AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Wild Card Previews

Published on July 24, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


FRIDAY, JULY 26

NO. 10 BUFFALO DESTROYERS (6-8) AT NO. 7 ORLANDO PREDATORS (7-7) AT 7:30 P.M. ET, TD Waterhouse Centre
The last time the Orlando Predators were 7-7 entering the playoffs, then-head coach JAY GRUDEN led the team to an ArenaBowl appearance before falling to the Albany Firebirds, 59-48, in 1999. This season, now as Orlando QB, Gruden will look to accomplish the same feat -- as a player. The Buffalo Destroyers, led by former All-Pro linebacker, head coach RAY BENTLEY make their second playoff appearance in three seasons. Destroyers OS LAMONT COOPER threatens to score anytime and every time he touches the ball (20 TDs and 211.2 YPG). The match-up to watch will be the Orlando pressure defense (232.6 YPG and 22 sacks, No. 1 in AFL) and Buffalo's passing game (3,255 yards, 59 TDs).
TV: Tape-delayed to Saturday at 2:00 p.m. ET/PT on The New TNN -- Dave Sims, Charles Arbuckle

SATURDAY, JULY 27

NO. 9 INDIANA FIREBIRDS (7-7) AT NO. 8 DALLAS DESPERADOS (7-7) AT 4:30 P.M. ET, Reunion Arena
Indiana head coach MIKE DAILEY has ignited the Firebird offense with the powering running attack led by Week 14 Offensive Player of the Week LEROY THOMPSON. The ‘Built Ford Tough' Man of the Year candidate tied a league record with five rushing touchdowns in last week's 51-41 victory at Chicago. The expansion Desperados have been lighting up the scoreboard on their own. Led by the AFL's all-time passing leader, QB ANDY KELLY, Dallas has set the league mark for scoring by a first year team. The duel to watch will be future Hall of Fame OS EDDIE BROWN (69 receptions, 26 total TDs) and Rookie of the Year candidate ANDY MCCULLOUGH (82 receptions, 24 TDs).
TV: The New TNN – Eli Gold, Charles Davis, Jill Arrington

NO. 12 TAMPA BAY STORM (6-8) AT NO. 5 LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (8-6) AT 7:30 P.M. ET, Staples Center
Led by the most prolific scoring duo in league history, the Avengers look to make a run at an ArenaBowl title during their first playoff appearance in team history. Two top candidates for yearly awards this season, WR/LB GREG HOPKINS teamed with OS CHRIS JACKSON to score 384 points this season -- a league record. Tampa Bay head coach TIM MARCUM made the playoffs for an eye-opening 14th time. The Hall of Fame coach will look to ‘Built Ford Tough ' Man of the Year candidate LAWRENCE SAMUELS (69 receptions, 13 TDs) to help the Storm try for a record-setting fifth ArenaBowl title. The match-up to watch will be L.A.'s quick-strike offense (52.2 PPG) against the ball control offense of the Storm (33:07 TOP, No. 1).
TV: ESPN2 – Jeff Hullinger, Mark May, Tracy Wolfson

SUNDAY, JULY 28

NO. 11 CAROLINA COBRAS (6-8) AT NO. 6 GRAND RAPIDS RAMPAGE (8-6) AT 1:30 P.M. ET, Van Andel Arena
Defending champion Grand Rapids Rampage start the official defense of their title at home on Sunday. 2001's AFL Coach of the Year MICHAEL TRIGG looks to QB CLINT DOLEZEL to lead his Rampage squad back to the title game. WILLIS MARSHALL and GARY COMPTON (combined for 13 TDs over last four games) have been the moving targets Dolezel has sought out down the stretch. Carolina QB JOHN FITZGERALD guides the Cobras offense in their second straight playoff appearance. The second-year field general looks to veteran receivers AARON BAILEY and CORY FLEMING as Carolina hopes to climb the bracket to an ArenaBowl appearance. Matchup to watch will be the battle between two of the AFL's top two-way players, Compton and Fleming. Both are seasoned veterans without ArenaBowl rings.
TV: ESPN – Dave Ryan, Merril Hoge

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 24, 2002


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