Wranglers Win!!!
June 2, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
UNIONDALE, NY - The Austin Wranglers snapped a four-game losing streak in dominant fashion, scoring a new team-record 82 points in their 82-54 victory over the New York Dragons at Nassau Coliseum in front of 8,391. Tonight's victory was Austin's first over a National Conference - Eastern Division opponent this season and their first road victory in 2007.
Quickly getting on the board first were the Wranglers, thanks to a Joseph Oniwor forced fumble, stripping the ball from New York kickoff returner DeShane Dennis on the opening kickoff. The fumble was recovered by Otis Amey and taken in for a seven -yard touchdown. Sadly, Austin kicker Mark Lewis missed the extra point, which ended a streak of 48 consecutive made extra points, setting the score at just 6-0.
Although the teams would trade score for score throughout the first quarter, Austin began to pull away, scoring 27 points in the second quarter to New York's 13.
Wranglers star receiver Derrick Lewis tallied three touchdowns in the first half, en route to scoring a new personal record of five in a single game. He also broke his previous team and career record for receiving yards as he recorded 113 more to bring his 2007 total to 1,501 yards. He stands just seven catches shy of breaking former Wrangler Darrin Chiaverini's single-season record of 114 receptions. Lewis has three more games to break and extend this record.
Austin's offense was guided by quarterback Lang Campbell who notched his first victory as the team's starter. In just his fifth AFL game, he was 19-of-30 for 250 yards and eight touchdowns. Notably, he also didn't throw any interceptions. Austin has won every game this season in which they don't throw an interception.
In addition, the Wranglers did not commit one turnover, while causing five Dragons turnovers. Causing havoc on defense for Austin was the entire secondary of Damon Mason, Erin Damond and Toure' Carter who had a combined seven pass breakups in the game. Mason was named the Defensive Player of the Game having made 7.5 tackles, one pass breakup and an interception with a 10-yard return.
Also picking off New York was "Jack" linebacker Sakeen Wright who had four tackles and the Wranglers second interception of the night with a 36-yard return. Wright would have scored on the play, but chose to run around near the end zone to wipe time off the clock.
Also performing well all over the field for Austin was Amey who not only returned the fumbled opening kickoff in for a touchdown, but also ran in for a one-yard score while catching six passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He was named the Ironman of the Game for his performance.
Sedrick Robinson continued to excel on special teams, as he returned seven kickoffs for 190 yards and a touchdown. He extended his AFL record to 28 kickoff return touchdowns in his career. He also made one special teams tackle.
Although Austin did most of the scoring in tonight's game, New York's quarterback Aaron Garcia still managed to throw for 28-of-42 for 305 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. His sixth touchdown pass, which came early in the third quarter, put him over 800 touchdowns on his career. He is the fourth player in AFL history to achieve this honor.
With tonight's victory, Austin moves to 4-9 while New York drops to 6-7 on the season.
Austin returns home for "Fan Appreciation Night" on Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center to host the Georgia Force. Great seats are still available by calling the Austin Wranglers Box Office at 512.339.3939 or by visit www.austinwranglers.com.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2007
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