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'Wings Prep For New Division Rival OKC This Week

May 16, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings News Release


BOSSIER CITY - Two days removed from what af2 pundits are calling the biggest upset of the year, the Bossier/Shreveport Battle Wings are putting the thrill of their 28-22 victory over previously undefeated and top-ranked Florida behind them to get ready for the start of a three-game road swing that won't see them return to the Century Tel Center until mid-June.

"It's back to business," said 'Wings head coach Keith Barefield, who dubbed Saturday's win as his biggest since taking over the reigns in 2004. "Sunday was certainly nice after knocking off Florida, but we have another team to get ready for this week up in Oklahoma City. However, the confidence we gained from beating the Firecats can only help this team progress."

The Battle Wings didn't "just" beat Florida. Bossier's revamped defense, guided by new defensive coordinator Mike Green, held the Firecats to their lowest point total since the 2001 season. The 'Wings defense also shut down the defending ArenaCup champions' rushing attack, which led the league at 48.4 yards per game. Bossier stuffed the run, allowing just 12 steps on the ground.

"The guys up front did a tremendous job," Green said. "We knew we could play with them, but we also knew we had to play closer to our potential than we had the previous weeks. The guys are more comfortable out on the field now and really took it to them."

"Taking it to them" might be an understatement. The 'Wings withstood the potent Florida offense (averaging 48+ points per game entering the contest) even in long-odd situation, halting the Firecats with an end zone interception, six pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. The first of the two forced fumbles stopped an interception return for a touchdown and the second gave Bossier a chance to run out the final 52 seconds of the game. Joe Wesley had a hand in both, slapping the ball away from Firecat DS Roy Stabler just before he crossed the 'Wings' goal line for a score on the interception return and recovering the other forced by Kendel Shello, who has now jarred the ball loose from opponents in each of the last three games.

In the second-lowest-scoring game ever for Bossier ('Wings defeated Tulsa 27-14 in 2002), Bossier's offense controlled the ball for more than 35 minutes and held a nine play advantage in the number of snaps taken. Florida had possession of the ball for six minutes less than the Battle Wings and even more importantly, owned the football for just eight possessions. Consider the Amarillo game just weeks earlier, in which the Dusters had the ball 13 times and scored on each drive.

"We got stops on defense and we controlled the ball on offense," Barefield said. "We had three drives that lasted over six minutes (10 plays or more in each) and just kept moving the chains. We've been known for coming up with some quick scores, but I felt we stood a better chance against Florida playing patient football. The guys remained patient throughout the game, made some big plays and came out on top."

Preparation for Saturday's game against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (2-4) will see the 'Wings working out at Independence Stadium for the remainder of the week. On Tuesday, skill players report for a 4 p.m. pre-practice followed by the entire team's workout from 5:30 p.m. until about 8 p.m. Wednesday, the squad works out from 5-7 p.m. and on Thursday, there will be a morning workout beginning at 9 a.m. The team leaves Friday morning at 9 a.m. for Oklahoma City.

Bossier's next home game - Saturday, June 18 - will also be against the Yard Dawgs. Tickets for that game are available at Battle Wings headquarters (4400 Barksdale Blvd.) or by calling (318) 746-8755.

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