Xplorers Weekly Update
June 23, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN, Miss â The Memphis Xplorers defeated the Louisville Fire 52-40 in front of 7,771 fans at Freedom Hall this past Saturday night. Adrian Burnette had five TD receptions and 150 yards receiving to lead Memphis to the win. The victory improved the Xplorers' record to 4-7 on the year. Memphis travels to Bossier City to tangle with the Battle Wings this Friday night. The Xplorers return home on Saturday, July 5th, to battle the Tennessee Valley Vipers at the DeSoto Civic Center, located just 15 minutes south of downtown Memphis. For tickets call (662) 280-3737 or go online at www.xplorersaf2.com.
NEXT UP
· The Xplorers travel to Bossier City for a Friday night game against the Battle Wings at the CenturyTel Center. The Xplorers beat Bossier City 62-35 earlier this season at the DCC on May 30th and are 2-2 all-time against the Battle Wings.
TOUGH ROAD AHEAD
· The Xplorers have already played six of their eight scheduled home games and have posted a 3-3 record. Memphis will close the season with three of their final five games on the road. The Xplorers got off to a good start this past Saturday night with a 52-40 win at Louisville to pick up their first win on the road this season, improving to 1-4 away from the DCC.
WELCOME BACK
· The Xplorers went 1-2 while starting QB Rod Robinson was out of the lineup with a knee injury. Robinson returned this past Saturday night and led Memphis to a 52-40 win over Louisville. Robinson was 18-26 passing for 243 yards and 6 TDs in his return.
SEASON HIGH
· After being held to one sack in each of the last two games the Xplorers exploded for a season high six sacks in a 52-40 win over Louisville this past Saturday night. FB/LB Ron Simone led the way with two sacks. Memphis is currently T1st in af2 with 25 total sacks on the season.
af2 RECORD
· Louisville defensive specialist Arkee Thompson recorded his 26th career interception this past Saturday night in the Fire's 52-40 loss to Memphis. The interception total sets a new arenafootball2 record, breaking the old mark set by Richmond's Tyrone Laster (2000-2002).
MEMPHIS 52, LOUISVILLE 40 JUNE 21st, DESOTO CIVIC CENTER
LOUISVILLE, Ky., -- Adrian Burnette had 11 catches for 150 yards and five touchdowns to help lead the Memphis Xplorers past the Louisville Fire 52-40 in front of 7,771 fans at Freedom Hall. Burnette earned game MVP honors. The only other Memphis touchdown of the night came courtesy of Terrell Adams, who had five catches for 75 yards. Xplorers quarterback Rod Robinson, in his first game back off injured reserve, completed 18 of 36 passes for 243 yards and six touchdown passes. Louisville quarterback Pookie Jones, also in his first game since returning from a lengthy stint in injured reserve, was 18 of 34 for 257 yards with three touchdowns. Alfonzo Browning led the Fire in receiving with five catches for 56 yards. Dennis Fryzel added four catches for 86 yards with two touchdowns. Demont Smith had two catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Memphis jumped out to a 16-6 lead in the first quarter, but the Fire narrowed the gap to 28-20 at the half. The teams traded 8-point scores in the third quarter, and the Robinson to Burnette combination took over in the fourth quarter, scoring twice to put the game out of reach. Louisville defensive specialist Arkee Thompson recorded his 26th career interception, an arenafootball2 record, breaking the old mark set by Richmond's Tyrone Laster (2000-2002). FINAL SCORE Memphis 52, Louisville 40. MVP â Adrian Burnette. IRONMAN â Ron Simone. ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER â Arkee Thompson.
Records
Memphis 4-7
Louisville 3-9
XPLORERS TICKETS
· For ticket information and purchases call (662) 280-3737 or go online to www.xplorersaf2.com .
XPLORERS PRACTICE TIMES
· The Xplorers will practice Tuesday and Wednesday inside the DeSoto Civic Center this week. All practices begin at 8 p.m. and are open to the media.
XPLORERS APPEARANCES
· Tuesday, June 24th, 1:30 p.m. â The Xplorers will be at St. Jude Children's Hospital for a check presentation of the proceeds from the jersey auction, sponsored by Hollywood Casino, which took place after the Birmingham game on June 14th.
· Tuesday, June 24th, 2 p.m. - The Xplorers will be going to the Germantown Branch of the Memphis Library as part of their Summer Reading Club.
ON THE AIR
· Catch the Xplorers on the air this coming Friday night against the Bossier City Battle Wings on Y96.1 FM. Pre-game begins at 7:15 p.m. with the kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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