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Wolves Leave the Den

April 17, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, C.T. (April 17th, 2002)- For the first time in team history, the Mohegan Wolves will play away from the friendly confines of the Mohegan Sun Arena. They embark on a three game road trip with stops in Rochester, New York, New Haven, Connecticut and Norfolk, Virginia. This three game road trip will go a long way in determining the fate of the 2002 Mohegan Wolves. The Wolves will return home on May 10th to entertain the Albany Conquest, whom defeated the Wolves on opening night by the score of 29-14.

THE SERIES

For the first road game in franchise history the Wolves will take on Northeast Divisional rival Rochester. The Brigade are 1-1 after beating the New Haven Ninjas on opening night by the score of 61-34 and losing last weekend to the Albany Conquest by the score of 42-36. This will be the first of three meetings this season between the Brigade and the Wolves. The two teams will tangle again May 17th and July 19th. It will however, be the only meeting at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena this season, barring a return match-up in the playoffs. This game will also feature the return of two former Brigade players, Kicker Charles Eger and Offensive/Defensive Lineman Pete Govens to the Blue Cross Arena. Eger and Govens both played for Rochester last season and are currently active on the Wolves roster. Rochester WR/DB Willie Spears hails from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where Head Coach Gary Porter played and served as Spear's position coach. Head Coach Porter added, "Willie was extremely well coached in college! Seriously, I'm excited to see him playing professionally. He has the tools to be a great af2 receiver, hopefully not against us though." This weekend's game will give the winner second place outright in the Northeast Divisional standings.

INJURY REPORT

The injury bug finally hit the Wolves, and it only took two weeks to find them. The Wolves have lost Fullback/Linebacker Kenyea Ware for the year to a torn ACL. He will be replaced on the Wolves roster with Sheldon King, who came off of short-term injured reserve on Monday. The Wolves also activated Defensive Specialist Mike Summers from short term IR. Offensive/Defensive Lineman Alex Sepulveda missed last week's game due to a sore back. He is currently questionable for this week's game vs. Rochester. Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Andy Macaione injured his elbow in last week's game and is also listed as questionable. Offensive Specialist Brandon Burnside banged up his shoulder in the game as well, but he is probable for this week 's game.

ROSTER REPORT

The Wolves have placed OL/DL Randy Hart on suspension due to violation of team policies. His roster spot will be replaced later this week or early next week prior to the New Haven game. The Wolves also designated Defensive Specialist Mike Summers for re-assignment. Mike just returned from the short-term injured reserve list and never saw any playing time with the Wolves.

NEXT WEEK'S OPPONENT: New Haven Ninjas (0-2) 4/27/02

In Week 5 of the inaugural af2 campaign for the Wolves they will travel down I-95 to take on the New Haven Ninjas led by Head Coach Rick Buffington. The game will be the first af2 game played between two teams from Connecticut. This will be the first of three match-ups with the Ninjas to claim state supremacy. The Wolves will again make the hour-long trip to New Haven on May 24th before welcoming the Ninjas to the Mohegan Sun Arena on May 31st. The Ninjas have dropped their first two games in franchise history, to Rochester 61-34 on opening night, and then their home opener to the Cape Fear Wildcats 38-20. The Ninjas will host the Richmond Speed (2-0) this weekend, which should prove to be a tall task for the expansion Ninjas. The Ninjas and Wolves met in a pre-season scrimmage, which means each team has a pretty good idea of what the other can do. "We are excited to play New Haven. The game provides a natural rivalry, and the outcome of these three games will go along way in recruiting for next season, as well as attracting attention in the area. Coach Buffington brings a world of Arena football experience to a group of talented athletes. A lot of the guys they have are players that we pinpointed in the off-season as athletes to watch. It should be a very entertaining game," said Head Coach Gary Porter. QB Phil Stambaugh who most recently played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe leads the Ninjas.

WOLVES AWARD WINNERS

4-5 vs. Albany Conquest Built Ford Tough Player of the Game: #55 OL/DL Jeff Cogell

4-12 vs. Norfolk Nighthawks Most Valuable Player: #3 OS Brandon Burnside
Ironman of the Game: #6 FB/LB Kenyea Ware
Built Ford Tough Player of the Game: #97 OL/DL Chris Smith

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