Could Bobcats be Gladiators` Best Chance for Victory?
Marc Viquez
Friday June 15, 2001
The last two weeks are probably two weeks Larry Kuharich and the boys would like to forget, as they were outscored 115-53. They also failed to add points in the 1st and 4th quarters of their last game. The Bobcats have been having problems themselves and are no way the juggernaughts of a Tampa Bay Storm or a Carolina Cobra team. The Bobcats have been trading wins and losses every other weekend for most of the season and were very close to grabbing victory last weekend against Chicago. When you look at the two teams on paper their points against averages are similar and so are their quarterbacks. However, this is still could be the last chance for New Jersey to pick up a victory against a team with just three wins, but looks can be deceiving against this potent Bobcat arsenal.
Florida has had little trouble putting points on the board as they have been averaging around 45-points a game so far this 2001 season. The Gladiators, who rank last in scoring, will have their hands full once again. It does not seem that New Jersey has to press the panic button this week, but should be wary of a suprise onslaught from a team that could erupt at anytime.
The Gladiators have been averaging 34-points a game this season and have been allowing close to 47-points against. The offense has shined in games against Detroit, Orlando, and New York and the defense has been stellar is games against Toronto and Nashville.
This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams and New Jersey has not lost to Florida since a 44-28 lost in 1997. The most recent contest saw New Jersey pick up a 57-52 win, their last victory as the Red Dogs. Coach Larry Kuharich knows his chances of a Gladiators victory over Florida. “Florida is a team that we have a great opportunity to beat and we should go nose to nose with them,” said Kuharich, who is seeking his 2nd home win of the season.
The coach is also looking out for the threat of Florida QB Rickey Foggie, who once patrolled the Meadowlands’ turf. “Foggie is a good quarterback, he can get in a groove and hurt you. He is always has, way back in his years up in Canada and the Big 10.” Foggie has been putting up very similar numbers to his predecessor in New Jersey, Connell Maynor.
Maynor is 158-247 for 1881-yards, 28-touchdowns, and 7-interceptions and is coming off two bad games in a row. That does not stop Kuharich from commenting on Maynor’s supportive cast around him as the coach adds, “He’s been beat up and he’s been playing not 100% and that is the type of competitor that he is. No matter how great a quarterback is, you have to have help around you.”
Ricky Foggie, who used to play in New Jersey for four seasons, is 154-257 for 1929-yards, 34-TD’s, and 6 picks. Foggie has been showing his style to a new crowd down in Southern Florida and the Gladiators could be able to pressure the 12-year vet of professional football. But remember, Foggie was the QB in New Jersey who set the record in 1997 with an astonishing 9-touchdown and 91-point victory.
The Gladiators would enjoy nothing more before their bye week than a big fat W in the standings. The team should feel very optimistic about this weeks enemy. A win will also delight a crowd that was very boisterous in the teams’ last home game. I guess we will all find out this Friday night at the Continental Airlines Arena.
A fan of the sport since 1990 Marc has covered both the New Jersey Gladiators and Cincinnati Swarm (Af2) for Arenafan Online. Marc now resides in Indianapolis after graduating with a Masters in Sports Management from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. When not at a Firebirds game Marc can be found traveling the Midwest covering sports for various Internet and print publications.
