Arizona Moves to First Place in Coaches' Poll
July 6, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
TULSA, OKLA. - After nine consecutive weeks ranked first in the Coaches' Poll, the Jacksonville Sharks (13-2) fell out of the top spot. The Sharks lost their second game of the season to the San Jose SaberCats (6-9), 70-83, on Friday night. Going into the game, the Sharks had won an AFL-record 13 consecutive games. San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb earned Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 401 yards and nine touchdowns against the Sharks. Jacksonville heads home to face the Dallas Vigilantes (10-5) on Saturday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Arizona Rattlers (14-2) jumped into first place following a 68-46 home victory over the Spokane Shock (7-8). Arizona earned its seventh consecutive victory and clinched the West Division title. Arizona quarterback Nick Davila was nearly perfect as he completed 23-of-29 passes for 291 yards and nine touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him a bid for National Guard MVP of the Week. Davila and the Rattlers travel to Pittsburgh (8-7) on Sunday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The remainder of Arizona games will be played on the road.
The Chicago Rush (11-4) remained in the third spot, following their 59-35 home victory over the Utah Blaze (7-8). The Rush have won six out of their last seven games and secured a playoff spot. Chicago faces the Georgia Force (9-6) in Week 18 on Saturday, July 9 at 7:35 p.m. EST.
The Dallas Vigilantes (10-5) moved to fourth place in the Poll following their impressive home victory, 58-41, over the Philadelphia Soul (5-11). Vigilantes' fullback Derrick Ross scampered for 26-yards and three touchdowns, helping Dallas earn their fourth straight victory. The Vigilantes will head to Jacksonville to play the second-ranked Sharks on Saturday night.
The Force dropped one spot, following a Week 17 bye. The Force is currently tied with the Orlando Predators (9-6) in the South Division, but own the tiebreaker due to head-to-head point differential. The Force now hosts the Rush in Week 18.
The Orlando Predators (8-6) remained sixth in the Poll after their home victory over the Pittsburgh Power, 62-54. The Predators hold the fourth and final spot in the American Conference playoffs. The team looks to keep the momentum up against the SaberCats on Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 p.m. EST. The Cleveland Gladiators (8-6) also stayed put in the Poll following their 62-58 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs (4-11). The Gladiators currently own a one-game lead over the Power in the East Division. The Gladiators travel to face the Philadelphia Soul in "Arena Football Friday" on NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Blaze stayed in the ninth spot of the Poll, following their 35-59 loss to third-ranked Chicago. Spokane stayed at No. 10 in the Poll after a road loss to the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday night. The Blaze currently own the tiebreaker in the playoff race due to their Week 6 victory over Spokane, 69-62. The two teams meet in Week 18 for the first ever outdoor AFL game in the Joe Albi Classic. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at 9:00 p.m. EST.
WEEK 17 COACHES ¬â¢ POLL
RK Team (1st place votes) W-L Pts Last Week
1 Arizona Rattlers (12) 14-2 165 2
2 Jacksonville Sharks (6) 13-2 156 1
3 Chicago Rush 11-4 124 3
4 Dallas Vigilantes 10-5 114 5
5 Georgia Force 9-6 103 4
6 Orlando Predators 9-6 94 6
7 Cleveland Gladiators 9-6 81 7
8 Pittsburgh Power 8-7 54 8
9 Utah Blaze 7-8 36 9
10 Spokane Shock 7-8 27 10
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Arena Football League Stories from July 6, 2011
- Tickets Nearly Gone for Season Finale - Georgia Force
- Arizona Moves to First Place in Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Grieb Named Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week - San Jose SaberCats
- Soul to Hold 'Military Appreciation Night' - Philadelphia Soul
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