Dallas Short a Few Bullets Early On
Scott Smithey
Tuesday February 10, 2004
Numerous new faces, the loss of many favorite players, the season-ending injury to last year`s league-leading quarterback, and the last minute departure of head coach Joe Avezzono has left the team somewhat bereft. Even the playing surface wasn`t ready for this season to begin! So forgive the Desperados if the start to their first game was as disastrous as the offseason and preseason.
The game started with a bang. Unfortunately, it was the Carolina Cobras doing the shooting against an unarmed Dallas Desperados. Dallas did show some promise in their 67-41 loss on the uneven, buckling turf at the American Airlines Center.
Will Pettis, Bobby Sippio, and Jason Shelley may eventually produce a receiving corps as good as last years` Shelley, Dialleo Burks, and Andy
McCullough. Pettis showed his quick strike ability as a receiver and returner, scoring two first-quarter touchdowns. Shelley came up good in the endzone, too. However, for every positive there is a negative, and Pettis and Shelley added fumbles and dropped passes to their repertoire.
Rookie Sippio may make Dallas soon forget about Burks. Last year`s AFL2 Ironman Player of the Year, Sippio made big plays on offense, defense, and special teams against the Cobras. The big man is still excited about being in Dallas, refusing to throw in the towel after one loss.
"We had a tough week and a bad game, that`s all," Sippio said. "We still have our sights set on a championship, and I know I am going all out in practice this week."
Newly acquired Jeff Chase has personally taken over the role of team firebrand from the missing Tom Briggs. Chase pancaked Carolina`s Otis Moore so hard his helmet came off. Chase gladly accepts the nomination as the new sheriff.
"I hope that is why they brought me here because that is the way I play," said Chase.
New Dallas QB Glen Gaunt showed some toughness too. When he wasn`t picking himself off of the ground, he found his receivers with ease. Though he had unimpressive stats this week, we’ll give him some time to become comfortable as a starter before we ask for his resignation.
The Desperados may take a little longer than most to peak this year. There have been too many changes and jolts at a time when a team is supposed to develop chemistry, execution, and timing in camp. Make no mistake, these players and this organization are happy about the promotion of Will McClay to replace Avezzono as the head coach.
McClay has the experience and has paid his dues in the Arena Football
League. "I love Coach McClay and he is going to be great," said Sippio. Chase was quick to add, "I don`t know if I would stay here if he wasn`t the head coach. I have that much respect for him."
Yes, Dallas, it was ugly for a season opener. But give these guys time to gel before giving up on them. There may be light at the end of the tunnel.
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.
