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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

May 10, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Las Vegas Gladiators at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2006
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: None
Radio: AM 570 (Isaac Lowenkron, Troy West -- pregame show at 7 p.m.)
Spanish Radio: ESPN Deportes 1330-AM (Edu Villmar, Mario Amaya)
Internet Broadcast: www.arenafootball.com (AFL Net)
Internet Radio: www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Los Angeles by 2.5 (over/under 110.5)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads 4-2
Last Meeting: Las Vegas 63, Los Angeles 49 - April 2, 2006, Thomas & Mack Center
Officials: Bill McCabe (R), Jeff Carr (U), Rod Pearson (HL), Gary Cavaletto (LJ), Keith Washington (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 42-34)
Las Vegas -- Mike Hold (second season, 0-13)

THE AVENGERS: Los Angeles concludes its seventh season of play in the Arena Football League when it hosts the Las Vegas Gladiators at STAPLES Center on Saturday, May 13. Last week, the Avengers ended a six-game losing streak with a 73-56 victory over the Nashville Kats. Prior to that game, L.A. hadn't won a game since defeating the defending ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush, 60-57, at STAPLES Center on March 19. For the first time in five years, the Avengers will not be advancing to the AFL playoffs. Veteran WR/DB Kevin Ingram, the 2005 AFL "Ironman of the Year," is having another fine season and is a candidate to repeat. He leads the team in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,264), touchdowns (33) and interceptions (five). The Avenger offense has received a significant boost from rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who has started L.A.'s last 11 games and has already thrown 57 TD passes (and only eight INTs). On the season, Cumbie is 251-of-422 (.595) for 3,052 yards, and his passer rating of 107.7 ranks him at No. 9 in the AFL (minimum 400 attempts). QB Brian Mann, who started three of the first four games for the Avengers this season, is now the backup and is contributing significantly on special teams, having made 14.5 tackles on kickoff coverage in recent weeks (No. 7 in the AFL). Offensive specialist Rob Turner made his first start last week (filling in for an injured Tony Locke) and caught 10 passes for 96 yards and three scores in the victory over Nashville. Remy Hamilton, who set several league records last season, has remained in a groove, hitting 24 of his 32 field goal attempts (.750) this year. Last year, the Avengers won the Western Division title and effectively utilized a balanced effort rooted in all three phases of the game. L.A. featured a lethal offense in 2005, leading the AFL in scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and posting an average of 53.8 points per game. But the Avengers were also effective on defense and special teams. One player who contributes in all three phases is WR/LB Greg Hopkins, who was named to the AFL's prestigious "20 Greatest Players" list prior to the season. He is in his 11th season in the league and one of only five players in AFL history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career (10,259 -- No. 3 all-time in AFL history). Hopkins also is currently running for office in Pennsylvania (State Representative -- 50th District). For more information on Greg Hopkins' campaign, visit www.votegreghopkins.com.

STORYLINES:
WR/DB Kevin Ingram having another "All-Arena" year
... see Ingram notes on Page 2
QB Sonny Cumbie having "Rookie of the Year" season
... see Cumbie notes on Page 3
Kicker Remy Hamilton's right foot still red hot
... see Hamilton notes on Page 5

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2006 SCHEDULE (4-11)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 Arizona Win 40-31
Feb. 5 @ Philadelphia Loss 47-33
Feb. 12 @ Grand Rapids Loss 66-41
Feb. 18 Chicago Loss 65-46
Feb. 25 Utah Loss 68-66
Mar. 5 @ Orlando Loss 59-34
Mar. 12 @ San Jose Win 75-61
Mar. 19 Colorado Win 60-57
Mar. 24 @ Arizona Loss 58-45
April 2 @ Las Vegas Loss 63-49
April 9 @ Kansas City Loss 62-45
April 15 @ Utah Loss 63-61
April 23 New York Loss 70-61
April 29 San Jose Loss 53-36
May 6 Nashville Win 73-56
Rest of season
Opponent Time
(PT) TV/
Radio
May 13 Las Vegas 7:30 AFL Net
570, 1330

AVENGER HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his four previous seasons, he compiled a record of 38-24 and advanced to the AFL Playoffs each year. In his first two seasons at the helm, he directed the Avengers to a 19-11 record. No head coach in league history has won more games in his first two seasons than Hodgkiss. Last season, the Avengers captured their first Western Division championship and compiled a 10-6 record. Under Hodgkiss' direction, Los Angeles led the league in offensive scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and turnover margin (+17). He finished second in the balloting for AFL "Coach of the Year" honors. In 2004, the Avengers went 9-7 and led the AFL in scoring, averaging 56.5 points per game. In 2003, the Avengers won a franchise-best 11 games and earned a first-round playoff bye. Hodgkiss, who was the runner-up for the 2003 AFL "Coach of the Year" award, oversaw the league's most efficient offense, which scored 122 touchdowns (most in the AFL) on only 619 total plays (least in the AFL). Hodgkiss became the head coach of the Avengers on Oct. 5, 2001, and signed a five-year contract extension shortly after a 2002 season that saw him adroitly pilot the team to an 8-6 mark and into the postseason for the first time in franchise history. In his first season as a head coach at any level, he instantly established the Avenger offense as one of the most feared in the AFL, scoring an average of 52.2 points per game. Prior to joining the Avengers, Hodgkiss was the Indiana Firebirds' offensive coordinator for three seasons (1999-2001) and was part of an ArenaBowl championship in 1999.

THE SERIES: The Avengers have won four of the six meetings between the two teams. Las Vegas broke a three-game losing streak to Los Angeles with a 46-37 victory over the Avengers at the Thomas & Mack Center to open the 2005 season, but L.A. got revenge in Week 15 with a 63-60 victory that clinched the franchise's first Western Division title. The Gladiators (previously based in New Jersey) joined the AFL's Western Division in 2004.

All-Time Las Vegas vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 60, Gladiators 48 2-2-03 STAPLES
Avengers 62, Gladiators 55 2-14-04 Las Vegas
Avengers 54, Gladiators 51 5-22-04 STAPLES
Gladiators 46, Avengers 37 1-30-05 Las Vegas
Avengers 63, Gladiators 60 5-14-05 STAPLES
Gladiators 63, Avengers 49 4-2-06 Las Vegas

TURNOVER MARGIN TAKES A TURN: The Avengers are currently -2 in turnover margin (tied for 11th in the AFL). That's a far cry from where Los Angeles was in the previous two seasons. The Avengers led the AFL in turnover margin in 2005 with an amazing +17 (two teams finished way back in second at +8). Last season, Los Angeles had a league-leading 37 takeaways. The Avengers turned over the ball only 20 times (fewest in the AFL). In 2004, the Avengers turned the ball over just 11 times (fewest in the AFL) and tied the Chicago Rush for an AFL-best turnover margin of +15. So far this season, the Avengers have come up with only 22 takeaways (13 INTs and nine fumble recoveries). Last season at this time, Los Angeles had 36 takeaways (22 INTs and 14 fumble recoveries), owned a turnover margin of +18 and was 10-5.

INCUMBANT IRONMAN: Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram, the 2005 AFL "Ironman of the Year" and a two-time All-Arena selection, is having another stellar campaign and is a strong candidate to repeat. Last season, he led L.A. with 88 receptions, accounted for 1,052 receiving yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Defensively, Ingram had a team-high six interceptions (and also made 68 tackles). In addition, he led the team in kickoff returns and averaged 104.1 all-purpose yards per game. This season, Ingram has long since surpassed most of those statistics and has one game remaining. He currently has 102 catches, 1,264 receiving yards, 33 TDs, five INTs and is averaging 111.3 all-purpose yards per game.

Kevin Ingram -
Ironman Comparison
2006 102 catches, 1,264 receiving yards, 33 TDs
Five INTs, averaging 111.3 all-purpose yards
AFTER 15 GAMES - ONE REMAINING
2005 88 catches, 1,052 receiving yards, 24 TDs
Six INTs, averaged 104.1 all-purpose yards
IN 16 GAMES
- AFL "Ironman of the Year"
- First Team All-Arena selection
2004 67 catches, 848 receiving yards, 23 TDs
Four INTs, averaged 116.9 all-purpose yards
IN 16 GAMES
- First Team All-Arena selection

NO. 82 IS NOW NO. 3: On April 2, in a game at Las Vegas, Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins became only the fifth player in AFL history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career. And in last week's victory over Nashville, he caught six passes for 80 yards and one touchdown to move into the No. 3 spot on the AFL's all-time receiving yards chart.

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Receiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 13,247
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 10,259
4. Cory Fleming (Nashville) 10,253
5. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,812

100-YARD RUSHER: Avenger FB/LB Lonnie Ford currently ranks at No. 5 in the AFL in rushing. He has gained 146 yards and scored 10 touchdowns on only 41 carries this season. His per carry average of 3.6 yards is third best in the league among players with more than 25 carries. Ford, the team's all-time leading rusher, is also the only Avenger to record two 100-yard seasons.

Avenger Record Book -
Rushing Yards in a Season
1. Chad Dukes (2002) 223
2. Lonnie Ford (2005) 193
3. Lonnie Ford (2006 - 1 game left) 146
4. Mathias Vavao (2003) 126
5. Ed Smith (2001) 113

NEW ARENA QB RATING: The debate has gone on for years in the AFL -- "Does the statistical passer rating formula used for the outdoor/stadium-played game really translate to AFL quarterbacks?" Since scoring touchdowns, not turning the ball over and completion percentage dictates whether you win or lose in the AFL, stats guru Tom Goodhines decided to come up with a new formula that puts more weight on "TD-INT ratio" and completion percentage, with no emphasis on yardage.

ARENA QB RATING FORMULA: Multiply "TD percentage" (TD passes divided by TD passes + INT) by two and add the completion percentage and divide it all by three.

Avenger rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie ranks at No. 5, mainly due to the strength of his "TD-INT ratio" of 57-8 (87.7 percent).

Arena Football Quarterback Rating

Rating Comp.Pct.
TD
INT
1. M. Nagy (Georgia) 84.3 70.9 81 8
2. M. D'Orazio (Chi.) 84.3 69.2 57 5
2. C. Dolezel (Dallas) 81.7 65.2 99 11
4. M. Grieb (San Jose) 80.7 65.6 75 10
5. S. Cumbie (L.A.) * 78.3 59.5 57 8
6. J. Dutton (Colo.) 78.1 63.2 83 14
7. S. Stafford (T.B.) 77.4 63.1 82 15
Minimum of 300 attempts
* AFL rookie

THIS ANTOINE REALLY BURNS: Although he has been the Avengers' primary kickoff returner for just the past nine games, rookie WR/LB Antoine Burns has already made a big impact, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. In the victory at San Jose on March 12, he exploded for a 57-yard kickoff return for a touchdown (the longest scoring play in Avenger history). At Arizona on March 24, Burns torched the Rattlers with a 53-yarder for a score on his way to piling up 162 yards on eight returns (No. 3 on L.A.'s all-time single game chart). Only three players in the AFL have more kickoff returns for touchdowns this season than Burns, who has a total of 984 yards on 51 returns (average of 19.3).

Avenger Record Book -
Kickoff Return Yards in a Single Game
1. Anthony Rice (vs. San Jose, 2000) 181
2. Kevin Ingram (vs. Chicago, 2006) 168
3. Antoine Burns (at Arizona, 2006) * 162
4. Chad Dukes (vs. Arizona, 2002) 160
5. Henry Douglas (vs. Austin, 2004) * 149
6. Antoine Burns (at Utah, 2006) * 145
7. Antoine Burns (at K.C., 2006) * 141
8. Antoine Burns (vs. N.Y., 2006) * 138
9. Mark Ricks (at Nashville, 2001) 138
10. Kevin Ingram (at San Jose, 2004) 128
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -
Kickoff Returns for Touchdowns in a Season
1t. Antoine Burns (2006) * 2
1t. Henry Douglas (2004) * 2
1t. Chad Dukes (2002) 2
* AFL rookie season

THE TEXAS GUNSLINGER: Rookie QB Sonny Cumbie, a leading candidate for AFL "Rookie of the Year" honors, has started L.A.'s last 11 games and is 251-of-422 (59.5 percent) for 3,052 yards and 57 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. His current passer rating of 107.7 ranks him at No. 9 in the AFL (minimum 400 attempts), putting him ahead of veterans such as Philadelphia's Tony Graziani (100.9), Columbus' John Kaleo (96.2) and Utah's Andy Kelly (95.5) and all rookies. Furthermore, Cumbie's interception percentage of 1.9 is fourth best among the league's starters. On March 12, he was 23-of-34 for 348 yards and six TDs in L.A.'s 75-61 victory at San Jose. Those 348 passing yards rank fifth on the all-time Avenger chart. Cumbie threw 17 TD passes in his first three starts, the most by any QB in Avenger history, beating the previous mark set by Tony Graziani, who was in his second AFL season when he tossed 16 in his first three starts for the Avengers. In his starting debut on Feb. 25, Cumbie completed 29 passes (second most in Avenger history), seven of which went for scores (first among all QBs making their first start for the Avengers).

Avenger Record Book -
Passing Yards in a Single Game
1. Todd Marinovich (at Houston, 2000) * 469
2. Tony Graziani (vs. Detroit, 2004) 359
3. Tony Graziani (at New York, 2003) 355
4. Tony Graziani (at Georgia, 2002) 352
5. Sonny Cumbie (at San Jose, 2006) * 348
6. Tony Graziani (vs. San Jose, 2003) 345
7. Sonny Cumbie (at Utah, 2006) * 337
8. Tony Graziani (vs. Austin, 2004) 332
9. S. Semptimphelter (vs. Carolina, 2000) 331
10t. Tony Graziani (at Arizona, 2002) 329
10t. Tony Graziani (vs. Arizona, 2003) 329
* AFL rookie season

NOT YOUR AVERAGE QB: Rookie Sonny Cumbie is currently averaging more passing yards per game as a starter than any other quarterback in Avenger history.

Avenger Record Book -
Average Passing Yards as a Starter
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (11 starts, 3,013 yds.) 273.9
2. Tony Graziani, 2003 (16 starts, 4,290 yds.) 268.1
3. Tony Graziani, 2004 (16 starts, 4,254 yds.) 265.9

INTERCEPTION-FREE STREAK: Avenger quarterback Sonny Cumbie had his interception-less streak snapped on April 23 vs. New York, but not before he broke Tony Graziani's team record. Cumbie's streak of 212 attempts without an interception came to an end in the third quarter of the game against the Dragons. Prior to that, the last time he was picked off was on his first attempt against Colorado on March 19 (a 60-57 Avenger win over the defending ArenaBowl champions). In between INTs, Cumbie tossed 28 touchdown passes. He has not been intercepted in six of the 11 games he has started this season. Graziani set the Avenger record for attempts without an interception at 210 in 2004.

Avenger Record Book -
Pass Attempts without an Interception
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (span of 6 games) 212
2. Tony Graziani, 2004 (span of 7 games) 210
3. Tony Graziani, 2003 (span of 7 games) 185

THE INTERCEPTION KING: In addition to being the AFL's 2002 "Ironman of the Year," WR/LB Greg Hopkins is the league's all-time leader in interception returns for touchdowns. Hopkins returned his 10th pick for a score in the 71-69 victory over San Jose on Feb. 20, 2005 to break what was then a tie with Orlando defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre at the top of the AFL's career chart (in Orlando's 53-13 victory over Tampa Bay last month, McEntyre tied Hopkins at the top of the list by returning an INT three yards for the final score of the game). On the record-breaking play, Hopkins jumped and grabbed a pass from SaberCat quarterback Mark Grieb and returned it three yards for the touchdown that gave the Avengers their first lead of the game at 16-14.

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Interception Returns for TDs (regular season)
Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles Avengers) 10
Kenny McEntyre (Orlando Predators) 10
Darryl Hammond (Nashville Kats) 9
Mark Ricks (1996-2004) 7
Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 7

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: In a flashback to the past, the Avenger offense was in quick-strike mode in last week's victory over Nashville, scoring seven of its 13 touchdowns on "drives" of three plays or less. The Avengers were also in a rush to score during its two-game winning streak in March over the past two ArenaBowl champions (San Jose and Colorado), scoring 13 of its 17 touchdowns on quick strikes (7-of-10 at San Jose and 6-of-7 vs. Colorado). One hundred and one of L.A.'s 212 offensive touchdowns dating back to last season have been of the quick-strike variety. In fact, 26 of them were on one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 239-of-453 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (71 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-06)
Total TD
Drives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 112 55 (49 %) 13
2006 100 46 (46 %) 15
Total 453 239 (53 %) 71

UNLIKELY TACKLERS: Among their other duties, kicker Remy Hamilton and backup QB Brian Mann have been busy making tackles on kickoff coverage this season. Hamilton, who leads the AFL in scoring by kickers with 159 points, also ranks at No. 16 in the league in special-teams tackles with 11.5. Mann, who started three of the first four games of the season at quarterback, has made 14.5 special-teams tackles in 10 games of action on the kickoff coverage unit (No. 7 in the AFL).

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN SIX SECONDS: In the final six seconds of the first half of game at Utah in Week 12, Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram displayed what it really means to be an "Ironman." With the Blaze already leading, 35-27, and driving deep into Avenger territory once again, Ingram intercepted an Andy Kelly pass with six seconds remaining until halftime. On L.A.'s ensuing possession, Ingram caught a seven-yard pass from Sonny Cumbie and quickly got out of bounds, giving the Avengers a second-and-three play from their own 11-yard line with 1.7 seconds left. Then, Cumbie threw a "Hail Mary" pass off the rebound net system and into Ingram's arms for a touchdown as time expired in the first half. His work not yet done, Ingram then successfully fielded a bad snap and expertly got the football set for Remy Hamilton's extra point kick, which brought the Avengers to within a point at the break ... when just moments before, it seemed as if they were about to go down by two touchdowns.

THIS LOCKE IS ALSO A KEY: Much like they did a year ago, the Avengers began this season without offensive specialist Tony Locke, who will now finish the 2006 season on injured reserve (he was placed on the IR with a bruised right shoulder on May 5). This year, he began the campaign on injured reserve (hand), but returned to the starting lineup to catch 75 passes for 1,128 yards for 16 touchdowns in the past 12 games. In the 75-61 victory at San Jose on March 12, Locke caught seven passes for a game-high 168 yards (ranking him at No. 9 on the Avenger all-time single game chart) and three touchdowns. Last season, Locke began the year on the practice squad and went on to have a dramatic influence on the L.A. offense after joining the active roster in Week 4. In the first three weeks of the 2005 season, the Avengers averaged just 217.3 passing yards per game. In the 13 games that Locke played in, L.A. averaged 263.4 passing yards per game (reflecting a 21 percent increase). The team's touchdown passes per game also went up from 4.0 in the first three games to 5.4 in the last 13. Locke, who led the team with 27 touchdown receptions last season, also had six 100-yard games in 2005, and was named the "Offensive Player of the Game" five times. The Avengers were 4-1 last season when Locke caught at least three TD passes in a game.

FIVE ARE ROOKIES: Five of the 19 players on L.A.'s current active roster are rookies. They are quarterback Sonny Cumbie, WR/LB Antoine Burns, FB/LB Lavell Mann, and linemen Reggie Rhodes and Trevor Hutton. Of the 31 players that have seen action for Los Angeles this season, 10 are rookies. Last season, 17 of the 34 players who suited up for the Avengers experienced their first taste of AFL action in 2005 (including five players that are still with the club -- Richard Seals, Bernard Riley, Antuan Simmons, Michale Spicer and Rob Turner).

BANNER DAY: Prior to the season-opening victory over Arizona, the Avengers showcased the newest addition to the wall at STAPLES Center -- their 2005 AFL Western Division championship banner, which includes a tribute to the late Al Lucas.

37.5 PERCENT TROJAN: Typically the starting defensive unit for the Avengers includes OL/DL Bernard Riley, FB/LB Lonnie Ford and DS Antuan Simmons. All three of those defenders played at the University of Southern California and were all members of the same Trojan teams from 1999 to 2001.

SECRET IS SCORING 60: Dating back to 2004, the Avengers are 12-4 when they score 60 or more points (the only losses came in the 2005 regular-season finale at Grand Rapids, when the Avengers rested several key starters in the second half, in both games this season against Utah and last month versus New York). The team did not score more than 55 points in all seven of its losses in 2004, in five of the six defeats last season and in eight of its 11 losses this year.

SLOW STARTERS: Continuing a trend that began last season, the Avengers are getting off to slow starts in their games. Through 15 games this season, Los Angeles has scored just 115 points in the first quarter (average of 7.7), while opponents have countered with 185 points. The Avengers pick things up in the second quarter, scoring a total of 266 points (34 points in the victory at San Jose on March 12), but that still trails the opposition (287 points). Things are tighter in the third quarter, where the Avengers are outscoring foes 196-182. In the fourth, L.A. trails, 225-188. In 16 regular-season games last season, the Avengers scored only 133 points in the first quarter (average of 8.3), while opponents countered with 171. The second quarter was when the Avengers shined brightest, scoring a total of 258 points (average of 16.1). L.A. also did well in the third quarter, racking up 252 (average of 15.8). But, things slowed down in the fourth quarter, when the Avengers were outscored, 275-212.

... WHEN THEY DO GET AHEAD: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only 11 of their last 30 games and went on to win eight of those games.

... AND AFTER THREE QUARTERS: The Avengers are 43-13 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters.

RARE SLIDES: Until L.A.'s five-game losing streak earlier this season, the Avengers had never lost more than two consecutive games in the "Ed Hodgkiss Era." More recently, the Avengers ended a six-game skid with last week's 73-56 victory over Nashville.

NIFTY NICKNAMES: Several Avengers played college football at schools with interesting nicknames ... Kevin Ingram, West Chester (Pa.) University Golden Rams; Brian Mann, Dartmouth College Big Green; Sean McNamara, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University Gorillas and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Golden Norsemen; Michale Spicer, Western Carolina University Catamounts and Rob Turner, Central Michigan University Chippewas.

KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton is having another standout season. Displaying stunning accuracy and consistency, he is 24-of-32 (.750) on his field goal attempts in 2006. Hamilton is a near-perfect 23-of-24 on three-pointers inside of 38 yards. He was a perfect 4-for-4 in the season opening victory over Arizona and duplicated the feat last month in the 60-57 win over Colorado. Hamilton has also connected on 87 of his 93 extra point attempts this season (.935). He currently leads all AFL kickers in scoring with 159 points (his closest competitor is 24 points behind). At this time last season, Hamilton was 28-of-37 (.757) on field goals. He went on to lead the AFL in field goals (29), field-goal percentage (.744) and kicking points (185) in 2005. Hamilton opened last year's campaign by hitting his first 11 three-pointers and dating back to the end of the 2004 season, he converted on 12 consecutive field goal attempts, which is an all-time AFL record. Hamilton kicked a career-high five field goals to help the Avengers beat Austin, 64-51, on Feb. 11, 2005. He scored a total of 22 points versus the Wranglers, came up with a key fumble recovery and was selected as the "Ironman of the Game," becoming the first kicker in AFL history to earn that honor. Last season, he was 6-of-12 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 43, 48, 50) and half of his 10 misses were from 47, 48, 50, 53 and 56 yards out.

ANOTHER RECORD SETTING SEASON?: Last season, Remy Hamilton set a new AFL record for field goal percentage in a single season. In 2004, Jay Taylor of Orlando set the mark at .720 (18-of-25). Hamilton's percentage in 2005 was .744 (29-of-39). He and Taylor are the only two players in AFL history to have a field-goal percentage better than .639. Hamilton also made a run at the league's all-time record for field goals in a single season (32, Daron Alcorn, 1999, Portland). Last month at Utah, Hamilton scored a total of 13 points to move past Mike Black into the No. 2 spot on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. He is also one of only three players in league history to boot over 125 field goals. Hamilton's current field goal percentage is .750 (24-of-32).

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Scoring By Kickers
1. Steve Videtich (Utah) 1,363
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,282
3. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Utah) 165
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 157

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .744
2. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
3. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Field Goals Made in a Single Season
1. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) 32
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) 29
3. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1997) 27

ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
d - San Jose 9 6 0 .600 830 802
p - Arizona 8 7 0 .533 739 697
Utah 6 9 0 .400 816 850
Las Vegas 5 10 0 .333 742 851
Los Angeles 4 11 0 .267 765 879

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
d - Colorado 10 5 0 .667 844 798
p - Nashville 7 8 0 .467 752 749
Chicago 6 9 0 .400 755 787
Grand Rapids 5 10 0 .333 675 805

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
c - Dallas 12 3 0 .800 847 672
p - New York 10 5 0 .667 810 805
Columbus 8 7 0 .533 677 649
Philadelphia 8 7 0 .533 720 706

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
d - Orlando 10 5 0 .667 773 693
p - Austin 9 6 0 .600 749 714
Georgia 8 7 0 .533 814 678
Tampa Bay 7 8 0 .467 760 796
Kansas City 3 12 0 .200 650 787

c - clinched best record in conference
d - clinched best record in division
p - clinched playoff berth

NEW FAN-CENTRIC WEBSITE: Two days prior to their 2006 season opener, the Avengers launched a new, state-of-the-art official website that is perhaps the most fan-centric in all of sports.
Within this new model, Avenger fans are the biggest contributors to the website, adding their own unedited opinions and photos to a section called "The Buzz." In addition to being able to communicate with each other at laavengers.com, fans also interact directly with Avenger players, coaches and front office staff members, including Avenger owner and CEO Casey Wasserman. Just like the players they cheer for, Avenger fans are listed on their own roster and are able to create their own profiles directly on the website.
"We have an avid and loyal fan base, which is at the center of everything we do, so it is only natural that our website reflects that focus in every way," Wasserman said. "Giving Avenger fans an online community of their own, and one that we will also participate in, puts us at the forefront of what I believe will be the wave of the future in terms of websites for professional sports teams."

AFL WEEK 16 SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):

Friday, May 12
Austin @ Orlando - 4:30 p.m.
New York @ Dallas - 5:30 p.m. (SIRIUS Chan. 110)
Arizona @ Colorado - 6 p.m. (FSN Arizona* 8 p.m., FSN Rocky Mountain* 8:30 p.m.)
Kansas City @ Utah - 6 p.m. (AFL Net)

Saturday, May 13
Chicago @ Grand Rapids - 1 p.m. (OLN)
Philadelphia @ Georgia - 4 p.m. (SIRIUS Chan. 110)
Tampa Bay @ Nashville - 5 p.m. (INHD)
Columbus @ San Jose - 7:30 p.m.
Las Vegas @ Los Angeles - 7:30 p.m. (AFL Net)

WEEKLY AFL SHOWS:

Monday, May 15
"AFL Weekly" on FSN West - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16
"This Week in the AFL" on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Channel 110) - 5 p.m.
(replay at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night on Channel 123)

L.A. IN O.T.: The Avengers have an all-time record of 3-5 in overtime games. Los Angeles is 3-1 when playing the extra period on the road and a winless 0-4 within the usually friendly confines of STAPLES Center. In three of the eight OT games, the Avenger opponent has been Arizona (L.A. is 1-2 in those contests). In all three overtime victories, L.A. won by six points and held the opponent scoreless (twice getting the ball on downs and once benefiting from a missed field goal). The Avengers have played in at least one OT game in each of their six seasons of play in the AFL (once in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005, and twice in 2001 and 2003).

Avengers in Overtime
Category
Record
All-time 3-5
At home 0-4
On the road 3-1
When getting the ball first 1-3
When getting the ball second 2-2
When scoring a touchdown 3-3
When scoring first 3-2
When scoring second 0-1
When a field goal is attempted 0-2
When missing a PAT kick 1-2
When getting a two-point conversion 0-0
When allowing a two-point conversion 0-1

LAST GAME:

AVENGERS FIND MANY WAYS TO SKIN KATS

By Michael Ordoña
laavengers.com

Out of the playoff hunt. Facing a postseason-bound team. After L.A.'s five-game losing streak earlier this year they didn't think things could get worse, which their six-game losing skid coming into the game disproved. So what did the Avengers do at STAPLES Center against the Nashville Kats?
They rode a 28-0 second half explosion on their way to a rousing 73-56 victory. And they had a great time doing it.
"We came out today and just said we're going to have fun, man," said lineman Silas Demary. "That's what it's all about. The last couple of weeks we haven't been having fun, we've just been trying to concentrate too much [instead of] letting the game come to us."
The crowd of 9,030 was sparse but willing, giving the team energy as L.A. emptied its bag of tricks. The Avengers were playing for pride and apparently without prejudice as they came out loose and energetic. They were so loose that head coach Ed Hodgkiss started the game with some tomfoolery for the first time this season: an onside kick recovered by all-around threat Antoine Burns at the L.A. 12.
The Avengers' drive stalled at the Kats' 12, but dominating kicker Remy Hamilton cashed in the field goal for the early lead. After Nashville missed a field goal try, L.A. marched methodically down the field on a drive dominated by receiver Rob Turner, who is seeing extended time due to OS Tony Locke's shoulder injury.
"Whenever anybody goes down, it's up to you to play well for the team," said Turner. "Luckily I was able to produce with my teammates' protection and Sonny putting up good balls."
Turner has been a great practice player for the Avengers, but has the misfortune of being on a team with Kevin Ingram, Greg Hopkins and Locke.
Hodgkiss said, "Rob's a guy we want to get a look at. He's been with us for a couple of years and hasn't gotten a lot of opportunities. He proved he's definitely a guy we should have back in the future."
Turner capped the drive by stretching his 6-foot-3 frame over the goal line for the score. The Avengers notched their first first-quarter shutout of the year, 10-0.
It didn't last long.
On the second play of the second quarter, Nashville's Cornelius Bonner burned defensive specialist Anthony Derricks for a 36-yard touchdown. But L.A. returned the toast when Turner said cheers to defensive back Jermaine Mays for the score in the corner, 17-7. Turner finished his second start with 10 catches for 96 yards, three scores and "Offensive Player of the Game" honors.
Then, it was Nashville's Alonzo Nix's turn to light the torch as he streaked past Derricks for a 38-yard, 6-point bomb. After Burns ripped off another spectacular, tackle-breaking return to the L.A. 21, Cumbie found WR/LB Greg Hopkins just behind the linebackers. Hopkins carried three tacklers to the Nashville 2, then Hodgkiss dipped into his bag of tricks again for a naked bootleg. Cumbie undressed the Kats' defense for the diving touchdown despite getting speared by Nix at the goal line, 24-14, Avengers.
The Kats lived up to their reputation as one of the league's better running teams as they pounded their way to a bruising score by fullback Dan Alexander. But L.A. maintained its cushion on a penalty-ridden drive (including three false starts by the Avengers and two flags on Nashville) when Hopkins found the hole in the zone and fought his way in, 31-21, L.A.
In the final three possessions of the half, the Kats were able to trade two scores for one but only closed within four points of the Avengers as kicker Jason Witczak got everyone in the house a free Baby Ruth bar by obliging them with a missed extra point. The half ended on a Hail Mary interception to mar Cumbie's stats (32-22-1, 240 yards, five touchdowns), the only blemish on L.A.'s 38-34 lead. The Kats wouldn't get any closer.
"Getting on top of them in the first quarter really helped our confidence," said Ingram, who continued his assault on a second consecutive AFL "Ironman of the Year" trophy with six catches for 64 yards, a touchdown, and airtight defense. "That onsides kick was big. We've been getting down in the first quarter a lot and it's kind of taken the wind out of our sails. But today we got on top of them and everybody was playing with confidence."
After intermission, the horror show began for the Kats. The scoring blitzkrieg Avengers fans have been waiting to see all year began as Ingram notched his 33rd touchdown of the year on a 5-yard crossing pattern. On the ensuing drive, Nashville quarterback Clint Stoerner hung an eephus pitch that Derricks caught up to for the interception and score, 52-34. On the ensuing kickoff, Kats' big-play man T.T. Toliver ran the return across the face of the Avengers' special teams -- until Hopkins jumped on his back and punched the ball out, recovering it himself and running it in for another touchdown, 59-34.
Then the crowd caught sight of something thought extinct in L.A.: a fourth-down stop. The Avengers' defense frustrated the Kats with tight coverage and good pressure up front, including a fumble-forcing sack by Reggie Rhodes and a pass breakup on fourth down by DS Damen Wheeler. The Avengers took over at the Kats' 1, and snapped from the half-yard line after one of the game's 18 penalties. Lavell Mann strolled in on the pitch to give the Avengers their largest lead of the season at 66-34.
Everything came together for the home team, including the continued improvement of the line, which put constant pressure on Stoerner. It did yield three sacks, but each one looked more like the result of Cumbie holding the ball too long than breakdowns in protection.
"We've just started to gel," said line leader Demary. "It's a little too late, but you know, we've got guys realizing what they can do and we're playing for jobs for next year."
Nashville desperately tried to claw its way back into the game, but L.A. was able to keep the Kats in the bag enough to win. The horror show continued on Nashville's final offensive play, the Revenge of Derricks, as the DB, under fire for most of the game, emphatically swatted away a two-point conversion attempt.

NASHVILLE (7-8) 0 34 8 14 -- 56
LOS ANGELES (4-11) 10 28 28 7 -- 73

RECENT AVENGER TRANSACTIONS:
Date Action Player
5/9 Waived OS-WR/DB Kareem Kelly
5/9 Activate from injured reserve OS-WR/DB Kareem Kelly
5/5 Placed on injured reserve OS Tony Locke
5/3 Waived DS Ricky Sharpe
5/3 Activate from injured reserve DS Ricky Sharpe
4/28 Activate from injured reserve DS Antuan Simmons
WR/LB Rob Turner
4/28 Placed on injured reserve OS-WR/DB Kareem Kelly
OL/DL Richard Seals
4/22 Activated from injured reserve OS-WR/DB Kareem Kelly
OL/DL Richard Seals
OL/DL Maurice Anderson
4/22 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
OL/DL Jason Stewart
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson
4/20 Signed to practice squad WR/DB Robert Quiroga
4/14 Activated from injured reserve WR/DB Lenzie Jackson
FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
4/14 Placed on injured reserve DS Antuan Simmons
OL/DL Victor Leyva
4/8 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Reggie Rhodes
FB/LB Lavell Mann
4/8 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Jemelle Cage
OL/DL Richard Seals
4/4 Activated from refused to report WR/DB Brian Sump
4/4 Waived WR/DB Brian Sump
4/1 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Jason Stewart
OL/DL Victor Leyva
4/1 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson
3/23 Activated off injured reserve DS Anthony Derricks
3/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/18 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/18 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Victor Leyva
3/16 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Charles Howard
3/16 Waived OL/DL Charles Howard
3/11 Activated off injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
3/11 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Lavell Mann
3/4 Activated off injured reserve DS Antuan Simmons
WR/LB Antoine Burns
3/4 Placed on injured reserve QB Kevin Thompson
DS Ricky Sharpe
3/2 Signed QB Kevin Thompson
3/2 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/1 Signed FB/LB Lavell Mann
OL/DL Maurice Anderson
OL/DL Victor Leyva
2/28 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Josh Jeffries

"IRONMAN OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the two-way player who best demonstrated the ideals of the AFL's style of ironman football.

Week Opp. Ironman of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
2 @ Philly WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
8 rec., 132 yds., 3 TDs, 7 tackles
3 @Grand Rapids WR/DB Timon Marshall (G.R.)
4 catches, 2 TDs, 4.5 tackles
4 Chicago WR/DB Dennison Robinson (Chi.)
4 catches, 5 tackles, 1 INT
5 Utah WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
7 catches, 4.5 tackles, 4 TDs
6 @ Orlando WR/LB Jerrian James (Orl.)
115 all-purpose yds., 1 INT for TD
7 @ San Jose WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
7 rec. for 68 yds., 4 stops, 3 TDs
8 Colo. WR/LB Antoine Burns (L.A.)
5 catches, 136 all-purp. yds., 1 FR
9 @ Arizona WR/DB Randy Gatewood (Arizona)
7 catches, 112 yards, 3.5 tackles
10 @ Las Vegas WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
6 catches, 2 TDs, INT ret. For TD
11 @
K.C. WR/LB James Jordan (Kansas City)
2 catches, 46 yards, 3.5 tackles
12 @ Utah DS Kevin Moffett (Utah)
54-yd. KO return for TD, 8 tackles
13 New York WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
7 rec., 136 yds., 3 TDs, 7 tackles
14 San Jose WR/LB James Roe (San Jose)
7 catches, 78 yds., 1 TD, 1.5 stops
15 Nash. WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
6 catches, 80 yards, 2 TDs, 1 FF
16 Las Vegas

"ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's defensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Defensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
2 tackles, 1 interception
2 @ Philly OL/DL Earnest Allen (Philadelphia)
1.5 stops, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
3 @Grand Rapids DS Johnnie Harris (G.R.)
10 tackles, 1 interception
4 Chicago DS Jeremy Unertl (Chicago)
5.5 tackles, 1 INT return for TD
5 Utah DS Ricky Sharpe (L.A.)
7.5 tackles, 1 interception
6 @ Orlando OL/DL Henry Taylor (Orl.)
Consistent pressure on QB
7 @ San Jose DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)
Game-high 10 tackles (9 solos)
8 Colo. DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)
4.5 stops, 37-yd. INT return for TD
9 @ Arizona DS Joseph Todd (Arizona)
7 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles
10 @ Las Vegas OL/DL Steve Konopka (Las Vegas)
2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
11 @
K.C. DS Calvin Spears (Kansas City)
4 pass breakups, 4.5 tackles
12 @ Utah DS Kelvin Hunter (Utah)
3 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles
13 New York DS Damen Wheeler (L.A.)
4 stops, 2 FF, 2 pass breakups
14 San Jose DS Clevan Thomas (San Jose)
3.5 tackles, 1 interception
15 Nash. DS Anthony Derricks (L.A.)
8.5 stops, INT return for TD
16 Las Vegas

"OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's offensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Offensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona Kicker Remy Hamilton (L.A.)
4-for-4 on field goals, 16 points
2 @ Philly QB Matt Sauk (Philadelphia)
17-of-29, 147 yards, 3 TDs
3 @Grand Rapids QB Chad Salisbury (G.R.)
16-of-27, 177 yards, 6 TDs
4 Chicago QB Matt D'Orazio (Chicago)
20-of-26, 251 yards, 3 TDs
5 Utah QB Sonny Cumbie (L.A.)
29-of-43, 266 yards 7 TDs
6 @ Orlando FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (Orl.)
16 yards rushing, 1 catch, 2 TDs
7 @ San Jose WR/LB James Roe (San Jose)
12 catches, 156 yards, 4 TDs
8 Colo. OS Damian Harrell (Colorado)
9 catches, 169 yards, 4 TDs
9 @ Arizona QB Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona)
16-of-29, 236 yards, 7 TDs
10 @ Las Vegas WR/LB Coco Blalock (Las Vegas)
7 catches for 85 yards, 1 TD
11 @
K.C. WR/LB Aaron Boone (Kansas City)
13 catches, 157 yards, 5 TDs
12 @ Utah QB Andy Kelly (Utah)
21-of-33, 285 yards, 8 TDs
13 New York QB Nick Browder (New York)
29-of-41, 342 yards, 7 TDs
14 San
Jose FB/LB Phil Glover (San Jose)
2 rushing TDs, 37 all-purp. yds.
15 Nash. OS Rob Turner (L.A.)
10 catches, 96 yards, 3 TDs
16 Las Vegas

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