McDougal Returns to the MKE Corral
John Hoh
Thursday May 17, 2001
After a slow start in 2000, McDougal and the Mustangs rallied to win the final four games and earn their second straight post-season berth. McDougal kept the Mustangs in the playoff game with Tampa Bay. However, the makeshift Milwaukee secondary thwarted victory by giving up big plays.
Although McDougal began the season as the Enforcers’ backup, he became the starting quarterback after Chicago’s 0-5 start. McDougal went on to lead the Enforcers to the playoffs.
Milwaukee lost its top quarterbacks in Saturday game against the Houston ThunderBears in Madison, Wisconsin. Game starter Donnie Davis was replaced at halftime due to a sprained ankle. Craig Kusick re-aggravated a knee injury. Ford Ironman of the Game, Kahlil Carter, finished the game as quarterback, completing all three passes thrown with the last for a touchdown tally.
In five starts with the Enforcers, McDougal was 81-134 for 1168 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He was named XFL Offensive Player of the Week twice. Following the fold of the XFL, McDougal worked out for three NFL teams.
McDougal signed a three-year deal with Milwaukee believed to be the highest contract ever offered to a Mustangs player in franchise history.
“It’s great to have Kevin back as part of the Mustangs organization,” said President and General Manger Chris Vallozzi. “He proved last year that he is one of the best quarterbacks in this league and we are very happy to have him be an integral of this team.”
Last year was Kevin’s first full season as a starter in the Arena Football League, succeeding Todd Hammel under center for the Mustangs. McDougal went 285-442 for 3887 yards, 73 touchdowns, with 17 interceptions. Under McDougal’s leadership, the high-powered Mustangs’ offense finished the 2000 campaign ranked in the top five in scoring (53.6 ppg), total offense (292.6 ypg), pass offense (274.7 ypg), and pass rating (115.3). Along the way he set seven new Mustangs individual or team passing records.
McDougal was to join the team for its morning practice on Tuesday in preparation for Friday night’s home contest at the Bradley Center against the 3-1 San Jose Sabercats.
McDougal will have to draw upon his XFL experience as the Mustangs are 0-4 and look for their first win of the season. Next week Milwaukee hosts the surprising expansion Chicago Rush, presently sporting a 2-2 record.
John L. Hoh, Jr., is a free-lance writer from Milwaukee who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an avid Dolphins fan. He followed Arena Football since its inception, at one point watching tape-delayed games on low-powered WAV-TV in Waukesha. His happiest day was when Milwaukee was awarded the Mustangs franchise; his saddest when the Mustangs were contracted out of the league. John is married to his wife Maija (13+ years) and has a young son, Matthew. John pines for the return of the Arena Football League to Milwaukee.
