Xplorers host struggling Steeldogs
June 17, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
Southaven, MS-The Memphis Xplorers of the af2 will host the Birmingham Steeldogs this Saturday night at the DeSoto Civic Center at 7:00pm.
Memphis (9-1, 1st place in Mid-West Division of the National Conference) is coming off one of their most exciting wins in franchise history. This past Saturday the "X-men" came from behind to avenge their only loss in 2005 to beat the Quad City Steamwheelers in overtime. Memphis trailed by 13 points with less than two minutes to go, before rallying to tie the game, and sending it into overtime. In overtime, Memphis won the coin toss and took possession of the ball first. The Xplorers scored on a seven-play drive, and then intercepted the Steamwheelers in the end zone to end the game.
Birmingham (1-9) has been having trouble all season long to get into the win column. They are currently in last place in points allowed (59.1 per game), and turnover margin (-15). Their only glimpse of good football came in week nine, when the Steeldogs defeated Green Bay 55-26.
The Xplorers and Steeldogs met in week four of this season in Birmingham. Memphis was 0-3 all time against Birmingham entering the contest, before silencing the Steeldogs 60-24.
"I realized how good we are tonight," said Xplorers Head Coach Danton Barto back in April. "I am very excited to beat Birmingham for the first time."
Offensive Specialist Kevin Prentiss earned the Offensive MVP of the game, with seven catches for 111 yards and four touchdowns. Scott Cunningham won the Army Ironman of the game for 21-yard reception and six tackles. The ADT Defensive Player was Dahnel Singfield, who intercepted a Birmingham pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.
"Birmingham has been struggling this season, but you still cannot take them lightly," said Barto. "We need to play smart football, which is something we haven't done lately. The guys have had a good week of practice, and we are definitely prepared for this team."
The DeSoto Civic Center will have an assortment of entertaining activities and promotions for the fans. Covington Pike Scion will offer a lucky fan a chance to win a brand new Scion in the football toss contest. The Arby's Oven Mitt will be at the game handing out coupons and participating in a messy eater contest. Also, the first 1,500 fans will receive a team poster of your 2005 Xplorers!
Game time is scheduled for 7:05 pm, with the doors opening at 6:00 pm. Single game tickets start as low as $7 and can be purchased by calling 662-342-1755, visiting the DeSoto Civic Center box office, or by logging onto www.TicketMaster.com today. Memphis Xplorers Arena Football! Back in Black!
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