Mar 20, 2007, 17:13 GMT
New York, NY - AFL nationally televised action begins early this week when the Colorado Crush travel to Philadelphia to take on the Soul on Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. ET at the Wachovia Center on ESPN2. ESPN's renowned multimedia duo of MIKE GREENBERG and MIKE GOLIC will call the game.
This is the fifth time the two teams have met earning Thursday's game the title 'Rock vs. Jock V,' so named because of each teams co-owner: JON BON JOVI of the Philadelphia Soul and JOHN ELWAY of the Colorado Crush.
The rivalry thus far has been lopsided with the Crush having won all four previous contests, including the last three by an average of over 16 points per game.
It appears that Thursday night's game, however, should be more evenly matched. Colorado (2-1) will match its fourth-ranked scoring defense against the Souls (2-0) top-ranked scoring offense.
'Philadelphia is a well coached team and playing solid on both sides of the ball,' said Crush head coach MIKE DAILEY. 'The combination of this being our first road game and the Souls first home game of the season should provide for some great energy among the players and be a great backdrop for ESPN.'
The game features some of the AFL's brightest stars in Colorado QB JOHN DUTTON, who was MVP of ArenaBowl XVI with San Jose, and WR DAMIAN HARRELL, the reigning two-time Offensive Player of the Year. The Soul counter with QB TONY GRAZIANI, a 2004 All-Arena First Team Selection, and DB EDDIE MOTEN, who led the AFL with 13 interceptions in 2006 and who was named 2007's ADT Defensive Player of the Week for Week 2.
'This is a good early test for both teams,' said Philadelphia head coach BRET MUNSEY. 'Both teams pride themselves with great pass protection and solid defenses and I am looking forward to a great Thursday match up on national TV.'
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