Coyotes Announce 4th Annual Kids Dance Clinic

The Central Valley Coyotes invite children of the Valley to take part in the 4th Annual Central Valley Coyotes Dance Clinic on May 10th.

Come join the Coyote Girls Dance Team as they will teach participants at dance routine which the kids will perform during that evenings game. May 10th at Selland Arena the Coyotes will be hosting their interstate foe the Stockton Lightning in the second installment of the 2008 "Golden State Rivalry."

Children ages 5-16 are invited to attend the dance clinic and pre-registration is going now until May 6th for just $30. After May 6th registration will cost $40, so sign up as soon as possible. Payments need to be cash or credit card only, sorry no checks.

Special Guest At Tulsa Talons' Game On May 3

Tulsa Mayor, Kathy Taylor will be joining the Talons on the field Saturday, May 3rd, as a part of "Tulsa Gives" night. As an Honorary guest, the Mayor will be conducting the Coin Toss to begin the night's activities. The Talons are teaming up with the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the Make a Wish Foundation as they host the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings.

OBI is the community blood supply, a NON-PROFIT blood center that supplies blood to hospitals and the hundreds of patients that they care for and serve. By donating you have the power to affect the life of someone in need, one blood donation can help as many as three patients and possibly save you own life. The OBI Bloodmobile will be there from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. giving our fans a chance to give the Ultimate Gift, the gift of Life.

Wells Promoted To Offensive Coordinator, Wallwork Relieved Of Coaching

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Lightning of the arenafootball2 league announced Tony Wells has been promoted from Assistant Coach to Offensive Coordinator. In conjunction, it was announced Josh Wallwork has been relieved of his duties as Offensive Coordinator.

"We're grateful for the time and efforts that Josh put in with the Lightning and this decision to move in a different direction in regards to our coaching personnel was a tough decision, but the move was strictly based on the numbers we're facing," said Lightning head coach Doug Murray. "Our numbers are near the bottom of every offensive category and we haven't been scoring. We felt it was best to change the face and voice of the offense and we're confident it will create a paradigm shift for this team."

Blizzard Moves Into First Place

After a dominating 52-35 over divisional foe Quad City Steamwheelers, the Green Bay Blizzard have moved into a tie for first place in the Midwest Division of the American Conference (3-2 overall, 1-0 division). The two other teams tied with the Blizzard are the Louisville Fire (3-2 overall, 2-1 division) and the expansion Lexington Horsemen (3-2 overall, 1-2 division). The Blizzard and Fire will meet for the first time this season on June 14th in Louisville.

Kalamazoo Up 1.5 Games on Muskegon

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- With a 27-10 loss to the Chicago Slaughter on Friday, the Muskegon Thunder have dropped to one and a half games behind the Xplosion in the Great Lakes East Division. The two will meet this Saturday, May 3 at Wings Stadium at 7:30 PM.

Muskegon still holds a chip on its shoulder as the only team to have beat the Xplosion in the 2008 season, with a 44-37 overtime win over Kalamazoo at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon on April 4.

Grizzlies bitten again by Hammerheads, 55-37

ROBSTOWN - The Corpus Christi Hammerheads improved to 5-1 and it came at the expense of the Fairbanks Grizzlies Saturday night.

The Hammerheads scored when they had to and their defense was stingy in the red zone. When the dust finally settled in this rematch with the Grizzlies, the Hammerheads owned a 55-37 victory.

Receiver Ed Giddings set the tone of the ball game by hauling in 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dustin Almond in the game's first play from scrimmage.

Philadelphia's Jackson Goes For 300 During The Broad Street Brawl

NEW YORK - Philadelphia Soul WR CHRIS JACKSON needs two receiving touchdowns to become the third player in AFL history with 300 career. Jackson can do so when the Soul (8-0)

welcome the Dallas Desperados (7-0) to the Wachovia Spectrum in "The Broad Street Brawl" on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2 HD, ESPN360.com).

In the first matchup between two teams with records of 7-0 or better, Jackson can become the second player to reach the 300 plateau this season. Chicago Rush WR DAMIAN HARRELL reached the milestone in Week 2.

Crush Lose Unlucky Number 13 To Rush 65-52

DENVER, Colo. - For the second year in a row the Chicago Rush (7-2) was able to secure a season sweep of the Colorado Crush (3-5) with a 65-52 win at Pepsi Center Friday night.

Rush WR Damian Harrell made his presence felt in his return to Denver as the AFL's all-time leader in touchdowns added two to his resume to go along with 72 yards on eight catches. Harrell spent five seasons in Colorado before being picked up by the Rush in the off-season via free agency and his return only added to one of the league's best rivalries.

Down Time At The Right Time For Thunder

FRISCO, Tex. (April 23, 2008) - - � In this case, Frisco Thunder Head Coach Troy Esprit doesn't mind the rest of the league catching up with his team.

The Thunder enters its two-week bye period after starting the season earlier then the rest of the Intense Football League and playing at least two more games than everyone else. Fairbanks has played six games and the other eight teams have played five.

While Frisco's taking a much-deserved break, every one will add two more weeks of bumps and bruises to their bodies as the 2008 season continues.

Edmonton Eskimos Champions in the Community schedule

The following Edmonton Eskimo player will be appearing at events in our community:

Date: Monday, April 28, 2008

Player: J.R. LaRose

Event: Comfree Stay in School

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: St. Charles Catholic Elementary School. 10423 - 73 Ave. (Edmonton).

Date: Monday, April 28, 2008

Player: Shannon Garrett

Event: Comfree Stay in School.

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Northmount Elementary School. 14020 - 88a Street. (Edmonton)

Rampage Welcome KC in Crucial Central Division Game Friday

The Grand Rapids Rampage will welcome the Kansas City Brigade tomorrow night (April 25) in a crucial Central Division rivalry game at Van Andel Arena. With a win, the Rampage (2-5) will gain a two-game advantage over the Brigade (1-6) in the race for the American Conference's sixth and final playoff spot.

Friday night's game also marks a rematch of the Week 4 contest between the same two teams, when Grand Rapids earned a 92-52 victory in Kansas City. In that game, Rampage quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) tied a team record with nine touchdown passes, as Grand Rapids set an AFL record for points scored by a visiting team. The Brigade will not be pushovers, however, as each of Kansas City's other six games have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Last week, Grand Rapids dropped its third straight game in a 55-52 heartbreaker against the Chicago Rush. Down three points, the Rampage had an opportunity to take the lead with less than a minute remaining when Rush defensive back Dennison Robinson broke up a fourth-down pass intended for Grand Rapids receiver Anthony Hines (West Palm Beach, Fla.) in the end zone.

In that same game, the Rampage lost yet another fullback to injury, as Alan Krutulis (Stewartsville, N.J.) was placed on the team's injured reserve list earlier this week. Terrell Browden (Baton Rouge, La.) will step into Krutulis' place, becoming Grand Rapids' sixth starting fullback in eight games. Meanwhile, the Rampage also signed defensive linemen Raheem Orr (Elizabeth, N.J.) and Ronnie Washburn (Forest City, N.C.) while placing offensive lineman Reggie Jiles (Birmingham, Ala.) on recallable waivers.

Rampage fans unable to make it to Van Andel Arena can hear every snap of Friday's game against the Brigade with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com beginning at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).

Tailgate Party On May 4th To Benefit Elliot Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department

The Manchester Wolves invite their young fans and those who are young at heart to join them for a special pre-game extravaganza on May 4th featuring complimentary children's entertainment and other activities, with proceeds going to the future Pediatric Emergency Department at Manchester's Elliot Hospital.

Elm Street, the main thoroughfare in the city, will be closed to traffic and the big tailgate party will be held in front of the Verizon Wireless Arena where the arenafootball2 team plays all of its home games on Brady Sullivan Field. The free event is open to the public.

The tailgate, which will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., features face painters and children's amusements including a moonwalk, rock wall, kiddie obstacle course and an inflatable slide provided by Dwight Damon Entertainment. Chill Day Spa in Manchester will offer special services and the music will be courtesy of WZID Radio and The Mill. T-Bones Restaurants will offer menu selections with a portion of the sales benefiting the future pediatric unit and additional sponsors include Oakhurst Dairy and Racing Limos.

For those 21 and older, Murphy's Taproom, which is across the street from the arena, will be the scene for a pre-game party with beverage and food specials.

Following the big tailgate party, the Wolves will host the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds in an af2 match-up at 4:00 p.m. For the contest, Wolves players will all wear jerseys specially designed by children in the current pediatric unit at the hospital, and after the game, the team will literally give the shirts off their backs.

The actual game jerseys will be auctioned to fans in attendance with the proceeds going to fund the future Pediatric Emergency Room at the Elliot Hospital.

"Elliot is proud of our affiliation with the Manchester Wolves and is looking forward the event," said Susanna Whitcher, vice president of public affairs and marketing for the hospital. "As a local non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our community to support the development of a new Pediatric Emergency Department. The Wolves appreciate the need for emergency care geared specifically for children, and with this event, they are helping Elliot to realize our vision."

During the tailgate party, pediatricians from the Elliot Hospital will be on hand to mingle with the fans and the hospital will staff a booth.

U.S. Army Passing Clinic, U.S. Army Night Announced

GRAND RAPIDS - For the second consecutive year, the Rampage will continue its support of high school football throughout Michigan by hosting the U.S. Army Passing Clinic. On June 7, high school coaches and players will pour into Van Andel Arena to take part in this free clinic, which will feature an appearance by former Detroit Lions Pro Bowl receiver and current Rampage front office staff member Herman Moore.

The clinic, which will take place from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. EDT, provides high school athletes with the chance to learn passing and receiving fundamentals from coaches and players in a league where passing and accurate route running are vital to a team's success. All participants will also receive lunch and two tickets to that night's Arena Football League game, when the Rampage will welcome their Central Division rivals, the Colorado Crush.

Additionally, the Rampage will honor the men and women who serve their country this Friday night during U.S. Army Night. Representatives from the U.S. Army's Grand Rapids Recruiting Company will be on hand during the Rampage's home tilt against the Kansas City Brigade, and will take part in the ceremonial coin toss and national anthem ceremony.

Geathers Named Ironman, Glover Traded

SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 23, 2008) - San Jose SaberCats' receiver/linebacker Jason Geathers parlayed his multi-faceted performance last Friday against Utah into being named the AFL's Ironman of the Week, the league announced.

Geathers (6-2, 202, Miami) gobbled up a pair of Blaze fumbles, returning one for a 9-yard score, and caught a 34-yard TD while also being tabbed the Ironman of the Game on April 18 in Salt Lake City. The fumble return was the first defensive TD of his career.

"I was just sticking to my assignment of shadowing the quarterback," said Geathers, who is in his third year with the team. "The ball got loose and I was already headed in that direction so it was an easy scoop and score."

With the free substitution rule being implemented in 2007, many traditional two-way AFL players have realigned to their primary position and some have been phased out of the game completely. Geathers has managed to make an impact on both sides of the ball and has scored a TD three different ways in 2008 (rushing, receiving, defensive). During his four years as a Miami Hurricane, Geathers played both receiver and tailback.

Although he registered only one reception in the contest, it came at a key point in the game as the SaberCats were trailing the Blaze 10-7 to open the second quarter. The catch at the goal line was the only opportunity Geathers got on offense.

"That's what I live for," Geathers stated, who admits he would rather play offense than defense. "When your number is called you have to make a play and this time it was a big one."

Geathers has started four games at wide receiver this season, collecting 36 balls for 360 yards and 5 TDs, including an 18-catch outing on April 5 versus New Orleans. He has now started two straight games at 'Jack' linebacker and registered 5.5 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in that role.

The SaberCats also traded FB/LB Phil Glover to the Tampa Bay Storm on Monday for offensive lineman Jonathan Dunn and activated offensive lineman Sean Estrada (6-3, 305, Pennsylvania) from Refused to Report.

Dunn (6-7, 328, Virginia Tech) was drafted in the 7th round (217th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2005. He has also spent time with the New York Giants is currently on the Detroit Lion's practice squad.

A premiere franchise in the Arena Football League, San Jose has won three ArenaBowl championships and captured seven Western Division titles, eight consecutive playoff appearances and owns the league's best regular season record this decade.

Blaze Make Roster Moves In Preparation For Next Game

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze today signed DB CARLTON BROWN (5-11, 183, Jackson State) from the practice squad, activated OL ROB GATRELL (6-4, 306, Fresno State) from injured reserve, and waived DL JOHN CULP (6-5, 301, Kansas), OL JAKE KURESA (6-4, 315, BYU) and LB COREY DODDS (6-2, 245, Utah).

BROWN has played in three games this season with Utah where he has recorded 8.5 total tackles and one pass breakup.

GATRELL played offensive lineman in seven games last year with the Blaze.

CULP played for Utah in 2006 and 2007. Last season, he played in all 16 games where he recorded 1.5 total tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and two blocked kicks.

KURESA joined the Blaze this season and has seen action in one game.

DODDS has also spent this season with the Blaze and has seen action in two games where he has recorded 6.0 total tackles and one pass breakup.

Fourth-Quarter Comeback Falls Short as Rampage Lose, 55-52

CHICAGO - After experiencing five consecutive blowout games, the Grand Rapids Rampage found themselves on the losing end of a thrilling 55-52 game against the Chicago Rush this afternoon. Down by three points inside the final minute of play, the Rampage failed to convert on a fourth-and-four play in Rush territory, sealing their fate.

Behind by nine points entering the fourth quarter, the Rampage fought back to take a five point lead. Chicago defensive back Dennison Robinson logged a timely interception on a pass that caromed off of the iron supporting the nets behind the end zone, however, sending the Rush to their sixth straight win over Grand Rapids.

Both offenses utilized methodical drives effectively early in the game, as Chicago and Grand Rapids traded scores through the first quarter. Rush receiver Donovan Morgan started things off with a 26-yard touchdown reception on Chicago's opening play. Grand Rapids answered when quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) plunged into the end zone from one-yard out to cap a six-play drive.

Not to be outdone, Chicago strung together a nine-play drive of its own to retake the lead, 13-7. But Waukegan, Ill., native Jermaine Lewis responded with a 16-yard scoring catch, giving the visitors a 14-13 lead early in the second quarter.

Following a Dan Alexander three-yard touchdown carry, Chicago earned the game's first defensive stop when it forced Grand Rapids to settle for a 21-yard field goal. The Rampage turned the tables on the Rush on the very next drive, however, as linebacker Ronald "Rock" Dillon (Memphis, Tenn.) intercepted Rush quarterback Russ Michna. An Anthony Hines (West Palm Beach, Fla.) three-yard touchdown reception gave Grand Rapids its biggest lead of the half, 24-20.

Needing to tally the always important last score of the half, Chicago marched down the field on its next drive, taking the clock down to just five seconds before regaining the lead, 27-24, at halftime.

Grand Rapids surrendered its first turnover of the game on the opening drive of the second half when a botched snap exchange led to a fumble recovery by Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo. Chicago converted on the opportunity, as Michna scrambled for a one-yard score. The Rampage refused to fall apart, however, as receiver Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.) made an acrobatic leaping catch to pull the visitors back within three.

Morgan continued his strong game on Chicago's next possession, pulling in his second 26-yard score of the afternoon. A blocked extra point by Rampage defensive lineman Donovan Arp (Murray, Utah) held the Rush lead to 40-31 entering the game's final 15 minutes.

Higgins exploded in the fourth quarter, recording a 26-yard touchdown to bring Grand Rapids within two points. The Rampage then retook the lead thanks to their fourth net recovery of the season. Kicker Brian Gowins' (Birmingham, Ala.) kickoff reached the nets and eluded Rush return man Travis LaTendresse, bouncing into the arms of Rampage defensive back Chris Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Lewis' second touchdown catch of the night sent the visitors to their biggest lead of the night, 45-40.

Both teams' star receivers exchanged scores, as Morgan and Higgins found the end zone with touchdown catches. Grand Rapids then gained an opportunity to put the game away when Morgan coughed up the football in Chicago territory. Unfortunately for the Rampage, however, MacPherson's pass two plays later ricocheted off of the fingertips of Lewis, off of the iron, and into the waiting arms of Robinson.

Following a Harrell 14-yard touchdown reception, Grand Rapids slowly marched down the field for what may have proved to be a game-winning touchdown. The Rush defense stiffened, however, and Robinson's fourth-down pass breakup closed out the Rampage's chance at the victory.

Grand Rapids (2-5) will continue its stretch of Central Division rivalry games Friday when it welcomes the Kansas City Brigade (1-6) to Van Andel Arena. Meanwhile, Chicago (6-2) will hit the road to take on the Colorado Crush (3-4).

Wranglers Beat Dorados 35-33

AUSTIN - The Austin Wranglers secured their first victory of the 2008 season, beating the Rio Grande Valley Dorados, 35-33, in front of 2,733 at the Frank Erwin Center.

Rio Grande Valley kept the contest close throughout the entire 60 minutes, but were unable to convert a two-point conversion and on-side kick attempt with under one minute remaining in the game, which would have tied it.

Getting off to a quick start in today's game were the Dorados who scored on heir first possession of the game, with the Wranglers answering right back. New starting quarterback Andy Hall found Mel Long in the end zone to tie up the game early.

Dorados quarterback Travis Cole got it done on the ground, taking the team in for scores of 14 and 13 yards, leading the Wranglers 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Wranglers quickly got the crowd back in the game, when Austin defensive lineman Kika Kaululaau blocked a Dorados field goal attempt, which was recovered by defensive lineman Estus Hood. This turnover prompted Austin to drive down the field for a score, from Hall to newly added wide receiver LeJuan Edwards for a 13-yard score, to tie the game.

Austin's defense continued to hang tough with the Rio Grande Valley offense, stopping Cole and the Dorados on fourth down, to get the ball back for the Wranglers. Unable to convert on fourth down, Austin turned the ball over to Rio Grande Valley with less than one minute remaining in the half. Attempting a couple of long passes, the Dorados weren't able to score as time expired, keeping the scored knotted at 14-14.

Going ahead early in the third quarter were the Wranglers, when Hall found Long for his second score of the game. Austin got the ball back again, but Hall threw an interception to Rio Grande Valley jack linebacker, Travis McAlpine, to end the drive.

To begin the fourth quarter the Wranglers and Dorados traded fumbles in their opposing red zones, but both came up short. Rio Grande Valley scored the first points of the quarter on a 26-yard connection from Cole to wide receiver Jermaine Carpenter. The Dorados kicker Dustin Bell was not able to convert the extra point thanks to Hood's block.

Austin was able to answer back, moving the ball the length of the field, with Hall finding Long again, for their third score of the game. International kicker for the Wranglers Keita Iizuka nailed the extra point, giving the Wranglers a 28-17 lead.

The Dorados were getting desperate as they were driving down the field, but hometown favorite, defensive lineman Barrett Dallmeyer recovered a fumble, to give the Wranglers the ball back.

This led to a quarterback sneak to go ahead in the game, as Hall took the ball one yard for the touchdown. Iizuka made the extra point, scoring the Wranglers final points of the contest.

On one final push, Rio Grande Valley's Cole found wide receiver Eddie Jackson for a 23-yard touchdown, but the offense was unable to convert the two-point conversion, ending the Dorados hopes.

The Austin Wranglers move to 1-4 on the season while the Rio Grande Valley Dorados fall to 1-2. Austin travels to Oklahoma City next Sunday to face the Yard Dawgz at 3 p.m.

Other Notes: The Manglers made their first appearance of the 2008 season, dancing to "Jump-On-It" during the fourth quarter.

Rush Outlasts Rampage, 55-52

After beating the Grand Rapids Rampage by 29 points in Michigan earlier this year, the Rush might have thought that the return encounter Sunday at Allstate Arena would be easy.

That thinking would have been wrong.

A tight battle throughout, Chicago (6-2) emerged with a last-second 55-52 win over Grand Rapids (2-5), secured by two great defensive plays and a spectacular effort by wide receiver Donovan Morgan.

Trailing 52-48 with five minutes left in the game, the Rush began a drive deep in its own territory. Quarterback Russ Michna hit Morgan with a short pass over the middle, but the receiver lost the ball and it was recovered by Grand Rapids defensive back William Haith with 4:23 remaining.

Grand Rapids quarterback James McPherson has a chance to put the game out of reach but his pass in the end zone to Anthony Hines rebounded off the lower crossbar and bounced all the way to the Rush 2-yard line. The ball appeared as though it would hit the ground incomplete, but defensive back Dennison Robinson sprinted and extended himself, catching the ball for a Rush interception.

That opportunity was all Michna needed. He drove the Rush downfield and hit Damian Harrell with an 11-yard TD pass to give the Rush a 55-52 lead with 1:32 to play.

Grand Rapids still had a chance to regain the lead, but the Rush defense and a raucous sellout crowd of 16,112 refused to let that happen. On fourth-and-five from the Rush 20-yard line, Grand Rapids decided to go for the win and not a game-tying field goal. McPherson launched a pass into the endzone toward Hines, but Robinson knocked the ball away to give Chicago possession. The Rush took over and was able to run out the clock to secure the win.

Despite his fourth quarter fumble, Morgan had a spectacular game with 10 receptions for 149 yards and 4 touchdowns.

"Once we got the ball back after the interception, I was hoping they would continue to come my way," Morgan said. "I fumbled the last one but I wanted another chance and Coach Ho believed in me. They came back to me (with a 21-yard pass) and I was able to help out on the last drive.

"I had no idea I was going to have this kind of game today. But once I started to get involved I knew they weren't going to stop me. They were bracketing Damian (Harrell) and I took advantage of the coverage."

The Rush improved to 6-2 with the win and is 2 ½ games ahead of Colorado in the Central Division of the American Conference.

The first half did not go as planned for the Rush.

The Rampage matched the Rush score-for-score in the early going and was determined not to be pushed around. Michna got the Rush on the board with a 26-yard TD pass to Morgan on the first play from scrimmage, but Grand Rapids tied it when McPherson pushed it into the endzone form a yard out to culminate a 6-play, 45-yard drive.

The Rush came back with its own long drive and regained the lead when versatile DeJuan Alfonzo swept outside and ran into the endzone from a yard out for a 1-yard TD run.

Grand Rapids answered back as McPherson hit wideout Jermaine Lewis with a 16-yard TD pass.

The Rush continued the back-and-forth nature of the game when bruising Dan Alexander pounded into the endzone from 3 yards out. Grand Rapid followed with a Gowins 21-yard field goal and the Rampage took advantage of a Michna interception to take 24-20 lead.

That score woke up the Rush just before halftime as Michna led a 6-play, 47 yard drive. He hit Morgan with a 6-yard scoring pass with just 5 seconds left in the half to give Chicago a slim 27-24 advantage at the break.

RUSH NOTES: Michna played in place of starter Sherdrick Bonner who sat out with a knee injury. Michna completed 28-of-33 passes for 300 yards with 5 TDs and 1 interception. ... Despite being double-covered throughout the game, Harrell caught 9 passes for 66 yards. ... Crowd-pleasing tight end Robert Boss caught 2 passes for 27 and pancaked tacklers after both receptions. ... McPherson was on top of his game for the Rampage. He threw for 272 yards and had 6 touchdowns. ... The Rush travels to Colorado to take on the Crush on Friday night.