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Football
Wranglers Ward off VooDoo 45-38 in Overtime
Jeremy Martin
Mon Apr 23, 1:31am
, 2007
Some new players helped the Wranglers improve their losing season Saturday in an overtime upset of the New Orleans VooDoo.
Increasingly impressive FB Chad Dukes scored on the first drive on a goal-line plow set up by the still-inconsistent QB Adrian McPherson’s 25-yard broken-play dash.
The Wrangler defense then stopped the VooDoo from crossing the goal line at close range four plays in a row. And McPherson put the McPher(fear) in New Orleans (I spent most of the rest of the game coming up with that one) by leading the offense from end to end, putting the Wranglers up 14-0 with a touchdown throw to WR Kevin Nickerson, a lead they kept for the rest of the quarter, and for 15 minutes the Wranglers looked more like a team bound for the Arena Bowl than a 2-5 underachiever.
The second quarter went not so well when the VooDoo found where the Erwin Center’s end zone is located, and the Wranglers’ offense went limp and answered with a field goal. The ensuing kickoff was run back by the apparently slippery and unfortunately named Jacques Rumph (probably chosen by his parents solely for the “Boy Named Sue” toughness-increasing factor). A safety and another freaking touchdown pass brought the VooDoo ahead, 22-17. McPherson, apparently unconcerned with my calling him inconsistent, then hit the according-to-the-Wrangler’s-press-release “stud receiver” Derrick Lewis for a touchdown.
The score remained unchanged during halftime when not much happened really, football-wise.
Increasingly impressive FB Chad Dukes scored on the first drive on a goal-line plow set up by the still-inconsistent QB Adrian McPherson’s 25-yard broken-play dash.
The Wrangler defense then stopped the VooDoo from crossing the goal line at close range four plays in a row. And McPherson put the McPher(fear) in New Orleans (I spent most of the rest of the game coming up with that one) by leading the offense from end to end, putting the Wranglers up 14-0 with a touchdown throw to WR Kevin Nickerson, a lead they kept for the rest of the quarter, and for 15 minutes the Wranglers looked more like a team bound for the Arena Bowl than a 2-5 underachiever.
The second quarter went not so well when the VooDoo found where the Erwin Center’s end zone is located, and the Wranglers’ offense went limp and answered with a field goal. The ensuing kickoff was run back by the apparently slippery and unfortunately named Jacques Rumph (probably chosen by his parents solely for the “Boy Named Sue” toughness-increasing factor). A safety and another freaking touchdown pass brought the VooDoo ahead, 22-17. McPherson, apparently unconcerned with my calling him inconsistent, then hit the according-to-the-Wrangler’s-press-release “stud receiver” Derrick Lewis for a touchdown.
The score remained unchanged during halftime when not much happened really, football-wise.
Adrian McPherson Named AFL Offensive Player of the Week
Mark Fagan
Thu Apr 12, 2:33pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Austin Wranglers quarterback Adrian McPherson was named the Arena Football League's offensive player of the week by ArenaFan.com after leading his team to a tight 65-64 victory over the Utah Blaze in Austin last Friday. His stats: 18 of 29 completions for 271 yards and six passing TDs, 51 yards rushing on seven carries with two rushing TDs, and zero interceptions. Sweet numbers indeed. The 2-4 Wranglers travel to Columbus, Ohio, this Saturday to face the 2-3 Destroyers at 6pm. According to TV Guide, Time Warner Cable Channel 77 will be carrying the game live with AM 1300 the Zone starting their broadcast at 5:45pm.
Wranglers Beat Blaze in Tight One, 65-64
Jeremy Martin
Mon Apr 9, 2:11am
, 2007
The Austin Wranglers stopped their four-game losing streak Friday with a close finish against the Utah Blaze. QB Adrian McPherson threw for 271 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran one across the goal line from 17 yards out, securing his title as offensive player of the week. WR Derrick Lewis pulled in an onside kick and three of those TD passes, while WR Anthony Hines grabbed two, including the 17-yard game-winner with less than 12 seconds left on the clock. Utah missed a 46-yard field-goal attempt in the last two seconds of the game. This win puts the Wranglers at 2-4 this season. The Wranglers head to Columbus, Ohio, Saturday to take on the 2-3 Destroyers and return to the Frank Erwin Center to play the New Orleans VooDoo Saturday, April 21.
Wranglers Lose to Nashville 70-63
Jeremy Martin
Sun Mar 25, 7:50pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Maybe they shouldn't have played the Meow Mix jingle at the Frank Erwin Center when they introduced the Kats.
Austin Wranglers Host Nashville Kats Saturday
Jeremy Martin
Fri Mar 23, 2:48pm
, 2007
First off: "Kats," seriously? Not only are they apparently named after a Lovin' Spoonful song, but the "K" makes it sound like the team was named by the owner's preschool nephew.
If the Kats were going for a badass misspelling, they quite obviously would've been better off with "Catz" or even better "Xatz" or best of all "XXXatzzz." Now those are incorrectly spelled names that would put a shrivel in the other teams' jockstraps. The cutesy Kats spelling makes you think the team's mascot would look like a differently abled version of Snagglepuss ("I pooped the bed again – exit stage left, even.") You'd be wrong, of course. Their mascot is a special-needs top cat with Elvis hair and a guitar. Seriously. What were we talking about again?
If the Kats were going for a badass misspelling, they quite obviously would've been better off with "Catz" or even better "Xatz" or best of all "XXXatzzz." Now those are incorrectly spelled names that would put a shrivel in the other teams' jockstraps. The cutesy Kats spelling makes you think the team's mascot would look like a differently abled version of Snagglepuss ("I pooped the bed again – exit stage left, even.") You'd be wrong, of course. Their mascot is a special-needs top cat with Elvis hair and a guitar. Seriously. What were we talking about again?
Wranglers Lose 60-51 to the Georgia Force in Atlanta
Mark Fagan
Mon Mar 12, 3:10pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
After winning their season and home opener last weekend over the Las Vegas Gladiators 57-36 Austin traveled to the Philips Arena in Atlanta and lost to the Georgia Force 60-51 Sunday afternoon. After trailing for most of the game Austin got within two with 46 seconds left and made a failed onside kickoff attempt which led to another Force touchdown and the Wranglers' first loss of the season. Quarterback Adrian McPherson completed 30 of his 45 passes for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Kevin Nickerson led Austin in receiving with 13 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns. The Wranglers travel to Orlando on Friday for another challenging Southern Division matchup against the Predators at 6:30pm. That game can be be heard on AM 1300 the Zone and www.austinwranglers.com.
Wranglers Defeat Gladiators in Season Opener
Jeremy Martin
Mon Mar 5, 1:36am
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Did the Austin Wranglers manage to “rustle up” a way to make the Las Vegas Gladiators crap out? Yippee ki yay and Seven-come-eleven, it’s … sorry, I thought I would try out a SportsCenter introduction for this game, but it's not going so well. This is, after all, the Score, so insert a sexual innuendo or too-smart literary reference here _______ and then I’ll just tell you the Wranglers won 57-36.
The team’s shiny new quarterback and coach are already looking like confident team leaders. QB Adrian McPherson threw for 205 yards, ran for 26, and was named offensive player of the game. And coach Brian Partlow, in a ballsy move, called an onside kick in the first quarter, and it worked. The Wranglers began the game with a 19-0 scoring run, and the Gladiators never seriously threatened to come back, staying at least two touchdowns behind for the rest of the game.
As expected, former Houston Texans wide receiver Derrick Lewis played a big role Sunday, catching two touchdown passes, including one played off the safety net behind the end zone. If you aren’t familiar with the rules catching a ball that hits the net is a perfectly legal (and totally sweet) play in the AFL. In fact most kickoffs bounce off the net, requiring the return man to catch the ball with his back to the defenders. I imagine the feeling is probably similar to tagging up in wall ball, but only if the tennis ball you get pegged with weighs 250 pounds and is suited up in full pads.
The team’s shiny new quarterback and coach are already looking like confident team leaders. QB Adrian McPherson threw for 205 yards, ran for 26, and was named offensive player of the game. And coach Brian Partlow, in a ballsy move, called an onside kick in the first quarter, and it worked. The Wranglers began the game with a 19-0 scoring run, and the Gladiators never seriously threatened to come back, staying at least two touchdowns behind for the rest of the game.
As expected, former Houston Texans wide receiver Derrick Lewis played a big role Sunday, catching two touchdown passes, including one played off the safety net behind the end zone. If you aren’t familiar with the rules catching a ball that hits the net is a perfectly legal (and totally sweet) play in the AFL. In fact most kickoffs bounce off the net, requiring the return man to catch the ball with his back to the defenders. I imagine the feeling is probably similar to tagging up in wall ball, but only if the tennis ball you get pegged with weighs 250 pounds and is suited up in full pads.
Austin Wranglers Season Opener Sunday
Jeremy Martin
Fri Mar 2, 1:59am
, 2007
More interesting than Canadian football and better smelling than the European league, arena football has definitely earned its position as the NFL's socially awkward foster child.
And with its new ESPN contract, this is the Arena Football League's time
to shine. It's already moved up to second on the Google search results
list for AFL after the stock symbol for AFLAC, surpassing both the
Australian Football league and typos on ALF message boards.
Austin Wranglers Finalize 2007 Roster
Mark Fagan
Mon Feb 26, 3:48pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Wranglers head coach Brian Partlow and general manager Glyn Milburn had the difficult task of trimming their roster down to 21 players in preparation for their home/season opener, Sunday, March 4, vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators. The Wranglers currently only have one quarterback on the roster, Adrian McPherson, but look to sign a backup this week. Here's the other lucky 20 players who made the final cut: fullback/linebacker Chad Dukes; fullback/linebacker/defensive lineman Dane Krager; defensive backs Damon Mason, Nate Coggins, and Duvol Thompson; kicker Mark Lewis; wide receiver/defensive backs Toure Carter and Kevin Nickerson; wide receivers Otis Amey, Sedrick Robinson, and former Houston Texan Derrick Lewis; linebacker Greg Brown; defensive linemen Mike Williams and Kenny Smith; offensive/defensive linemen Ramon Richardson and Rob Schroeder; and offensive linemen Donny Klein, Eric Thomas, Kimani Jones, and Aaron Gibson.
For tickets to their season opener this Sunday vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators (3pm, Erwin Center) and a full list of players on the practice squad and injured-reserve list see www.austinwranglers.com.
For tickets to their season opener this Sunday vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators (3pm, Erwin Center) and a full list of players on the practice squad and injured-reserve list see www.austinwranglers.com.
Lone Star Arena Football Classic This Friday at the Drum
Mark Fagan
Tue Feb 20, 1:08pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
The Austin Wranglers Foundation is hosting this event featuring Central Texas' finest high school players playing an exhibition game using the exciting, fast-paced, and high-scoring Arena League rules and 50-yard field. Westwood High School head coach Anthony Wood will lead the North squad with Lake Travis High School head coach Jeff Dicus doing the honors for the South. All-CenTex wide receiver Bryce Vernon (Westwood), All-State kicker Justin Putnam (Westwood), All-State linebacker Justin Allen (Cedar Park) and District 14-5A Lineman of the Year Jake Marrow (Cedar Park) will represent for the North All-Stars. The South All-Star team includes District 25-5A MVP linebacker Marcus Richardson (Seguin), two-time All-District defensive lineman Eddie DeCambre (Austin), All-State center Zach Lambert (Hays) and All-County linebacker/All-District kicker Tyler Krug (Canyon). For full rosters see the Wranglers' Web site. Each ticket purchased serves as a voucher for terrace-level seating for the Wranglers' home opener on Sunday, March 4, at 3pm vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators. Proceeds will be donated to the Austin Wranglers Foundation for purchase of Automated External Defibrillators for the capital-area schools that are in need of these life-saving machines. Catch the action this Friday, Feb. 23, 7pm at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River. $10.
Wranglers Training Camp Opens Sunday
Mark Fagan
Wed Jan 31, 12:23pm
, 2007
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Off the heels of their most successful season ever, including their first playoff appearance, the Austin Wranglers of the venerable Arena Football League open training camp this Sunday, Feb. 4. Competition will be fierce for most positions, with the Wranglers inviting 37 players to camp. The roster will eventually be thinned down to 24. Returning Wranglers include Kevin Nickerson, Damon Mason, Sedrick Robinson, Dane Krager, Aaron Humphrey, and flashy wide receiver Derrick Lewis returning from his stint with the NFL's Houston Texans. Lewis is an exciting playmaker who will certainly make the Wranglers starting lineup. Austin also acquired defensive back Nate Coggins from the Georgia Force and fullback/linebacker Chad Dukes from the Philadelphia Soul from the AFL's free-agent pool.
Top 10 Local and Regional Stories of '06
Mark Fagan
Thu Jan 4, 1:01am
, 2007
Tags: Round Rock Express , Austin Toros , Austin Wranglers , High School Football , NFL , UT Football , Austin Ice Bats , Texas Rollergirls , TXRD , UT Softball , UT Volleyball , UT Soccer
1) With arguably the greatest performance in college football history, Vince Young led UT to a 41-38 upset victory over USC in the Rose Bowl on the fourth day of 2006 and then went on to lead the struggling Tennessee Titans to an 8-5 record in his 13 starts, including beating the Texans with a 39-yard game-winning TD run in OT in his return to his hometown of Houston.
2) UT’s women’s programs achieved unprecedented success in ’06 with the No. 8 soccer squad finishing with their highest final ranking ever. The volleyball team finished at No. 7 and reached the Elite Eight beating Wisconsin in the third round and losing to Stanford in the fourth. UT softball finished the year at No. 5 and said goodbye to interstellar pitcher Cat Osterman.
3) The Westlake Chaparrals made it to the state football championship game in San Antonio’s Alamodome but lost to the seemingly unbeatable Southlake Carroll Dragons 43-29.
4) The Austin Wranglers reached the Arena Football League playoffs for the first time in their short history only to lose to Jon Bon Jovi’s Philadelphia Soul 52-35 at the Frank Erwin Center.
2) UT’s women’s programs achieved unprecedented success in ’06 with the No. 8 soccer squad finishing with their highest final ranking ever. The volleyball team finished at No. 7 and reached the Elite Eight beating Wisconsin in the third round and losing to Stanford in the fourth. UT softball finished the year at No. 5 and said goodbye to interstellar pitcher Cat Osterman.
3) The Westlake Chaparrals made it to the state football championship game in San Antonio’s Alamodome but lost to the seemingly unbeatable Southlake Carroll Dragons 43-29.
4) The Austin Wranglers reached the Arena Football League playoffs for the first time in their short history only to lose to Jon Bon Jovi’s Philadelphia Soul 52-35 at the Frank Erwin Center.
ESPN and the Arena Football League Announce Long-Term Broadcasting Deal
Mark Fagan
Tue Dec 19, 2:26pm
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Today the AFL made the announcment that ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN on ABC will air a minimum of 26 Arena Football League games per season for five years starting with the 2007 campaign. ESPN has also purchased a minority share in the AFL as part of this deal and as a sign of their commitment to the league. This contract allows ESPN to show football on Monday nights year-round so now it's really time to ante up for that standard cable package. Broadcasting begins on Sunday, March 4 with regional matchups inlcuding the Dallas Desperados vs. the New York Dragons. The season-concluding ArenaBowl will be carried live from the New Orleans Arena on ABC Saturday, July 29. The Wranglers aren't part of the current ESPN schedule which is dominated by the Philadelphia Soul, the Colorado Crush, the Chicago Rush, and Dallas. Look for a Rush vs. the Crush matchup on Monday, June 18.
Lone Star Arena Football Classic Set for February 23
Mark Fagan
Thu Dec 14, 5:01pm
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
The Austin Wranglers announced today the creation of the first Lone Star Arena Football Classic which will take place on Friday, Feb. 23 at 7pm to be held at the Frank Erwin Center. This game will feature standout high school seniors from capital area football teams who will participate in this Arena Football League style all-star game. The AFL-style of play (not to mention the 50-yard playing field) mixed with the talented high school all-star rosters should make for an exciting one-of-a-kind game. There will be two teams of 30 players from the North and South (school districts from Georgetown to Seguin) with Westwood Head Coach Anthony Wood coaching the North and Lake Travis head coach Jeff Dicus coaching the South with assistance from coaches from the AFL's Wranglers and the Dallas Desperados. Players will be selected by notables such as Texas high school football guru Craig Way, the North and South coaches, sportswriter Rick Cantu, and other media types. The game will be broadcast on AM1300 the Zone with Craig Way and Erin Hogan working their commentorial magic. General admission tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by telephone at 339-3939, the Wranglers Box Office located at 2209 W. Braker, and throughout the community. Proceeds will be donated to the Austin Wranglers Foundation for purchase of Automated External Defibrillators for the capital area schools that are participating in the game.
In other Wranglers-related news ...
In other Wranglers-related news ...
Austin Wranglers Host Open Tryouts, Release '07 Schedule
Mark Fagan
Thu Nov 30, 3:49pm
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
The Wranglers host their open tryouts this Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Round Rock ISD Stadium (10211 Parmer Ln.) beginning at 9am (registration begins at 8am). If you think you've got what it takes to make it in the AFL here's your chance to find out. And, like the NBDL, the AFL has been a stepping stone in the path to the NFL with the most notable graduate being current Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner who won a super bowl with the Rams. Wranglers 2006 star wide receiver Derrick Lewis made the jump this year and is currently on the Houston Texans roster.
On Wednesday the Wranglers released their 2007 16-game regular-season schedule with their season-opener being held Sunday, March 4, 3pm when they play host to the Las Vegas Gladiators at the Frank Erwin Center. Austin won last year's matchup with the Gladiators 64-46. On Saturday, April 21 the Wranglers host the New Orleans Voodoo who were forced to take a year off due to the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Welcome back, Voodoo. Season tickets available now. To get yours call 339-3939.
On Wednesday the Wranglers released their 2007 16-game regular-season schedule with their season-opener being held Sunday, March 4, 3pm when they play host to the Las Vegas Gladiators at the Frank Erwin Center. Austin won last year's matchup with the Gladiators 64-46. On Saturday, April 21 the Wranglers host the New Orleans Voodoo who were forced to take a year off due to the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Welcome back, Voodoo. Season tickets available now. To get yours call 339-3939.
Wranglers Acquire QB Adrian McPherson
Mark Fagan
Thu Nov 16, 4:28pm
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Austin picked up quarterback Adrian McPherson from the Utah Blaze in exchange for future considerations. McPherson played college ball with Florida State (2001-02) and completed 80 of 155 passes for 1,017 yards and 12 TDs with 180 yards rushing in his sophomore season, serving as the Seminoles backup QB. He was selected in the fifth round (152nd overall) of the 2005 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints and served as the Saints third-string QB for that season. He attended training camp with the Saints in 2006, but was released prior to the regular season. McPherson was named the Arena Football League's 2004 Rookie of the Year with the Indiana Firebirds. He ran into some trouble with the law for allegedly betting on pro and college football games in the spring of 2003 with his trial ending in a hung jury. Continuing his run of bad luck, the most notable event of his NFL career is being struck by a golf cart driven by the Tennessee Titans mascot, T-Rac, in August of this year. I had no idea the Titans' macot was a gladiator raccoon. I guess it's true, raccoons are bad drivers.
Wranglers Host Open Tryouts, Sign Players/Hire Coaches, and Donate Defibrillator
Mark Fagan
Fri Nov 10, 3:06pm
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Vince Papale did it, why can't you? The Wranglers will be hosting an open player tryout on Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Round Rock ISD Stadium (10211 Parmer Ln.) beginning at 9am (registration begins at 8am). Participants will be tested on an artificial grass surface in the 40- and 20-yard dash, short shuttle, broad jump, and position-specific football drills. Eight players have been signed by the Wranglers in the past, following an open tryout including standout wide receiver Kevin Nickerson who led Austin with 24 pass TDs last season. Who knows, maybe Marky Mark will be portraying you someday in a big-budget Hollywood sports drama. Maybe not.
Wranglers & Deion Announce New Dancers/Free-Agent Signing of Nate Coggins
Mark Fagan
Tue Oct 3, 9:45am
, 2006
Tags: Austin Wranglers
Our very own Arena Football League franchise, the Austin Wranglers, have had a busy offseason in preparation for a hopeful return to the playoffs. Smarting from an early exit in their first-and-only playoff appearance last year the Wranglers fired coach Skip Foster shortly after the season ended. Foster made some questionable play-calls in last year's tough playoff loss to Jon Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul and Austin definitely needed to head in a new direction.
The Wranglers opened the free-agent signing period buy adding former Georgia Force defensive specialist Nate Coggins.
The Wranglers opened the free-agent signing period buy adding former Georgia Force defensive specialist Nate Coggins.
