ArenaBowl XIV Memories
Michael Wright
Tuesday August 22, 2000
This will be remembered as the Arena Bowl that almost never was. Just six months ago this was not going to happen, no games, no Arena Bowl, no anything. The headlines read “Arena League Cancels Season”; “Fate of AFL Season Remains on Hold”. We all held our breath. Then on March 1, the dark clouds parted, and we read the words, “We’re Back!”; “Arena Football Reinstates Season”. We were all delighted to know that the game we love was going to happen. There would be a season after all.
As I walked the field at TD Waterhouse on Sunday, I photographed the players and coaches as they prepared for the game. Expressions of happiness, anger, confidence and fear washed over their faces and filled the lens with a wonderful light.
At last, it was time for the game to start. When the first quarter ended, it looked as if Orlando would romp. By half time Nashville regained their poise and pulled within six.
As the second half began, the sellout crowd returned to their seats and witnessed a great defensive performance by both teams. In the fourth quarter, each team would lose their starting quarterback to injuries. Connell Maynor would return with the help of a knee brace. Andy Kelly tested his ankle in between plays but limped off nearly collapsing, in obvious pain.
With the score tied and only a second remaining, a game designed for offense was going to be decided by a kicker. If David Cool makes it, Orlando wins; if he misses, the League would test ABC’s commitment with over-time. As the sellout crowd held their breath, the ball sailed through the nine-foot wide uprights. The sound was defining as Orlando, winner of two of the last three Arena Bowl games, finally won at home. The Nashville players and staff quickly retreated from the field to allow the Orlando players and their fans to enjoy the moment. With confetti flying, Commissioner Baker passed the Jim Foster Trophy to Bret Bouchy and crowned the Orlando Predators Arena Bowl XIV World Champions.
 Connell Maynor is interviewed by ABC after his team`s last-second win in ArenaBowl XIV Image courtesy of Mike Wright |
Walking back to the hotel, the storm clouds outside the Arena appeared as a reminder of things to come. The pending NLRB review, members of the rival Players Association outside TD Waterhouse Centre distributing information; all of this combined with the unknown effect of the XFL, means next season may well hold the same insecurity that we experienced just six months ago.
For now, adios and happy trails.
As a side note: The League did a great job producing AB XIV; my only complaint was the National Anthem and half time talent. The Orlando crowd enjoys a steady diet of Hard Rock and Rap. The unfortunate young men that performed are the antitheses of the Orlando crowd. I feared for their safety, especially the half time act. Greeted with loud boos, they quickly learned to stay in the center of the field, away from the sidelines and the crowd so determined to see them go.
Michael Wright was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2000 to 2001.
