Force Defeat The Orlando Predators 56-53

The Force pulled out a narrow victory against the Orlando Predators with a final game score of 56-53 in the Arena Football League’s Week 17 contest held at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. 5,341 arena football fans escaped the scorching Georgia heat to watch the critical divisional match-up.

The game had a somewhat uneventful start, with the first score of the game not occurring until QB Bryant Moniz found WR CJ Johnson for a 28 yard touchdown pass with roughly 8 minutes left in the first quarter. On Orlando’s second drive, the Predators responded with a 6 yard field goal by K Mark Lewis. With only 22 seconds left in the first quarter, Moniz threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to WR Larry Shipp, pulling the Force lead up to 14-3.

The Preds pulled out the first score of the second quarter, with a 7 yard touchdown pass from QB Chris Leak to WR Jarvis Williams, narrowing the Georgia lead to 4 points. With 7 minutes left in the second, the Force pulled their ahead with a 9 yard touchdown from Moniz to WR Shay Hodge. Orlando responded with a 18 touchdown pass from Leak to WR Antoine Toliver. With 33 seconds left in the half, FB Benji McDowell rushed for a 2 yard touchdown, pulling the Force lead up to 28-17. With only 9 seconds left, the Predators managed a 13 yard touchdown pass from Leak to WR Glen Fox to close out the first half.

The first score of the second half came roughly four minutes into the third quarter with a 4 yard touchdown pass from Moniz to Hodge. With five minutes left in the third quarter, the Predators narrowed the Force lead with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Moniz to Fox. Shortly after, Orlando went for a 2 point conversion, and were quickly stopped by DB Robert Durham. To close out the third quarter, Moniz threw WR Mike Johnson a 3 yard touchdown pass, furthering the Force lead to 42-30.

To start off the fourth quarter, Leak threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to former Force player, FB Mykel Benson. Moniz quickly found Hodge, his favorite target of the night, for a 34 yard touchdown pass. With approximately 5 minutes left in the game, Orlando narrowed the Georgia lead to 49-46 with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Leak to Williams. With 1:10 left in the game, the Force managed a 23 yard touchdown pass from Moniz to Hodge. The Predators came out with a late surge with a 1 yard touchdown pass from Leak to Benson, making the contest a 3 point game with only 30 seconds left. The Force held on to their lead, however, defeating the Predators 56-53.

Riddell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Bryant Moniz, Georgia
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Robert Durham, Georgia
JLS Ironman of the Game: CJ Johnson, Georgia
AFL Playmaker of the Game:Shay Hodge, Georgia
Cutters Catch of the Game: Jarvis Williams’ 6 yard TD pass in the 4th quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Hodge’s 4th quarter TD
National Guard MVP: Shay Hodge, Georgia

This Force have a bye in the Arena Football League’s Week 18. The Force will take on the Pittsburgh Power on July 14th at 7 p.m. EST at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. The game will be televised live on WSB’s MeTV 2.2, channel 248 on Comcast and Charter channel 126. The game will also be streamed live on Ustream.

Armed Forces Night THIS Sunday!

This Sunday, July 1st at The Arena at Gwinnett Center, join us for our Armed Forces Night honoring those who serve our country! Fans are encouraged to bring donations of diapers, baby wipes, and school supplies upon entry. All donations will be given directly to Operation Home Front. Stick around and watch the Force take on the Orlando Predators! Kickoff for the contest between the division rivals is set for 3 p.m.

To reserve your tickets, please call the front office at 770.609.1300.

Force Feel The Burn

The Utah Blaze outscored Georgia 21-3 in a decisive 2nd quarter on way to a 61-38 win over the Force Saturday night in an Arena Football League contest at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, UT.

The Force took a 7-6 lead late in the first quarter on a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bryant Moniz to Michael Johnson. Utah bounced back with three touchdowns in the second quarter, while holding the Force to a field goal, to take a 27-10 lead at the half.

The Force was able to pull within ten points of Utah twice in the second half, the latest coming in the fourth quarter when Jeremy Grier scored on a 1-yard toss sweep to make the score 41-31, but that was as close as the Force (7-8) would come to catching the Blaze (10-5).

Force quarterback Bryant Moniz completed 27 of 47 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. His top receiver was C.J. Johnson who caught 11 passes for 127 yards. Georgia’s top receiving threat, Larry Shipp, was held to only 2 catches for 9 yards and one touchdown.

Utah quarterback Tommy Grady completed 25 of 28 passes for 306 yards and 8 touchdowns. His final touchdown pass, with 14 seconds left in the game, marked his 118th touchdown pass of the season, a new AFL single-season record.

The Force return home next weekend to battle their division rivals the Orlando Predators (2-12) on Sunday, July 1st at 3:00pm ET at the The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA. The game will be televised locally on WSB’s MeTV 2.2 as well as streamed live on Ustream.

Georgia Force QB RJ Archer Signed By Detroit Lions

Force starting QB RJ Archer (6’2, 225, William and Mary) was added to the Detroit Lions roster on Thursday. Archer attended the Lions mini camp last month and caught the eye of the Detroit coaches.

“It is a good opportunity for RJ,” stated head coach Dean Cokinos. “Helping players move up is what the Arena Football League is about. He was a total professional and team guy with us. This is well deserved; we wish him nothing but the best.”

Georgia has bumped up former Hawaii standout Bryant Moniz (6’0, 215, Hawaii) to fill the void, along with Tony Colston (6’4, 215, Tusculum).

The Force will be on the road again this weekend, facing the Utah Blaze on Saturday, June 23rd at 9 p.m. EST at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will be streamed live on Ustream.

Weekly Report: Force Prepares For Utah Amidst Injuries

After falling to the Chicago Rush in Rosemont, Illinois this past weekend, the Force coaches and players are making the necessary adjustments to push for a successful next four games. These last four games against Utah, Orlando, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans are each critical match-ups for the Force; losing just one game could potentially put an end to Georgia’s run to the ArenaBowl XXV. Despite the loss to the Rush, the Force are currently in first place in the South Division, with the Jacksonville Sharks, New Orleans VooDoo, and Tampa Bay Storm all trailing closely behind at a tie for second place.

The Force were faced with a significant amount of injuries during the contest against the Rush on Saturday. On defense, DB’s Ahmad Hawkins and Marrio Norman were both forced to leave the game at different times. On offense, WR CJ Johnson had to leave the game in the third quarter, and QB RJ Archer dealt with an injury that forced him to miss two series. Despite the injury, Johnson was still able to earn the Spalding Highlight of the Week award from the Arena Football League for his 53 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half of the game. On another positive note, QB Bryant Moniz was cleared from injured reserve at the end of last week and has been added back to the active roster. The coaches are now anxiously awaiting to hear the prognosis of Hawkins, CJ Johnson, Norman, and Mike Johnson from the team’s medical staff.

“The bottom line is that we now have a four game season and we control our own destiny,” explained head coach Dean Cokinos. “We have lacked continuity with the roster and have been very inconsistent throughout the year. We have had steady play and growth on defense, even with all the injuries in the secondary. However, this is arena football, and it is vital that our offense executes at a higher and more consistent level for the remainder of the season for
us to have a chance to compete for the division and the #2 play-off seed.”

The Force will remain on the road this weekend, facing the Utah Blaze on Saturday, June 23rd at 9 p.m. EST at the EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The showdown will be streamed live on Ustream.

Georgia Force Cheerleader Macy Selected For NET10 Dream Team

After nearly a month of fan voting, the Arena Football League announced the winners of “NET10 Dream Team” Monday afternoon.

“NET10 Dream Team” is composed of one dancer from each AFL team who will perform at ArenaBowl XXV. “NET10 Dream Team” will also make appearances during the ArenaBowl Championship Week.

Thirty-four dancers (two in each market) competed for a spot on “NET10 Dream Team.” Fans could vote on one dancer per team, once a day on ArenaFootball.com. The dancer with the most votes on each team was selected as a member of “NET10 Dream Team.” Macy was chosen as the Georgia representative, and will make the journey New Orleans to dance at the ArenaBowl XXV.

“After hearing the news of being selected to the Dream Team, I experienced a rush of nervous excitement,” explained Macy. “Cheerleading is one of my passions and I am very fortunate to represent a dynamic organization such as the Georgia Force. I look forward to the Net10 ArenaBowl and sharing this experience with both my teammates and my Force family. GO FORCE!”

“Of course, I am very excited for Macy to have this experience because it’s truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that she will treasure for years to come,” stated Joie Ashworth, Director of the Georgia Force Cheerleaders. “Her Net10 AFL Dream Teammates are in for a treat too! Macy is a hard worker, a powerhouse dancer and her teammates love her sense of humor.”

Congratulations, Macy!

WR/DB Larry Shipp Earns AFL’s Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week

The Arena Football League has announced that Force WR/DB Larry Shipp (5’10, 200, Tennessee Tech) has earned the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week for his performance during the week 14 contest against the Jacksonville Sharks.

Shipp had a stellar game against the Sharks, and was an integral piece in the Force’s 56-39 victory over Jacksonville. Shipp had 13 receptions for 167 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He also had a one-yard rushing touchdown and 38 kick return yards. Shipp has now collected 106 receptions for 1,268 yards and 26 touchdowns in addition to four rushing touchdowns on five carries this season. He leads the Force in scoring with 182 points.

Shipp was voted the National Guard MVP for his performance during the AFL’s Week 3 earlier this season. Shipp tied a Georgia franchise record with six receiving touchdowns, including five in the first half, during the team’s victory over Jacksonville on March 24th, 2012. The Force WR/DB notched 12 catches for 144 yards in the 69-41 rout of the defending champs. This is Shipp’s second league award for the 2012 season.

“With WR CJ Johnson out for the Jacksonville game, we turned to Larry to shoulder the load and he answered the bell with a memorable performance,” stated head coach Dean Cokinos. “He impacted the outcome of the game. This award is well deserved.”

The Force will be on the road this weekend, facing the Chicago Rush on Saturday, June 16th at 8 p.m. EST at the Allstate Arena Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The game will be streamed live on Ustream.

Youth Football Camp

On Friday morning, approximately thirty-three young football enthusiasts between the ages of six and thirteen participated in the official 2012 Georgia Force Youth Football Camp at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. For four hours, the young Force fans learned the fundamentals of football from current Georgia Force coaches and players. The children worked on their offensive and defensive skills, enjoyed a lunch catered by Papa John’s, and received autographs signed by their favorite Force players!

The Force will be on the road this weekend, facing the Chicago Rush on Saturday, June 16th at 8 p.m. EST at the Allstate Arena Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The game will be streamed live on Ustream.

The 2012 is in full-swing with an exciting, family-friendly slate of promotions and entertainment. For more information on how to reserve your single game tickets, please call the front office at 770.609.1300.

Georgia Force Defeat The Jacksonville Sharks 56-39

The Force took a bite out of the Jacksonville Sharks with a final game score of 56-39 in the Arena Football League’s Week 14 contest held at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. The game was played in front of 3,826 arena football fans.

The Sharks made a statement early in the game, with a 13 yard touchdown pass from QB Bernard Morris to WR Jamarcko Simmons. Roughly two minutes later, the Force responded with a 12 yard touchdown pass from QB RJ Archer to WR Larry Shipp. With 7:38 left in the first quarter, Morris found WR Bobby Sewall for a 17 yard touchdown pass. To close out the first quarter, Morris once again found Simmons for an 8 yard touchdown pass, giving them a 20-9 lead.

As the Force was looking to close the gap, Sharks DB LaRoche Jackson intercepted Archer’s pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. Archer managed to find Shipp for a 12 yard touchdown pass with 4:55 left in the first quarter, narrowing the Sharks lead to 11 points.

Within minutes of the start of the second half, Archer completed a 5 yard touchdown pass to Shipp. A few minutes later, Morris found WR Jeron Harvey for a 5 yard touchdown pass, keeping them in the lead at 33-26. The Force once again narrowed the Sharks lead to only a point with a 7 yard run by FB Mykel Benson. The Force came up with a big safety when NG Kris Cooke sacked Bernard in the endzone at the end of the third quarter, giving Georgia the first lead of the night. After the Sharks forced the fumble, Morris hooked up with Simmons for a 1 yard touchdown. With approximately two minutes left in the game, Shipp rushed in a one yard touchdown. The Force kept the momentum going with a interception by LB Jeremy Grier, which was then returned for a 5 yard touchdown. On 4th & goal and 17 seconds left in the game, Shipp threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Shay Hodge, giving the Force the final winning score of 56-39.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Larry Shipp, Georgia
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Jeremy Grier, Georgia
JLS Ironman of the Game: Terrance Smith, Jacksonville
AFL Playmaker of the Game: Larry Shipp, Georgia
Cutters Catch of the Game: Shipp to Hodge, 4th quarter touchdown
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Jeremy Grier pick six touchdown, Georgia
National Guard MVP: Larry Shipp, Georgia

The Force will be on the road next weekend, facing the Chicago Rush on Saturday, June 16th at 8 p.m. EST at the Allstate Arena Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The game will be streamed live on Ustream.

Force WR Brandon McRae Activated Off Of IR

WR Brandon McRae has been activated off of IR after starting WR CJ Johnson strained his hamstring in the contest against the New Orleans VooDoo on June 2nd. Before being placed on IR for a broken thumb, McRae accomplished 41 receptions for 361 yards resulting in 12 touchdowns in just seven games with the Force.

“CJ contibutes to the team in so many different ways,” stated head coach Dean Cokinos. “Losing him for this this game leaves a void to fill. We will count on Shipp and the young receivers (Jake Allen, Brandon McRae, and Shay Hodge) to pick up the slack.”

The Force will remain home this weekend, facing the Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday, June 9th at 7 p.m. EST at the The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. When the Force met the Sharks earlier this season, they dominated the game, with a final score of 69-41. The Sharks will no doubt be looking for revenge and to keep their 3-game winning streak alive. The showdown will be streamed live on Ustream as well as televised on WSB’s MeTV 2.2, Comcast channel 248 and Charter channel 126.

The 2012 is in full-swing with an exciting, family-friendly slate of promotions and entertainment. For more information on how to reserve your single game tickets, please call the front office at 770.609.1300. For more information, please visit http://www.georgiaforce.com. Be sure to follow the Force Blog as well as Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates.