Wild set to battle Grizzlies on Monday at 7:05 PM
March 20, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Alaska Wild News Release
The Wasilla Sports Complex was a shade of turf green on St. Patrick's Day that the facility had never seen before. The turf adjacent to the Curtis Menard Memorial Arena sat empty while the arena ice, normally home to the junior "A" Alaska Avalanche, was covered with turf. The Alaska Wild took on the Fairbanks Grizzlies in an IFL preseason matchup.
The Alaska Wild and new head Floyd Johnson started preseason game in Alaska in dramatic fashion, completing a 4th and 7 and continuing the drive en route to quarterback Jamie Williamson finishing with a two yard touchdown run. Williamson scored again in the second quarter on a 1 yard touchdown run, and hit a wide open Solomon Jones 27 yard touchdown pass. With goal posts absent due to logistics, both teams were forced to go for the two point conversion the entire game. Williamson and backup quarterback Pierce Blewett both brought the crowd to its feet with jukes and highlight reel moves. Blewett leaped over a Grizzlies defender and somersaulted his way to the conversion after scoring one a one yard run.
On defense, defensive end J.C. Hobley played up to midseason form, as did nose tackle Alvin Payton, as the defensive line continuously collapsed the Fairbanks offensive line.
2008 presumptive Intense Football League MVP Demarcus "The Reaper" James proved he hasn't missed a step and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the second quarter and had a momentum-changing pass break up as well.
Peanut Farm to host post game after party and to provide free shuttle to all 2009 home games The "Official Post Game Headquarters" of the Alaska Wild, the Peanut Farm, will be providing a shuttle to and from the Sullivan Arena on Monday, March 23, as the Wild take on the Fairbanks Grizzlies. Join the team after each home game for pictures, autographs and all the fun the Farm has to offer. The Peanut Farm will also be s and showing all Wild away games LIVE. We'll see you and the Alaska Wild at The Farm!
Wild to open 2009 IFL season in white away jerseys The Alaska Wild, in a salute to season ticket holders, will wear their white away jerseys and black pants on opening night. Said Asst. Head Coach Abe Hernandez, "It's a tribute to all the fans who have supported us so well." The Wild will wear the traditional cardinal jerseys on April 9 against the Maryland Maniacs. Attention Season Ticket Holders: If you encountered difficulties picking up your season tickets, Sideline Club bracelets, VIP Room bracelets or parking passes on Saturday, March 14 at the Peanut Farm, please contact the Alaska Wild immediatly at 771-9400.
The Eagle's Eye: 2009 30 MAN ROSTER
QUARTERBACK Luke Zetazate (6'1", 210) "Z-Man" brings an extensive knowledge of the game, leadership and athleticism to the quarterback position. He has spent time in Europe and played for Bossier-Shreveport of AF2 in 2008. Jamie Williamson (6'1", 210) Jamie was an offensive phenom with the semi-pro Georgia Ragin' Bulls and was a multi-facted weapon with the AIFL's Canton Legends in 2008. He brings great mobility to the position. Pierce Blewett (6'3", 215) The only returning QB on the roster, Blewett is very fast and has bulked up for the 2009 season by working out with friend and teammate Tui Alailefaleula.
RUNNING BACK Paul Mosley (6'4", 240) Mosley, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and University of Baylor standout (he had three consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons) has tremendous size, vision and speed. Terrance Thompson (5'10", 185) Thompson has been coached by Asst. Coach Abe Hernandez for the last nine years. He has worked his way up the ladder through the flag football leagues in Anchorage and the AIFFL to now the Wild.
FULLBACK Antonio Lolesio, Jr. (6'0", 255) Third-year veteran Tony Lolesio, Jr., has signed on for a third season. Lolesio, Jr. is a bruiser of a player and loves to hit. He'll see time at defensive line and linebacker as well.
WIDE RECEIVER
Victor Smith (6'1", 180) Smith recorded a 4.12 40 yard dash, Accutron measured, at a tryout in December of 2007. Smith brings indoor experience and exceptional speed. Solomon Jones (5'10, 185) Solomon led the Intense Football League in catches, touchdowns and yards until being released midseason. Jones then continued his success with the Inglewood Blackhawks. He is expected to contribute heavily this season and will play with a chip on his shoulder. Mark Lewis (5'9", 180) Lewis, a former receiver for the AFL's Orlando Predators, last played with the Columbus Lions of the AIFA . Lewis has excellent hands, runs crisp routes and is the next "T.Ford" for the Wild. Anthony Shelton (6'4", 225) Shelton, a third year vet for the AK Wild, will see himself at wide receiver in 2009. Moved from receiver, to linebacker to DB, Shelton's size will be an asset over the middle in 2009. Jeff Tongate Although signed as the kicker, Tongate was a highlight reel at receiver for the South Central Cowboys of the AAFL in 2008. Tongate single handidly won the game for the Cowboys against the Raiders in The Dome on October. Tongate, an Elmendorf Air Force Base fire fighter, who will participate in a Bachelor Auction to benefit UAA Engineering Club and Habitat For Humanity on March 21. OFFENSIVE LINE Tui Alailefaleula (6'4, 390) The former New York Giants lineman has been the most spotted player at the gym during the offseason. Known simply as "Tui," Alailefaleula (Allay-Alee-Falay-OO-La), is expected to be among the best lineman in the Indoor Football League in 2009. The guy you've seen running up and down hills with a monster truck tire on his back with a chain around his chest...that's Tui. Lokeni Lokeni, Jr. (6'2", 300) Lokeni, a Intense Football League All-Star, returns to center a line thats been bolstered for the new season. Lokeni may also see playing time on the defensive line. Cody Dwyer (6'8", 330) Dwyer is a local product who played with the Anchorage Raiders of the AAFL, and college at Eastern Arizona. Jason Macrander (6'1", 270) Macrander, a long snapping specialist, came to Wild coaches in January after I met him at the All-American Football Scouting Combine at The Dome. Macrander centered and long snapped at the University of Nevada and won a WAC Championship in 2005. Suifaga Taufi (6'2", 340) Taufi, a former West High School All-State Lineman, returns to the Wild in 2009 having bulked up ready to contribute.
DEFENSIVE LINE Dominique Corbitt (6'2", 285) Corbitt, the most visibly changed lineman in 2009, has gained a massive amount of muscle in the offseason. Corbitt has improved footwork and technique since last season with Alaska and will have big shoes to fill at the D-end position. Alvin Payton (6'0", 275) Payton, a former Army Ranger and member of the unit portrayed in the film "Black Hawk Down," brings pure strength to the nose tackle position. Payton knows no limits on the football field and will play 'lights out.' J.C. Hobley (6'4", 260) Hobley also has been hitting the gym hard and will have a big impact on the D-Line in 2009. In 2008,Hobley recorded 25 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks. Alex Hawkins (6'2", 300) Hawkins played at the University of MInnesota after playing high school football at Anchorage Christian Schools. Hawkins has surprised Wild coaches with his aggressive play during training camp. Warren Tauanuu (6'1", 254) Tauanuu is a recently signed player from the University of Hawaii. He played with the Stockton Lightning of the AF2 in 2008. Apelu Aleilefaleula (6'3", 260) Apelu, brother of Tui, is a former Bartlett High School standout who is looking to make an immediate impact with the Wild. LINEBACKER Joe Small (6'3", 245) Small, the 2008 Wild Rookie Of The Year, has opposing offensives planning for his presence in 2009. "The Predator," is a nightmare in every aspect of the game for the offense. In 2008, Small had 43 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions to name a few. Small's presence on the field and dreadlocks have earned him "The Predator" nickname, which will be featured on a Wild t-shirt in 2009, Small will see time at defensive end as well. Iosepa Nicholas-Silvera (6'0", 227) "Sepa" was a contributer at linebacker for the Wild in 2007. Sepa played linebacker on the Wild flag football team brings speed and tenacity to the linebacker position.
CORNERBACK Demarcus James (6'2", 200) James, the 2008 Wild MVP and presumptive IFL MVP, returns after a very active offseason. After a record breaking 18 interceptions in '08, James returns as the franchise player in 2009. James received calls from the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennesee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. James spent two weeks with the Falcons, but due to injury was unable to attend training camp. James also received tryout invitations by the Georgia Force and San Jose Sabercats prior to the suspension of the AFL. . James, also featured his own t-shirt, will look to establish his own interceptions record in the Indoor Football League. Donny Delaney (5'10", 185) Delaney, is a tenacious defensive player who hits like a truck. Returning for his third season, Delaney, who coached the defensive backs for the State Champion Service Cougars, will bring his knowledge and tenacity to the Wild. Lavon Nelson (6'3", 185) 'Von returns to the Wild after seeing most of his time on offene last season. Nelson, a cover style DB, has great size and reach and will be playing with a chip on shoulder as well. James Kelly (5'10", 195) Another local product, Pima COllege in Arizona. He's a dedicated player from the Alaska Indoor Flag Football League. Daryl Pilcher (5'8", 170) Pilcher is a former Dimond High School star kick returner, is a very fast DB who saw time with the Wild in 2007. Delvin Myles (5'11", 185) Myles is a third year veteran and the first player ever signed to the Wild, brings a great deal of leadership to the locker room. A fan favorite, Myles is a great cover cornerback.
KICKER Jeff Tongate (6'3", 205) Tongate kicked for the San Angelo Stampede Express in 2007 and the South Central Cowboys of the AAFL in 2008. Tongate, known for his accuracy, has hit kicks from 48 yards in the offseason..in the October weather in Anchorage....barefoot. Tongate will also see time at receiver in 2009.
Alaska Wild and Alaska HALO team up for a great cause The Alaska Wild and Alaska HALO have teamed up for a good cause. Ted Sadtler, owner of The Mattress Ranch and President of Alaska HALO, has created a limited edition Ted Sadtler Alaska Wild bobblehead doll. 100% of the proceeds from the bobblehead dolls will to Alaska HALO and will be available at all Wild games, The Mattress Ranch and the Alaska Wild office. GO
Indoor Football League Stories from March 20, 2009
- RiverCity Rage Wins Big in Season Opener - RiverCity Rage
- Wild set to battle Grizzlies on Monday at 7:05 PM - Alaska Wild
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