Talons head west for first road test.
2-0 Talons face strong opponent in Arizona.
TULSA, OK-- The Tulsa Talons enjoyed a week off last weekend and return fresh and ready to play as they travel to the U.S. Airways Arena in Phoenix, Arizona to take on yet another traditional AFL powerhouse, the Arizona Rattlers this Friday night. The Talons are 2-0, having defeated the Tampa Bay Storm on Opening weekend and knocking off the Dallas Vigilantes in a come-from-behind victory in week two.
The Rattlers come into the game 1-1 and have the AFL's #1 pass-defense efficiency and are second in opponents first downs and opponents third down conversions. Tulsa's defense is formidable as well, ranked #1 in sacks, and has one of the AFL's best pass rushers in Terence Carter, who is ranked first in sacks and forced fumbles so far this season. The Rattlers offense will give the Talons secondary a tough challenge, as Arizona's offense has averaged 58.5 points and 309.5 passing yards per game.
Last week, all three starting wide receivers had at least 10 catches for 100 yards and one score each. J.J. McKelvey led Arizona with 12 receptions for 110 yards and four TDs. Rod Windsor had 11 catches for 108 yards and a TD. That follows up the rookie wide receiver’s debut against Cleveland with 13 catches for 175 yards. At this pace, Windsor would break the Rattlers’ receiving yards record. Trandon Harvey, who posted 1,412 yards receiving in his rookie season of 2007, caught 10 passes for 121 yards and two TDs. Harvey also averaged over 20 yards per kickoff return.
Donovan Morgan keys the Talons offense. Nicknamed “Spiderman,” Morgan is fifth in total scoring with seven TDs and has 13 receptions for 232 yards. Justin Allgood has completed 36-of-59 passes for 456 yards and 13 TDs with only one interception. Allgood is ranked No. 10 in the AFL in pass efficiency with a 117.7 ranking.
Kickoff for the game is slated for 9:30pm and all the exciting play-by-play action can be heard on AM 740 & FM 102.3 KRMG with Rick Couri. You can also listen live at tulsatalons.com, where you can also see the game by clicking the "listen live" button on the team website. After Friday's game, the Talons travel to Jacksonville to take on the Sharks on May 1st and then return to the amazing BOK Center for a game against the Alabama Vipers on may 8th at 7pm.
Tickets for that game and all Talons home games are available at the BOK Center box office and by callin 294-1000.
Photo by Kevin Pyle.