Kubiak’s Injury Proves Adage: When it Rains, It Pours
Scott Smithey
Friday January 30, 2004
The off-season saw some of Dallas` favorite Desperados riding off into the sunset. Arena Football League star receivers Dialleo Burks and Andy McCullough headed to Georgia to collect on free agency money. The league`s leader in sacks, Tom Briggs, became a salary cap casualty. He didn`t have to go far though. His train stopped in Austin where he received a raise with the expansion Wranglers. Briggs will also see some familiar faces. There are three other former `Rados in Austin, including another fan favorite, Skinny Culver. Defensive specialist and former Dallas Cowboy Kareem Larrimore left for Chicago to join the Rush via free agency. So bring on the rain!
The organization has assured Dallas that the season will be challenging, but the `Rados still have their ace-in-the-hole. The AFL`s leading quarterback Jim Kubiak rejoined Dallas after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Jason Shelley and a corps of young receivers will provide enough fire power for Kubiak and Dallas.
Now, thunder and lightning joins the rain. A week before the opener with the Carolina Cobras, Dallas learned that Kubiak may be lost for the year with herniated discs in his neck. Now blue eyes are crying in the rain!
Dallas enters the 2004 season with 25 new faces on the roster. However, the cupboard is not bare. It looks as if Jason Shelley will become the offensive specialist and he has shown he can be as good or better than Burks and McCullough. 2003 Rookie of the Year Will Pettis is expected to show some big time receiving skills to go along with his great defensive play. Special teams will be led by returning kicker "The Outlaw" Jason Wells. Former Cowboy Shante Carver has the potential to fill Briggs` shoes as a pass rusher.
With Kubiak sidelined, Dallas also has four quarterbacks currently in camp to fight it out for the starting job. Newly acquired Ken Mastrole, who played for the Detroit Fury last year, and LSU alum Josh Booty are the big names vying for this position. Glen Gauntt and Craig Strickland are the other two candidates who have already been in camp and hope to get the top spot.
Scott Smithey is a high school teacher and coach (23 years). He has a degree in Journalism and has pioneered high school student newspapers. He is also a high school coach with seven years experience as a head coach and has coached soccer, track, baseball and powerlifting. Scott is married to a high school teacher and coach, and has three sons active in football at the high school and collegiate levels. He is pationate about sports, family and photography.
