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Wolves Game Notes

May 28, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


QUICK FACTS:
New Haven Ninjas (2-5) vs. Mohegan Wolves (3-5)
Date: 5/31/02
Kickoff: 7:30 pm
Site: Mohegan Sun Arena (7,564)
National Anthem: TBA
Coin Toss: Terri Runnels-World Wrestling Entertainment
Officials: Allen Bean (Referee), Don Foushee (Umpire), Greg Glasgow (Head Linesman), Owen Grogan (Line Judge), Lindley Ivey (Back Judge)
Radio: WMOS-The Wolf
TV: none
Series Record: Tied 1-1
Last Meeting: May 24, 2002
Streaks: Mohegan-Won 1/New Haven-Lost 2
Coaches: Gary Porter (10-14, 2nd Year)
Rick Buffington (2-5, 1st Year)

THE STAKES: Mohegan may have recharged their playoff hopes with a victory last weekend at New Haven. The win snapped a four game losing streak that the Ninjas started nearly a month ago. A win this weekend would give the Wolves state bragging rights for the entire off-season, as well as the Constitution Cup until the 2003 season. The winner of this week's game will also win the inaugural intra state season series.

HEAD COACHES: In just his second season as head coach, Gary Porter leads his second expansion team into af2 play. Last season he led the expansion Peoria Pirates to a 7-9 record. The Pirates had the top-rated run defense in af2. Porter played in the Arena Football League in 1997 as a Quarterback for the Texas Terror. Rick Buffington brings his 14 years of Arena Football experience to New Haven to captain the expansion Ninjas in their inaugural season.

LAST SERIES MEETING: Mohegan defeated New Haven in overtime, 36-30 on May 24th at the New Haven Coliseum.

THE SERIES: GAME ONE: The second road trip in franchise history was not as successful as the first. The Wolves lost to the New Haven Ninjas giving the Ninjas their first win in team history. Second half turnovers and penalties were the Wolves downfall giving the Ninjas the victory 51-38. Quarterback Cable Davis came out hot connecting on 6 of his first 8 passes in the first quarter.

Offensive/Defensive Lineman Jeff Cogell punched in a one-yard touchdown run for the only scoring of the quarter giving the Wolves a 7-0 lead after one period. Wolves' former kicker Charles Eger added a field goal to give the Wolves the lead 10-0 early in the second. New Haven marched 39 yards to make the score 10-7. They would take the lead when Ironman of the Game FB/LB Kerry Taylor rushed for a six-yard touchdown. The Ninjas would score again when a 61-yard field goal attempt by Eger was blocked and recovered for another Ninja touchdown. The Wolves final first half efforts were thwarted by a controversial call when WR/DB Brent Burnside caught a pass near the sidelines, stepped out of bounds with :06 seconds remaining, and somehow the remaining time expired giving the Ninja's a 21-10 first half lead. The 3rd quarter only got worse for the Wolves. Starting QB Cable Davis started the half, threw an interception on the first possession, and was relieved due to a hand injury after the first series. The Ninjas capitalized on the Wolves mistake by adding a 1-yard touchdown pass to Eric Wise putting the Ninjas up by 18 points. Backup QB Kevin Carty provided a spark for the Wolves leading them down the field and hooking up with WR/LB Melvin Phillips for a 7-yard touchdown. The two-point attempt was converted and the Wolves only trailed 28-18. The Wolves came up with an important three and out defensive stand, but a turnover at the end of the 3rd would put New Haven in the driver's seat the rest of the way. The 4th quarter saw a flurry of scoring, with the Wolves adding two late touchdowns: one to Brent Burnside (40 yards) and the other to Anthony Giovingo (45 yards) but the Ninjas prevailed 51-38.

The Wolves recorded 5 turnovers in the game to go with 69 total yards of penalties; giving New Haven much needed field position throughout. Ironman Kerry Taylor who rushed for 42 yards on 10 carries to go with 2 touchdowns led the Ninjas. QB Jarred Rouanzoin passed for only 74 yards and 2 touchdowns. WR/DB Ryan Bland was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game with 6.5 tackles and an interception. Anthony Comer was named game MVP with 1 reception for 11 yards and a touchdown as well six tackles. QB Kevin Carty who threw for 191 yards and 4 touchdowns in one half of work led the Wolves after Davis went down. Andy Macaione led the Wolves receivers with 7 catches for 66 yards. Brent and Brandon Burnside again added a touchdown for the 4th straight game; Brent had one touchdown to go with 6 receptions for 101 yards while Brandon had 4 receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. Carlos McLaurin again led the pack in tackles with 7. Jeff Cogell recorded the Wolves only sack on the night. GAME TWO: The Mohegan Wolves (3-5) snapped a four game losing streak as they defeated the New Haven Ninjas (2-5), 36-30 in overtime. Lineman Chris Smith recovered a fumble, forced by newly assigned Brandon Stoker and returned it 40 yards for the score with the Ninjas knocking on the Wolves doorstep to steal the victory, and third place in the Northeast Divisional standings. The win makes next week's game vs. New Haven at the Mohegan Sun Arena the deciding game in the battle for the Constitution Cup. Mohegan took the first possession and capped the drive off with a Melvin Phillips five-yard touchdown reception from QB Cable Davis. New Haven took their opening offensive possession and evened the score at seven a piece. Ben LaBelle would rush from a yard out to put the Wolves up 14-7. New Haven answered, and the game was knotted at 14 all after one period. The teams went blow for blow in the second as well. New Haven's Kerry Taylor scored from 19 yards out to give the Ninjas an early 2nd quarter lead. Davis then found his favorite target, Brandon Burnside to pull the Wolves within a point at the half, 21-20. Mohegan would then add the only points of the third on a Shawn Maclean 26 yard field goal, putting Mohegan up 23-21 going into the 4th quarter. The Wolves added to their lead when Davis hooked up with Andy Macaione from 25 yards out giving the Wolves a 9-point lead, 30-21. New Haven then added a touchdown, and a clutch 44 yard field goal from Dennis Wuestkamp with: 47 seconds remaining to even the score at 30-30 after regulation. Mohegan won the overtime coin toss and elected to take the ball. Two plays into the drive QB Cable Davis was intercepted by Damon Richardson, giving the Ninjas the ball at the Mohegan 15 yard line. The Ninjas marched to the Wolves 2 yard line when Stoker slammed New Haven quarterback Jarrod Rouanzoin to the turf and forcing a fumble recovered by Chris Smith, which he returned for the game winning score. For New Haven, Rouanzoin passed for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He rushed for 38 yards on the night and 2 more TD's. New Haven lineman Brian Watson was awarded Ironman of the Game, while WR/DB Anthony Comer was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Mohegan QB Cable Davis was named Game MVP. He passed for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. OS Brandon Burnside again led the way for the pack with 7 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. Twin brother Brent Burnside had 5 receptions for 48 yards. Defense was the story for the Wolves tonight however. As a team they recorded 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Defensive Specialist Carlos McLaurin had 2 interceptions to go with 2 ½ tackles. Brandon Stoker made quite a name for himself in his first game by recording 2 sacks, 2 tackles and forcing the game winning fumble. These two teams will meet for the final time this season next weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The game will decide the final resting place for the Constitution Cup this season.

THE IFs:

If Mohegan defeats New Haven, it would ...
· Give Mohegan 2-1 series record with New Haven
· Give Mohegan 2-3 home record in 2002
· Give the Wolves a 3-4 divisional record
· Give Head Coach Gary Porter a 4-5 record as coach of the Wolves and a 11-14 overall record as an af2 coach
· Give Wolves Head Coach Gary Porter a 2-1lifetime record vs. New Haven
· Give Wolves Head Coach Gary Porter a 2-1lifetime record vs. Ninjas Head Coach Rick Buffington
· Give the Wolves a 4-5 conference record
· Give the Wolves their fourth win in franchise history
· Give the Wolves the Constitution Cup, a traveling trophy awarded to the winner of each Mohegan/New Haven game

FAMILIAR FACES: With both teams only an hour drive away, many of the players on each team's roster were recruited by the other team. Coach Buffington and Coach Porter consistently ran into each other while courting the area talent. WR/DB David Bradford played at the University of New Haven and was a standout corner back. He was placed on short-term injured reserve prior to last week's match up with the Ninjas.

Mohegan INJURY REPORT:
Pos. Name Injury Status
FB/LB Kenyea Ware Knee Long Term IR
WR/LB Brian Shubin Knee Questionable
DS David Bradford Ankle Short Term IR
QB Keith Toolan Knee Short Term IR
OL/DL Dan Porter Knee Questionable
FB/LB Ben LaBelle Knee Questionable

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Head Coach Gary Porter on last week's game vs. New Haven: "That is how you win in this league. You've got to play every play, and not take a single play off. We finally had someone step up in a crucial moment and made a play. That's the difference in the game. We could have very easily rolled over like the last four games and lost, but we kept fighting and played an entire game."

SERIES NOTABLES: GAME ONE: Brent Burnside: 6 receptions 101 yards, 1 TD...Kevin Carty: 13-20, 191yards 4 TD's...Andy Macaione: 7 receptions, 66 yards...Carlos McLaurin: 7 tackles...Jeff Cogell: 1 sack, 1 rushing TD...(New Haven) Anthony Comer: Game MVP, 6 tackles, TD run, TD reception...Kerry Taylor: Ironman of the Game, 2 rushing TD's, 10 rushes, 42 yards, 2 ½ tackles, forced fumble Ryan Bland: ADT Defensive Player of the Game, 2 receptions, 6 ½ tackles, interception, two passes broken up GAME TWO: Cable Davis: Game MVP, 241 yards passing, 3 TD's...Brandon Burnside: 7 receptions, 112 yards, TD...Carlos McLaurin: 2 interceptions, 2 ½ tackles...Brandon Stoker: 2 tackles, 2 sacks, forced game winning fumble...Chris Smith: sack, recovered fumble and returned it for game winning touchdown...(New Haven) Brian Watson: Ironman of the Game, tackle, sack...Damon Richardson: 2 interceptions, 4 tackles...Anthony Comer: ADT Defensive Player of the Game, 3 receptions, 13 yards, interception, 3 tackles

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
5/23 Short Term IR DS David Bradford
5/22 Assigned OL/DL Brandon Stoker
5/22 Activate from Short Term IR QB Kevin Carty
5/22 Short Term IR QB Keith Toolan

MILESTONES:

· QB Cable Davis threw the first completion as well as touchdown in franchise history. That happened on the same play, which was the opening offensive play in team history. He hooked up with Brandon Burnside from 33 yards out for the first touchdown in franchise history versus the expansion Albany Conquest on 4/5

· OL/DL Pete Govens recorded the first sack in team history vs. the Conquest on 4/5

· WR/LB Melvin Phillips recorded the first interception in team history vs. Albany on 4/5

· OS Brandon Burnside became the first player in Mohegan Wolves history to return a kick for a touchdown (56 yards) vs. Norfolk on 4/12

· FB/LB Kenyea Ware recorded the first rushing touchdown in franchise history with a 1 yard plunge versus Norfolk on 4/12

· QB Cable Davis became the first 300 yard passer in franchise history with his 357 yard effort versus Rochester on 4/19

· WR/DB Brent Burnside became the first 100 yard receiver in franchise history with 9 receptions for 172 yards against Rochester on April 19th

· Brent Burnside recorded the second 100 yard receiving game in team history vs. New Haven on 4/27, he caught 6 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown

· Offensive Specialist Brandon Burnside became the first player other than his twin brother to record a 100-yard receiving night. Brandon had 8 receptions for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns against Norfolk on 5/4

· May 4th's game at Norfolk marked the first time in team history that both Brandon and Brent Burnside didn't both catch a touchdown pass.

· May 10th's game vs. Albany was the first game in Mohegan Wolves history that OL/DL Jeff Cogell didn't record at least ½ a sack.

· May 17th's game vs. Rochester was a record-breaking night for the Mohegan Wolves. OS Brandon Burnside came within 50 yards of breaking the af2's single game record for total yards. Burnside recorded 354 total yards on the night. QB Cable Davis passed for 373 yards on the night, a franchise record as well.

DROPBACK: The Mohegan Wolves (3-5) snapped a four game losing streak as they defeated the New Haven Ninjas (2-5), 36-30 in overtime. Lineman Chris Smith recovered a fumble, forced by newly assigned Brandon Stoker and returned it 40 yards for the score with the Ninjas knocking on the Wolves doorstep to steal the victory, and third place in the Northeast Divisional standings. The win makes next week's game vs. New Haven at the Mohegan Sun Arena the deciding game in the battle for the Constitution Cup. Mohegan took the first possession and capped the drive off with a Melvin Phillips five-yard touchdown reception from QB Cable Davis. New Haven took their opening offensive possession and evened the score at seven a piece. Ben LaBelle would rush from a yard out to put the Wolves up 14-7. New Haven answered, and the game was knotted at 14 all after one period. The teams went blow for blow in the second as well. New Haven's Kerry Taylor scored from 19 yards out to give the Ninjas an early 2nd quarter lead. Davis then found his favorite target, Brandon Burnside to pull the Wolves within a point at the half, 21-20. Mohegan would then add the only points of the third on a Shawn Maclean 26 yard field goal, putting Mohegan up 23-21 going into the 4th quarter. The Wolves added to their lead when Davis hooked up with Andy Macaione from 25 yards out giving the Wolves a 9-point lead, 30-21. New Haven then added a touchdown, and a clutch 44 yard field goal from Dennis Wuestkamp with: 47 seconds remaining to even the score at 30-30 after regulation. Mohegan won the overtime coin toss and elected to take the ball. Two plays into the drive QB Cable Davis was intercepted by Damon Richardson, giving the Ninjas the ball at the Mohegan 15 yard line. The Ninjas marched to the Wolves 2 yard line when Stoker slammed New Haven quarterback Jarrod Rouanzoin to the turf and forcing a fumble recovered by Chris Smith, which he returned for the game winning score. For New Haven, Rouanzoin passed for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. He rushed for 38 yards on the night and 2 more TD's. New Haven lineman Brian Watson was awarded Ironman of the Game, while WR/DB Anthony Comer was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Mohegan QB Cable Davis was named Game MVP. He passed for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. OS Brandon Burnside again led the way for the pack with 7 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. Twin brother Brent Burnside had 5 receptions for 48 yards. Defense was the story for the Wolves tonight however. As a team they recorded 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Defensive Specialist Carlos McLaurin had 2 interceptions to go with 2 ½ tackles. Brandon Stoker made quite a name for himself in his first game by recording 2 sacks, 2 tackles and forcing the game winning fumble. These two teams will meet for the final time this season next weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The game will decide the final resting place for the Constitution Cup this season.

FORWARD MOTION: The Wolves will have a home-at-home with the only team in the Northeastern Division that they have yet to play, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (1-7). The two teams will first meet at the den before traveling to Pennsylvania the following weekend. The teams will meet again July 13th back at First Union Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Pioneers are led by Bryan Snyder, a Quarterback that Wolves Head Coach brought into Peoria late last season in an effort to make a playoff charge with the Pirates.

TEAM NOTES/TRENDS:

From Heron Out: Defensive Specialist Heron O'Neal looks to continue the success that he had the previous two seasons with the Milwaukee Mustangs. As a two year started in the AFL Heron recorded 3 interceptions to with 100 tackles and 2 touchdowns. Heron had 4 tackles in his Wolves debut. O'Neal recorded his first af2 interception against Norfolk while defending 2 passes as well. Heron added a key forced fumble late in the game against Rochester to help seal the victory. He also recorded 2 tackles and defended one pass. Against New Haven Heron had a tackle, a fumble recovery and two passes defended. In the second game versus Norfolk Heron had 3.5 tackles and one pass broken up. O'Neal recorded another interception against Albany. He was injured on the play and did not return to the game. Heron had his second straight game with an interception vs. Rochester the second time around. He also had his best tackling output of the season with 8 ½ tackles on the night. Heron's streak of games with interceptions ended last Friday night at New Haven. O'Neal had a tackle and a half in the victory over the Ninjas.

Two More at Home: The Wolves have got two consecutive home games, both within the division, versus New Haven and W-B/Scranton. These games can even the Wolves home record, and put them right back in the playoff hunt.

Burning up the Turf: Brent and Brandon Burnside look to have the same impact on the Mohegan Wolves that they did with Tulsa. In 2000 Brandon had 120 receptions for 1721 yards and 33 touchdowns for the Talons while Brent had 54 receptions for 623 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 45 tackles and 6 interceptions. Brent and Brandon both recorded a receiving touchdown in their Wolves debut. The twins matched their opening night effort with each brother hauling in a touchdown catch. Brandon also added a kickoff return for a touchdown. The trend continued against Rochester when both brothers recorded more than one touchdown: Brent had 3 while Brandon recorded 2 in only one half of play. The twins did it again with both scoring touchdowns versus New Haven. Brent had 6 receptions for 101 yards while Brandon had 4 receptions for 48 yards against the Ninjas. Brandon had his best game in the blue and silver against Norfolk. He recorded 8 receptions for 142 and 3 touchdowns. Brent rushed for 26 yards and caught one pass for 6 yards. He also had a tackle in the defeat. Brandon exploded for a huge effort against Albany. He caught 12 passes for 163 yards and 4 touchdowns. Twin brother Brent caught 2 passes for 18 yards against the Conquest. His efforts were best felt on defense where he had 3.0 tackles, an interception and 2 passes broken up. Brandon proved again why he might very well be the best offensive specialist in the af2 vs. Rochester. Brandon had 9 receptions for 205 yards and 5 touchdowns to go with 149 yards on kick returns. He fell just short of breaking the all time af2 record for total yards in a game, which is currently 400. Brent had very business like numbers against the Brigade as well. He had 6 receptions for 57 yards on the night. He added 4 tackles on defense as well. Brandon continued his excellence with a 7 reception, 112 yard, 1 TD evening against New Haven. Brent had an interception to go with 2 passes broken up, a tackle, 5 receptions, 48 yards against the Ninjas. Listed below are the Burnside's career af2 receiving statistics:

Player Rec. Yards TDs
Brandon Burnside 198 2,781 54
Brent Burnside 99 1,214 25

Top Tackler: Defensive Specialist Carlos McLaurin is a two time ADT Defensive Player of the Game. He led the team in tackles in each of the first four games. Carlos was named Built Ford Tough Player of the Game for his 7-tackle effort against New Haven. Carlos recorded 4 tackles, an interception and 2 passes broken up against Norfolk. McLaurin had his lowest tackle output of the year the second time around against Albany. He had 3.0 tackles in a pretty quite evening for McLaurin. Carlos bounced back for his season best 9-½ tackles vs. Rochester. He had a career best two interceptions at New Haven. He also had 2 ½ tackles as well as 2 passes broken up vs. the Ninjas.

PLAYERS/MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

Wolves DS Heron O'Neal: Heron enters his first af2 season with two years of AFL experience under his belt. He stands to be one of the most dominant defensive specialists in the entire af2. He will be called upon for leadership on and off the field this season.

Ninjas WR/DB Anthony Comer: Comer earned Game MVP honors in the first meeting. The Wolves defensive backfield will have to contain Comer if they want to bring back the cup. He was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game in the second match up.

Wolves OS Brandon Burnside: As one of the top receivers in the af2, Brandon is coming off two of his best games, and hopes to chop up the Ninjas defensive backfield.

Ninjas FB/LB Kerry Taylor: Taylor ran wild vs. the Wolves front line in the two teams first meeting. If the Wolves intend on beating the Ninjas, they will have to keep Taylor from chewing up the yards. He was named Ironman of the Game for his first game effort vs. the Wolves.

Wolves QB Cable Davis: Davis is near the top of every af2-passing category. His effort last week against the Ninjas earned him Game MVP honors. It was the second time he had won that award this season.

Ninjas DS Damon Richardson: A New Haven native, Richardson has two ADT Defensive Player of the Game awards. He has five interceptions on the season, including one in the end zone in the team's win at Rochester. He picked off two of Cable Davis's passes last week in the Ninjas loss.

Wolves OL/DL Jeff Cogell: Jeff climbed back into the af2 top 10 in sacks last week when he registered his 5-½ sack of the season. He looks to add to that total this week when the Wolves host the Ninjas.

Ninjas QB Jarrod Rouanzoin: The departure of Phil Stambaugh to the New York Giants gave Rouanzoin the starting position. In three games, Rouanzoin has thrown for 13 touchdowns and ran for another five.

KEY DATES IN TEAM HISTORY:

· July 19th, 2001: Mohegan Sun Arena and Dr. Eric Margenau announce agreement to bring af2 to southeastern Connecticut

· Nov. 1st, 2001: 1st Season Tickets sold, Margaret Lidden becomes first Wolves Season Ticket holder

· Dec. 12th, 2001: Team Name and logo unveiled

· Dec. 12th, 2001: Jeff Cogell, Randy Hart, Greg Gildea and Mike Thomas become first Mohegan Wolves assignees

· Jan. 5th, 2002: Team Holds Inaugural Player tryout

· Jan. 14th, 2002: Wolves sign Andy Macaione, Heron O'Neal, Daniel Porter

· Jan. 25th, 2002: Wolves sign Kevin Carty, and Mondez Haire

· Jan. 28th, 2002: Wolves Hold Inaugural Cheerleader Tryouts at Stashes Café on Super Bowl Sunday

· Feb. 5th, 2002: Wolves sign Mike Zawilinski, Edwin Moore, Gary Bolden, Anthony Giovingo, and Bryan Sparacino

· Feb. 17th, 2002: Wolves hold second cheer leader audition

· Feb. 20th, 2002: Wolves sign James Duckett, Carl Wisnieski, Pete Govens, Antron Peebles, Alex Sepulveda, Isaiah Holloway, and Brian Shubin

· Feb. 27th, 2002: Wolves sign Carlos McLaurin, Mike Summers, Troy Davidson, and Brian Hegnauer

· Mar. 1st, 2002: Single Game Tickets go on sale at Mohegan Sun Box Office as well as tickets.com

· Mar 7th, 2002: Opening night April 5th vs. the Albany Conquest dubbed "Pride of America Night"

· Mar 19th, 2002: First practice in Mohegan Wolves history, held at Workout World in Waterford

· April 5th, 2002: The Wolves drop the inaugural game in team history to the Albany Conquest by the score of 29-14

· April 12th, 2002: Wolves win their first game in team history by defeating the Norfolk Nighthawks 47-29 at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

· April 19th, 2002: Wolves win their first road game in franchise history by defeating the Rochester Brigade 54-45.

· April 27th, 2002: Wolves lose their first road game in team history to the New Haven Ninjas 51-38. They also lost possession of the "Constitution Cup" a traveling trophy that goes to the winner of each Ninja/Wolves game

· May 4th, 2002: Wolves lose first overtime game in team history to the Norfolk Nighthawks 58-51.

· May 17th, 2002: Wolves losing streak grows to 4 games after a disheartening loss to Rochester, 53-50

· May 24th, 2002: Mohegan defeats New Haven 36-30 in overtime, snapping four game losing streak, and claiming the Constitution Cup for the first time in franchise history

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