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Wolves playoff hopes officially end

July 15, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


Wilkes-Barre, PA (July 13th, 2002)- The Mohegan Wolves (3-11) where mathematically eliminated from the 2002 af2 playoff race this weekend when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (6-9) defeated Mohegan 56-39 Saturday night in Wilkes-Barre.

Mohegan scored on their first two possessions, both on the strong right arm of QB Kevin Carty, who was making his first start of the season. Carty connected with WR/LB Greg Gildea to put the Wolves up 6-0. He then found OS Brandon Burnside on a 30-yard bomb keeping the Wolves close, down 14-12 after the first quarter.

As the case has been all season long, Mohegan's offensive output shut down for two quarters. In the 2nd and 3rd quarters the Wolves were outscored 33-6. Mohegan's only points came on a Kevin Carty to WR/DB Lance Small 26-yard touchdown pass. Wilkes-Barre led 33-18 at the half.

Mohegan made a game of it in the 4th on three touchdowns. Carty scored from 1 yard out, passed a 23-yard TD to Brandon Burnside and then found Brandon's twin brother Brent from 5 yards out. It was Brent's first game back after breaking his hand over a month ago. Unfortunately for Mohegan it was too little too late and the Wolves playoff wishes were vanquished.

Game MVP honors went to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton FB/LB Elly Salamo who rushed for 2 touchdowns and had a sack. Aman Abye was named Ironman and led all receivers with 7 receptions for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also led the Pioneers with 3 tackles on the night. Joe Kowalski made it a clean sweep of post-game awards for the Pioneers. He was named ADT Defensive Player of the game. Kowalski added a sack and 2 tackles on the evening.

Kevin Carty passed for 162 yards and 5 touchdowns on the night, while running for another TD in his starting debut. Brandon Burnside caught 5 passes for 59 yards and 2 TD's, keeping him on pace with the league leaders in receiving. Brent Burnside caught 3 passes for 44 yards and a TD in his first game back. As he has done all season long, Carlos McLaurin led Wolves defenders with 5.5 tackles.

Mohegan returns home for the final time this season when they welcome the Rochester Brigade (6-8) to the den. Although the Wolves can't make the playoffs, they can spoil Rochester's playoff hopes with a victory. The game has been dubbed "Fan Appreciation Night" and numerous prizes and items will be given away. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

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