Stealth Close to Playoff Spot
Chad Frey
Thursday July 4, 2002
This will be the first-ever meeting of the two teams. A win by Wichita would clinch a playoff spot for the Stealth. Standing in the way is San Diego, fresh off a win over the Fresno Frenzy.
The Riptide got four touchdowns by Jerry Garrett and lucky bounces off the nets late in the game in a 67-33 win over the Frenzy.
San Diego is averaging 48.6 points per game on offense, while giving up 44.8. They are led by Garrett, who in the last three games has scored 10 overall touchdowns (6 receiving, 3 rushing, 1 passing). Kane Claunch has thrown at least four touchdown passes in 10 of the 13 games he has started this year. He has connected on 193 of his 351 attempts, with 9 interceptions and 55 touchdowns.
Wichita picked up their first road win of the season last week, jumping on Louisville to sweep the season series and take a 3-1 edge all-time against the Fire.
Ron Lopez is the hottest quarterback in the league, connecting on 133 of 211 attempts for 31 touchdowns and 1771 yards in just six games. He is averaging more than five touchdowns and 295.2 yards per game.
Bryan Henderson will anchor the defensive effort. He is currently second in the league with 13 and ranks third in forced fumbles.
Roster notes – Rod Pickett may play this week. There is not a kicker signed as the writing of this article, Wednesday. However, according to a league press release, Dylan Pohlman was assigned to the Stealth June 28. Pohlman was named the head women’s soccer coach at Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) this week. Kicker Jason Corse and OL/DL Jay Eilers have been placed on long term IR, according to the league office.
From the league office -- The following appeared in the league release Wednesday: “Offense wasn’t the Wichita Stealth’s strong suit at the start of the season, but guess who’s leading the league in passing offense now? Wichita averages 253.5 yards per game through the air, throwing for 3,296 yards. AFL veteran QB Ron Lopez has keyed the revival; Wichita is 4-2 and has averaged 49 points per game since his midseason signing. Wichita also ranks fifth in total offense with 267.4 yards per game. But the offense isn’t the only reason why the Stealth is one win or one Louisville loss away from a playoff spot. Wichita ranks third in pass defense with 176.7 yards per game given up and fifth in total defense with 208.4 yards allowed. Bryan Henderson keys the defensive effort with 13.0 sacks, good for second in the league.”
Everyday heroes -- Saturday the Stealth are honoring local emergency services and armed forces in honor of the July 4th weekend. Anyone wearing red white or blue or that brings an American Flag will get $2.00 off their ticket price.
Pre-game – There will be a pre-game tailgate party on the north side of the Kansas Coliseum. Soul Injection will play live music.
Post-game – The post-game party will be at Hooters of Wichita, located at 6921 E. Kellogg.
On the air – The game will be on 1330 KFH. Pre-game will start at 7:15.
Playoff countdown -- The magic number is one. If Wichita wins one more game, or Louisville loses one more game the Stealth punch their ticket to the playoffs and a road trip to Peoria.
Division watch – Peoria lost to Tulsa, 42-39, despite having a lead at the half. The Pirates have lost two straight games and will host Bossier City this week. Louisville was a hospitable host last week, giving Wichita its first road win of the season, 48-28. The Fire has lost three of its last four games and will take on Tennessee Valley this week. Quad City dropped a 54-52 decision at Bossier City last week and has lost four of their last six games. The Steamwheelers will host Bakersfield this week.
Quotes of the week -- “I am a team guy. I didn’t necessarily want to play both ways, but the team needed me to, and if that’s what we need to do to win, then that’s my job,” --Will Sullivan.
"I think they`ve proved they`re the better team. They`re a team to be reckoned with." --Louisville coach Jeff Brohm
Chad Frey has been a fan of arena football since seeing a game on late-night ESPN many moons ago, and seeing Kurt Warner succeed with the Barnstormers after a career under his favorite football coach, Terry Allen, at the University of Northern Iowa. Chad, known to his close friends as Frey Guy, moved from Iowa to Kansas three years ago. Chad is a full-time newspaper reporter in Newton, Kan., reporting on education and family issues.