Copeland caught 14 passes for 135 yards and four TDs. Defensively, the Fever defense set season-highs in sacks and interceptions. Julian Riley (3) and Curtis Terry (2) combined for five sacks while CHRIS HEMPHILL (2), JAMIE HATTLEY and DEVON WALKER combined for four interceptions. WR TREMAINE KIRKLAND continues to lead the offense, having made 60 receptions and 13 touchdowns so far. While the offense has been stumbling, the Fever's defense has been making a good overall impression. Tri-Cities allows the third least offensive yards to their opponents per game (253.2), limiting them to just 19.6 yards rushing and 233.5 yards passing. Walker has a team-leading 60 tackles as well as breaking up 16 passes. Hattley leads the team in interceptions with four and has also made 55.5 tackles and three tackles-for-loss. The Burn are currently on a seven-game win streak and are looking to continue that on into the postseason. The team's only two losses of the season have been at the hands of No. 1-ranked Spokane. In the most recent coaches poll, the Burn were ranked No. 5 and garnered one first-place vote. The Burn are led by QB TAYLOR THARP, who is completing 68.6% of his passes and has been intercepted 17 times. One of Tharp's favorite targets is WR JOMO WILSON. Wilson has 70 catches for 768 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has contributed 98 total points over the season. The Fever will need another fine showing by Drafts and the defense if they want to keep things close with Boise.

FEVER BURN SERIES LEADER Burn lead 6-2

LAST MEETING Boise won on 6/13/09 56-21

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 5-0

LAST GAME Won vs. Stockton 42-35 Won at Central Valley 55-19

LEADERS FEVER BURN PASSING Ayoob: 70-149-6; 577; 9 TDs Tharp: 201-293-17; 2498; 56 TDs

RECEIVING Kirkland: 60-699; 13 TDs Wilson: 70-768; 14 TDs

RUSHING Harrell: 15-36; 2 TDs Walker: 55-133; 14 TDs

TACKLES Walker: 60.0 Terran: 75.5

SACKS Alexander: 4.0 Guerrero: 8.5

INTERCEPTIONS Hattley: 4 Madarieta: 8

KICKING Braunstein: 39-50 PAT;14-34 FG;81 PTs Scott: 77-91 PAT; 4-7 FGs; 89 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 31.5 PPG; 220.7 YPG 57.8 PPG; 243.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 59.0 PPG; 253.2 YPG 38.8 PPG; 266.4 YPG

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (11-2) AT SPOKANE SHOCK (12-1)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Spokane Arena (10,653) 10:00 P.M. ET

The top two teams in the league will face off in this Saturday night showdown. The No. 2 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers will head to the west coast to face the No. 1 Spokane Shock. The Shock lost for the first time in 2009 last week at Iowa, 54-48. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is on a three-game win streak, most recently defeating Mahoning Valley, 62-47, in Week 14. Both of these teams' greatest strength comes in the form of their quarterbacks. Pioneers QB RYAN VENA continues to lead the league in pass efficiency, completing 68.6% of his passes while being intercepted six times, second least in the league. Overall, Vena has contributed 3,383 total offensive yards in the 2009 campaign and 70 touchdowns. Vena has found reliable hands on WR IRVING CAMPBELL. Campbell is averaging 6.85 receptions per game for 87.7 yards and has scored 15 touchdowns so far. WR J.J.. OUTLAW is not to be overlooked, however. Outlaw is averaging 77.9 yards per game and has a team-high 31 touchdowns. FB/LB KIRBY GRIFFIN is reliable on the ground, rushing an average of 22.6 yards per game and scoring 15 touchdowns on the season. K DAVID DAVIS continues to lead the league in kicking percentage, nailing 95.5% of his PATs and contributing 121 points so far this season. For the Shock, QB NICK DAVILA continues to dominate across the league. Davila has the highest pass completion rate (70.1%) and a mere five interceptions, a league low. Davila also has the second best pass efficiency, behind Vena. Although Davila and Vena have the exact same amount of pass attempts (388), Davila has thrown for 251 less yards and two less touchdowns than Vena. Davila has also contributed 11 rushing touchdowns this year. WR RAUL VIJIL is another player to watch for Spokane. Vijil can be credited for 30 touchdowns this season and nearly 1,200 yards of receiving yards. He has also tallied 128 yards off missed field goals (five returns) and 964 yards on kickoff returns (47 returns). With both teams being as strong as they are on either side of the ball, and both averaging over 60 points per game, this game is sure to be an exciting affair. Although they are both locks into the postseason, both teams will be playing with high intensity as it might not be the last time they meet in 2009.

PIONEERS SHOCK SERIES LEADER First time these two teams are meeting

LAST MEETING No previous meeting

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 4-1

LAST GAME Won at Mahoning Valley 62-47 Loss at Iowa 48-54

LEADERS PIONEERS SHOCK PASSING Vena: 266-388-6; 3312; 70 TDs Davila: 272-388-5; 3061; 68 TDs

RECEIVING Campbell: 89-1140; 15 TDs Vijil: 98-1199; 30 TDs

RUSHING Griffin: 58-294; 15 TDs Nikolao: 53-168; 7 TDs

TACKLES Robinson: 80.5 Franks: 85.0

SACKS Morgan: 11.0 McCombs: 13.0

INTERCEPTIONS Robinson: 12 Gilliam: 9

KICKING Davis: 106-111 PAT; 5-8 FG; 121 PTs Jackson: 88-103 PAT; 7-9 FGs; 109 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 62.2 PPG; 291.2 YPG 60.5 PPG; 294.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 38.1 PPG; 253.5 YPG 36.3 PPG; 253.1 YPG

CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (3-10) AT STOCKTON LIGHTNING (4-9)

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2009 - Stockton Arena (9,737) 10:00 P.M. ET

The final game of Week 16 is between the Central Valley Coyotes and Stockton Lightning. The two division rivals are battling for the eighth and final playoff spot in the National Conference, and this game could prove crucial to either team. If Central Valley is able to pull out the win, they will have an equal overall record as Stockton heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. Stockton has won two of their three head-to-head matchups this season. Central Valley has had some inconsistencies over the course of the season, but have managed to hold their opponents to the lowest offensive yards per game in the league (245.9 ypg). They have excelled at limiting the passing game, allowing an average of only 221.8 yards per game in the air, a league low. In their last outing, the Coyotes faced the dominating Boise Burn, where they fell, 55-19. QB RYAN PORTER struggled, completing just 23-of-48 passes with four interceptions. He was also sacked three times, a consistent problem throughout the season. Central Valley's quarterbacks have been sacked 31 times in 2009. WR PHIL GOODMAN led the team in receptions, making 11 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Consistent offensive presence WR JOHN ROBERSON also put up decent numbers, making four catches for 37 yards. Roberson is averaging 11.7 points per game, but was held scoreless against Boise. Stockton is also having troubles this season. In their fourth season in the af2, the Lightning have yet to make it into the playoffs. QB CHAD CAVENDAR is averaging 249.3 yards per game in total offense - 11.2 yards rushing and 238.1 yards passing. Unfortunately, Cavendar has racked up the second most interceptions in the league with 16. On his more successful drives, Cavendar is likely finding the open hands of WR TROY MCBROOM. McBroom leads the team with 95 catches for 1,141 yards. He also has 19 receiving TDs. Expect this game to be intense from start to finish because it will likely determine just how early their season will end.

COYOTES LIGHTNING SERIES LEADER Central Valley leads 8-4

LAST MEETING Stockton won on 5/30/09, 57-56

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 2-3

LAST GAME Lost vs. Boise 19-55 Lost at Tri-Cities 35-42

LEADERS COYOTES LIGHTNING PASSING Kent: 242-360-13; 3474; 65 TDs Cavendar: 220-389-16; 2619; 52 TDs

RECEIVING Hunt: 68-1013; 28 TDs McBroom: 95-1141; 19 TDs

RUSHING Kent: 42-319; 11 TDs Collins: 25-155; 7 TDs

TACKLES Burns: 74.0 Singfield: 62.5

SACKS Chavers: 7.5 Chude: 7.0

INTERCEPTIONS Shaw: 8 Walker: 3

KICKING Hendrix: 68-86 PAT; 6-10 FG; 86 PTs Irvine: 33-42 PAT; 3-6 FGs; 42 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 58.5 PPG; 305.7 YPG 58.6 PPG; 329.6 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 51.8 PPG; 253.8 YPG 57.7 PPG; 295.6 YPG

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