Watson added to Wolves' roster
Darenerius Watson, the player who anchored the Manchester Wolves offensive line for the past four years, has returned to the team and and will start at center when the Wolves open their 2009 arenafootball2 league season on the road against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers on Friday night.
"Having Watson back for this game is huge," Manchester head coach Danton Barto said. "I believe that all good football teams are built up the middle and having a good center, quarterback, and middle receiver is a must. This gives us an opportunity to be successful. Obviously, I believe that Watson is one of the best centers in all of the af2."
Watson (6-foot-2, 300 pounds), who was a starter on the Wolves playoff teams in 2005 through 2008, was assigned to the team by the league. Terms of the deal were not released.
Watson will be snapping the ball to second-year quarterback James Pinkney, who kept his starting job after a spirited battle for the position with rookie Mike Potts throughout training camp.
Watson will be flanked by second-year tight end Rich Ranglin and newcomer Rory Thomas, who saw limited af2 action as a rookie at guard last year. Ranglin started 15 games last season before a leg injury forced him to the sideline.
The Wolves and Pioneers have tangled 21 times, with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton holding an 11-10 edge in the series. The Pioneers are 8-3 against the Wolves at the Wachovia Center, which is considered one of the toughest places for a visiting team to play in af2.
Friday's game, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., will be the first of four regular-season meetings between the Wolves and Pioneers, who are considered to be the top two contenders in the East Division of the American Conference.
