Week Seven: Saturday Night Matchups

Published on May 9, 2008 under arenafootball2 (af2) News Release

MANCHESTER WOLVES (1-4) AT FLORIDA FIRECATS (5-0)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Germain Arena (7,128) 7:30 P.M. ET

The Manchester Wolves travel to Florida this week to take on the undefeated Florida Firecats on Saturday night at Germain Arena. Manchester has struggled of late with injuries and inconsistent play. The Wolves have lost four in a row, including last week's 56-42 defeat at home to give the expansion Daytona Beach ThunderBirds their first af2 victory. Making his first start of the season in place of injured QB Brian Jones, James Pinkney completed 13 passes for 212 yards and four touchdowns. But it was his final throw of the game with 1.3 seconds remaining on the clock and Daytona Beach holding onto an eight-point lead that sealed the win for the ThunderBirds. With Manchester facing first-and-goal from the Daytona Beach 6-yard line and down 50-42, Pinkney's pass intended for Emery Sammons was picked off in the end zone by Jacques Richardson and run back for the ThunderBirds final score. The ThunderBirds, who came in ranked last in scoring in the af2 in the 29th spot, had no trouble putting points on the board against the porous Wolves defense. WR EMERY SAMMONS led the Wolves with 116 yards receiving and two TDs. Sammons leads the team in scoring with 72 points (12 receiving TDs). DB RAQUAN PRIDE had 9.0 tackles and one interception in his first game with Manchester. The The Wolves are currently tied for last in the league in scoring defense, giving up nearly 60 points per game (59.8). Manchester has shuffled its roster in the last few weeks in hopes of finding a winning mix. It won't be easy this week, however, as they face the No. 3-ranked Firecats. Florida's most recent result was a 39-27 home victory in Week 6 against Peoria. QB CHRIS WALLACE threw five touchdowns to four different receivers and the Firecats defense made several key stops in the win. Florida never trailed and improved to 5-0, matching the best start in team history. Florida also started 5-0 in 2005 on its way to a franchise-best 14-2 record. WR MATT BURSTEIN finished with four catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns on his way to his second consecutive Schutt Offensive Player of the Game Award. The Florida defense was keyed by Thomas Carroll (2.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery), who stood out in his first game at Germain Arena. The Firecats lead the league in points per game allowed, limiting their opponents to just 31.0 points. They also lead the league in fewest turnovers given up (4) and rank second in turnover margin (+11; 15 gained, 4 lost). Florida is a veteran-laden group that doesn't make many mistakes. As a result, the Wolves will need to play error-free football and their defense will need to step up if they hope to hang around with the Firecats.

WOLVES FIRECATS SERIES LEADER Series tied 3-3

LAST MEETING Manchester won 45-40 on 7/28/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 5-0

LAST GAME Lost 42-56 vs. Day Beach on 5/4/08 Won 39-27 vs. Peoria on 5/3/08

LEADERS WOLVES FIRECATS PASSING Jones: 48-75-2; 688; 12 TDs Wallace: 102-162-2; 1107; 25 TDs

RECEIVING Sammons: 35-503; 12 TDs McKinney: 32-302; 9 TDs

RUSHING Crozier: 6-31; 1 TD Gibson: 35-140: 7 TDs

TACKLES Brown: 16.5 Stubbs: 30.5

SACKS Wilson, D.: 3 Chapman: 4.5

INTERCEPTIONS Brown, Evans, Pride: 1 Campbell: 3

KICKING McCormic: 23-28 PAT; 3-6 FG; 32 PTs Peattie: 26-30 PAT; 0-1 FG; 26 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 44.4 PPG; 273.0 YPG 52.6 PPG; 248.2 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 59.8 PPG; 267.6 YPG 31.0 PPG; 221.0 YPG

MAHONING VALLEY THUNDER (1-5) AT LEXINGTON HORSEMAN (3-2)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Rupp Arena (23,000) 7:30 P.M. ET

The expansion Lexington Horsemen host the Thunder in the second head-to-head meeting of the season between the two teams. Lexington earned the win the first time around in Week 4 at Mahoning Valley in dramatic fashion, 41-35. WR CHAD SPENCER caught the game-winning touchdown on a Hail Mary-type heave from QB EDDIE EVISTON in the closing seconds to propel the Horsemen to victory. Mahoning Valley has struggled mightily over the last month, losing its last five contests. Their most recent defeat came on Monday night at home against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 77-47. The lone bright spot for Mahoning Valley was the play of FB TIM MURPHY. The second-year player came within two yards of tying and three yards of breaking the af2 record for most rushing yards in a single game. The current record of 96 yards was set by Kenyatta Spruill of Charleston on July 14, 2001. Murphy churned his way to 94 yards on just seven carries, two of which went for scores. The Thunder defense had difficulty stopping the Pioneers potent offense. Mahoning Valley QB Shane Adler, making his first start for the Thunder, struggled to find his accuracy, completing just 16-of-40 passes for 204 yards and two scores. He was also intercepted twice. Along with Murphy, FB/LB JOHN TACKMANN's play has been one of the few bright spots for Mahoning Valley thus far. The rookie leads the team has been a positive force on both sides of the ball, leading the team in rushing TDs (8) and tackles (29). The Thunder defense, which was solid in the first four games, has been exposed in the last two contests. Through the first four outings, Mahoning Valley's defense only allowed its opponents to average 38.0 points per game. In the team's last two losses (Albany and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), the Thunder have given up 138 points (69 ppg). Mahoning Valley also ranks 23rd in the league in turnover margin at -7 (9 gained, 16 lost). The Horsemen, currently ranked No. 13 in the latest league coaches poll, should be well rested this week after enjoying a bye in Week 6. Last time Lexington took the field they lost to new league and in-state rival Louisville, 61-34. After a scoreless first quarter, the Fire burned the Horsemen in the second, outscoring the team 27-12. After that they never looked back. Eviston had an up-and-down outing with 268 yards passing on 24-of-39 attempts with five touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions but both came in the second half to end any hopes of a Lexington comeback. Eviston was also sacked four times amid a tough Louisville pass rush. Jarrod Rouanzoin, seeing his first action for the Horsemen, caught eight passes for 101 yards and two scores while HARRY LEWIS made eight grabs for 100 yards and three TDs. Lewis is the team's leading receiver with 332 yards receiving on 28 catches with six scores. WILLIE SMITH (25 tackles, 12 pass breakups, both team-highs) and JAMUS MARTIN (team-high 3.5 sacks) have been key contributors on the defensive side. If the first battle between these two teams was any indication, the second head-to-head matchup should be quite a show.

THUNDER HORSEMEN SERIES LEADER Lexington leads series 1-0

LAST MEETING Lexington won 41-35 on 4/18/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 3-2

LAST GAME Lost 47-77 vs. WB Scranton on 5/5/08 Lost 34-61 at Louisville on 4/28/08

LEADERS THUNDER HORSEMEN PASSING Swogger: 68-138-3; 771; 16 TDs Eviston: 92-172-7; 1036; 22 TDs

RECEIVING Tolbert: 34-370; 9 TDs Lewis: 28-332; 6 TDs

RUSHING Murphy: 14-132; 3 TDs Eviston: 23-72; 3 TDs

TACKLES Tackmann: 29 Smith: 25

SACKS Driscoll: 4.5 Martin: 3.5

INTERCEPTIONS Multiple with 1 Mulder and Brown: 2

KICKING Shorejs: 14-19 PAT; 0-1 FG; 14 PTs Daniel: 21-24 PAT; 1-9 FG; 24 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 41.5 PPG; 225.5 YPG 38.8 PPG; 216.8 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 48.3 PPG; 258.5 YPG 39.0 PPG; 225.8 YPG

TENNESSEE VALLEY VIPERS (3-3) AT SOUTH GEORGIA WILDCATS (4-2)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Albany Civic Center (8,034) 7:30 P.M. ET

The red-hot Tennessee Valley Vipers travel to Albany, Ga. to tackle the South Georgia Wildcats in an important South Division battle. The Vipers have evened their record on the strength of three consecutive wins after starting the 2008 campaign 0-3. Tennessee Valley's most recent result was a 61-49 come-from-behind victory on the road at Albany in Week 6. The Vipers scored 44 points in the second half, erasing a 17-point Conquest halftime advantage. The Vipers trailed 35-17 at halftime and after trading touchdowns early in the third quarter Albany still had a 42-25 advantage. Tennessee Valley then scored 36 straight points by way of four touchdown passes from backup QB Kevin Eakin, a TD run from WR/DB Travis Blanchard and a sack on Conquest QB Dan Cole for a safety, building a 61-42 Vipers lead with 5:35 left in the fourth quarter. Eakin's effort that keyed the comeback included 12 pass completions in 15 attempts for 173 yards and five touchdowns. Vipers WR Maurice Brown had a game-high 10 receptions for 147 yards and five touchdowns and led Tennessee Valley with 142 all-purpose yards. DL ERIC SCOTT paced the defensive unit with a game-high 3.0 sacks. Eakin is scheduled to get his first start under center against the Wildcats. Another defender to keep a close eye on is DB DEMETRIUS DERICO. Derico leads the squad in tackles (38) and interceptions (5). The Vipers enter Week 7 at No. 14 in the latest league coaches poll. South Georgia is coming off a thrilling, 58-56, Week 6 win at Austin in which QB ANDRICO HINES found WR SCOTT CLOMAN in the end zone for a game-winning 15-yard TD on the final play of the contest. The game-winning toss capped off Hines' best performance of the season for the Wildcats. The second-year signal caller completed 18-of-27 passes for 270 yards and six TDs without an interception. WR ANTWONE SAVAGE (9-126-3) and WR/KR P.J. BERRY (3-84-1; rush TD; 57-yard KO return TD) also continued their stellar early season play. DL RAY GANT had his best showing of the season with three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. DB ROLAND COLA leads the af2 in tackles with 47.5 overall. This is the second of three head-to-head meetings between the Vipers and Wildcats. South Georgia earned the first win in a wild Week 1 affair at Tennessee Valley, 59-55, where the Wildcats scored a touchdown as time expired. This game should be another classic back-and-forth battle.

VIPERS WILDCATS SERIES LEADER South Georgia leads series 4-1

LAST MEETING South Georgia won 59-55 on 3/29/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 3-2

LAST GAME Won 61-49 at Albany on 5/3/08 Won 58-56 at Austin on 5/4/08

LEADERS VIPERS WILDCATS PASSING Dearman: 71-127-5; 927; 16 TDs Lester: 57-94-5 TDs

RECEIVING Brown: 41-526; 11 TDs Berry: 35-602; 12 TDs

RUSHING Blanchard: 15-36; 7 TDs Parrish: 14-24; 1 TD

TACKLES Derico: 38 Cola: 47.5

SACKS Scott: 9.5 Woolridge: 5

INTERCEPTIONS Derico: 5 Cola, Bailey, Lee: 2

KICKING Hayes: 30-38 PAT; 5-12 FG; 45 PTs Hode: 30-36 PAT; 5-10 FG; 45 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 47.8 PPG; 267.3 YPG 49.5 PPG; 269.3 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 44.8 PPG; 250.0 YPG 48.7 PPG; 293.8 YPG

QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (2-3) AT WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PIONEERS (5-1)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza (7,950) 7:30 P.M. ET

Quad City travels to Pennsylvania this week to face a red-hot Pioneers team looking for revenge against the team that defeated them in Week 1. Since Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's season-opening loss to the Steamwheelers (48-41), the Pioneers have run off five straight wins. Quad City, in difference, is in the midst of a three-game losing streak after back-to-back wins to open its 2008 campaign. The Steamwheelers most recent result was a 55-53 home loss to Midwest Division rival Louisville last Saturday. To Quad City's credit, the team battled back from a 21-point second half deficit (42-21) but fell two points short. Quad City QB J.J. RATERINK finished with 315 yards and seven touchdown passes on 22 completions, but also threw two interceptions. WR KRIS PETERS had his best game of the season catching four touchdowns and tallying 154 receiving yards on nine catches. JESSE SCHMIDT finished with six catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, DB Kevin Adams led the team in his debut with 9.5 tackles, one interception and two breakups while Jeremy Blocker notched nine tackles. The Steamwheelers are currently ranked third from the bottom of the league in turnover margin, forcing a league-low seven takeaways (2 fumbles, 5 INTs) while giving up 17 (6 fumbles, 11 INTs) in return. Schmidt has been the team's most consistent offensive performer with 605 receiving yards (4th-af2) and 14 receiving TDs (T6th-af2). LB MALIK JACKSON (team-high 29.5 tackles) and DL TYUS JACKSON (team-best 4.5 sacks) have made an impact on the defensive side. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton enters this Week 7 tilt feeling confident after an impressive 30-point road win at Mahoning Valley on Monday, 77-47. Pioneers QB Ryan Vena was nearly unstoppable under center, tossing eight touchdowns on 22-of-32 passing for 304 yards. WR Rich Musinski was the beneficiary of three Vena scoring strikes. With Vena at quarterback, the Pioneers have won 20 of their last 23 games. On the defensive side, DB MICHEAUX ROBINSON has been impressive so far. Robinson intercepted two passes against the Thunder, including one he returned 18 yards for a touchdown. He is tied for the af2 lead in interceptions with eight on the season and is also tied for the league lead in interceptions returned for touchdowns with three. DL ISAAC HILTON is second overall in sacks with 7.5. As a group, the Pioneers have forced a league-best 27 turnovers (2.67 per game). Vena ranks sixth in passer rating at 119.2. Since Vena's return in Week 4, the team has averaged 73 points per game as opposed to 47.3 without him. Quad City will need an extra special effort in all facets of the game to stay with the potent Pioneers.

STEAMWHEELERS PIONEERS SERIES LEADER Wilkes-Barre leads series 6-3

LAST MEETING Quad City won 48-41 on 3/28/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 5-0

LAST GAME Lost 55-53 vs. Louisville on 5/3/08 Won 77-47 at Mah Valley on 5/5/08

LEADERS STEAMWHEELERS PIONEERS PASSING Raterink: 96-166-11; 1310; 26 TDs Vena: 62-94-3; 810; 22 TDs

RECEIVING Schmidt: 38-605; 14 TDs Outlaw: 28-413; 9 TDs

RUSHING Kerr: 6-14; 3 TDs Acquaye: 16-34; 2 TDs

TACKLES Jackson, M.: 29.5 Ferguson: 34

SACKS Jackson, T.: 4.5 Hilton: 7.5

INTERCEPTIONS Multiple with 1 Robinson: 6

KICKING Pearson: 21-25 PAT; 0-1 FG; 21 PTs Broadwell: 19-26 PAT; 0-0 FG; 19 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 42.6 PPG; 295.4 YPG 60.2 PPG; 265.2 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 45.8 PPG; 258.2 YPG 34.2 PPG; 238.7 YPG

OKLAHOMA CITY YARD DAWGZ (1-4) AT ARKANSAS TWISTERS (2-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - ALLTEL Arena (6,820) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz are looking to get back in the win column this week when they travel to face Central Division foe Arkansas. The Yard Dawgz and Twisters are playing the second leg of a two-game season series. Oklahoma City took the first battle in Week 2 at home, 57-42. Unfortunately for the Yard Dawgz, however, that victory is their only one to date. The team has dropped four straight games. The losses haven't been close either. Oklahoma City has lost its last four outings by almost 31 points per game (30.75) and have been outscored 248-125. The Yard Dawgz scored a season-low 21 points in a 58-21 loss at Amarillo last Saturday. JOSH STEWART, starting in place of the inconsistent EVAN GRAY, didn't fare much better with four interceptions and two touchdowns while completing just 16-of-45 passes. WR CHRIS ARCHIE had a team-high eight catches for 53 yards and one score. Archie leads the team in receiving with 26 grabs on the season. Veteran WR/DB AL HUNT leads the squad in receiving scores with six and sits just six points away from 900 points for his career. The Yard Dawgz are currently ranked at the bottom of the league in turnover margin, forcing a league-low seven takeaways (2 fumbles, 5 INTs) while giving up 21 (12 fumbles, 9 INTs) in return. Their -14 turnover ratio is the worst in the af2 as well. Oklahoma City hopes to change its fortunes on offense with the return of SPARKY MCEWEN as Assistant Head Coach. McEwen spent the last three seasons (2005-2007) as the Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League. Prior to his head coaching position, McEwen served as Offensive Coordinator under Reasons in 2004 with the Yard Dawgz. That season, Oklahoma City earned a 10-6 record and their first playoff appearance. Oklahoma City also finished 2004 with the af2's second-best scoring team (56.8 points per game), the third-best offensive unit (276.8 yards per game) and third-ranked passing offense (260.8 yards per game).The Twisters come into this Week 7 tilt with a bit of a chip on their shoulder as well after giving the Texas Copperheads their first win on 2008 a week ago, 37-30. Arkansas' 30 points scored was a season low. Arkansas held a 30-13 third quarter advantage before the Copperheads scored the final 24 points of the game to storm from behind and earn the win. Texas WR/DB ARMAR WATSON, voted as the league's af2 Ironman of the Week, scored three times in the last two quarters, one on a 19-yard INT return. Watson also halted Arkansas' potential game-tying drive in the final moments with another interception of Twisters QB KYLE ROWLEY in the end zone. Rowley had an up-and-down outing with three touchdown passes and three interceptions and completed 31-of-49 passes for 270 yards. WR PATRICK ROUZARD led the Twisters receiving corps with two TD receptions on eight catches for 104 yards. Arkansas DB TRACY BELTON had 3.5 tackles and four pass breakups on defense. Before the Week 6 defeat, the Twisters had won two straight games. If Arkansas gets steady play out of Rowley and the offense, the Twisters have a good chance to get past the Yard Dawgz.

YARD DAWGZ TWISTERS SERIES LEADER Oklahoma City leads series 4-3

LAST MEETING Oklahoma City won 57-42 on 4/5/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 2-3

LAST GAME Lost 21-58 at Amarillo on 5/3/08 Lost 37-30 at Texas on 5/3/08

LEADERS YARD DAWGZ TWISTERS PASSING Gray: 51-119-4; 625; 14 TDs Rowley: 114-176-5; 1192; 19 TDs

RECEIVING Archie: 26-274; 3 TDs Schoonover: 47-373; 3 TDs

RUSHING Howard: 2-44; 1 TD Rowley: 15-68; 3 TDs

TACKLES Heath: 24.5 Williams, D.: 17

SACKS Rutledge: 3 Hannah: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Multiple with 1 Multiple with 1

KICKING Scott: 19-23 PAT; 1-3 FG; 22 PTs Paul: 24-30 PAT: 3-6 FG; 33 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 36.4 PPG; 184.0 YPG 45.0 PPG; 287.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 58.0 PPG; 296.2 YPG 46.2 PPG; 287.0 YPG

TEXAS COPPERHEADS (1-5) AT CORPUS CHRISTI SHARKS (2-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - American Bank Center (7,498) 8:00 P.M. ET

The Texas Copperheads travel three hours down south to Corpus Christi to tackle the Sharks in a Southwest Division battle at the American Bank Center on Saturday night. The Copperheads are on a high this week after securing their first win of the season against Arkansas, 37-30. WR/DB ARMAR WATSON had an amazing all-around effort for Texas in the win. The rookie from Duquesne was a factor all over field. On offense, Watson recorded two receiving touchdowns on seven catches for 90 yards. He also had a rushing touchdown. On the defensive side, he registered a game-high 9.5 tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and two interceptions. Watson returned the first interception 19 yards for a touchdown while his second interception was a game-clinching pick in the end zone to halt Arkansas' potential game-tying touchdown drive with seconds to play. He also compiled 52 yards in kick returns to finish with 163 all-purpose yards. Watson currently leads Texas in scoring (54 points - 9 TDs), all-purpose yards and kick return yards (576) and ranks second in tackles (28) and interceptions (3). DB DARIUS PETTIGREW leads the Copperheads in interceptions with four. Rookie QB STEPHEN WASIL saw his first action for Texas against the Twisters and threw two TDs without an interception. The Sharks are coming into Week 7 on the heels of a tough, 53-52, last-second loss at Rio Grande Valley. Dorados QB Travis Cole connected on a 25-yard pass to Eddie Jackson with just seconds left in the game. Leading Corpus Christi in the loss were the usual suspects - WR/DB IVORY MCCANN (153 all-purpose yards: 20 receiving, 133 kick return) and WRs BRANDON HUSSEY (8-81-2) and JONATHAN GRAHAM (7-94-2). McCann also had a 56-yard kickoff return TD that put the Sharks ahead with 22 seconds left in the game, 52-46. Corpus Christi will have another new quarterback this week as JOHN DE LOS SANTOS returns to the squad. De Los Santos (2007: 2,466 passing yards, 46 TDs, 14 INTs, 9 rushing TDs) may get the start this week in place of BRIAN VILLANUEVA, who was placed on team suspension. McCann leads the team in a host of categories, including all-purpose yards, kick return yards, tackles and pass breakups. This is the first of three head-to-head meetings between the two teams in 2008. Expect this one to be a highly competitive event from start to finish.

COPPERHEADS SHARKS SERIES LEADER Corpus Christi leads series 2-1

LAST MEETING Corpus Christi won 54-24 on 7/7/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 1-4 2-3

LAST GAME Won 37-30 vs. Arkansas on 5/3/08 Lost 53-52 at Rio Grande on 5/3/08

LEADERS COPPERHEADS SHARKS PASSING Carlton: 102-210-12; 1197; 17 TDs Villanueva: 77-143-8; 833; 15 TDs

RECEIVING Rochon: 32-371; 5 TDs Hussey: 36-394; 8 TDs

RUSHING Kennebrew: 12-35; 1 TD Cook: 24-92; 4 TDs

TACKLES Todd: 30.5 McCann: 25.5

SACKS Multiple with 1 McCrea: 2

INTERCEPTIONS Pettigrew: 4 McCann, Greenwood, Littlejohn: 1

KICKING Gatto: 22-24 PAT; 4-13 FG; 34 PTs Williams: 27-34 PAT; 1-8 FG; 30 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 32.0 PPG; 218.5 YPG 51.2 PPG; 243.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 51.3 PPG; 271.8 YPG 52.0 PPG; 283.4 YPG

BOISE BURN (4-1) AT SPOKANE SHOCK (5-0)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Spokane Arena (10,653) 8:00 P.M. ET

This week the No. 2 Spokane Shock, one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the af2 (Tulsa 6-0), host the No. 5-ranked Boise Burn at Spokane Arena. The Shock and Burn hold the top two spots in the West Division of the National Conference and are both undefeated within the division. The Burn are coming off a convincing 77-14 home victory over Stockton last week. The game was all about WR GEORGE WILLIAMS, who scored six touchdowns and broke a pair of af2 records in the process as the Burn won their fourth consecutive game. Williams, the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, came into the game two touchdowns shy of Magic Benton's career touchdown mark of 167 and 20 points shy of Benton's all-time scoring record of 1,020 career points. Throughout the game he broke both records. QB ROYAL GILL connected with Williams in a 34-yard TD on the Burn's first offensive play of the game to tie the score at 7-7. The Burn would get a defensive stop and on the next play Williams took a hand off for a 2-yard score to tie Benton's touchdown record at 167. Later in the game, Williams again ran the ball in from two yards out for the record-setting touchdown and a 20-7 lead. Up 32-7, Williams broke the all time scoring record on a 17-yard strike from Royal Gill with 4:45 left to go in the 2nd quarter. Williams finished the contest with four catches for 71 yards and three receiving touchdowns and added five carries and three rushing scores to increase his record totals to 171 touchdowns and 1,036 points. On the other side, the Shock remain undefeated after a close game last week versus the Renegades that went down to the wire. The Shock were humbled for a bit in the third quarter since they only had two possessions and both resulted in turnovers (fumble and four and out). Shock Coach Adam Shackleford saw that his team needed a spark and he found that spark in backup QB NICK DAVILA, who started the fourth quarter. Davila marched the Shock down the field for a 4-play, 45-yard drive that was capped off by a nine-yard touchdown reception by WR RAUL VIJIL, which was his fourth of the game. In addition to his four touchdowns, the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game also led the team with nine receptions and 245 all-purpose yards. Rookie DB SERGIO GILLIAM also recorded his league-leading eighth interception of the season. This is just Spokane's second home game of 2008. The Shock currently own a 2-0 series advantage against the Burn with both wins coming in 2007. The Shock are tough at home with their vocal 10th man fan base, but Boise has looked sharp over the course of their four-game win streak. If the Burn come out strong, expect this contest to be an exciting affair from start to finish.

BURN SHOCK SERIES LEADER Spokane leads series 2-0

LAST MEETING Spokane won 60-28 on 6/23/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 5-0

LAST GAME Won 77-14 vs. Stockton on 5/3/08 Won 43-41 at Lubbock on 5/3/08

LEADERS BURN SHOCK PASSING Gill: 54-95-3; 752; 13 TDs Murietta: 80-148-6; 880; 20 TDs

RECEIVING Williams, G.: 33-402; 8 TDs Vijil: 39-479; 11 TDs

RUSHING Harris: 7-54; 2 TDs Bethay: 13-41; 2 TDs

TACKLES James: 20 Rogers: 30

SACKS Tofi: 3 Parks: 5

INTERCEPTIONS Saunders: 4 Gilliam: 8

KICKING Maderieta: 11-22 PAT; 0-0 FG; 11 PTs Jackson: 34-36 PAT; 2-4 FG; 40 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 54.2 PPG; 256.4 YPG 54.8 PPG; 211.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 32.8 PPG; 189.6 YPG 38.4 PPG; 220.8 YPG

RIO GRANDE VALLEY DORADOS (2-3) AT TULSA TALONS (6-0)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Tulsa Convention Center (7,111) 8:00 P.M. ET

For the sixth week in a row the Tulsa Talons are ranked No. 1 in the weekly coaches poll and this Saturday they host the Rio Grande Valley Dorados. Dorados QB TRAVIS COLE connected on a 25-yard pass to WR EDDIE JACKSON with only seconds to play in the game to end their three-game losing streak and overcome the Corpus Christi Sharks last Saturday, 53-52. The Dorados were up 46-44 with just 42.1 seconds left after K BRIAN HAZELWOOD's 15-yard field goal, but Corpus' Ivory McCann returned the Rio Grande Valley kickoff for a touchdown. With the Sharks leading 52-46, with just 16.4 left in the game. Cole and Jackson then responded with a 20-yard pass to midfield before hooking up on the game-tying pass, which earned Jackson the af2 Cutters Catch of the Week. Hazelwood converted the extra point with no time on the clock to boost the Dorados to victory. Throughout the night it was WR ANTHONY CHAMBERS, the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, whom the Sharks could not keep up with. Chambers had a game-high 10 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Perhaps their adrenaline high from such a great win will help them as they challenge the undefeated Talons. Last week Tulsa overcame Bossier-Shreveport with a strong second half to prevail, 57-43. The Talons win stretched their team-record winning streak to 14 games over two seasons, tying for the third longest streak in af2 history. The Talons also won their ninth straight against the Battle Wings and stretched their lead to 10-1 in a series that started in 2001. Talons' LB JAMAR RANSOM, the JLS Ironman of the Game, was credited with 14.5 tackles on defense and added three touchdowns on offense (2 receiving, 1 rushing). Talons' DL TERRENCE CARTER also contributed a forced fumble, one of three consecutive second-half stops that keyed the Talons rally. Tulsa leads the af2 in scoring at 65.7 points per game. Cole and company will need to play a near flawless game to keep pace with the Talons. It will be a tall order for the Dorados to take out Tulsa at the Convention Center, a place where the team has won 10 games in a row.

DORADOS TALONS SERIES LEADER Tulsa leads series 5-3

LAST MEETING Tulsa won 57-38 on 4/29/06

LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 5-0

LAST GAME Won 53-52 vs. C. Christi on 5/3/08 Won 57-43 vs. Bossier on 5/3/08

LEADERS DORADOS TALONS PASSING Cole, T.: 88-165-4; 1217; 25 TDs Allgood: 131-188-6; 1583; 36 TDs

RECEIVING Chambers: 29-519; 8 TDs Allen: 47-597; 16 TDs

RUSHING Cole,T.: 16-91; 5 TDs Floyd: 9-44; 0 TDs

TACKLES Thomas, P.: 38.5 Ransom: 43

SACKS Staton: 3 Carter: 5

INTERCEPTIONS Thomas, P.: 3 Reid: 3

KICKING Hazelwood: 9-10 PAT; 4-5 FG; 21 PTs Phillips: 49-53 PAT: 1-7 FG; 52 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 47.1 PPG; 288.0 YPG 65.7 PPG; 293.3 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 47.6 PPG; 259.8 YPG 38.5 PPG; 248.3 YPG

LOUISVILLE FIRE (3-2) AT IOWA BARNSTORMERS (2-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Wells Fargo Arena (8,403) 8:05 P.M. ET

This week in the Midwest Division the Louisville Fire will be heading to Des Moines, Iowa to meet the Barnstormers to battle. Louisville is looking to keep their number two spot in the division strong after racking up a victory at Quad City last week. The Fire and the Barnstormers met earlier this season in Week 1 which favored the Fire, 58-28. In the first meeting this season the Fire jumped out to a quick 23-0 lead and went into halftime ahead, 37-7. Louisville dominated the Barnstormers, holding them to 166 yards on 40 plays. The Iowa offense was held to nine rushing yards, which has been a staple of the Fire defense all year, ranking number one in rush defense allowing 7.3 yards per game. The Fire ran for 55 yards and gained 296 yards of total offense. QB MATT BASSUENER led the Fire offense with 37 rushing yards and 131 passing yards. Fire WR LONNELL DEWALT took advantage of most of those passing yards acquiring 146 receiving yards on 10 receptions. Kickoff returns were the lone bright spot for the expansion team from Iowa. They had 128 yards on five returns and one touchdown. Louisville is coming off a hard fought 55-53 victory at Quad City last week. The Fire made the journey down to Moline, Ill., in search of revenge following their disappointing loss to Quad City in Freedom Hall earlier this season. Bassuener finished with two touchdown passes and 218 yards on 22 completions. He also posted a team-high 57 rushing yards with three rushing scores. Surely Bassuener will take charge again versus the Barnstormers. Last week Iowa just could not get anything rolling at Green Bay, and by the time they put things together the damage had already been done and the Blizzard won handily, 41-18. Iowa didn't score a touchdown until late in the third quarter when QB JOE BRANNEN hooked up with WR ROBERT KILOW on a 28-yard pass play. Kilow's score cut the lead to 31-10. Iowa also received fourth quarter points when the team was awarded a safety due to a Green Bay penalty for intentional grounding in the end zone, and when Brannen connected with WR ERICK MCCOWN on a 5-yard touchdown with just over a minute remaining. If the Barnstormers can get the ball moving early then that'll get the packed crowd involved at Wells Fargo Arena. If that happens, expect Iowa to give Louisville a big-time test.

FIRE BARNSTORMERS SERIES LEADER Iowa leads series 2-1

LAST MEETING Louisville won 58-28 on 3/29/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 2-3

LAST GAME Won 55-53 at Quad City on 5/3/08 Lost 18-41 at Green Bay on 5/2/08

LEADERS FIRE BARNSTORMERS PASSING Bassuener: 94-163-6; 1065; 9 TDs Brannen: 72-141-7; 845; 13 TDs

RECEIVING DeWalt: 45-511; 8 TDs Kilow: 27-395; 6 TDs

RUSHING Bassuener: 42-207; 13 TDs Freeney: 9-49; 2 TDs

TACKLES Ross: 36 Simpson: 22

SACKS Jones: 3.5 Freeney, Mathes: 2.5

INTERCEPTIONS Forbes: 5 Mclemore: 4

KICKING Kight: 32-37 PAT; 4-6 FG; 44 PTs Glas: 16-23 PAT; 3-18 FG; 25 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 47.0 PPG; 290.2 YPG 37.4 PPG; 395.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 39.7 PPG; 244.2 YPG 40.8 PPG; 275.6 YPG

GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (4-2) AT PEORIA PIRATES (2-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Peoria Civic Center (9,873) 8:05 P.M. ET

This week the Green Bay Blizzard will be driving south to meet the Peoria Pirates in a Midwest Division matchup. This is the first of two head-to-head matchups between these two new rivals this season. Green Bay (No. 6 in latest league coaches poll) is leading the Midwest Division after taking home a victory versus the Iowa Barnstormers last week. Green Bay remains undefeated in the division and 4-2 overall. Throughout the game it was the Blizzard defense that stayed on a roll as they only allowed the Barnstormers 10 points heading into the final quarter of the contest. When the final quarter got underway it was much of the same for the Blizzard allowing only one final touchdown for the Barnstormers while also adding on a field goal from K BOB FORSTROM and an 11-yard touchdown run by FB/LB GGUS TYSON. DB JOE SYKES had a stellar defensive showing with 3.5 tackles, one fumble, and two sacks which earned him the ADT Defensive Player of the Game honor. Sykes is tied for second in the league in sacks with 7.5 on the season. SCOTT BURNOSKI leads the Blizzard in receiving touchdowns with eight. The Pirates, on the other hand, had a tough loss last week at No. 3 Florida. Although the game mostly favored the Firecats, the Pirates had its share of the spotlight. The second quarter saw plenty of back-and-forth action. Peoria scored three touchdowns in the frame, but the Firecats answered each time. Both teams' defenses stepped up their play in the second half. If the Pirates are going to take charge of their home field they will have to look to WR/DB DONNIE CALDWELL. Last week against the Firecats, Caldwell (JLS Ironman of the Game) led the Pirates in tackles (5) and had 131 all-purpose yards. In addition to Caldwell, fellow WR/DB PHILLIP BROCK (144 all-purpose yards at Florida, 1 receiving TD) must also have an outstanding game this week. The Blizzard are a physically and mentally tough team that features a number of veteran players. The youthful bunch from Peoria will need to be at their best if they hope to outlast Green Bay.

BLIZZARD PIRATES SERIES LEADER Series tied 2-2

LAST MEETING Green Bay won 33-30 on 7/31/04

LAST FIVE GAMES 4-1 2-3

LAST GAME Won 41-18 vs. Iowa on 5/2/08 Lost 27-39 at Florida on 5/3/08

LEADERS BLIZZARD PIRATES PASSING Adler: 48-96-5; 691; 11 TDs Rascati: 90-152-2; 953; 15 TDs

RECEIVING Payne: 26-297; 5 TDs Brock: 43-501; 5 TDs

RUSHING Young: 10-70; 2 TDs Brock: 23-130; 6 TDs

TACKLES Green: 34 Amoah: 26

SACKS Sykes: 7.5 Smith: 2

INTERCEPTIONS Midlam, Kwaku: 3 Farris: 6

KICKING Forstrom: 29-38 PAT; 7-16 FG; 50 PTs Palkovic: 19-23 PAT; 0-5 FG; 19 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 49.7 PPG; 258.7 YPG 45.8 PPG; 260.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 39.7 PPG; 207.2 YPG 45.6 PPG; 242.4 YPG

LUBBOCK RENEGADES (3-2) AT AMARILLO DUSTERS (4-2)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Amarillo Civic Center (4,870) 8:10 P.M. ET

The Dusters welcome the Lubbock Renegades this week in an important Central Division showdown at the Amarillo Civic Center. This contest should be a great match of af2 football as the Dusters and Renegades rounded out this week's Top-10 in the weekly coaches poll. Lubbock (No. 10) is coming off a narrow, 43-41, loss in Week 6 against the No. 2-ranked Spokane Shock. With the ball inside the Spokane one-yard line and 53 seconds left in regulation, Renegades QB ROBERT KENT was able to punch in the quarterback sneak to tie the game at 40-40. Lubbock kicker CHRIS BALSEIRO's extra point put the Renegades on top by one, 41-40. But it was not meant to be for the Renegades as the Shock were able to drive 40 yards to set up a 21-yard field goal from Spokane K Brian Jackson which split the uprights. WR ALVANCE ROBINSON and DB VIRGIL GRAY took home the top honors from their efforts with the JLS Ironman of the Game and Defensive Player of the Game awards. Robinson recorded 159 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 58-yard kickoff return) while Gray had over 4.5 tackles, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups. The No. 9-ranked Dusters are coming into this Week 7 tilt on the strength of a big win at home against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, 58-21. So far Amarillo is a perfect 3-0 on its home turf. Dusters WR JIM LUKOWIAK (Schutt Offensive Player of the Game) had seven catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Lukowiak (51-665-15) ranks among the league's receivers in all major pass catching categories, including receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. FB/LB DONTE NEWSOME (1 rush TD, 1 forced fumble, 1.5 tackles) was awarded the JLS Ironman of the Game for the second time this season after his great plays on both sides of the ball. Teammate DB AARON WILLIAMS earned the ADT Defensive Player of the Game with 5.5 tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups. Amarillo newcomer Jason Anderson caught nine passes for 110 yards and two scores. This is Lubbock's third straight tough test in as many weeks, following games against Tulsa and Spokane (both losses). The Renegades will certainly be focused on putting a stop to their two-game losing streak. This should be an exciting back-and-forth affair.

RENEGADES DUSTERS SERIES LEADER Lubbock leads series 2-1

LAST MEETING Lubbock won 42-35 on 6/23/07

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 4-1

LAST GAME Lost 41-43 vs. Spokane on 5/3/08 Won 58-21 vs. Oklahoma on 5/3/08

LEADERS RENEGADES DUSTERS PASSING Kent: 78-151-2; 1169; 23 TDs Reese: 91-150-1; 1175 ; 23 TDs

RECEIVING King: 29-390; 7 TDs Lukowiak: 51-665; 15 TDs

RUSHING Medlock: 29-102; 5 TDs Reese: 18-71; 0 TDs

TACKLES Walker: 22.5 Williams, A.: 25

SACKS Tuimalealiifano: 2 Williams, J., Stinson: 2.5

INTERCEPTIONS Gray: 3 Williams, A.: 5

KICKING Balseiro: 26-34 PAT; 0-4 FG; 26 PTs Felton: 25-28 PAT: 2-7 FG; 31 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 56.0 PPG; 262.2 YPG 51.0 PPG; 252.5 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 48.4 PPG; 243.2 YPG 48.2 PPG; 243.8 YPG

STOCKTON LIGHTNING (1-5) AT CENTRAL VALLEY COYOTES (2-3)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Selland Arena (5,487) 10:00 P.M. ET

The Stockton Lightning travel to Fresno, Calif. this week to take on the Central Valley Coyotes in a West Division tussle at Selland Arena. This is the second of four head-to-head matchups between these two clubs this season. The Coyotes won big in the first outing, 62-27, in Week 4. Both teams are coming off losses in Week 6. Stockton is in the midst of a five-game losing streak. The Lightning haven't tasted victory since their Week 1 win at Tri-Cities. Their most recent result was a 77-14 defeat at the hands of the Boise Burn. QB CHAD ELLIOTT connected with WR HANNIBAL THOMAS on a nine-yard touchdown strike with 1:40 into the game to put the Lightning on the scoreboard first with a 7-0 advantage. However, Boise let the Lightning feel the Burn as they scored 25 unanswered points in the second quarter. The end of third quarter brought another touchdown for the Lightning as KENYATTE MORGAN scored on a 55-yard kick return. The fourth quarter gave no love to the Lightning with another 18 unanswered Boise points. Stockton should get a defensive boost this week with the return of DL Manase Hopoi. The Sacramento, Calif. native started the year on the practice squad of the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League and amassed 23 tackles for the Lightning last year in his first professional season. Hopoi also ranked fourth on the Lightning with 3.0 sacks and was tied for third on the team with 5.0 tackles for loss. Central Valley returns to action this week after an upsetting and unexpected loss at Tri-Cities. In the final seconds of the game the Coyotes were up by six points, but a sideways catch by Phil Goodman brought the Fever back in a tie. With no time left, Fever K Kyle Hooper ended the game by completing a PAT and giving the Tri-Cities its first victory. The Coyotes did get a solid performance out of rookie WR NICHIREN FLOWERS. Flowers earned the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game Award with seven catches for 115 yards and four touchdowns. The Tri-Cities game was the second time Flowers has nabbed four touchdowns in a game this season. Rookie QB JOE AYOOB threw for 232 yards and six TDs with one interception. He currently ranks third in touchdown passes with 29 and in total offensive touchdowns with 34 (29 passing, 5 rushing). The Coyotes lead the all-time series against Stockton 6-1 and have won three in a row against the Lightning. This in-state rivalry featuring two coaches who are great friends (Stockton's DOUG MURRAY, Central Valley's FRED BILETNIKOFF, JR.) should be a battle to the end.

LIGHTNING COYOTES SERIES LEADER Central Valley leads series 6-1

LAST MEETING Central Valley won 62-27 on 4/19/08

LAST FIVE GAMES 0-5 2-3

LAST GAME Lost 14-77 at Boise on 5/3/08 Lost 48-49 at Tri-Cities on 5/3/08

LEADERS LIGHTNING COYOTES PASSING Elliott: 92-169-13; 838; 11 TDs Ayoob: 100-164-3; 1141; 29 TDs

RECEIVING Thomas: 47-337; 6 TDs Flowers: 30-398; 11 TDs

RUSHING Tuialuuluu: 24-65; 4 TDs Walker: 16-59; 2 TDs

TACKLES Jones: 24.5 Holmes: 21.5

SACKS Huddleston, Walker: 2 Booker: 4

INTERCEPTIONS Jones: 2 Borba: 3

KICKING Walls: 17-23 PAT; 1-3 FG; 20 PTs Bjork: 30-37 PAT; 0-3 FG; 30 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 27.7 PPG; 189.7 YPG 53.0 PPG; 251.0 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 56.5 PPG; 228.2 YPG 48.6 PPG; 242.8 YPG

BOSSIER-SHREVEPORT BATTLEWINGS (3-3) AT TRI-CITIES FEVER (1-4)

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - Toyota Center (5,700) 10:00 P.M. ET

This week the BattleWings will be taking a long road trip to the state of Washington to face off against the Tri-Cities Fever at the Toyota Center. Tri-Cities is coming off its first victory of the season after defeating Central Valley, 49-48, in the final seconds of the game. With 0.9 seconds left on the clock and trailing by six, Fever QB JOSH KELLETT took the snap, rolled to his right and threw a pass to WR PHIL GOODMAN (JLS Ironman of the Game) who made a leaping sideways catch to even the score for the first time since the game started and K KYLE HOOPER (7-7 PAT) tacked on the extra point with no time remaining to clinch the victory. This was Kellett's debut game and perhaps he was the just the prescription for the Fever. WR J.R. THOMAS led a solid effort from the team's receiving corps with eight catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas is now eighth all-time on the af2 career scoring list. If the Fever can keep up their momentum against the BattleWings, they may have a chance to create a winning streak. The BattleWings are coming off a 57-43 road loss against the No. 1-ranked Tulsa Talons. However, despite the fall they are still leading the Southwest Division of the National Conference. The game was a lot closer than the final result indicated. Bossier-Shreveport claimed a 31-28 halftime lead when K DAVID CARLTON connected on a 23-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter. In the second half, each team's defensive unit took over the game. With just one score in the third quarter (pass from QB STEVE PANELLA to WR CHAVIS MCCOLLISTER for a six-yard touchdown), the BattleWings were ahead going into the final quarter, 37-28. The BattleWings, however, let their fourth quarter lead slip away when Tulsa outscored Bossier-Shreveport, 29-6. McCollister caught 11 passes for 113 yards and one TD. Panella also ran for a touchdown and was 27-of-37 on pass attempts with two touchdowns and one interception. The BattleWings had an impressive night defensively, forcing three turnovers. PHILLIP GEIGGAR and Dedrick Clark each had interceptions. Geiggar leads the squad with five interceptions on the season. McCollister is one of the league's most dangerous pass catchers. He currently ranks among the af2's elite in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His teammate MANWELL TALBERT has also been impressive with 47 catches for 565 yards and 11 TDs. The Fever will need another strong effort from Kellett and the offense this week. Tri-Cities will also need the big guys up front to provide a steady pass rush if the team hopes to have a chance at clipping the BattleWings.

BATTLEWINGS FEVER SERIES LEADER First meeting

LAST MEETING No previous meeting

LAST FIVE GAMES 3-2 1-4

LAST GAME Lost 43-57 at Tulsa on 5/3/08 Won 49-48 vs. Cent. Valley on 5/3/08

LEADERS BATTLEWINGS FEVER PASSING Cooper: 75-116-2; 1084; 25 TDs Campbell: 41-79-6; 478; 7 TDs

RECEIVING McCollister: 47-620; 15 TDs Goodman: 30-381; 10 TDs

RUSHING Schule: 23-70; 6 TDs Pierce: 8-35; 3 TDs

TACKLES Williams, K.: 38 Ealy: 20.5

SACKS Byrdsong, O'Neal: 1 Jackson, J.: 3

INTERCEPTIONS Geigger: 5 Multiple with 1

KICKING Carlton: 25-40 PAT; 2-7 FG; 31 PTs Hooper: 15-17 PAT; 1-4 FG; 18 PTs

TEAM OFFENSE 54.2 PPG; 288.2 YPG 38.4 PPG; 232.4 YPG

TEAM DEFENSE 48.5 PPG; 264.2 YPG 59.8 PPG; 249.2 YPG

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