Phantoms Looking to Take Care of “Unfinished Business”
Jim Parcels
Tuesday April 16, 2002
Last August the first-year club had their post-season dreams dashed on the last play of their quarter-final game in Nashville – a contest the Phantoms believed they controlled. AFL vets Andy Kelly and Corey Fleming teamed up on a “Hail Mary” pass with one second remaining in the game to steal the victory.
The Nashville game has been etched in the memories of Phantoms players and staff for the entire winter.
In a classic case of “Coulda’, Woulda’, Shoulda’,” the game vs. the eventual AFL Finalists was a contest the Phantoms had several chances to win. However, the more experienced Kats found a way to win despite being outplayed throughout. Two kick returns – one on the last play of the first half and the other on the first play of the second half -- turned out to be the difference in the contest.
Over the off-season coach and GM Mark Stoute added only veteran accessories to a club that he obviously feels has a good chemistry built on last year’s late-season momentum.
Here is a look at the 2002 edition of the Phantoms position-by-position:
QUARTERBACKS:
It’s a situation that can be compared to the NFL Brady-Bledsoe situation in New England.
Last season veteran Pat O’Hara led the club to a 3-6 record before going down with a knee injury in mid-June. Taking over the reigns of the club was 25-year old sophomore Chad Salisbury who promptly led the club to a 5-0 record down the stretch and a berth in the second round of the playoffs.
Salisbury is big, has a good arm and this season has a lot more zip on his passes than last. Look for him to put up some big numbers if he stays healthy, at the same time that he makes Damian Harrell the AFL’s next star.
There is no question that the health and ability of the 34-year old O’Hara is an issue. His best days appear to be behind him and his knees are still not what they used to be. His experience, however, will be invaluable to Salisbury.
Kahlil “Slash” Carter, who also plays as a WR/DB, will fill the third QB slot.
Rating: 8.0
FULLBACK/LINEBACKERS
The position of FB/LB has been upgraded considerably even though there are two rookies among the four on the roster.
The Phantoms running game ranked near the bottom in the league in rushing offense and rushing defense last season. Improved production is required in the middle.
Pickering resident Jermaine “Tank” Younger is returning as the starter in his fourth year. Never an offensive threat, Younger looks to crack the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career. Defensively he is strong and provides a good rush but must produce more offensively to be a more complete player.
Added to the roster from the rival Kats is Anthony Hicks who enters his fifth year. The former Dallas Cowboy provides a veteran quality to the club and has played in two ArenaBowls.
Former Tennessee Titan prospect Phil Glover has good speed and quick feet but lacks size for an AFL FB/LB. He also has to learn the game on the offensive side of the ball.
Rating: 6.5
OFFENSIVE SPECIALIST
He could very well be the most talented receiver in the AFL.
Entering his fourth campaign, Damian Harrell really only has two full years of play under his belt. After suffering season-ending injuries in 1999 and 2000 while in New England, Harrell enjoyed a healthy 2001 campaign that saw him haul in a team-high 98 passes for 1340 yards and 20 TDs.
At 6-3, 200 lbs., Harrell is fluid, athletic and has a leaping ability unmatched in the league. He’s tweaking the interest of several NFL teams.
Expect some monster numbers from “Damian The Great from Florida State” this season.
Rating: 9.0
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
Last season the backfield duo of sophomore Anthony Derricks and rookie Del Lee suffered on occasion but played well down the stretch.
During the off-season veteran DS Tommy Henry was added to provide experience and ability in the backfield. In just three AFL seasons, Henry was an All-Rookie team member in 1999, a second team All-Star in 2000 and set a league mark for pass breakups last season with the Tampa Bay Storm.
Look for the former Argo to stabilize the DS position and provide some relief for Derricks who had some knee problems toward the end of last year.
Also in the mix is rookie DeAuntae Brown, a former CB for the Philadelphia Eagles who is still learning the ropes of the AFL game.
Rating: 7.5
WIDE RECEIVER / DEFENSIVE BACKS:
After he scaring his teammates and coaches to death when he collided full speed into a steel beam during practice, the diminutive Charlie Davidson has emerged as a local favorite.
The 30-year old veteran has six seasons of experience and caught 35 passes for 13 TDs last season. He also intercepted three passes and recorded 34 tackles.
Backing up Davidson will be sophomore Luke Leverson who had a strong pre-season. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has progressed weekly since joining the club last spring and is respectable on defense as well.
An indication of the Phantoms depth is when you see a 45-reception player third on the team’s chart. Former Milwaukee Mustang Kahlil Carter was added for his versatility as a QB, WR and DB. In his rookie season last year Carter threw four passes, caught 45 balls, made two interceptions, returned three kicks, made 24 tackles, broke up six passes and recovered two fumbles.
Rating: 8.0
WIDE RECEIVER / LINEBACKERS
Kerry Brown is one of the AFL’s most underrated players. The lanky 6-5 “jack” linebacker doesn’t always jump off the stats sheets but somehow always finds a way to make a difference in a game.
His size and intensity doesn’t go unnoticed on defense. On offense, his 46 receptions were second in the club last year, going along with 10 TDs.
Brown will start the year on injured reserve after suffering a sternum injury in Grand Rapids.
Versatile Ty Law, a former Orlando Predator, had an up-and-down season last year but should produce even more in 2002. The former Minor League baseball prospect collected 38 passes last year and 11 TDs.
Somewhere in the mix is the athletic Jerald Long who had an outstanding preseason. The former Marshall U. wideout could supplant Brown and Law before season’s end if given the chance. However, the depth at both WR/DB and WR/LB may be too steep for him to become a starter.
If Harrell eventually signs with an NFL team, expect Long to emerge as the club’s OS in the future.
Rating: 8.0
TIGHT END/DEFENSIVE END:
Last season Steve Konopka had a quiet but steady season in his first full AFL campaign. The Connecticut native did not take part in many passing patterns, but he was a force on defense with four sacks and 18 tackles. He’s also emerging as team leader and came to camp in great shape.
Last June, the Phantoms claimed Jason Walters off waivers from the then-hapless Gladiators. Walters has caught a career total of 14 passes in three seasons and is also a force on the pass rush with 4.5 career sacks. His athleticism and drive makes you wonder why New Jersey gave up on him.
Rating: 7.5
GUARD / DEFENSIVE END:
Veteran G/DE Connell Spain underwent knee surgery during the off-season but is still nursing the injury after irritating it in camp. The former Seminole made the AFL’s All-Rookie team in 1998 and is a team captain. Although he’ll start the year on injured reserve, Spain will make an impact before season’s end.
Another seasoned veteran added to the roster was G/DE Kelvin Ingram who can also play at the TE/DE slot. Ingram has been an integral part of the success and depth of championship programs in Orlando and Arizona and brings height and experience to a young and emerging line.
Added for depth last week was former San Jose SaberCat Ken Talanoa who had a solid season as a reserve in California last year. Journeymen Michael Harrison may also see playing time to start the year along with vet Frank Moore.
Rating: 7.5
CENTRE / NOSE TACKLE:
Driving almost 48 hours through snowstorms and blizzards to get from his Wyoming home to Toronto, Doug Lytle couldn’t wait to become part of the club. The off-season cattle rancher was the Phantoms first pick in the dispersal draft from Milwaukee after two solid campaigns with the Mustangs.
Lytle will spell returning starter John Summerday, who has played sparingly during the pre-season while nursing an injury.
Both Lytle and Summerday are strong and mobile on both sides of the ball and are also team leaders.
Rating: 7.0
SPECIAL TEAMS
Anthony Derricks had another solid season returning kicks, however, was slowed late in the season with a knee injury.
His production as a kick returner has reduced gradually since his outstanding rookie campaign, and he may share the workload with Charlie Davidson or Luke Leverson this year.
The kick coverage late last season and during the pre-season has been atrocious and requires some work before the season begins.
Special teams coverage cost the Phantoms their game in Nashville and was barbequed by New York’s Steve Papin during their pre-season game last week.
It will be the club’s Achilles Heel unless it isn’t sorted out.
Rating: 6.5
KICKING
Matt George had a solid season last year ranking as one of the league’s most accurate kickers.
“K-12” has a strong leg and good accuracy on both field goals and PATs. His kickoff accuracy is solid as well but has had poor coverage support in the past.
To give an indication of the club’s confidence in George, the team has never had another kicker in camp to challenge him since the club moved north.
Rating: 7.5
HEAD COACH
Mark Stoute has paid his dues.
Starting out in the league as an equipment manager and assistant coach, he’s progressed up the ranks by building a team that is on the cusp of being a contender.
When the franchise was relocated to Toronto from New England, the hiring of Stoute surprised some. But there was no one more familiar with league personnel and the club’s current roster than the Connecticut native.
He’s put his stamp on the team and has brought in players that provide intangibles that could make the difference between a contender and a champion.
The fiery and often exuberant Stoute is as intense on the sidelines during a game as anyone in the league.
Rating: 7.0
ASSISTANT COACHES
The signing of former Milwaukee Mustangs head coach Rick Frazier may have been the biggest off-season acquisition.
Frazier, a native of Texas, brings a solid background in defensive coaching after leading the Mustangs to strong statistical campaigns over the past three years.
His passion, knowledge and energy for the game is something the defensive will benefit from greatly.
Line coach Bob Landsee joined Frazier in the exodus from Milwaukee during the off-season. The former Philadelphia Eagle guard looks like he could still play today and acts like it in practice taking an active role in on-field drills.
If there is one area that will improve markedly this season it will be along the line due to the work of Landsee.
Rating: 7.5
SUMMARY:
Since the franchise was born in 1997 in New York, it has improved every year.
Even though the Eastern Division has become stronger with some major signings in other markets, many feel the Phantoms have the intangibles and talent to capture a division title.
If the line continues to improve as expected and special teams coverage can be patched up, the club will contend for a berth in AB XVI.
Jim Parcels was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2002 season.
