Valor Game Preview: Another Battle of the Beltways
Jon Stark
Friday June 23, 2017
BALTIMORE, MD - The Washington Valor (1-7) are still on the road and coming off their third bye week, after a short drive up I-95 they'll square off against the Baltimore Brigade (2-6) inside of Royal Farms Arena at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23rd. The game will broadcast live on Monumental Sports Network and CSN. These teams last met at the season opener in D.C. on April 7th.
The Valor have a much different look than that Week 1 meeting at Verizon Center but so does Baltimore, both offensive and defensively. The teams have had some time to mature and adjust but after taking that one point loss in Tampa Bay a few weeks ago, Washington is more than due for their second win. Once again quarterback Sean Brackett, who now sits at a QB rating of 107, will look to wide receivers Gregg Carr, Roger Jackson and Charles McClain. Carr still leads the team in receiving yards (573), touchdowns (12) and receptions (46). McClain is quickly catching up to Carr after tying the franchise record for receiving yards (137) a few weeks ago against the Storm.
Brigade QB Shane Carden is looking like the 2017 Rookie of the Year, holding his own with the likes of Dan Raudabaugh and Randy Hippeard. Both he and Brackett are throwing over five touchdowns a game, though Carden's numbers look a little more polished. Baltimore wide receivers Julian Talley and Paul Browning combined through eight games have put up over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, Reggie Gray is back in action too. Gray, in his first game back since injury, caught six passes for 41 yards and one touchdown. Dare I say this is a must win for Washington? With the W the Valor will move into fourth in league standings and lead the series 2-0, this head-to-head record will certainly prove to be important for playoff standings with the Valor, Brigade and Gladiators all trying to lock up the final two spots heading into July.
Jon studied Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh and is originally from Maryland. An avid DMV sports fan, he often attends Capitals, Orioles, Wizards and Redskins games. Now a Washington Valor season plan holder and columnist for ArenaFan, he`ll be at every home game covering the team. He spends his free time with friends and family and freelancing graphic design projects. You can follow Jon on Twitter @5FIFTY3