Week 5: Saturday Night Matchups

Published on April 24, 2009 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (3-1) AT ALBANY FIREBIRDS (0-4)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Times Union Center (13,901) 7:00 P.M. ET

Saturday night of Week 5 begins with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers visiting the Albany Firebirds in an old school East Division affair. These two clubs have met 22 times overall. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton owns the advantage in the all-time series, 15-7, including a 70-28 home triumph in Week 2. Last week the No. 4-ranked Pioneers put on a strong offensive and defensive show at home en route to a commanding 80-43 victory against Mahoning Valley. QB Ryan Vena threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter as the Pioneers raced out to a 28-3 lead and never looked back. Vena had near perfect performance, completing 18-of-23 passes for 332 yards with seven touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. His favorite target on the night was WR/DB Rich Musinski. Musinski had eight catches for 175 yards and four touchdowns, all game-highs. The Pioneers defense stifled Mahoning Valley for much of the night, forcing seven stops (3 fumbles, 3 on downs, 1 MFG). OL/DL Darius Leak led the way with 5.5 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and was named the Aaron's Defensive Player of the Game. On the season, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton ranks second in the league in both scoring offense (66.2 ppg) and scoring defense (40.5 ppg). The Pioneers rank first in the af2 in sacks with 17 while DL ROYCE MORGAN leads the league individually with five. DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON is the team's defensive back. Robinson leads Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with 30 tackles and three interceptions. On offense, Vena is second in touchdown passes with 25 and third in passer rating at 128.5. Rookie IRVING CAMPBELL leads a balance group of receivers with 29 catches for 350 yards and six touchdowns. Albany has endured a rough start so far this season with four straight defeats. The Firebirds most recent loss came last week at Manchester, 73-54. Albany took an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter and led by four points at the half (30-26) but disintegrated in the second half with a series of mistakes, miscues, and penalties (nine for a loss of 91 yards). The Firebirds were outscored 48-23 over the final 30 minutes of play. Albany's offense, directed by rookie QB Adam Bednarik (19-of-36 passing, 262 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT), struggled in the second half against Manchester's defense. Bednarik was sacked three times against the Wolves. Leading the Firebirds individually in defeat were WR Christian Wise (8-139-3 TDs) and WR/LB Alvin Ray Jackson (4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 35-yard fumble return TD, 30-yard kickoff return TD). Overall Albany ranks last in the league in sacks allowed (16; 4 per game). Turnovers have also been an issue. The Firebirds have 12 on the young season (3 per game). Wise has been one of the few bright spots so far for Albany. He leads the team in receiving yards (441), receiving scores (4) and all-purpose yards (589). This young Firebirds bunch will need to clean up their mistakes and protect Bednarik much better if they have any hope of keeping the potent Pioneers within arms reach.

PIONEERS FIREBIRDS SERIES LEADER Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leads 15-7

LAST MEETING Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won, 70-28, on 4/3/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 0-5

LAST GAME Won vs. M. Valley, 80-43 on 4/18/09 Lost at Manchester, 53-74 on 4/18/09

LEADERS PIONEERS FIREBIRDS PASSING Vena: 75-114-2; 1076; 25 TDs Bednarik: 79-157-6; 880; 11 TDs

RECEIVING Campbell: 29-350; 6 TDs Rodriguez: 34-275; 2 TDs

RUSHING Griffin: 14-69; 5 TDs Bednarik: 23-40; 4 TDs

TACKLES RobinsonL 30 Williams: 22

SACKS Morgan: 5 Paramoure: 2

INTERCEPTIONS Robinson: 3 Horne: 1

KICKING Davis: 37-37 PAT; 2-3 FG; 43 PTs Umstead: 15-17 PAT; 3-7 FG; 24 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 66.2 PPG; 296 YPG 35.5 PPG; 238 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 40.5 PPG; 247.8 YPG 55 PPG; 243.2 YPG

TULSA TALONS (3-1) AT MAHONING VALLEY THUNDER (1-3)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Chevrolet Centre (6,100) 7:00 P.M. ET

The Tulsa Talons travel to Youngstown, Ohio this week to take on the Mahoning Valley Thunder in the second meeting between these two clubs in the last three weeks. The Talons quieted the Thunder in Week 3 at the BOK Center, 79-35. Tulsa, currently ranked No. 5 in the latest league coaches poll, continued its strong play of late last week in a 58-31 home win against Iowa. DB Delenell Reid and LB Jamar Ransom intercepted two passes each as the Talons avenged their only loss of the season while handing the Barnstormers their first loss in four games. Tulsa QB Justin Allgood threw for 397 yards (32-of-49 passing) and matched a personal best with eight touchdown passes. Four of his scoring strikes went to WR Zach Edwards and three went to WR Jeff Hughley. Hughley and Edwards each had 12 catches and each of the Talons' top three receivers had over 100 yards receiving. The Talons held the Barnstormers without a score on five of seven first-half possessions and didn't allow a touchdown until the final 2:07 of the second quarter. Tulsa led 33-10 at halftime and scored again after Ransom's first interception and it was 40-10 early in the third quarter. Ransom also had 7.0 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Allgood leads the af2 in passing yards (1,231) and touchdown passes (28). Hughley leads the league in all-purpose yards (1,131) and is tied for first in scoring (86 points). He also ranks second in receiving yards (580) and receptions (42). The Tulsa offense averages 64 points per game (3rd in af2). Ransom leads the league with five interceptions. The Talons defense leads the league in turnovers forced with 16 (9 INTs, 7 fumble recoveries). After starting the 2009 season with a win, the Thunder have lost three straight games. Mahoning Valley is coming off a humbling, 80-43, road loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Pioneers QB Ryan Vena threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter as the Pioneers raced out to a 28-3 lead and never looked back. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's defense stifled Mahoning Valley for much of the night, forcing seven stops (3 fumbles, 3 on downs, 1 MFG). Mahoning Valley rookie QB Blake Powers, making his first af2 start, completed 15-of-29 passes for 219 yards and accounted for five total touchdowns (3 - passing, 2 - receiving). WR Quorey Payne caught eight passes for 173 yards with three scores. Powers will likely make his second start this week against an equally tough Tulsa defense. The key for keeping the Thunder in the running on Saturday won't be offense, however. Mahoning Valley's defense, which currently ranks last in scoring defense (63.0 ppg allowed), will need to be much better in order to keep things close against the talented Talons.

TALONS THUNDER SERIES LEADER Tulsa leads 1-0

LAST MEETING Tulsa won 79-35 on 4/11/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4

LAST GAME Won vs. Iowa, 58-31 on 4/18/09 Lost at W-B /Scranton, 43-80 on 4/18/09

LEADERS TALONS THUNDER PASSING Allgood: 103-149-6; 1231; 28 TDs Vinson: 51-86-5; 553; 9 TDs

RECEIVING Hughley: 42-580; 13 TDs Payne: 27-435; 8 TDs

RUSHING Floyd: 4-35; 0 TD Vinson: 19-48; 4 TDs

TACKLES Ransom: 28 Curry: 27

SACKS Jackson: 3 Alston: 1.5

INTERCEPTIONS Ransom: 5 Landrom: 2

KICKING Phillips: 10-13 PAT; 1-3 FG; 13 PTs Schorejs: 17-22 PAT; 2-4 FG; 23 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 64 PPG; 329 YPG 40.2 PPG; 238 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 46.8 PPG; 224 YPG 63 PPG; 302.2 YPG

MILWAUKEE IRON (1-3) AT KENTUCKY HORSEMEN (1-2)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Rupp Arena (23,000) 7:00 P.M. ET

The expansion Milwaukee Iron will be taking their first trip to Lexington this weekend to take on the Horsemen Saturday night at Rupp Arena. Last time out the Iron were outplayed on their home turf by Peoria and lost by 16 to the Pirates, 50-34. Milwaukee was held scoreless in the first quarter. It took until a few minutes into the second before Milwaukee got their first seven on the board as KELLEN DRISCOLL caught a 1-yard toss from QB SHANE ADLER. Peoria didn't want it close, however, and managed to widen the gap to 26-7 before Milwaukee was able to score their second touchdown of the night. The third quarter was more competitive as Milwaukee's offense tallied 13 points, but it was the two Peoria touchdowns in the fourth that sealed Milwaukee's fate. Adler struggled in his first start for the Iron, completing just 18-of-37 passes with two interceptions and three touchdowns. WR SCOTT BURNOSKI led the team with nine catches for 124 yards as he continues to be the most consistent receiver for the Iron. Burnoski has 33 catches on the year for 396 yards with four scores. WR ANTOINE BURNS led Milwaukee in return yards with 113 on six kickoffs. DL LATHAVIS MILLER stood out on defense with two sacks. DB LAVAR STEPTER leads the club with three interceptions. Burns leads the Iron in scoring with 36 points (6 TDs - 4 receiving, 1 rushing, 1 kickoff return). The Horsemen, currently ranked tied for 13th in the latest league coaches poll, come into play this week after suffering a rough road loss at Florida, 68-62. A poor showing in the first quarter proved to be their demise as they kept pace with the Firecats for the remainder of the game. QB JARED LORENZEN threw seven touchdowns and rushed for one while tallying 321 passing yards. WR HARRY LEWIS was the most potent pass catcher for Lorenzen with 11 grabs for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Lewis leads the team with 20 receptions and 221 yards on the season. Kentucky ranks sixth overall in scoring at 57.7 points per game. The Horsemen, however, also rank 19th in scoring defense. They have allowed their opponents over 58 points per game (58.3). Kentucky has a good opportunity to hit the .500 mark this week if the defense can contain Milwaukee and the Horsemen get another strong outing from Lorenzen.

IRON HORSEMEN SERIES LEADER First time these teams are meeting

LAST MEETING No previous meeting

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-3 1-4

LAST GAME Lost vs. Peoria, 34-50 on 4/17/09 Lost vs. Florida, 62-68 on 4/18/09

LEADERS IRON HORSEMEN PASSING Donovan: 45-80-2; 504; 7 TDs Lorenzen: 63-100-3; 695; 15 TDs

RECEIVING Burnoski: 33-396; 4 TDs Lewis: 20-221; 4 TDs

RUSHING Young: 20-88; 4 TDs Lorenzen: 16-62; 6 TDs

TACKLES Aldridge: 20.5 Forbes: 16

SACKS Miller: 2 Martin: 3.5

INTERCEPTIONS Stepter: 3 Haskins: 2

KICKING Walls: 13-13 PAT; 2-5 FG; 19 PTs Daniel: 18-23 PAT; 1-3 FG; 21 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 44.8 PPG; 257 YPG 57.7 PPG; 290.3 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 54.4 PPG; 195.2 YPG 58.3 PPG; 269.2 YPG

PEORIA PIRATES (1-2) AT SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (4-1)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Albany Civic Center (8,034) 7:30 P.M. ET

The Pirates make their first trip to Albany, Ga. this week to tackle the Wildcats Saturday night at the Albany Civic Center. These two clubs have met just once before with South Georgia winning a late 2008 affair in Peoria, 54-40, in Week 17. Peoria is coming into this week's affair on a high note after the Pirates notched their first win of the season. Peoria defeated the expansion Milwaukee Iron, 50-34, last Friday night in Milwaukee. Rookie QBs LUKE DRONE and KENT SMITH accounted for six total touchdowns, five passing and one rushing. Smith completed 7-of-12 passes for 130 yards with three TDs and one rush TD while Drone completed 9-of-16 passes for 81 yards with two TDs and one interception. WR DANTE RIDGEWAY earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors with eight catches for 123 yards and one score. WR BRIAN ALLBROOKS (JLS Ironman of the Game) caught six passes for 67 yards with three scores. DB Brandon Golder had two interceptions and 6.5 tackles to pace the Peoria defense. Allbrooks leads the squad in scoring (66 points), receiving (18-264-10 TDs) and all-purpose yards (427). Golder leads the club in tackles (14). South Georgia, currently ranked No. 3 in the latest league coaches poll, is also coming off a win last week. The Wildcats looked impressive in their convincing 50-point road win at Tri-Cities 84-34. Leading South Georgia on offense was QB Darnell Kennedy. Kennedy completed 8-of-12 passes for 103 yards and four touchdowns. He also had two rushing touchdowns. Kennedy was spelled early in the third quarter by backup CECIL LESTER (7-of-14 passing, 88 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush TD) with the team ahead by 34, 54-20. WR Antwone Savage had two touchdown receptions on three catches for 89 yards. DB Levance Richmond led the Wildcats defensive effort with three tackles, a 28-yard fumble return touchdown, one interception and one pass breakup. Overall, South Georgia currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring at 61.4 points per game. Kennedy leads the af2 in rushing touchdowns with 10, ranks second in rushing yards with 117 and is sixth in passer rating (121.2). ALVANCE ROBINSON leads a balance receiving corps with 27 catches for 361 yards and eight TDs. DL ERIC TURNER has a team-high 3.0 sacks. The Wildcats have also been productive in creating turnovers (13; 2.6 per game) and rank sixth overall in turnover margin at plus+6 (13 gained, 7 lost). So far South Georgia is 2-0 at home and the team's only loss of the season came in Week 2 at No. 2-ranked Oklahoma City. The Pirates will need another strong effort on offense and defense if they want to compete with the Wildcats on their home turf.

PIRATES WILDCATS SERIES LEADER South Georgia leads 1-0

LAST MEETING South Georgia won 54-40 on 7/19/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 4-1

LAST GAME Win vs. Milwaukee 50-34 on 4/17/09 Win vs. Tri Cities, 84-34 on 4/18/09

LEADERS PIRATES WILDCATS PASSING Drone: 54-96-6; 611; 14 TDs Kennedy: 79-128-1; 964; 21 TDs

RECEIVING Albrooks: 18-264; 10 TDs Robinson: 27-361; 8 TDs

RUSHING Williams: 7-33; 1 TD Kennedy: 26-117; 10 TDs

TACKLES Goder: 14 McCray: 29.5

SACKS Lingard/Young: 1 Turner: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Golder: 2 Burrell: 3

KICKING Palkovic: 15-21 PAT; 1-6 FG; 18 PTs Guberman: 39-44 PAT; 0-1 FG; 39 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 48 PPG; 265.7 YPG 61.4 PPG; 269.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 53 PPG; 285 YPG 45.4 PPG; 250.6 YPG

QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (2-2) AT IOWA BARNSTORMERS (3-1)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Wells Fargo Arena (8,403) 8:00 P.M. ET

Quad City hits the road to Des Moines, Iowa this week to take on the Barnstormers in the first of three head-to-head meetings among the division rivals this season. The Steamwheelers currently lead the all-time series, 3-2. Last week Quad City slipped to 2-2 after suffering a 65-52 home loss to Green Bay in a game that took over three hours to play due to 26 combined penalties and a 27-minute game stoppage due to a broken wallboard repair. QB J.J. Raterink completed 34-of-46 passes for 387 yards and seven touchdowns. Raterink, however, also threw a season-high two interceptions and was sacked four times, once for a safety. WR Jesse Schmidt ed all receivers with 180 yards on 12 catches and three touchdowns. Fellow receiver KRIS PETERS finished with 321 all-purpose yards and caught a game-high 14 passes for 156 yards (2 TDs). DB DEMARCUS ROBINSON led the defense with 7.5 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup. Raterink ranks third in the af2 in passing yards (1,096) and tied for third in touchdown passes (24). Schmidt leads the league in touchdown receptions (14) and receiving yards (609) and is tied for the af2 lead in scoring (86 points). The offense, however, will miss the presence of NICK CODUTTI, one of the team's top linemen. Codutti was placed on injured reserve on Thursday. Defensively, TYUS JACKSON leads the club with 2.5 sacks. The Steamwheelers defense also suffered a substantial loss this week as leading tackler Fletcher Terrell (34.5) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Codutti and Terrell will miss at least four games. Quad City is currently ranked No. 16 in the latest league coaches poll. The Barnstormers are also hurting a bit coming into this week's contest after suffering a humbling 58-31 road loss to Tulsa last Saturday. It was the team's first defeat of the season. Iowa is currently ranked No. 9 in the latest league coaches poll. WR/KR Tim Dodge returned two third quarter kickoffs for scores to pace the Barnstormers. He also had eight catches for 72 yards and one touchdown and earned JLS Ironman of the Game honors. The Barnstormers' offense, however, managed just two touchdowns, a field goal and 127 total yards. Iowa QB Brian Villanueva, who accounted for nine total TDs (7 - passing, 2 - rushing) against Tulsa in the first head-to-head meeting, had just two touchdown passes with three interceptions. Dodge leads the club in receiving while fellow receiver ERRICK MCCOWN leads the team with four rushing TDs. Last week, however, McCown was limited to just one catch. On the defensive side, look for DB JORDAN DAVIS (team-high 3 INTs) and DL JASON RIPKE (2 sacks) to make their presence felt. The Steamwheelers will need to be sharp from the start in order to keep up with Iowa in from what is sure to be a large and loud crowd at Wells Fargo Arena.

STEAMWHEELERS BARNSTORMERS SERIES LEADER Quad City leads 3-2

LAST MEETING Iowa won, 76-53 on 7/12/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Lost vs. Green Bay 52-65 on 4/18/09 Lost vs. Tulsa 31-58 on 4/18/09

LEADERS STEAMWHEELERS BARNSTORMERS PASSING Raterink: 96-144-3; 1096; 24 TDs Villanueva: 67-112-5; 680; 13 TDs

RECEIVING Schmidt: 43-609; 14 TDs Dodge: 28-276; 6 TDs

RUSHING Monk: 4-13; 0 TD McCown: 6-40; 4 TDs

TACKLES Terrell: 34.5 Varner: 34

SACKS Jackson: 2.5 Ripke: 2

INTERCEPTIONS Golden: 1 Davis: 3

KICKING Denny: 25-27 PAT; 0-1 FG; 25 PTs Glas: 25-30 PAT; 4-9 FG; 37 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 53.2 PPG; 278.5 YPG 54.2 PPG; 189 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 60.8 PPG; 297.5 YPG 50.5 PPG; 329.8 YPG

AMARILLO DUSTERS (0-3) AT OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (3-0)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Cox Convention Center (10,595) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Yard Dawgz host Amarillo Saturday night in a Central Division matchup at Cox Convention Center. This is the second of two meetings between the two clubs this season. Oklahoma City won big the first time around, 76-29, at Amarillo in Week 1. The Yard Dawgz hold a 6-3 advantage in the all-time series with the Dusters. Both teams enjoyed a bye in Week 4. Amarillo is one of three teams without a win in 2009 while the Yard Dawgz are one of only two remaining teams without a loss this season. Last time Amarillo took the field the team lost on the road at Corpus Christi, 63-47. The game was close for the first three quarters before Corpus Christi pulled away by outscoring the Dusters 20-7 over the final 15 minutes. QB COLLIN DRAFTS (6-of-9 passing, 70 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) saw his first Dusters start get cut short after suffering an injury in the second quarter. MATT BASSUENER came on in place of Drafts and threw five touchdowns (14-of-23 passing) without an interception. He also had 36 rushing yards and one score. WR XAVIER HAIR led the team in receiving with seven catches for 77 yards and three scores. MYRON NEWBERRY led the Dusters defense individually with 7.0 tackles. Despite the injury two weeks ago, Drafts is expected to make his second start for Amarillo this week. The Dusters have struggled so far from an offense that has yet to find a rhythm. As a result, the defense hasn't performed well with the added pressure of forcing extra stops. The team ranks second only to Tri-Cities in both scoring offense and scoring defense, averaging just 33.3 points per game while giving up 61.3. Turnovers have also been an issue for Amarillo. The team currently ranks near the bottom of the league in total turnovers (11; 3.67 per game). Veteran WR CRAIG FULTON, JR. has been the team's most consistent offensive performer with 25 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma City enters this week currently ranked No. 2 in the latest league coaches poll. The Yard Dawgz tied their best start in team history with a 76-38 win two weeks ago against Central Valley. After a fairly even first half, Oklahoma City pulled away over the final 30 minutes on the strength of a 41-6 run. QB ROBERT KENT accounted for nine total touchdowns. The veteran signal caller completed 18-of-25 passes for 263 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception. He also had one rushing score. WR AL HUNT had four total touchdowns (3-receiving, 1-rushing) while WR AGIM SHABAJ had three touchdowns on five total catches for 95 yards. DB FRED SHAW paced the Oklahoma City defense with 9.5 tackles, two INTs, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup. DL MONDRE DICKERSON also contributed 2.0 sacks. Through three games the Yard Dawgz boast the league's top-scoring offense, averaging an eye-popping 72.7 points per contest. Kent leads the league in completion percentage (75.3) and passer rating (135.7). The defense hasn't been too shabby either, allowing opponents just 41.7 points per game (5th in af2). The Dusters will need to be efficient on offense in order to keep their defense fresh enough to try and contain the high-octane Oklahoma City attack. Amarillo, however, will need to be nearly flawless on both sides of the ball in order to keep things close with the Yard Dawgz.

DUSTERS YARD DAWGZ SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads, 6-3

LAST MEETING Oklahoma City won, 57-51 on 7/26/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 5-0

LAST GAME Lost vs. C. Christi, 47-63 on 4/11/09 Won vs. C. Valley, 76-38 on 4/11/09

LEADERS DUSTERS YARD DAWGZ PASSING Bassuener: 39-71-3; 480; 9 TDs Kent: 55-73-3; 847; 20 TDs

RECEIVING Fulton: 25-309; 2 TDs Shabaj: 18-272; 5 TDs

RUSHING Bassuener: 18-49; 3 TDs Rollins: 15-69; 4 TDs

TACKLES Artmore: 19 Burns: 22.5

SACKS Rolle: 1 Chavers: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Lewis: 1 Shaw: 2

KICKING Iizuka: 10-13 PAT; 2-4 FG; 16 PTs Hendrix: 21-28 PAT; 3-3 FG; 30 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 33.3 PPG; 224.7 YPG 72.7 PPG; 315 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 61.3 PPG; 306.7 YPG 41.7 PPG; 294.7 YPG

FLORIDA FIRECATS (2-2) AT TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (2-2)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Von Braun Center (6,642) 8:30 P.M. ET

The Firecats head to Huntsville, Ala. this week to take on the Vipers, their long-time South Division rivals. Florida currently owns a slight edge in the all-time series, 7-6. Tennessee Valley, however, took 3-of-4 from Florida in 2008. This is the first of three meetings between these two clubs in 2009. The Firecats evened their record at 2-2 last week thanks to a 68-62 home win against Kentucky. WR James Panui caught his fifth touchdown with 16.7 seconds left that proved to be the game-winner. The victory was the team's second in a row. Florida started the season at 0-2. Firecats veteran CHRIS WALLACE became the first quarterback in league history to throw 500 career touchdown passes in the contest. Wallace hit the 500-mark with a 15-yard strike to Panui early in the fourth quarter. He entered the contest with 495 career touchdown passes and added seven against the Horsemen to up his current career total to 502. Wallace also holds af2 career records for passing yards (23,028), completions (1,875) and attempts (3,141). Panui, in his first start at receiver in 2009, finished with 12 catches for 131 yards and five scores, all game-highs. DB Jerrid Gaines (5.0 tackles, 2 pass breakups) paced the Firecats on defense. WR CHRIS MCKINNEY leads the club in scoring (48) and receiving (22-261-7 TDs). The Firecats are currently ranked tied for 13th overall in the latest league coaches poll. The No. 9-ranked Vipers also evened their record at 2-2 last week with a dramatic 61-60 road win at Arkansas. QB KEVIN EAKIN was named the af2's Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Twisters. Eakin completed 29-of-41 passes (70.7 percent) for 365 yards (career high) and nine touchdowns (career high - tied team record) without an interception. Trailing 54-60 with only 13 seconds to play, Eakin completed all three of his pass attempts on Tennessee Valley's final drive. On the game's final play, Eakin eluded the Arkansas rush, stepped up in the pocket and delivered the game-tying, 9-yard touchdown strike to WR Larry Shipp as time expired. K Nick Hayes converted the extra point to propel the Vipers to the 1-point win. WR MICHAEL JOHNSON led the Vipers in receiving with 11 catches for 117 yards and four touchdowns. Shipp finished with five catches for 110 yards and three scores. DB DESMOND FOSTER had a game-high 10.5 tackles to lead the Tennessee Valley defense. Foster leads the club in tackles (25) and pass breakups (6). Eakin currently ranks fifth in the league in touchdown passes (22) and sixth in passing yards (1,052). This old school South showdown looks too close to call.

FIRECATS VIPERS SERIES LEADER Florida leads 7-6

LAST MEETING Tennessee Valley won, 48-33, on 8/2/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Won vs. Kentucky, 68-62 on 4/18/09 Won vs. Arkansas 61-60 on 4/18/09

LEADERS FIRECATS VIPERS PASSING Wallace: 78-129-3; 941; 18 TDs Eakin: 97-139-5; 1052; 22 TDs

RECEIVING McKinney: 22-261; 7 TDs Johnson: 34-397; 7 TDs

RUSHING Bear: 22-58; 4 TDs Eakin: 3-21; 0 TS

TACKLES Hodges: 17.5 Foster: 25

SACKS Walker: 1 White: 1.5

INTERCEPTIONS Tisdale: 1 Blanchard: 2

KICKING Rivas: 15-22 PAT; 0-2 FG; 15 PTs Hayes: 24-30 PAT; 0-1 FG; 24 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 48.5 PPG; 258 YPG 52 PPG; 302.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 49.8 PPG; 268 YPG 47 PPG; 266 YPG

CORPUS CHRISTI SHARKS (1-2) AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (2-1)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Dodge Arena (5,500) 8:30 P.M. ET

The Sharks travel to Hidalgo this week to take on Rio Grande Valley as the Dorados host their second home game in as many weeks. This is the second of four head-to-head meetings between these two clubs in 2009. The Dorados took the first game at Corpus Christi, 40-33, back on March 28. Rio Grande Valley's rookie tandem of QB NICK HILL and WR ROD WINDSOR both had strong showings in their first af2 game. Hill threw for 328 yards and six touchdowns (1 INT) while Windsor caught 12 passes for 151 yards and four scores. Veteran QB GARY COOPER, on the other hand, didn't fare as well in his Sharks debut, completing just 19-of-43 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Corpus Christi enters this week's rematch well rested after a bye in Week 4. The Sharks won their recent outing in Week 3 at home against Amarillo, 63-47. The victory was the team's first of the season. Cooper showed good form with four touchdown passes and three rushing scores. The game was close for the first three quarters before Corpus Christi pulled away by outscoring the Dusters 20-7 over the final 15 minutes. Darius Robinson led the Shark defensive attack with 5.0 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack which resulted in a safety. He also had two fumble recoveries, including one recovery touchdown. Cooper's play will continue to be key for Corpus Christi. He's had a shaky start so far, completing just over 50 percent of his passes through the first three games. He also has five interceptions. On a positive note, he has a team-high seven rushing touchdowns which also ranks second in the af2. Cooper's top receiver so far has been JONATHAN GRAHAM (18-248-3 TDs). The Dorados come into this week's game with a lot of confidence after their big, home-opening win last Saturday against rival Bossier-Shreveport, 58-49. Hill tossed six touchdowns, including three to Windsor (18-207-3 TDs) and two to Bret Smith (7-97-2 TDs). He completed 30-of-36 passes for 338 yards with one interception. He also ran for two TDs in the win. The Dorados overcame a 28-19 deficit in the early stages of the second half, scoring six touchdowns to Bossier-Shreveport's three. Andrico Hines tossed six touchdowns for Bossier-Shreveport but also had three interceptions. WR/LB Travis McAlpine had two interceptions to pace the Dorados defense. DL Quinton Staton, in his first game back with the team, had three tackles and one sack. Hill has thrown for 300 yards or more in all three Rio Grande Valley games to date. He currently leads the league in passing yards per game at 322.7. Windsor leads the af2 in receptions per game (14.3), receiving yards per game (163.7) and points per game (24). DB CRAIG TURNER leads the team in tackles with 18 while McAlpine has a team-best three interceptions. If Hill and Windsor continue their strong play, the Sharks will need another strong effort from Cooper in order to keep things close with the Dorados.

SHARKS DORADOS SERIES LEADER Rio Grande Valley leads 4-1

LAST MEETING Rio Grande Valley won, 40-33 on 3/28/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 3-2

LAST GAME Won vs. Amarillo, 63-47 on 4/11/09 Won vs. Bos.-Shreve., 58-49 on 4/18/09

LEADERS SHARKS DORADOS PASSING Cooper: 53-105-5; 618; 6 TDs Hill: 77-110-4; 968; 19 TDs

RECEIVING Graham: 18-248; 3 TDs Windsor: 43-491; 12 TDs

RUSHING Hussey: 7-42; 0 TD Hill: 13-47; 4 TDs

TACKLES Thomas: 12.5 Turner: 18

SACKS Robinson: 1.5 Staton: 1

INTERCEPTIONS Mingo/Thomas: 1 McAlpine: 3

KICKING Gatto: 12-14 PAT; 2-5 FG; 18 PTs Stevens: 8-14 PAT; 0-0 FG; 8 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 36.7 PPG; 243.3 YPG 54 PPG; 335.3 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 48.7 PPG; 271.7 YPG 53 PPG; 255.3 YPG

BOISE BURN (2-1) AT CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (2-2)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Selland Arena (5,487) 10:00 P.M. ET

The Burn travel to Fresno, Calif. this week to take on the Coyotes in a West Division affair. Boise and Central Valley have met four times in total with the Coyotes owning a 3-1 all-time edge in the series. The Burn suffered their first loss of the season last week against top-ranked Spokane in their home opener, 63-45. The second half was a back-and-forth battle. WR Casey Allen's 8-yard TD cut the Spokane lead to eight but it was as close as Boise would get. Allen led the Burn with eight catches for 116 yards and one score. WR NICHIREN FLOWERS had a team-high two receiving scores. Rookie QB TAYLOR THARP completed 20-of-29 passes for 253 yards with four touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. DB TERRANCE SANDERS was impressive individually on defense with 6.0 total tackles and a game-high four pass breakups. Boise's defense has been strong so far overall. The Burn have limited their first three opponents to just 123 points, an average of 41 per game (3rd in af2). Boise's eight total team interceptions is second only to Tulsa's nine (in four games). Allen leads the club with 18 catches for 242 yards while Flowers has a team-best five receiving TDs. The Burn are currently ranked No. 10 in the latest league coaches poll. The Coyotes, ranked No. 15 overall, are coming off a come-from-behind 65-58 road win last week at Stockton.

QB JASON MURRIETTA's 3-yard touchdown pass to LaMonte Jones with 26.5 seconds proved to be the game-winner for Central Valley. Murrietta completed 31-of-46 passes for 366 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Central Valley offense. Jones caught four touchdowns on 14 catches for 185 yards, all game-highs. Jones also had one interception, one tackle, 131 kick return yards and 338 all-purpose yards. WR GEORGE WILLIAMS was also a difference maker with three total touchdowns (2-rushing, 1-receiving). DL TYLER BIRKLEY had a strong game with 3.0 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. The Coyotes are currently tied for third in the af2 in sacks with eight overall. Murrietta ranks second in the league in completion percentage (70.6) and passing yards (1,190). Jones ranks second in the af2 in all-purpose yards (870). This game should be a high-scoring, entertaining affair that may not be decided until the final moments.

BURN COYOTES SERIES LEADER Central Valley leads 3-1

LAST MEETING Central Valley won, 55-50 on 7/19/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 2-3

LAST GAME Lost vs. Spokane, 45-63 on 4/18/09 Won vs. Stockton, 65-58 on 4/18/09

LEADERS BURN COYOTES PASSING Tharp: 35-56-5; 449; 8 TDs Murrietta: 113-160-3; 1190; 21 TDs

RECEIVING Allen: 18-242; 3 TDs Jones: 44-486; 11 TDs

RUSHING Allen: 12-43; 1 TD Stinson: 4-16; 0 TD

TACKLES Sanders: 19.5 Ealy: 20.5

SACKS Guerrero: 2 Booker: 2.5

INTERCEPTIONS Madarieta: 3 Jones: 1

KICKING Aguilar: 9-15 PAT; 1-2 FG; 12 PTs Martinelli: 18-25 PAT; 0-0 FG; 18 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 49 PPG; 238 YPG 51 PPG; 314 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 41 PPG; 268.7 YPG 60 PPG; 259.5 YPG

SPOKANE SHOCK (3-0) AT STOCKTON LIGHTNING (1-2)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009 - Stockton Arena (9,737) 10:00 P.M. ET

The No. 1-ranked Spokane Shock travel to Stockton, Calif. to take on the Lightning in the second of three head-to-head meetings of the year. Spokane defeated Stockton in the Shock's home opener in Week 2, 59-42. More recently, Spokane emerged from last week's battle of unbeatens with Boise still perfect after a 63-45 road win. QB Nick Davila led the way for the Shock by completing 22-of-33 passes for 320 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception. WRs Patrick Bugg (6-116-4 TDs) and Charles Dillon (3-79-3 TDs) caught seven of Davila's eight scoring passes. DB SERGIO GILLIAM, who normally sticks strictly to defense, was pressed into double duty against the Burn and responded with five grabs for 49 yards and one touchdown. He also had 2.5 tackles on defense. LB KEVIN MCCULLOUGH was again a factor on defense with 5.5 tackles and one interception. Overall, the Spokane offense ranks fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 61.3 points per game. Shock DL BEN MCCOMBS is poised to become the af2's all-time leader in career sacks. McCombs, in his sixth af2 season, has 44 sacks and is just a half a sack shy of C.J. MCLAIN's current all-time, league-high total of 44.5. He entered the year with 41 and has recorded three sacks over the Shock's first three games. The Spokane defense has been stingy so far this season, allowing a league-low 39.7 points per contest. Another reason for the Shock's strong start is because the team doesn't make many mistakes as evidenced by their league-low two turnovers (1 fumble, 1 interception). Stockton enters this week's game still smarting from its recent 65-58 home loss to Central Valley in the Lightning's home opener. Stockton QB Andy Collins rushed for four touchdowns (single-game team record) and threw for five touchdowns while completing 17-of-30 passes for 187 yards. Collins, however, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter that set up Central Valley's game-winning drive. WRs TROY MCBROOM and JUSTIN TAPLIN each had six grabs and two touchdowns apiece. DB NATHAN KENION paced the defense with 10 total tackles and two pass breakups. Overall, Stockton ranks seventh in scoring offense at 56.0 points per game. Collins is the league's top rusher to date with 143 yards (47.7 ypg). Taplin leads the club in scoring (58 points) and receiving (30-336-9 TDs). If the Lightning can limit their mistakes against Spokane, it wouldn't be shocking to see Stockton give their West rivals quite a fight.

SHOCK LIGHTNING SERIES LEADER Spokane leads 8-0

LAST MEETING Spokane won, 59-42 on 4/3/09

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3

LAST GAME Won at Boise 63-45 on 4/18/09 Lost vs. C. Valley 58-65 on 4/18/09

LEADERS SHOCK LIGHTNING PASSING Davila: 53-85-1; 745; 20 TDs Collins: 70-105-4; 785; 16 TDs

RECEIVING Vijil: 21-237; 5 TDs Taplin: 30-336; 9 TDs

RUSHING Mikolao: 15-65; 1 TD Collins: 22-143; 7 TDs

TACKLES Franks: 21.5 Kenion: 22.5

SACKS McCombs: 3 Robinson: 1

INTERCEPTIONS McCullough: 1 Kenion: 1

KICKING Jackson 23-24 PAT; 3-3 FG; 32 PTs Naehu: 10-16 PAT; 0-1 FG; 10 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 61.3 PPG; 285.3 YPG 56 PPG; 305.7 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 39.7 PPG; 281.7 YPG 59.3 PPG; 320.3 YPG

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