D Bryant to start at QB tonight for Albany Conquest
May 8, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Albany Firebirds News Release
Albany, N.Y. â Quarterback D Bryant will get his first start of the season tonight when the Albany Conquest meet undefeated Northeast Division foe Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers at Pepsi Arena at 7:00 p.m. The game will feature a halftime and post game concert by the Burners UK.
Bryant earned the starting position this week in practices held at the Pepsi Arena. Bryant secured the start over Gus Ornstein, who has started at quarterback in all four Conquest games this season. Ornstein is 67-of-127 passing with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.
"D and Gus both had solid practice sessions all week. D finished the week out strong and we are giving him the chance to lead this team. We are confident that he can," said Albany Conquest Interim Head Coach Dave Bochette. "D has been improving each week in practice, picking up the arena game well, and making great reads," Bochette added.
Bryant has played in one game this season. He entered the game late in the 3rd quarter in relief of Ornstein in the Conquest's 47-34 loss to Manchester on April 16 at the Pepsi Arena. Trailing 35-13 at the time, he helped Albany to pull within seven points at 41-34 late in the game. He was 7-of-12 passing for 126 yards with three touchdowns and just one interception. He also converted a two-point conversion on a rushing play.
D Bryant was a dual sport athlete at Duke University playing football and basketball before transferring to Iowa Wesleyan following his junior year in 2001. Bryant became the starting quarterback at Duke mid-way through his sophomore season and continued in that role as a junior. During his junior season he passed for 2,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bryant was a member of Duke University's basketball team that competed for the National Championship against the University of Connecticut in 1999. D Bryant was one of 12 quarterbacks that received an invite the 2003 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Albany Conquest holds a 5-1 all-time series record against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. The Conquest had won each of the first five meetings against the Pioneers, but Wilkes-Barre defeated the Conquest in the teams' last meeting, 55-49, in overtime on July 11, 2003 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Four of the teams' six meetings have been decided by six points or less.
All Conquest games can be heard live on 104.5 The Buzz (WABT). This Saturday 's game can be seen on tape delay on UPN Capital Region at Noon and 11 p.m. on Sunday.
Albany Conquest fans can purchase tickets, including a new "Pick 4 Ticket Package with Bon Jovi," at the Pepsi Arena box office, by visiting www.albanyconquest.com or by calling 518-487-2081 or 518-487-2085. In addition, individual game tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by calling 518-476-1000. The Pick 4 Ticket Package offers fans the ability to select four of the Conquest's remaining six home games, including the July 23rd game featuring a special one hour performance by Bon Jovi.
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