Avenger Season Kicks off Sunday
by Tim Peterson
March 1, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
(Los Angeles) - When you finish the season at 5-11 and miss the playoffs for the first time in five years there are bound to be changes. And there have been plenty of changes for the Los Angeles Avengers who kick off the Arena Football League season Sunday night against the defending Western Division San Jose Sabercats at Staples Center.
The current roster features eight rookies and four second year players. Gone are veteran players like Tony Locke and Greg Hopkins.
Sonny Cumbie, who received all rookie honors last year, will be back behind center to lead the team. The second year quarterback from Texas Tech started fast last season and threw for 3241 yards and 59 touchdowns.
Remy Hamilton has received the AFL kicker of the year the last two years and is back for another season.
Also returning to the 2007 roster is former USC Trojan Lonnie Ford at running back and big play receiver Kevin Ingram. The Avengers will also be looking to Rob Turner for some offensive production. Turner came on strong late last year and will line up at flanker.
Among the key signings for the Avengers in the off season were offensive lineman Brenden Hall and receiver/defensive back Lashaun Ward. Hall was on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in 2004, the year they advanced to the Super Bowl. Ward played wide receiver of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003 and has bounced around NFL training camps for the last few seasons.
Both players highlight a rookie class that should bring plenty of youthful exuberance. Coach Ed Hodgkiss, who has led the Avengers to the playoffs in four of his five years, will return for his sixth year at the helm.
The Avengers will get tested right away. After opening at home against the Sabercats, they will hit the road for three straight weeks before returning to Staples on Friday April 6.
Kickoff Sunday night is scheduled for 7: 00 pm. For ticket information log on to www.laavengers.com.
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