Avengers Finale not so Grand
by Tim Peterson
May 22, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
(Grand Rapids, Mi)- The Los Angeles Avengers had their four game winning streak snapped in a 71-65 road loss to Grand Rapids on Saturday. Despite the defeat, LA will still host a first round playoff game against the Chicago Rush next Sunday at Staples Center.
The Avengers, (10-6), took a 58-51 lead with 11:28 left in the contest when back up quarterback Brian Mann hooked up with Kevin Ingram on a 32-yard touchdown pass. But the Rampage responded by scoring the next 13 points in just 34 seconds to take the lead for good. Grand Rapids then iced the game when they scored again five minute later to increase its lead to 71-58.
Mann, who played the entire second half in relief of John Kaleo, completed 12 of 22 for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Kaleo also threw for three scores and 108 yards. For the Rampage, Michael Bishop was 21 of 29 for 199 yards and five TDs.
The Avengers faced the Rush (9-7) once already this year. Los Angeles won that game 52-49 April 23 at Staples Center. The playoff game will mark LA's fourth consecutive trip to the post season and the third time that the Avengers earned the right to host. Kick off is set for 12:30 pm.
GR 7 16 21 27 71
LA 20 10 21 14 65
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 22, 2005
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