Havrilla rejoins the Law

Dodge City, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-After spending three weeks in training camp with the AFL’s Spokane Shock, quarterback Dennis Havrilla has returned to play with the Dodge City Law.

Despite not making the Shock’s opening-day roster, Havrilla expressed gratitude for the opportunity he had to compete for a job with the team.

“Going to Spokane and spending time in training camp was a great experience for me,” Havrilla said.  “I really appreciate the opportunity that the organization gave me to come in and try to earn a job.”

“Unfortunately, things didn’t work out the way I hoped they would,” Havrilla said.  “But, I don’t have any regrets because I went up there and gave everything I had.  Not making the team just makes me want to work even harder to try to get to the next level and stay.”

When news broke three weeks ago that Havrilla was headed to Spokane, he said that the situation was “a little bitter sweet” for him because of how much he enjoyed playing with the Law, learning from Head Coach Sean Ponder and his staff, and being in Dodge City.

“Obviously, things worked out pretty well for me because I’m going to have a second chance to come and play in Dodge City,” Havrilla said.  “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Ponder and I am really glad that he has found a spot for me on the roster.  I’m looking forward to getting back on the field with the great players that the Law has in place and continuing to learn from the coaching staff.”

Ponder said that he was proud of Havrilla for the way he competed in training camp for the Shock.

“I am proud of Dennis and I think Dennis should be proud of himself,” Ponder said.  “From everything I’ve heard, Dennis went up there and fought hard.  He gave maximum effort and he really made the other quarterbacks work hard to keep their spots.”

“I wish, for Dennis’ sake, that he could have made the team in Spokane,” Ponder said.  “But, at the same time, it’s really good to have him back on our team.  Dennis is a really good quarterback and a fantastic guy to have in the locker room.”

Dodge City returns to action Saturday at the defending champion Wichita Wild. You can hear it on 98.1 FM and online at www.westernkansasnews.com/z98; Countdown to Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Pilosof and Ross Miller calling all the action.