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Wolves Ready for Constitution Cup

May 23, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, C.T. (May 23rd, 2002)- Coming off a rough two game home stand and a even rougher four game losing the streak, the Mohegan Wolves are looking to turn their hard luck fortunes around this weekend when they travel to New Haven to take on the Ninjas. It is the second of three games this season versus the Ninjas, with the Ninjas winning the first game and the Constitution Cup, a traveling trophy awarded to the winner of each intrastate game. This will be the second time in state history that two professional football teams from Connecticut have played each other, both of which have been played in New Haven. Next weekend the Wolves host the Ninjas to wrap up the season series. The winner of the final game will retain the Cup until the 2003 season.

THE SERIES

The Wolves were defeated by the Ninjas on April 27th by the score 51-38 before a crowd of 3,626 rowdy Ninja fans. Anthony Comer was named Game MVP. He had a touchdown rushing and receiving on the night. New Haven's Kerry Taylor was named Ironman of the Game. He rushed for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 carries. Ryan Bland was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game. He had an interception and 2 passes broken up to go with 6 ½ tackles. The Wolves were led by QB Kevin Carty who relieved an injured Cable Davis before the second series of the second half. Carty passed for 191 yards and 4 touchdowns on the evening. WR/DB Brent Burnside had 6 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. He was one of four receivers for the Wolves to catch a touchdown pass in the game. Carlos McLaurin led all tacklers with seven tackles in the game. The Wolves took an early lead 10-0, but would never lead again. The Ninjas scored 28 unanswered points; the closest the Wolves would get was within 10 points when the score was 35-25. Mohegan had 5 turnovers, and 69 yards of penalties, which spelled doom for the Wolves. On the night the Wolves defense held the Ninjas to 70 yards passing, and 130 total yards of offense, while the Wolves more than doubled that with 299 yards of total offense. The loss gave the Ninjas their first win in franchise history and awarded New Haven with the Constitution Cup. New Haven will travel to the den the following weekend to round out the battle for bragging rights in Connecticut. Since defeating the Wolves, New Haven has defeated Rochester 46-28 for the first road victory in franchise history. Then, following a bye week the Ninjas were defeated by Wilkes Barre/Scranton at home, 47-43. The Wolves have lost every game since the defeat to New Haven with losses to Norfolk, Albany and Rochester.

-cont'd-

INJURY REPORT

WR/LB Brian Shubin has been placed on short-term injured reserve after injuring his knee in the loss to Norfolk. He is eligible to come off IR after this Friday night's game. OL/DL Chris Smith left the game vs. Albany with a knee injury and missed the Rochester game, he is questionable for the New Haven game. OL/DL Dan Porter injured his knee as well versus Albany when he was illegally chop blocked. He returned to the game but missed the Rochester game with the same injury. He will be a game time decision vs. the Ninjas as well. QB Kevin Carty has been activated from short-term injured reserve. He separated his shoulder in the Norfolk game and was placed on short-term injured reserve following the game. The QB who replaced Kevin, Keith Toolan, has been placed on short-term injured reserve. He injured his knee in practice and will miss the next two games. Defensive Specialist David Bradford also was placed on short injured reserve. He sprained an ankle in practice and will also miss the next two games. ROSTER REPORT

The Wolves have been assigned OL/DL Brandon Stoker from Central Missouri State. Stoker was a defensive lineman for the Fighting Mules. He played along side Wolves QB Cable Davis at Central Missouri State. The 6'4, 265 Stoker will play defensive end and tight end for the Wolves, but has the ability to play defensive tackle and guard as well. This transaction is another in an attempt to stabilize a banged up offensive/defensive line.

NEXT WEEK'S OPPONENT: New Haven Ninjas (2-4) 5/31/02

The Wolves will host the Ninjas for the only time this season next week. It will be the first of two home-at-home series for the Wolves. When Mohegan finishes up with New Haven they will host Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before traveling to Pennsylvania to take on the Pioneers.

WOLVES AND THE COMMUNITY

Thursday, May 23rd, and 30th the Mohegan Wolves will be having a team meal at Applebee's in Groton at 4:00 pm. The public is welcome to come out and meet the team and coaching staff. Friday May 31st when the Mohegan Wolves host the New Haven Ninjas, WWE star Terri will be in attendance. The diva will be doing the pre-game coin toss and also signing autographs after the game. The Wolves are also teaming up with Q-105 to promote safety through out the prom and graduation season. Players will be appearing at the Crystal Mall to sign up listeners and fans for the Prom-Promise. Every student or parent that signs up will get a chance to win a Summer Bar-B-Q at their home on June 29th. The contest starts this Sunday, and will run Saturday June 1st, Sunday June 2nd, and Sunday June 16th. For further information about how to get involved with the Mohegan Wolves, or the Wolves dancers contact the Wolves offices at (860) 443-1900.

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