Dorados return home looking for spark

HIDALGO - When arenafootball2 released the 2008 schedule both Rio Grande Valley and Bossier-Shreveport were admittedly looking forward to tonight's contest at Dodge Arena.

The rivalry between the Southwest Division foes intensified last year and most expected more of the same in '08. But both teams are heading into the 7:30 p.m. game at Dodge Arena somewhat wounded and trying to correct sub-par starts to their respective seasons.

"I don't like to look ahead," Dorados coach Marty Hammond said. "I did not think we would both have two losses going into our game.

"We just emphasized to these guys that they need to do what they need to do to get ready."

The Dorados (1-2) have lost two in a row and the BattleWings (2-2) are coming off a home loss to Amarillo. Both teams might not be above .500, but Hammond said he thinks RGV and Bossier-Shreveport are the class of the Southwest Division.

"We are both fine clubs and great players," BattleWings coach Jon Norris said. "I think what you are seeing happening is that both teams just haven't put things together, yet.

"Watching (the Dorados) on film, I know they are dangerous football team and they are coming home right now."

RGV will play at home for the first time this season after beginning '08 with three straight road games.

Hammond is hoping the return home and their testy history with their opponent will bring out the emotion he said his team has lacked during the first month of the season.

"I would hope so," Hammond said about his team picking up the intensity this week. "When you put two and two together, you would think so. I would expect that."

Last season's team had a certain swagger that gave them an edge.

"This is a different team" said Dorados defensive back Chris Canty, who rejoined the team last week. "We had more veterans on the team last year. This year, we have a lot of young guys. I think we are still trying to find our identity.

"I have been on some rowdy teams and I have been on teams that were docile. It works differently for every team."

One player glad to be playing at Dodge Arena tonight is center Garrett Mason. The McAllen High grad gets to play in front of a home crowd for the first time since high school.

"There had been a lack of enthusiasm," Mason said about the team's early going. "It's not a matter of who we play; it's a matter of what we do on the field.

"We need to focus and go out there and play hard."

EXTRA POINTS: Dorados leading receiver Jermaine Carpenter will miss this week's game with a leg injury. ... The Dorados traded OL/DL Sadrack St. Louis to Peoria for OL/DL Reggie Hargrove, who will not play this week. ... RGV was assigned OL/DL Devarick Scandrett, who has NFL experience with Houston and Green Bay. ... The Dorados are 4-3 all time against the BattleWings.

Peter Rasmussen covers the Rio Grande Valley Dorados for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.