AFL schedule revives Elway-Kosar rivalry

By Rocky Mountain News
November 1, 2007

Colorado Crush program sales probably will increase because of the new faces on the roster when the team opens its 2008 Arena Football League season.

The Crush's schedule, released Thursday by the league, opens March 2 at the Pepsi Center against Columbus, the National Conference champion.

One of the highlights of the schedule is a rematch of sorts between former Broncos quarterback John Elway and former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar. Elway is CEO and part-owner of the Crush; Kosar runs the AFL's new franchise in Cleveland.

The teams meet April 11 in Cleveland and May 17 in Denver.

The Crush will be without receiver Damian Harrell and linebacker Anthony Dunn, who opted to sign free-agent contracts with Chicago and Philadelphia.

But the Crush was able to obtain receiver/kick returner Maurice Brown, lineman Aaron McConnell and defensive back Zach Norton in the AFL dispersal draft.

The Crush also is negotiating with several free agents, including San Jose receiver Ben Nelson.

Harrell will face his former teammates twice in Central Division matchups. The Crush visits the Rush on March 22, and Harrell will return to the Pepsi Center on April 25.

The 17 AFL teams will play a 16-game schedule with one bye week. The Crush's bye comes in the second week of the season.

Playoffs are scheduled to begin June 27 and the ArenaBowl is set for July 27.

ESPN will televise 29 games, including 10 consecutive Monday night games starting April 29.

The Crush has three Monday night games - March 17 at Dallas, June 2 against the New York Dragons at the Pepsi Center and June 16 at Arizona.