Yard Pups Come of Age
June 24, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz veteran talent and experience is the foundation of the organization. Players like Craig Strickland, Drew Mitchell, Joe Phears and James Landers came into Oklahoma City with an extensive perspective of the arena game. That wasn't the case for rookies Kris Peters, Johnell Jones and Matt Robillard, but apparently these guys have learned quickly.
Peters has proven himself to be a solid offensive specialist and even a defensive threat when asked to play both ways. This season, he has hauled in a team high 57 receptions for 775 yards and 14 touchdowns. Last week, he led the team to victory against the Laredo Law when he lined up as a WR/LB for the first time this season. Peters returned a kickoff 54 yards for a touchdown, caught one pass for 15 yards, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble on defense. He was awarded the Baby Ruth Player of the Game and US Army Ironman of the Game for his stellar performance against the Law. This is the first time in Dawgz history a player has been honored with both awards. KP is rumored to be one of the top picks for af2's Rookie of the Year this season.
"It was a special night for Kris," Head Coach Gary Reason said of his game against Laredo. "Kris isn't the biggest guy out there, but he has a lot of heart. He has had a stellar season with us so far and we hope he can continue to have this kind of performance each week."
Before Johnell Jones went on short-term injured reserve, he was a dominant force on both sides of the ball. On defense, Jones was a part of the commanding defensive line that overpowered numerous offenses. Jones tallied 9.5 tackles (7UA, 5AT) and four sacks in the nine games he participated in. Offensively, his tremendous blocking skills are one of the reasons why Strickland has enough time to find an open reciever. The 6-foot-4 lineman from Alabama State is looking to return to the roster within the next couple of weeks.
Three weeks ago he was playing for a 3-5 Peoria Pirates team that was looking for a way to turn around a season. Now, he is suiting up with the Southwest Division leaders and making a name for himself. Matt Robillard brought in four catches for 48 yards before being traded to Oklahoma City from the Pirates. Now with the Dawgz, he has tallied seven receptions for 103 yards and 18 tackles with 2 sacks. Robillard had a spectacular night in his first start as a Yard Dawgz last week against Laredo. He wrapped up four tackles (3UA, 2AT) and two sacks on defense, earning him the ADT Defensive Player of the Game. The af2 rookie also hauled in 3 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. On the first play of the game, Robillard took a Strickland screen pass 42 yards all the way to the endzone for the score.
"It was a picture perfect football play," Reasons said. "Everybody on our offense did what they were supposed to do. Craig hit Matt out to the right and he followed the blocks and took it down the field for a touchdown."
The Yard Dawgz go on the road to Columbus, Georgia this week to face the 4-5 Columbus Wardogs. The Dawgz, who have somewhat struggled on the road (2-3), look to come together and have a successful road trip to stay atop the Southwest Division.
The Dawgz return home on July 3rd as the Central Valley Coyotes come to the Dawg Pound on Independence Day weekend. Come down to the Ford Center for the tribute local heroes and start July 4th weekend with a bang. Bring family and friends to the Ford Center box office to purchase your Family Fun Pack which includes: 4 Dawgz tickets, 4 Hot Dawgz and 4 Pepsi's for the low price of $40. For tickets or further information call 228-3294.
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