Post by 50yardfan on Apr 18, 2011 23:40:51 GMT -5
www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110418/A_SPORTS/104180306
STOCKTON - The Utah Stealth lived up to its name and then some Sunday.
The Western Indoor Football Association team literally didn't show up for its game against the Stockton Wolves, forcing the team to bring a fill-in opponent - the same one it faced last week - to Stockton Arena.
In the second game of their inaugural season in Stockton, the Wolves defeated the Las Vegas Cobras 75-13 in front of approximately 1,100 fans. The Wolves defeated the Cobras 69-24 a week earlier, but Sunday's version of the Cobras consisted of a mix of the original team as well as some last-minute players already in the area.
"Utah had player issues in regards to player commitment," Wolves coach Bennie King said. "Obviously we wanted to play them - they were on our schedule. I want to give the Cobras credit for coming in and giving us a game."
Cobras offensive coordinator Jeremaine Lewis said he returned with most of his team in the interest of keeping the WIFA alive.
"Utah didn't fulfill their obligation and we wanted to give Stockton a chance to play," Lewis said. "We wanted to keep the league strong by fulfilling the commitment by Utah."
Arriving fans were unaware of the change of teams and may have left never knowing the difference since the public-address announcer - and the scoreboard - referred to the Cobras as the Stealth.
Steven Louthan, 18, of Modesto, said he was surprised to learn it was Las Vegas.
"It's disappointing to show up and not get what you expected," Louthan said before the game. "That's pretty amazing, to spend money to see a certain team and it's not them."
Jan Taylor, 65, of Stockton said she was happy there was a game.
"We're glad they didn't cancel it," said Taylor. "We know it's a start-up league."
King shared some fans' frustration.
"I'm disappointed we didn't play Utah, but not disappointed in our effort tonight," King said. "We still had to come out and play a ballgame."
The Wolves are scheduled to play at the Reno Barons on Friday.
STOCKTON - The Utah Stealth lived up to its name and then some Sunday.
The Western Indoor Football Association team literally didn't show up for its game against the Stockton Wolves, forcing the team to bring a fill-in opponent - the same one it faced last week - to Stockton Arena.
In the second game of their inaugural season in Stockton, the Wolves defeated the Las Vegas Cobras 75-13 in front of approximately 1,100 fans. The Wolves defeated the Cobras 69-24 a week earlier, but Sunday's version of the Cobras consisted of a mix of the original team as well as some last-minute players already in the area.
"Utah had player issues in regards to player commitment," Wolves coach Bennie King said. "Obviously we wanted to play them - they were on our schedule. I want to give the Cobras credit for coming in and giving us a game."
Cobras offensive coordinator Jeremaine Lewis said he returned with most of his team in the interest of keeping the WIFA alive.
"Utah didn't fulfill their obligation and we wanted to give Stockton a chance to play," Lewis said. "We wanted to keep the league strong by fulfilling the commitment by Utah."
Arriving fans were unaware of the change of teams and may have left never knowing the difference since the public-address announcer - and the scoreboard - referred to the Cobras as the Stealth.
Steven Louthan, 18, of Modesto, said he was surprised to learn it was Las Vegas.
"It's disappointing to show up and not get what you expected," Louthan said before the game. "That's pretty amazing, to spend money to see a certain team and it's not them."
Jan Taylor, 65, of Stockton said she was happy there was a game.
"We're glad they didn't cancel it," said Taylor. "We know it's a start-up league."
King shared some fans' frustration.
"I'm disappointed we didn't play Utah, but not disappointed in our effort tonight," King said. "We still had to come out and play a ballgame."
The Wolves are scheduled to play at the Reno Barons on Friday.