Wolves travel to Wilkes-Barre for showdown Saturday night
July 9, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Manchester Wolves News Release
MANCHESTER, N.H. (July 9, 2004) - The Manchester Wolves (arenafootball2) face another crucial road test this Saturday (July 10) when they travel to Wilkes-Barre, PA to take on their Northeast Division rivals, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. The Wolves (5-7) are looking to build on the momentum gained from their most recent home victory against Louisville and keep their playoff hopes alive. This Saturday's game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.
Fans who want to cheer on the Wolves from their homes in New Hampshire can listen to the action live on WFEA AM 1370. Local radio veteran Dick Lutsk will provide the play-by-play. Also, thanks to TEAMLINE, fans from around the world are now able to listen to the Wolves on the internet for FREE. It doesn't matter where you are, anyone with internet access can now hear all the live action of a Wolves game by visiting manchesterwolves.com and clicking on the TEAMLINE link at the lower left corner of the page. It's that easy. Fans can also access the Wolves' game broadcasts using any telephone for a minimal fee by calling TEAMLINE at 1-800-846-4700 and entering Team Code: 4084.
The Wolves face a formidable foe ahead in W-B/Scranton, a team that is well balanced and tied with three other teams for the best overall record in the league at 9-3. The Pioneers are currently No. 2 in the arenafootball2 league rankings, as voted on in the most recent weekly af2 Coaches' Poll. The Pioneers have a strong defense, a solid offense, and a great kicking game. OL/DL Ufuoma Pela and DS Kyle Grove lead the W-B/Scranton defensive unit that allows just 41.8 points per game (5th best in af2). Pela ranks tied for fifth in the league in tackles for loss (7.5) while Grove ranks among the league's elite in tackles (4th - 66.5) and passes defended (4th - 21). On offense, QB Tim Hicks and OS J.R. Thomas are the ones to watch for the Pioneers. Hicks ranks third in the league in pass rating at 119.5 and has thrown 59 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Thomas ranks tied for second in the af2 in receptions (91), fifth in receiving yards (1,205) and ninth in scoring (162 points - 27 TDs, 23 receiving, 4 returns). K David Davis will also play a factor for W-B/Scranton. Davis is one of the most reliable kickers in the af2, connecting on 9-of-13 field goals and 59-of-68 extra points.
The Wolves are led by quarterback Chris Sanders, who is the unquestioned leader of the offense. Two weeks ago Sanders had a strong game in the team's home win against Louisville, throwing for 235 yards and five touchdowns. Sanders also ran for two scores. The last time these two teams met, Sanders struggled, throwing three interceptions in a 57-41 road defeat. He'll need to be sharp this week for the Wolves to compete. Sanders currently ranks among the league's elite in passing yards per game (5th - 257.0 ypg) and total offense (4th - 3,182 yards). He's also thrown a team-record 53 touchdown passes, shattering the old mark of 41 set in 2002 by Cable Davis.
With the departure of veteran OS George Williams, rookie receivers Reggie Robinson (51 catches, 653 yards, 11 TDs) and Henry Frazier (45 catches, 689 yards, 10 TDs) have settled right in and more than picked up his pace. Newcomer J.J. McKelvey also gives the Wolves another big target on offense. On defense, the Wolves feel better about their chances with veterans Allistair Sebastien (DS), Kelvin Fuller (FB/LB) and Vernon Crawford (OL/DL) leading the charge. All three have missed games at different points of the season but are now healthy and hungry to make a difference.
"Wilkes-Barre is a real tough opponent, but I'm only concerned with my team at this point," Wolves Head Coach Ron Hill said. "We've had a good week of practice and the guys know what's at stake. If we take care of the ball, I think we'll be in good shape."
Next Home Game - Friday, July 16 vs. Cape Fear Wildcats - "70's Night"
Fans are invited to join the Wolves for their next home game on Friday, July 16 against the Cape Fear Wildcats at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Remember, it's 70's Night and everyone is invited to don their finest duds from back in the day. Kick-off for this event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a FREE travel mug, courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts, Bank of New Hampshire and Cool 96.5 FM. To get in the game, purchase your tickets today at the Verizon Wireless Arena box office or through Ticketmaster at 603-868-7300, at Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Adult seats start as low as $14 in the upper bowl while youth (12-and-under) and senior (65-and-over) tickets start at just $9.50.
For more information on the Wolves, fans can contact the team at 603.627.WOLF (9653) or visit them on the web at www.manchesterwolves.com.
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