Week Nine Previews
Published on June 12, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK -- The undefeated SaberCats (8-0) will be put to a test this Saturday by the Central Division leading Chicago Rush (5-3). San Jose quarterback MARK GRIEB (127.5 passer rating, No. 1 in AFL) continues to the lead the high-flying SaberCat offense (303.2 YPG, No. 2) by finding targets like JAMES HUNDON (19 TDs), JERRY REESE (12 TDs), and last week's Ironman of the Week, BARRY WAGNER (14 total TDs). Chicago quarterback BILLY DICKEN (41 TDs, 1,915 yards) has been guiding the Rush offense by hooking up with Rookie of the Year candidate ANTONIO CHATMAN (1,224 all-purpose yards) and defending Ironman of the Year DAMEON PORTER (5 TDs, 6 INTs). The spotlight will shine on a Rookie of the Year match-up between Chatman and April's Rookie of the Month, CLEVAN THOMAS. Chatman leads the Rush in receiving, while Thomas leads the SaberCats in tackles and interceptions. But the true winner might come down to the Chicago defense (45.1 PPG, No. 2) and the San Jose offense (64.9 PPG, No. 1).
The defending champion Grand Rapids Rampage (5-3) will be looking to rebound from last week's 70-42 loss to New Jersey by hosting the Los Angeles Avengers (4-4). Rampage quarterback CLINT DOLEZEL (46 TDs, tied for No. 1) will be looking to keep Grand Rapids on top of the Central Division by finding May Co-Offensive Player of the Month STEVE SMITH (132 points, No. 3). The Avengers are hoping to get back to their winning ways led by CHRIS JACKSON (134 points, No. 2). The Offensive Player of the Year candidate was held to 24 receiving yards last week, but still averages 135 yards per contest. The spotlight match-up will be Ironman of the Year candidates GREG HOPKINS (22 TDs, 3 INTs) and GARY COMPTON (9 TDs, 3 INTs) will look to duel in this playoff-positioning showdown.
Dallas and Arizona will continue to keep pace in a tough Western Division on TNN Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET. Desperados quarterback ANDY KELLY, who regained the career touchdown lead (427) from Arizona quarterback SHERDRICK BONNER (423) with a 10-touchdown performance against Indiana. Kelly will need to find a new target after losing Rookie of the Year candidate DIALLEO BURKS (54 receptions, 16 TDs) to injury -- and ANDY MCCULLOUGH (11 TDs) or ADRIAN LUNSFORD (695 all-purpose yards) could be the answer. Ironman and Offensive Player of the Year candidate CHRIS HORN (138 points, No. 1) has been the sparkplug for the Rattlers (6-2).
Elsewhere, Buffalo travels to Toronto on Thursday. On Friday, Georgia faces Carolina and Detroit travels Indiana. On Saturday, Orlando battles New York and New Jersey heads to Tampa Bay.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 12, 2002
- Wagner Ironman; Roe Activated - San Jose SaberCats
- Cobras Cory Fleming Focused to Take o Former Team - Carolina Cobras
- Week Nine Previews - AFL I
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
- Destroyers Look For Season Sweep in Toronto - Buffalo Destroyers
- Mike Gordon Hired as Rush VP of Sales - Chicago Rush
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.
