Game Preview: Boise at Central Valley

Matchup: Boise Burn (2-1) at Central Valley Coyotes (2-2). 8:10 PM, Saturday, Fresno (CA). In the Rankings: Boise was ranked no. 10 in the latest af2 Coaches Poll, while Central Valley checked in at no. 15. Last Week: Boise gave top-ranked Spokane a good run, but came up short, 63-45. Central Valley rallied late for a road win at Stockton. Get to know? Central Valley WR/DB Lamonte Jones. If you?ve been coming to Burn games for a while, you likely recognize the name because Jones has been a thorn in Boise?s side for two years now. The af2 veteran is off to a torrid start in 2009, averaging 11 receptions and 121 receiving yards per game. He?s also grabbed 11 touchdown passes in just four contests. He averages more than 217 all-purpose yards per game (2nd in af2) and also plays some defense for the Coyotes. Familiar Faces: There are plenty of players on both sides of the line who should be familiar on Saturday night. Boise?s Damian Walker, Jomo Wilson, and Nichiren Flowers all played for Central Valley last year. Meanwhile, George Williams played about half of 2008 as a member of the Boise Burn. And, to cap it all off, Boise Burn WR Jerard Rabb will get to see his cousin, Finas, who is a receiver for the Coyotes. By the Numbers: Central Valley is among the top-5 in af2 in passing offense (299 yards/game, 3rd) and total offense (314 yards/game, 4th). QB Jason Murietta is among the league?s top passers at 297.5 yards through the air per game and 21 touchdown tosses. The Burn remains the league?s top pass-efficiency defense and third-best scoring defense. Levi Madarieta, Ernie James, and Terrence Sanders are all ranked in the league?s top-ten in interceptions. Tharp getting comfortable: After coming off the bench during the first two games, former Boise State standout Taylor Tharp got his first career af2 start in Saturday?s home-opener against Spokane and turned in a solid effort. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 254 yards and a career-high four touchdown passes. His completion percentage has moved above 62 percent for the season. On the Air: You can listen to the game live in the Treasure Valley on KGEM (1140 AM) radio or else watch the game via Nifty-TV at boiseburn.com. Scott Conklin will handle the play-by-play duties.