Mustangs Seek Revenge Against Week One Foe
John Hoh
Friday June 29, 2001
In the rematch, neither of those quarterbacks will start. Instead, last year’s starting signal caller, Kevin McDougal, takes the helm as the Mustangs try to avenge the Bradley Center embarrassment—and win its first game against the Firebirds in seven tries.
The task won’t be easy. The Firebirds have won four straight games at Conseco Fieldhouse. They also come off a disappointing loss to arch rival Grand Rapids, putting them in a hole for the division crown and a first round bye, even though the Firebirds currently boast the third best record in the AFL. The Firebirds had won four in a row before falling to Grand Rapids.
The Mustangs have won two straight and seem to be gaining momentum. Even though McDougal didn’t throw a TD pass, he ran for two scores and the ‘Stang “D” forced numerous turnovers, including two Gary Compton interceptions returned for TDs, to upset the defending champion Orlando Predators and put a hurt on their division title hopes.
If the Mustangs defeat Indiana they would get their third win of the 2001 season. The Mustangs also would get their first win in seven attempts against the Firebirds (five of the games were played when the Firebirds roosted in Albany). And the Mustangs will have beaten every AFL team at least once (excluding 2001 expansion teams, which can still be accomplished this year).
Keying the Firebird attack is “Touchdown” Eddie Brown who leads the league in scoring (non-kicking); fifth in receptions; and eighth in receiving yards. Kicker Nelson Garner is second in the league in kicking scoring. QB Raymond Philyaw is the AFL Passing leader and fourth in passing yards. RB Leroy Thompson is second in the league in rushing yards.
Leading the Milwaukee attack is Lawrence Lewis, who ranks second in the league in rushing average and Alvin Ashley who is seventh in all-purpose yards. Kevin Huntley’s four fumble recoveries lead the league in that category.
Milwaukee needs to keep its defensive pressure on Philyaw. He won’t be cowed with multiple coverages like Craig Whelihan was last week. Thus the Mustangs need to avoid a slow start and the offense needs to click. And protect the football. The fumbles and interceptions last week could have hurt the Mustangs if the Predators hadn’t also been in the Christmas spirit.
Ivey Released. OL/DL Mike Ivey was released this week. Ivey was a personal favorite if for no other reason than he’s a local boy who went to UW-LaCrosse and went to high school (Palmyra-Eagle High) with my sister-in-law. Injuries have limited his duty. The fans will miss him.
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.
