THE "NEW" JERSEY RED DOGS READY TO OPEN THE 2000 SEASON
			The New Jersey Red Dogs had a lot to contend with this past off-season. There was the short lived residency of once proud Predator, Barry Wagner. They lost their number one gun in Alvin Ashley in that trade. They had to deal with an offense that was virtually non-existent last season (finished the season in 11th place for total offense, with an output of 255 yards per game and an average of 41.6 points per game). Head Coach Frank Mattiace had seen enough and felt that it was time for some changes. He began with the signing of former NY Giant, Tommy Maddox, who joined on in the hopes of spurring on some big plays and a return to the playoffs for New Jersey. He then followed that up with the acquisition of AFL great, George LaFrance, rendered a free agent with the league's new collective bargaining agreement with the players. Mattiace also made some bold moves on the rookie front. He signed a number of rookies with promise but no experience at the "indoor" game. Names like Michael Lewis, Anthony Payton, Jeroid Johnson, Charles Jackson and David Sanders. Who are these guys? It may come as a surprise but these players could possibly be the best rookie class the league has ever seen. The Red Dogs finished there pre-season in a matchup vs. the Grand Rapids Rampage this past weekend and those names were mentioned a lot. The rookie Red Dogs accounted for five of the Red Dogs' eight touchdowns and 151 of the team's 312 yards in the air. New Jersey may have struck it rich in the rookie free agent market for the second year in a row. Last season the Dogs stocked up on defense and this season the offense filled up at the pumps. Keita Crespina, Latish Kinsler and Rookie of the Year candidate, Dimitrious Stanley all made names for themselves in the AFL, 2000 may prove to be "the year" of the Dogs. -KM-