Wichita Loses West Coast War
July 15, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Wichita Stealth News Release
Bakersfield, CA--It has been a season of ups and downs for the Stealth. Saturday's game against the Bakersfield Blitz was full of ups and downs as the Stealth went on top, fell behind, fought back, and then finally lost to the Blitz 52-39 in Centennial Garden Arena in front of 5,693 people. Wichita battled back from ten points down late in the fourth quarter to trail the Blitz by only two. A two-point conversion tied the game at 39 with 48 seconds left. Wichita would pin the Blitz on their own five-yard line on the ensuing kickoff. But a 28-yard pass from Blitz quarterback Chad Elliot to Iron Man award winner Ryan Sloth would set up a first down and goal to go for the Blitz with 29 seconds left. After an incomplete pass Elliot connected with Teddy Wilson for a 10-yard touchdown pass, and led 46-39 with 25 seconds left. Wichita would return the kickoff to the 14-yard line with 14 seconds left in the game. Ron Lopez looked deep for a receiver, but had the ball knocked out of his hand at the five-yard line as he stepped through the pocket. It was recovered in the end zone by Wilson and sealed the deal for Bakersfield 52-39.
Wichita Stealth Offensive Specialist Corey McCoy had an outstanding night and was named as the games MVP in a losing effort. McCoy caught 12 passes for 133 yards and four touchdowns. McCoy made several spectacular catches throughout the night including the two-point conversion to tie the contest at 39. Offense wasn't a real problem for either team as Elliot and Lopez marched their team up and down the field at will.
Wichita would begin the game with a turnover, as the Stealth was unable to receive the opening kickoff cleanly. Bakersfield recovered the kickoff on the Stealth's 7-yard line and looked to be off to a tremendous start. The Stealth front line was determined to stop the Blitz and did just that stopping Bakersfield short of the goal line three consecutive plays to begin the game. Bakersfield was forced to kick the field goal and led 3-0 early in the first quarter. Wichita's first possession would result in the Stealth's first lead of the game as Lopez connected with McCoy for a 9-yard touchdown score that took three plays and 30 yards, and saw two players seriously injured. During the drive Xavier Patterson took a pitch to the outside was met head on by Bakersfield's Delvin Myles. Myles left with a broken arm, and Patterson missed the remainder of the first half.
J'Sharlon Jones was solid in the secondary of the Blitz and was named ADT defensive player of the game with six total tackles, one pass defense, and one interception. Bakersfield would end with two interceptions on the night. Wichita's secondary was unable to stop the offensive charge of Elliot whose favorite target of the evening was Sloth. He caught 6 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns, and made three tackles on defense.
The front line of Wichita was strong as Elliot was sacked by Bryan Henderson twice, Chris Enneking once for a safety, and Dominique Smith once. The Stealth would end the contest with very similar statistics in a game that was lopsided at times in either direction.
Wichita ended the night with 37 total offensive plays for 216 yards. Bakersfield finished with 37 total plays for 217 total yards. There is a possibility that these two teams could meet again in the second round of the playoffs if Wichita can defeat the Peoria Pirate's and Bakersfield defeats the San Diego Riptide.
The Stealth's next contest is at home Saturday July 20th against the Tulsa Talons. It is the final regular season game for the Stealth and final home game of the year. Tulsa is headed to the playoffs as well and led the season series over the Stealth after a victory over Wichita in Tulsa just over a month ago.
Great seats are available for the final home game of the year. It is ADT Fan Appreciation night. A number of Stealth fans will receive an authentic Stealth jersey, and several people will have an opportunity to win a Harley Davidson courtesy of the Kansas Coliseum. For ticket information call 755-SEAT.
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