Post by Free Agent Fan on Feb 2, 2007 15:53:45 GMT -5
Legends are ahead of 2006 title team
Friday, February 2, 2007
By Jim Thomas Repository Sports Writer
repository bob rossiter
Head Coach Bobby Olive was high on his Canton Legends before they captured the 2006 American Indoor Football League championship.
But even before the 2007 Legends play their first game tonight at 7 in Johnstown, Pa., Olive said this version is ahead of last year's squad.
"It's not even a question," Olive said. "We're pretty good."
Linebacker Rashan Hall, a McKinley High School graduate, agrees. "Our team has better talent than last year. When you win a championship, the phone is ringing off the hook with guys wanting to play. We have a lot of good things going on."
Olive, cornerbacks JoJo Polk and Bobby Britton, quarterback Scott McMullen and wide receiver Randall Lane all spent time with the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League, considered the top tier of indoor football. Olive, McMullen and Britton played at Ohio State, as did wide receiver Maurice Lee, defensive back Harlen Jacobs and linebacker Thomas Mathews.
That array of talent leaves Canton as the one to beat of the 14 teams comprising the two divisions of the new American Indoor Football Association.
mason back under center
"The quarterback position is the most important position in indoor football," Olive said. "We've got Kevin Mason back. He's a phenomenal athlete. He's a leader. He's got all the attributes."
A college quarterback at Syracuse, Mason stabilized the position last year when he signed at midseason. His accurate deep balls led Canton to eight straight victories, culminating with five touchdown passes in the 61-40 American Bowl victory over Rome (Ga.).
Adding McMullen as Mason's backup gives the Legends great depth. Having swift targets in Lane and Lee is huge, Olive said. Canton lost two returning starters at receiver when Tim Smith and Randy Knapp did not return, though Chris Archie is back.
"We were the only team in the league to have three 1,000-yard receivers last year," Olive said. "I think Randall will be a big-time player. Chris Archie was explosive last year, and I think he'll be better."
The offensive line is new. Former Mount Union defensive linemen Jesse Wells and Justen Stickley will play center and guard. They are joined by Brandon Price, an All-AIFL performer for Miami Valley in 2006.
"Our offensive line struggled more than any area last year," Olive said. "I think it's improved."
defense beefs up
The defense looks better, too. Britton also was an All-AIFL performer for Miami Valley last year. Joining Hall and Mathews at linebacker is Neil Wood, another ex-Miami Valley player.
Eddie Robinson returns at end, backed up by Stickley, with AFL veteran Ron Washburn on the other side. Tomas Rodriguez of Kent State is the nose tackle.
"The guys are excited," Hall said. "We can't wait to get started."
Reach Repository sports writer Jim Thomas at (330) 580-8336 or e-mail: jim.thomas@cantonrep.com
The Johnstown Riverhawks are a division rival for the Canton Legends. But Canton Head Coach Bobby Olive said this Johnstown team is a mystery to him.
"They've got a new coach (Steve Folmer), a lot of new players," he said.
The Riverhawks just missed the North Division playoffs in 2006. They split with Canton as both teams won at home -Êthe Legends, 61-48, and the Riverhawks, 50-36.
Olive said Johnstown's best player is receiver Quenteen Robinson, an all-AIFL receiver and specialist. "We're going to put JoJo (Polk) on him," Olive said. "I like our chances."
The Riverhawks' quarterbacks are rookie Jarrod Highberger of Carnegie-Mellon and Weyland Davis of Clarion. Johnstown lost its 2006 QB in Adam Haught. Defensive back Carlos Campbell and lineman Amos Wilson, both all-stars last year, also did not return.
"We'll see what type of players (Folmer) has, what I can do," Olive said. "But we're prepared for all scenarios."
Friday, February 2, 2007
By Jim Thomas Repository Sports Writer
repository bob rossiter
Head Coach Bobby Olive was high on his Canton Legends before they captured the 2006 American Indoor Football League championship.
But even before the 2007 Legends play their first game tonight at 7 in Johnstown, Pa., Olive said this version is ahead of last year's squad.
"It's not even a question," Olive said. "We're pretty good."
Linebacker Rashan Hall, a McKinley High School graduate, agrees. "Our team has better talent than last year. When you win a championship, the phone is ringing off the hook with guys wanting to play. We have a lot of good things going on."
Olive, cornerbacks JoJo Polk and Bobby Britton, quarterback Scott McMullen and wide receiver Randall Lane all spent time with the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League, considered the top tier of indoor football. Olive, McMullen and Britton played at Ohio State, as did wide receiver Maurice Lee, defensive back Harlen Jacobs and linebacker Thomas Mathews.
That array of talent leaves Canton as the one to beat of the 14 teams comprising the two divisions of the new American Indoor Football Association.
mason back under center
"The quarterback position is the most important position in indoor football," Olive said. "We've got Kevin Mason back. He's a phenomenal athlete. He's a leader. He's got all the attributes."
A college quarterback at Syracuse, Mason stabilized the position last year when he signed at midseason. His accurate deep balls led Canton to eight straight victories, culminating with five touchdown passes in the 61-40 American Bowl victory over Rome (Ga.).
Adding McMullen as Mason's backup gives the Legends great depth. Having swift targets in Lane and Lee is huge, Olive said. Canton lost two returning starters at receiver when Tim Smith and Randy Knapp did not return, though Chris Archie is back.
"We were the only team in the league to have three 1,000-yard receivers last year," Olive said. "I think Randall will be a big-time player. Chris Archie was explosive last year, and I think he'll be better."
The offensive line is new. Former Mount Union defensive linemen Jesse Wells and Justen Stickley will play center and guard. They are joined by Brandon Price, an All-AIFL performer for Miami Valley in 2006.
"Our offensive line struggled more than any area last year," Olive said. "I think it's improved."
defense beefs up
The defense looks better, too. Britton also was an All-AIFL performer for Miami Valley last year. Joining Hall and Mathews at linebacker is Neil Wood, another ex-Miami Valley player.
Eddie Robinson returns at end, backed up by Stickley, with AFL veteran Ron Washburn on the other side. Tomas Rodriguez of Kent State is the nose tackle.
"The guys are excited," Hall said. "We can't wait to get started."
Reach Repository sports writer Jim Thomas at (330) 580-8336 or e-mail: jim.thomas@cantonrep.com
The Johnstown Riverhawks are a division rival for the Canton Legends. But Canton Head Coach Bobby Olive said this Johnstown team is a mystery to him.
"They've got a new coach (Steve Folmer), a lot of new players," he said.
The Riverhawks just missed the North Division playoffs in 2006. They split with Canton as both teams won at home -Êthe Legends, 61-48, and the Riverhawks, 50-36.
Olive said Johnstown's best player is receiver Quenteen Robinson, an all-AIFL receiver and specialist. "We're going to put JoJo (Polk) on him," Olive said. "I like our chances."
The Riverhawks' quarterbacks are rookie Jarrod Highberger of Carnegie-Mellon and Weyland Davis of Clarion. Johnstown lost its 2006 QB in Adam Haught. Defensive back Carlos Campbell and lineman Amos Wilson, both all-stars last year, also did not return.
"We'll see what type of players (Folmer) has, what I can do," Olive said. "But we're prepared for all scenarios."