Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League

Orlando Welcomes Aaron Garcia and Devin Clark to the Jungle

The Orlando Predators have been assigned San Jose's veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia and offensive lineman Devin Clark, in a trade for Orlando's wide receiver, Amarri Jackson.

Aaron Garcia (6'1", 195lbs) began his career in 1995 with the Arizona Rattlers, and is currently the AFL's record holder in career passing yards (56,186) and touchdowns (1,220). Garcia joins the Predators after spending last year with the San Antonio Talons, where he set multiple single season franchise records and career highs with 4,985 yards and 118 touchdowns. He has also been ranked as the 3rd best AFL player of all time by the Silver Anniversary Committee in 2012. Garcia's accomplishments include being named the AFL offensive player of the year twice in his career (2001 & 2011) and being named first team all-arena three times (2000,2001 & 2011). The assignment of Garcia fills the void left in the quarterback rotation since the injury of Chris Dixon. Garcia's debut with the Orlando Predators will tie Barry Wagner for all-time total career appearances (225) including playoffs.

Devin Clark (6'4", 317lbs) started his professional football career with the Washington Redskins in 2008. Clark has played in the AFL since 2009, for numerous teams including the Spokane Shock, Arizona Rattlers and Philadelphia Soul. In 2011, Clark played in ArenaBowl XXIV for the Rattlers. With his size, strength, and extensive experience in both the NFL and AFL, Clark will help shore up an offensive line that has struggled in pass protection during recent weeks.

"Amarri Jackson was a great asset the Predators and played with a lot of heart," said coach Plank. "In order to fulfill our need for another quarterback, we needed to make a sacrifice somewhere on our roster."

The Orlando Predators next game is on Sunday April 28th in Phoenix Arizona, against the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff for the game is set for 6:00pm ET.

VooDoo Acquire QB Bill Stull

The Arena Football League has assigned QB William Stull to the New Orleans VooDoo, announced the VooDoo front office Thursday, April 25.

Stull (6-3, 215, Pittsburgh) was signed by the Pittsburgh Power for the Powers 2011 season finale against the Philadelphia Soul. Against the Soul, Stull completed 24 of 40 passes for 260 yards and 6 touchdowns, earning him National Guard MVP Honors for the game. In 2012, Stull completed 39 of 73 passes for 485 yards and 7 touchdowns for the Power.

Before joining the Power, Stull was a member of the Spokane Shock. While with the Shock, Stull completed 7 of 11 passes for 68 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also had two carries for 12 yards and two touchdowns.

During his collegiate career, Stull led the University of Pittsburgh to 10 wins and a bowl victory against the University of North Carolina as a senior in 2009. He finished his college career with 5,532 yards passing and 32 touchdowns.

SaberCats Acquire WR Amarri Jackson from Orlando

The SaberCats today announced that they have acquired wide receiver Amarri Jackson from the Orlando Predators in exchange for quarterback Aaron Garcia and offensive lineman Devin Clark.

"Amarri brings a great deal of size and athleticism to our receiving corps," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "He is a player that goes out there and just flat out makes plays and we are very excited to bring him to San Jose."

Jackson (6-5, 225, South Florida) is currently in his third year in the Arena Football League, having spent the first part of 2013 with the Predators, and his first two as a member of the Tampa Bay Storm, where he was teammates with current SaberCats wide receiver Huey Whittaker in 2011. For his career, Jackson has notched 223 receptions for 2,922 yards and 61 touchdowns. Thus far in 2013, Jackson has appeared in three games, and has posted 21 receptions for 291 yards and six touchdowns for the Predators. Against San Jose in Week 2, the former South Florida Bull hauled in 12 catches for 209 yards and five scores, earning Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors.

The Sarasota, Fla. native burst on to the AFL scene in 2011 with the Storm, leading the team in all receiving categories as a rookie, hauling in 125 passes for 1,619 yards and 35 touchdowns in 18 appearances. Against the SaberCats in July of that season, he posted six receptions for 116 yards and four scores. In 2012, Jackson appeared in 11 games for Tampa Bay and had 77 catches for 1,012 yards and 20 touchdowns. In addition to his time with the Storm, Jackson was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League in both 2008 and 2009 prior to the season. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent following his time at USF.

Jackson played for three seasons at the University of South Florida from 2005-07 for the Bulls. He appeared in 34 games and caught 70 passes for 891 yards and eight total touchdowns (five receiving and three on the ground).

Former VooDoo Player, Brian Coulter, Arrested

Former New Orleans VooDoo football player, Brian Coulter, was arrested yesterday in Ascension Parish.

Coulter was a member of the VooDoo squad in 2012, and he spent most of the season on injured reserve. His contract was not renewed in 2013. A Baton Rouge television station reported Coulter's arrest, stating incorrectly that Coulter "IS" a VooDoo Player.

"Brian Coulter is a good football player, injuries prevented him from fully developing in 2012, and therefore, he is not re-signed for this season," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "Our hope is that Brian can get through this ordeal and get back to playing professional football somewhere. We wish him the best."

Storm Bolsters Kicking Position

The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce the acquisition of kicker Craig Camay.

"Craig brings stability to the kicking position," said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. "He is familiar with our organization and we are happy to have him with the team."

Camay (5-foot-11, 201, Tennessee-Chattanooga) joins the Storm after spending the 2012 season with the Iowa Barnstormers. He played in all 18 games for the Barnstormers, and converted 114-of-132 PATs, good for ninth in the league at 86.4 percent. Camay also converted 4-of-11 field goals on the season.

Camay spent parts of the 2011 season with the Storm, seeing action in the final game versus the San Jose Sabercats. He went 4-of-6 on PATs, and converted his only field goal attempt.

Prior to turning pro, Camay appeared in 44 games for Chattanooga. In his senior season he earned AP Second Team All-America and First Team All-Southern Conference honors.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. Single game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or by visiting the McDonalds® Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

Storm to Host Cinco de Mayo Night

The Tampa Bay Storm will take on South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo on Amalie Motor Oil Field at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Saturday, May 4 during Cinco de Mayo Night. The game, presented by Qdoba, will kick off at 9:00 PM. A win over the VooDoo will help the Storm improve its division record to 2-1 on the season.

Prior to kickoff, the fans can take in a performance by the band Point 6 on the Thunder Alley Stage. Point 6 is a local band from the Tampa Bay area, and it performs songs that touch many different genres of music including Latin Rock and Latin Jazz. Point 6 will take the stage at 7:00 PM.

Before the Storm hits the field, the fans will also be able to enjoy $4 Bad Juan Margaritas on the West Patio.

The team will host a beer tasting presented by Blue Moon Brewing Company on the East Plaza prior to the game from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Fans will be able to sample a variety of craft and import beers while enjoying food presented by Qdoba. Packages start at just $15 and you must be at least 21 years of age. To register contact 813.301.6683 or agoodman@tampabaytimesforum.com

The Storm will also be celebrating Star Wars "May the 4th Be With You" Night. Fans can score a Chase Club ticket for just $35. A Chase Club ticket will include an all-you-can-eat buffet of food and drink, including beer, wine and soda. Fans will also receive a commemorative t-shirt, personalized caricature, an exclusive photo op with a Star Wars character and an automatic entry for a chance to win four (4) tickets to Disney's Star Wars Weekend. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Special Olympics of Hillsborough County. To order call Kate Kasunic at 813.301.6623.

Bright House Family Packs are available for fans. The package includes two tickets, hot dogs and sodas, as well as a free Bright House movie rental starting at $39. Kids tickets are also available for $5 for all children 12 and under and may be purchased the McDonald's® Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Little Caesar's Night Out tickets can be purchased for $20 and include a slice of pizza and a beer or soda. Family Packs can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or by visiting the McDonald's Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Week 6 Preview: Talons at Power

Approaching the end of a three week road trip, the 2012 Central Division Champion San Antonio Talons travel to Pittsburgh for a matchup against the Power on Sunday, April 28. Sunday's game between the San Antonio Talons and the Pittsburgh Power will be a defensive showdown with kickoff set for 1:00 PM CST at CONSOL Energy Center. Fans can catch the game live on CW 35 San Antonio on analog channel 35 or digital channel 32. Fans are invited to catch this weekend's game at the Talons Official Watch Part at Augie's Barbed Wire Bar-B-Que located at 3709 N. St. Mary's St.

Both teams are looking to improve their record of 1-3 on the season as both offenses have gotten off to a slow start. The Talons defense has 10 sacks for 33 yards, ranking 2nd in the AFL. Joe Sykes has generously contributed to this ranking with 4.5 sacks on the season. Sykes leads the team and is tied for first in the Arena Football League with 2 forced fumbles. The number of sacks will play an important role on Sunday especially when going after Power's rushing quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Last year, the Talons successfully took down the Power in a 66-52 victory at the Alamodome, but the team feels great heading to the CONSOL Energy Center looking back to their last visit in 2011 when the Talons dominated the Power 45-22 on their home turf.

The Power ranks first in the Arena Football League in passing and total defense allowing only 219.2 yards per game. San Antonio ranks 3rd allowing 258.5 yards per game. Power quarterback Jordan Jefferson, in his first season of Arena Football, leads the team in rushing. He is second in the AFL in league rushing and yards per rush. Through 4 games, he has 20 attempts for 138 yards, averaging 6.9 yards a carry, and 13 rushing touchdowns. Jefferson has completed 68 passes out of 122 attempts for 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

Talons' Jamar Ransom, who is tied for 1st in the league with 2 fumbles received, will be a key defensive leader in week 6. He is tied with Carlton Brown to lead the team with 17 total tackles. Preventing the ball from reaching receivers Mike Washington and P.J. Berry's hands will dramatically reduce the Power's offensive efficiency. Washington is the Power's leading receiver with 36 catches and 4 touchdowns leading to 24 points. Berry is the leading scorer for the Power with 6 touchdowns for 36 points.

The Talons offense will face a challenge going up against the #1 ranked Power defense.. The Talons are ranked 12th in total offense averaging only 43.8 points per game. Pittsburgh has been outscored 213-128 through their first four games and rank second to last in AFL offense. Pittsburgh also ranks 14th in first downs.

Talons quarterback Nick Hill will look to improve on passing efficiency from last weekend for the offense to be successful. He went 20-40 for 293 yards and 4 touchdowns last week in a lopsided loss to the Arizona Rattlers. In his first two games with the Talons, Hill has thrown for 8 touchdowns, 480 yards and 3 interceptions. The offensive line will also need to slow down Pittsburgh's Sergio Gilliam to succeed offensively. Sergio Gilliam, a 3 year AFL veteran, is leading the Power at defensive back.

Hill's favorite target, receiver Jomo Wilson, looks to maintain his momentum from last week. Wilson finished the game with 10 catches for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns. As a 4 year veteran, Wilson shines as the bright spot on the offense leading the team with 7 touchdowns for 42 points. He has 28 catches for 389 yards on the season.

Barnstormers Add New Kicker

Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach and Director of Operations Mike Hohensee announced late Wednesday that the AFL franchise has been assigned Kicker Fabrizio Scaccia (Sa-SHA). In a related move Kicker Phil Marfuggi has been reassigned.

Scaccia (6'0", 205) joins the Barnstormers after spending time with the AFL's Arizona Rattlers. In two seasons with Arizona, Scaccia connected on 170 of 188 PAT Attempts along with 3 of 13 field goal attempts. He is known for having a "big" leg, and should be an asset to the Barnstormers on kickoffs. Scaccia has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and the Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL).

Scaccia will wear uniform #9 with the Barnstormers and will be in the lineup tomorrow night at when the Iowa hosts the Chicago Rush at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Kickoff is set for 7:05pm.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, by calling the Barnstormers at 515.633.2255 online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

Champions Professional Indoor Football League

Renegades Back Home Saturday

The Renegades (4-2) vie for their 5th straight win tomorrow night against the Salina Bombers (3-2).

Tailgaters can enjoy a free tailgate concert featuring local cover band Public Safety Issue, starting at 4:30.

Kickoff is at 7:05. Kids get in FREE for Kemper Kids Day (1 child 15 and under per paying adult). Adult tickets start at just $12.

KC Renegades team with the Salvation Army for Tailgater of the week and Food Drive

On May 25th The Kansas City Renegades and The Salvation Army will host a Food Drive. The Renegades are encouraging the people of Kansas City to come out and support The Salvation Army in their efforts to assist the community. We ask that you bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Salvation Army. Your contribution will assist them with their community outreach program. The Salvation Army has come on board for the 2013 season not only to encourage the Renegades but also the fans. Every week the Salvation Army selects one tailgater at Kemper arena to be the "Tailgater of the week. This tailgater has the opportunity to then compete for the Ultimate tailgater award on the final home game of the season against the Kansas Koyotes May 25th Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.

Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

Wild Aim to Retain First Place in Missouri

The Wichita Wild (6-1) will travel to Sedalia, Missouri on April 27th to take on the Mid-Missouri Outlaws (0-6) in the Mathewson Exhibition Center; kick-off scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wichita comes into the game fresh off a 29-17 win over the previously undefeated Omaha Beef on Saturday night in Hartman Arena, which moved them into first place of the CPIFL standings. In Sedalia, Mid-Missouri dropped their sixth straight game of the season on Saturday to Kansas City in a final of 38-24. Saturday's meeting between Wichita and Mid-Missouri will be the first ever competition between the two teams.

Wichita's game against Omaha began with the Wild offense parlaying defensive back Dan Kontz's interception into points as quarterback Rocky Hinds found wide receiver Tim Simmons for a two yard touchdown pass to lead 7-0. Omaha immediately tied the game at seven apiece with a 14 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chuck Wright to wide receiver Jusmon Rivers, but Wichita went back in front with Hinds completing a four yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Joe Kassanavoid. After a missed extra point by Wild kicker Alex Fambrough, the Wild led 13-7 as the first quarter came to a conclusion. Early in the second quarter, both squads traded field goals, leaving the score at 16-10 in favor of Wichita, but a quick drive by Omaha capped off by a two yard touchdown run by RJ Rollins helped the Beef momentarily steal the lead from the Wild, 17-16. Omaha had one last chance to extend their lead before halftime, but Wild defensive back Chris Hemphill halted their progress with Wichita's second interception on the night to leave the Beef with a one point lead, 17-16 at the half. With points coming at a premium in the second half, the Wild pulled ahead by earning two more field goals by Fambrough reclaiming the lead, 22-17. The Beef's best attempt at reaching the endzone occurred toward the end of the third quarter, but Wild defensive back Kendrick Harper intercepted the pass crushing any chance of a score. Midway through the final quarter, a one yard touchdown run by Hinds furthered Wichita's lead to 29-17. The solid defending by the Wild continued, as the defense completed a second half shut out, clinching a 29-17 Wichita victory over Omaha.

Mid-Missouri fell behind early against Kansas City, finding themselves down 10-0 midway through the first quarter by way of a three yard touchdown pass from Renegades quarterback Carlos Cavanaugh to wide receiver Clinton Solomon and a 19 yard field goal by kicker Thomas Frevert. The Outlaws' defense attempted to build momentum, recording a safety late in the first quarter and holding the Renegades scoreless until the 2:25 mark in the second quarter when Renegades running back Keithen Valentine converted a one yard touchdown run. The two clubs traded touchdowns as the quarter drew to a close, securing a 24-8 halftime lead for Kansas City. Five minutes into the third quarter, Mid-Missouri quarterback Kyle Christian tossed a nine yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Reid, pulling the Outlaws closer but two minutes later Cavanaugh found Solomon again to continue Kansas City's distance from Mid-Missouri, 31-14. As the game transitioned into the final quarter, the Outlaws made one last push to get back in the game, as Christian threw his third touchdown of the night followed by Mid-Missouri's defense claiming their second safety of the night to bring the Outlaws within a touchdown of the Renegades, 31-24. Kansas City defensive back Donte Moore ended Mid-Missouri's hopes of a comeback with a 41 yard interception return for a touchdown, finalizing a 38-24 Renegades win over the Outlaws.

Player to Watch: Defensive Back Kendrick Harper

Kendrick Harper registered his fifth interception on Saturday, picking off Omaha quarterback Chuck Wright's long pass attempt to prevent a Beef touchdown and consequently making him the CPIFL leader in interceptions. Harper has been a shutdown corner for the Wild all season, leading the CPIFL in total passes defended with 12 by recording seven pass break ups in addition to his five interceptions. While excelling in his coverage duties, Harper also showcased his physicality on Saturday by tying for a game high five tackles. A veteran leader in the defensive backfield, look for the former University of Kansas defensive back to continue to lock down his side of the field and create turnovers as the Wild attempt to clinch a spot in the CPIFL playoffs.

The Wild hit the road for Sedalia, Missouri to take on the last placed Mid-Missouri Outlaws; kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST). The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO in the Wichita area or streamed live on kgso.com. Wichita will return home May 4th to host the Oklahoma Defenders at 7:05 p.m.