Xplorers Dominate Season Opener
April 4, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
Bossier-Shreveport, LA-The Memphis Xplorers of the af2 opened the season in impressive form, destroying the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings 63-24 at the CenturyTel Center in Louisiana.
The Xplorers looked rusty on the first play of the game as Battle Wings quarterback Caleb Slover found former Xplorer Adrienne Burnette for a 37-yard touchdown. Memphis quickly responded with a Kevin Prentiss touchdown from quarterback Brian Jones. Then OL/DL Khreem Smith got his first of three sacks on the day, although this one resulted in a safety.
The Xplorers began to pull away after that, adding two Steven Azar field goals, and another Prentiss touchdown. Memphis put together a 16 point lead in the second quarter, before Bossier put together a touchdown drive and fell on a fumble in the end zone that cut the lead to two at 26-24. Bossier would not score again. The Xplorers put another touchdown on the board before halftime to lead by nine at 33-24.
In the second half, Memphis was clicking on all cylinders. The Xplorers shut out the Battle Wings for 30 minutes and put 30 points on the board at the same time. WR/DB Terrance Quattlebaum caught his first touchdown pass with Memphis early in the second half. Bossier than began to turn the ball over on nearly every possession, setting up two more Azar field goals, and a Terrell Adams 32-yard score.
Jones was voted the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive MVP of the game throwing for 271 yards on 20 pass completions. He added five passing touchdowns and one rushing TD as well. His favorite target was Adams who had six receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Quattlebaum won honors for the Army Ironman of the Game with his four catches, two touchdowns, and great defensive efforts. Place-kicker Steven Azar was perfect on the day, converting all four field goals and all seven extra points. He also added three tackles. Rookie WR/DB Scott Cunningham had two interceptions in his first af2 game.
Head Coach Danton Barto commented on the Xplorers first win of the season. "I am happy to walk away with a big win over a division rival. I am optimistic that we will get much better than this. We did not play that great, but when you can play mediocre and still come away with a victory over a division opponent on the road, you feel satisfied."
The Xplorers next game is Friday on the road against the new Amarillo Dusters. The Dusters also won their season opener against the Tulsa Talons this weekend. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 CST.
The Xplorers were ten game winners in their 2004 playoff season. The home opener is Friday, April 15th against the Arkansas Twisters at the DeSoto Civic Center. For group and season ticket information call 662-393-3761. Memphis Xplorers Arena Football! Back in Black!
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