GAMES ON - af2/NiFTy PARTNERSHIP CREATES NEW FREE ONLINE NETWORK: The arenafootball2 league (af2) and Network Foundation Technologies (NFT) have developed a partnership that has created a new, FREE online network to provide the league's passionate fan base an opportunity to view the af2's 2008 season live over the Internet. Thanks to the power of NFT's patented online broadcasting technology, fans across the globe are now be able to bring all the action of af2 football right to their home computer or laptop on a "Free-for-View" basis. Broadcasts began in Week 1 to rave reviews and continue in Week 10 with a 13-game slate.
TALONS TOP WEEK 10 COACHES POLL: The defending ArenaCup Champion Tulsa Talons have maintained the No. 1 ranking in the Week 10 Coaches Poll, the arenafootball2 (af2) league office announced on Wednesday. Tulsa collected 439 of a possible 448 points and 23-of-29 first place votes in securing the top spot for the 10th consecutive week. The Talons (8-0), who enjoyed a bye in Week 9, return to action Saturday night at Bossier-Shreveport (3-5). Tulsa is currently in the midst of a 16-game win streak, counting eight in a row from last season. The Talons recent run of 16 consecutive victories is the longest active win steak in af2 and the third longest in league history. The Spokane Shock (8-0, 412 points, 2 first place votes) maintained their grip on the No. 2 spot for the ninth straight week after earning a 62-42 road win over Austin. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton held firm at the No. 3 position again as well after a bye in Week 9. The Pioneers (7-1, 405 points, 4 first place votes), who play at East Division rival Manchester on Saturday, have won seven straight games by an average of 37.6 points. The Florida Firecats (7-1, 348 points) maintained their position at No. 4 after defeating South Division rival South Georgia for the second time this season, 48-33, at Germain Arena. Lubbock (6-2, 312 points) finishes out the Top-5 this week after an impressive 75-42 road win against Texas.
BOUIS APPROACHING 50: KEVIN BOUIS, in his fourth season as head coach of the Florida Firecats, is currently three wins shy of becoming the eighth coach in af2 history to reach 50 career coaching victories. He currently ranks sixth on the league's all-time win list with 47 career victories. W-B/Scranton Head Coach RICH INGOLD is the league's all-time leader in career coaching wins with 67. Arkansas' CHRIS SIEGFRIED (61) earned his 60th career victory in Week 7 when the Twisters defeated Oklahoma City, 68-25. Austin's BEN BENNETT (59) is just one win shy of the 60 career win plateau.
CARLSON takes over LIGHTNING: The Stockton Lightning announced on Tuesday that CHAD CARLSON has been named Interim Head Coach. He replaces Doug Murray, who compiled a combined record of 8-17 in two seasons (2007-08) with the Lightning. Carlson enters his third af2 head coaching venture after serving as General Manager/Head Coach for the Hawaiian Islanders (2002) and Head Coach of the Bossier City Battle Wings (2003). He compiled an overall record of 6-12 before moving on to serve as a Volunteer Coach for the Arena Football League's Colorado Crush for the remainder of the 2003 season. Carlson, who guided Hawaii to a 4-1 finish in the 2002 season after inheriting the team in the middle of the season, helped the Islanders finish second in the league for red zone offense (83.1 percent), tied for 10th in total offense (4,126 yards) and rank as the af2's leader in rushing offense (852 yards). After Carlson inherited the Islanders offense that averaged 38 points per game through five contests, his offense went on to score an average of 50.4 points per game and finish 13th in af2 scoring offense. Carlson's wife Monica has also been in the news of late. She won NBC's American Gladiators last season and earned the right to become an American Gladiator herself. Monica, a.k.a. "Jet," is now a full-time member of the cast for Season Two, which premiered on May 12.
WILLIAMS, KENT, SCOTT AND SCHOONOVER EARN WEEK 9 HONORS: Boise wide receiver/defensive back DEMOND WILLIAMS, Lubbock quarterback ROBERT KENT and Rio Grande Valley defensive lineman JOHN SCOTT have been named the JLS Ironman, Schutt Offensive Player and ADT Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 9 of the 2008 season. In addition to these three awards, the Cutters Catch of the Week Award for Week 9 goes to Arkansas wide receiver JON SCHOONOVER.
Williams (5-11, 190, Michigan State), had an impressive all-around effort for Boise but it wasn't enough for the Burn on Saturday as the team lost its first home game of 2008, 46-40, against West rival Central Valley. The rookie from Michigan State was a factor on offense, defense and special teams. Williams, used primarily as a kick return specialist and defensive back, also played a role in the passing game against the Coyotes by scoring on a 33-yard strike from QB Royal Gill. The touchdown catch, his first of the season, came on the team's first play from scrimmage. He also scored a touchdown on a 50-yard missed field goal return to open the fourth quarter which gave Boise its last lead of the night, 40-33. Williams also had 95 kickoff return yards (178 all-purpose yards) and registered 7.0 total tackles (6 solo, 2 asst) on defense. This is the first af2 weekly league honor of Williams' career. He leads the Burn in kick return yards (361) and tackles (34). Kent (6-4, 220, Jackson State), now in his third af2 season, had an outstanding individual effort on Friday night for Lubbock in the team's 75-42 road win against Texas. The Jackson State alum completed 22-of-32 passes (68.8 percent) for 410 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Kent's 410 yards passing set a new af2 season-high and ranks as the fifth-highest single game total in league history. He also rushed for two touchdowns to finish with 10 total touchdowns (tied 2008 af2 season-high). This is Kent's second Offensive Player of the Week honor of his career. In addition to this week's award, he was also honored once in 2006 (Week 15) as a member of the Birmingham Steeldogs. Kent currently leads the af2 in total offensive touchdowns (56; 45 passing, 11 rushing), total offense (2,213) and touchdown passes (45). He also ranks second in passing yards (2,156) and seventh in passer rating (115.9). Scott (6-0, 300, Jacksonville State) was an impact player on defense for Rio Grande Valley in the team's, 53-36, Week 9 home victory against Oklahoma City. The rookie defensive lineman from Jacksonville State was a force up front for the Dorados, registering 4.5 tackles (3 solo, 3 asst), including 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Scott also forced two fumbles that Rio Grande Valley recovered for touchdowns. His play was a big reason why the Dorados recorded their second straight win which evened their season record at 4-4. This is the first weekly af2 award of his career. Scott currently ranks second on the team in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (3.0). Schoonover (5-10, 195, Missouri Western State) is the Week 9 recipient of the Cutters Catch of the Week Award, a weekly honor that emerged in 2006 to highlight the player who makes the best catch of the week. Schoonover's catch was a leaping, 10-yard touchdown stab in the second quarter of the Twisters' 69-55 road win at Bossier-Shreveport. The third-year player from Missouri Western State had to turn his body to adjust to the ball over his left shoulder and ended up on his back going full speed. Schoonover, who also caught a fourth quarter touchdown, finished with seven catches for 58 yards. This is the second Catch of the Week honor of Schoonover's career. He also earned the award once during the 2006 season (Week 7). Schoonover leads Arkansas in receptions (59) and receiving yards (524) and ranks third in touchdown receptions with seven.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE: This season the af2 continues to maintain its strong international development program, which began in 2003. Currently the league has international athletes from 15 countries on team rosters. This past week (Week 9), 16 international players saw action around the league and four players started for their respective teams (excluding kickers). Two players who stood out from the af2's international talent pool from Week 9 included Corpus Christi WR/DB DAVID GAYTON (Mexico) and Florida WR JAMES PANUI (UK). Gayton had 1.5 tackles, one pass breakup and one interception in the Sharks' 47-38 home win against Daytona Beach. Panui had a game-high 12 catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns in the Firecats' 48-33 home victory South Division rival South Georgia.
NOTABLE NUMBERS FROM WEEK 9: Three players recorded af2 single-game, season-high marks in Week 9. The notable performances are detailed below.
410 Passing yards by Lubbock QB Robert Kent at Texas (5th highest single-game total in af2 history)
42 Points scored by Albany WR Antwun Williams vs. Manchester (3rd highest single-game total in af2 history)
7 Total TDs/receiving TDs by Albany WR Antwun Williams vs. Manchester (2nd highest single-game total in af2 history)
15.5 Tackles by Bossier-Shreveport DB Pete McBride vs. Arkansas (2nd highest single-game total in af2 history)
TALONS & PIONEERS IN THE MIDST OF IMPRESSIVE STREAKS: The Tulsa Talons set a new team record for consecutive wins over two seasons with their 70-34 home win in Week 4 against Oklahoma City. The victory over the Yard Dawgz was Tulsa's 12th straight, counting eight in a row from last season. With another victory in Week 8, the Talons recent run has reached 16 consecutive victories which is the longest active win steak and the third longest in af2 history. Tulsa will have an opportunity to extend their current win streak to 17 when the team plays at Bossier-Shreveport on Saturday. The Talons' have also won 11th straight home games dating back to 2007 which equals the current team record for most consecutive home victories. The 2003 Talons team also won 11 in a row at the Tulsa Convention Center.
As impressive as Tulsa's current home streak is, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has been even better at Wachovia Arena, winning 16 straight games dating back to 2006. The Pioneers current home win streak is tied for the second longest in league history. The last time Wilkes-Barre/Scranton lost a home game was on July 8, 2006 when the Florida Firecats edged the Pioneers, 56-51. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's next opportunity to extend its current home win streak will be in Week 12 when the Pioneers host Tennessee Valley. Below is a chart detailing the most impressive win streaks in league history.
Most Consecutive Games Won, Regular Season & Playoffs
24 Quad City, 19 games in 2000; 5 games in 2001
17 Quad City, 13 games in 2001; 4 games in 2002
16 Tulsa, 8 games in 2007, 8 games in 2008*
14 Rio Grande Valley, 14 games in 2007
14 Quad City, 14 games in 2003
14 Tennessee Valley, 14 games in 2003
13 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 13 games in 2007
* Still active
Most Consecutive Home Games Won, Regular Season & Playoffs
25 Quad City, 11 games in 2000; 11 games in 2001; 3 games in 2002
16 Richmond, 3 games in 2000; 9 games in 2001; 4 games in 2002
16 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 1 game in 2006, 11 games in 2007, 4 games in 2008*
11 Tulsa, 11 games in 2003
11 Tulsa, 6 games in 2007, 5 games in 2008*
11 Birmingham, 6 games in 2001; 5 games in 2002
11 Albany, 3 games in 20002, 8 games in 2003
11 Green Bay, 2 games in 2006, 9 games in 2007
* Still active
WILLIAMS TOPS af2 ALL-TIME SCORING CHART: WR GEORGE WILLIAMS, who earlier this season played with the Boise Burn, became the league's all-time leading scorer in Week 6 win against Stockton with 36 points scored (6 TDs; 3 receiving, 3 rushing). With a three-touchdown performance in Week 8, the seven-year veteran now has 1,084 career points, 64 more than former record holder Magic Benton (1,020). Iowa WR/LB KEVIN WILLIAMS (958 points), Oklahoma City WR/DB AL HUNT (930 points) and JARRAIL JACKSON (908 points) round out the Top-5 on the all-time scoring chart. Hunt scored two touchdowns in a Week 7 loss at Arkansas to become the fifth player in league history to reach the 900-career point plateau. J.R. THOMAS reached the 800-point mark in a Week 8 road loss at Spokane.
WILLIAMS BREAKS ALL-TIME TD RECORD: In addition to breaking the league's all-time scoring record in Week 6, WR GEORGE WILLIAMS also set a new all-time league touchdown mark with 171 career scores. His current total is 179 total touchdowns. Former Florida WR MAGIC BENTON was the former af2 leader with 167 career touchdowns. Benton is also the career leader in receiving touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards. Magic still holds the career records for receiving touchdowns, receiving yards and receptions.
Most Touchdowns, Career
179 George Williams*
167 Magic Benton
157 Kevin Williams
154 Al Hunt*
150 Jarrail Jackson
141 Jack Walker, Jr.*
* Active in 2008
Most Receiving Touchdowns, Career
165 Magic Benton
144 George Williams*
137 Jack Walker Jr.*
134 Al Hunt*
127 J.R. Thomas*
124 Jarrail Jackson
* Active in 2008
Most Receiving Yards, Career
7789 Magic Benton
6588 George Williams*
6002 Al Hunt*
5998 Jack Walker, Jr.*
5981 J.R. Thomas*
5961 Tim Dodge*
5940 Jarrail Jackson
* Active in 2008
Most Pass Receptions, Career
584 Magic Benton
499 Jack Walker, Jr.*
476 George Williams*
469 Jarrail Jackson
441 J.R. Thomas*
433 Al Hunt*
431 Tim Dodge*
* Active in 2008
VETERAN PASSERS TAKE AIM AT ALL-TIME MARKS: When Craig Strickland retired after the 2006 season, many of his league passing records seemed unattainable. This season, however, Florida's CHRIS WALLACE has the potential to move into the top spot of three all-time passing categories: yards, touchdowns and completions. With 218 yards passing in a Week 8 loss at Tennessee Valley, Wallace became just the second player in af2 history to reach 20,000 career passing yards. His current total now stands at 20,363.
QUAD CITY REACHES 100-WIN MARK: The Quad City Steamwheelers, one of three original af2 members still a part of the league in its ninth season, recorded their 100th win overall (including playoffs) in Week 8. The Steamwheelers joined the Tulsa Talons as the only teams in league history to record 100 victories. Below is a breakdown of the five winningest active teams in af2 history.
af2 ALUMNI EARN AFL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS: This week two former af2 standouts were recognized for their efforts in Week 13 of the 2008 AFL season. Dallas Desperados WR/DB WILL PETTIS was named Ironman of the Week and San Jose SaberCats DB MARQUIS FLOYD was named ADT Defensive Player of the Week.
Pettis (6-0, 200, Midwestern St.) accounted for four touchdowns (3 - offense, 1 - defense) and became the first player in AFL history to throw a passing touchdown, register rushing and receiving touchdowns, and return an interception for a touchdown in a single game as the Dallas Desperados (10-2) defeated the Orlando Predators (8-5), 67-41, on Friday. Pettis' three-yard touchdown pass to WR ANTHONY ARMSTRONG tied the game at 14 with 12:02 remaining in the second quarter. His five-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the third quarter gave the Desperados a 35-28 lead that they would not relinquish. Pettis single-handedly outscored the Predators 18-13 in the second half as Dallas held Orlando to its lowest second-half scoring output of the season. Before his AFL career began in 2003, Pettis played one season in the af2 and was a major player for the Pensacola Barracudas, providing a glimpse into his AFL future. In 2002 with Pensacola, Pettis showed off on both sides of the ball. He finished the year second on the team with 55 catches for 791 yards and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, he led the club with nine interceptions for 47 yards, 34 pass break ups and eight missed field goal returns for 168 yards and a touchdown. He was third on the squad with 36.5 tackles. Floyd (6-2, 192, West Georgia) registered seven tackles, two passes defensed and one interception in the SaberCats 59-42 win over the Crush at HP Pavilion. Floyd recorded a key pass defense on third-and-goal from the SaberCats three-yard line on the final play of the third quarter to force fourth-and-goal. San Jose's defense would stop the Crush on fourth down, notching its fourth defensive stop of the game. The turnover would result in a field goal on the SaberCats next drive, pushing the lead to 10 points. With less than three minutes remaining in the game and Colorado on San Jose's nine-yard line, Floyd intercepted Crush QB JOHN DUTTON and returned the interception 48 yards to the Colorado nine-yard line to seal the victory. Before his AFL career got started in 2006, Floyd spent two years in the af2 with Tennessee Valley (2004) and Rio Grande Valley (2005), earning First-Team All-league honors in 2005. He was also named the af2 Ironman of the Year in 2005. That season, Floyd recorded a team-best 1,452 yards receiving and 29 TDs with 23 rushing yards and four scores on 20 carries. He also registered 47.0 tackles and a team-high nine interceptions on defense.
This season 35 percent (14-of-40) of the AFL's Player of the Week award winners are alumni of the af2.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defeat Wolves 68-50Pioneers Blaze Past Conquest 69-27Moose re-sign Mike KeanePettis Named AFL Ironman of the Week
