Mar 1, 2007, 17:40 GMT
New York, NY - The AFL on ESPN era kicks off this Sunday, March 4, with two marquee matchups at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
ArenaBowl XX Champion Chicago Rush begin its first title defense after an improbable season-ending, six-game winning streak by traveling to Kansas City to face the Brigade on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (ET) on ABC. The Rush were led by ArenaBowl XX MVP QB MATT D'ORAZIO (3,546 YDS, 63 TDS, and five INTS) and the emergence of late season acquisition WR BOBBY SIPPIO (1,320 YDS, 35 TDS). The Brigade counters with former Rush QB RAYMOND PHILYAW. Philyaw led the Rush to back-to-back conference championship appearances in 2004-05, and holds the franchise records in three single-season categories (passing yards- 3,669, attempts- 480, and completions- 324) and two game categories (passing yards- 406, and touchdowns- 8).
The Dallas Desperados look to pick up where they left off in the regular season as they face the New York Dragons on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (ET) on ABC. The Desperados ended their regular season with a League-best 13-3 record, and an 82-38 victory over the Dragons at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Desperados are led by the 2006 AFLWA Player of the Year CLINT DOLEZEL (4,623 YDS, 105 TDS, 11 INTS), and WR/DB WILL PETTIS (1,256 YDS, 26 TDS). Veteran AFL QB LEON MURRAY will make his first start for the Dragons in place of the injured AARON GARCIA. Over his four year career, Murray has thrown for 9,094 yards and 156 touchdowns with both the Georgia Force (2003-04) and Nashville Kats (2005-06).
The Drive to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans begins on Thursday, March 1, as the Nashville Kats host the Columbus Destroyers at 8:00 p.m. (ET). Eighteen of the Leagues 19 teams will see action as the Philadelphia Soul get an extra week to prepare for the season with a bye.
The New Orleans VooDoo return to action after missing the 2006 campaign due to Hurricane Katrina on Saturday, March 3, when they travel to Utah to take on the Blaze. The VooDoo are led by quarterback ANDY KELLY (3,258 YDS, 51 TDS, 17 INTS), who played for both the Blaze and Kansas City Brigade last season. Blaze WR SIAHA BURLEY (136 REC, 1,934 YDS, 44 TDS) returns after leading the League in receiving yards in 2006.
This week's games include: Columbus at Nashville on Thursday; Orlando at Tampa Bay on Friday; Georgia at Arizona (FSN Sports South, FSN Arizona), and New Orleans at Utah on Saturday; Dallas at New York (ESPN on ABC- regional), Chicago at Kansas City (ESPN on ABC- regional), Grand Rapids at Colorado, Las Vegas at Austin (Prime Ticket, FSN Southwest), and San Jose at Los Angeles on Sunday.
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