Wolves Ready for Teddy Bear Toss Night

May 9, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Mohegan Wolves News Release


NEW LONDON, C.T. (May 9th, 2002)- Friday, May 10th when the Mohegan Wolves return home to take on the Albany Conquest (3-1) everyone in attendance has the opportunity to change a child's life. The game has been themed "Teddy Bear Toss Night" and anyone who brings a new teddy bear to the game will receive a $12 ticket at half price. The teddy bears will be tossed on the field at a stoppage in play during the game. The bears will be collected and after the game the Teddy Bears will be donated to two charities: The Ronald McDonald House and TVCCA Early Care & Education. The game will again feature an opportunity for Wolves fans to enter and win a Harley motorcycle from New London County Motorcycles and a hot tub courtesy of Treats Spa of Uncasville. The team will also be giving away a mother's day basket to one lucky winner. The basket will include: ¼ pound box of chocolates from Godiva of the Mohegan Sun, ½ pound box of chocolates from Godiva of the Crystal Mall, a 2 month membership from World's Gym, a Bouquet of Flowers from Fleur De' Lys of the Mohegan Sun, a Farmer's Almanac and assorted gifts from Farmers Market of the Mohegan Sun, a $100 gift certificate from Lux Bond & Green of the Mohegan Sun, dinner for two at Fidelia's restaurant in the Mohegan Sun, and 2 tickets to the Mohegan Wolves May 17th game vs. the Rochester Brigade.

THE SERIES

This is the second meeting in the series between Albany and Mohegan. Albany defeated Mohegan 29-14 on opening night in front of 5,041 Wolves fans. Albany took the opening kickoff and scored a field goal. Mohegan took the next possession and on the first play in franchise history Cable Davis connected with Brandon Burnside for a 33-yard touchdown. Brandon's twin brother Brent would add another touchdown early in the 2nd quarter when he hauled in an 11-yard pass from Davis. From that point on the Wolves would not score again and Albany racked up 23 unanswered points to seal the victory. Albany Offensive Specialist Corey Hill earned game MVP honors with 14 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. Conquest Defensive Specialist Henry Baker picked off two of Cable Davis's passes in the second half to earn ADT Defensive Player of the Game. Albany lineman Alex Houston was named Ironman of the Game. Wolves QB Cable Davis passed for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns on the night. Since the meeting Albany has defeated Rochester (42-36 on 4/13) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (34-28 on 4/20). They lost to Rochester (32-24 on 4/27). The Conquest are coming off a bye week last week. Mohegan defeated Norfolk (47-29 on 4/12) at home following the opening night loss, and then defeated Rochester (54-45 on 4/19) on the road before losing two in a row to New Haven (38-51 on 4/27) and Norfolk (51-58 in OT on 5/4). -cont'd- THE SERIES

Head Coach Gary Porter had this to say about the rematch with Albany:

"This is the biggest game of the year for us. We've got six straight divisional games, we need to go 6-0, bottom line. If we want to make a legitimate run at the Divisional title, these games are going to be extremely pivotal."

INJURY REPORT

After a tough loss to the Norfolk Nighthawks, the Wolves are pretty banged up. Back up QB Kevin Carty separated his shoulder in the second quarter of the game, and has been placed on the short term injured reserve. He entered the game when starting QB Cable Davis injured his ankle. He returned and will likely start vs. Albany. Wide Receiver/Linebacker Brian Shubin hurt his knee on his first play in a Mohegan uniform. Defensive Specialist Heron O'Neal played the second half with a concussion. He has missed practice this week due to removal of his wisdom teeth also. He will start Friday night. ROSTER REPORT

With two consecutive loses the Wolves have made a few personnel changes. OL/DL Antron Peebles was activated from refused to report and will be in uniform Friday night. Antron played at the University of Tennessee and spent the 2001 season with the Arkansas Twisters. He was signed prior to training camp but wasn't able to attend due to his job as a correctional officer in Massachusetts. He joined the team this week. FB/LB Sheldon King has been designated for re-assignment. WR/DB Troy Davidson has also been placed on suspension. The Wolves have also been assigned QB Keith Toolan from Central Connecticut State. Toolan comes in to fill the back up role made available due to Kevin Carty's injury. The Wolves have also recalled DS David Bradford from re-assignment. Bradford was one of the last cuts coming out of training camp. He attended the University of New Haven where he was a standout defensive back. The Wolves have also designated Kicker Charles Eger for re-assignment and have been assigned Kicker Shawn Maclean. Maclean attended the University of New Hampshire. Finally the Wolves have added FB/LB Ben LaBelle. LaBelle started the season with the Pensacola Barracudas. He was re-assigned at his own request so he could return home to play locally. He will start at FB/LB vs. Albany.

NEXT WEEK'S OPPONENT: Rochester Brigade (2-3) 5/17/02

Next week the Wolves will welcome the Rochester Brigade to the den. The Wolves defeated Rochester on April 19th by the score of 54-45. Cable Davis was named Game MVP after posting a career high 357 yards and 5 touchdowns while rushing for another touchdown. -cont'd- NEXT WEEK'S OPPONENT: Rochester Brigade (2-3) 5/17/02

Wolves' Defensive specialist Carlos McLaurin was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game after recording 10 tackles, and breaking up 5 passes. WR/DB Brent Burnside had his best game when he recorded 9 receptions for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass. He was named Built Ford Tough Player of the game by the coaches for his play. His twin brother Brandon had 3 receptions for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns despite only playing the first half. Since defeating Rochester, Mohegan has lost to New Haven and Norfolk while Rochester defeated Albany, and lost to New Haven. This is the second of three meetings with the Brigade. The teams will meet for the final time on July 19th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. That will be the last home game of the season for the Wolves barring any home playoff games.

WOLVES IN THE COMMUNITY

Thursday, May 9th 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. The Mohegan Wolves dancers will be at "The Spot" in Groton on the 9th as well. The dance team will arrive at 7:00 pm and will be selling and signing posters as well as raffling off tickets. On May 15th the Wolves will be attending a career day at Fitch Middle School in Groton. The Wolves will also be sponsoring a bus trip to New Haven for the next match up with the Ninjas on May 24th. The trip will cost $50. The fee will cover a ticket to the game, a Mohegan Wolves t-shirt, and free beverages on the bus. Departure time is 5:00 pm from the Crystal Mall parking lot between the Mall and Target. The deadline to sign up is May 23rd by noon. For further information on how to bring the Constitution Cup back to the den call the Mohegan Wolves offices at (860) 443-1900.



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