Avengers fumble one away, 60-57
by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley News
April 28, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
(Dallas) - In a league in which offense is usually the story it was a defensive play that keyed the Dallas Desperados 60-57 win over the Los Angeles Avengers Sunday afternoon before 10,019 at Reunion Arena.
Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani dropped back with his team trailing 53-50 with less than 30 seconds to play and the ball at the Dallas 23-yard line. He was pounded by Tim Martin who busted through the line. Andy McCullough then scooped up the loose ball and raced into the end zone to ice the victory.
The Avengers scored with two seconds remaining and then Siaha Burley recovered an onside kick. But Martin came up big again when he blocked Remy Hamilton's 53-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the game.
Graziani had a big day despite the late turnover. He completed 28 of 42 for 327 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. For Dallas Jim Kubiak finished 25 of 36 for 248 yards and six touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions.
The loss was costly to the Avengers as it dropped them into a tie with the San Jose Sabercats atop the Western Division. In the race for the number one seeding in the playoffs, the Avengers fell into a three way tie for second place behind Tampa Bay. LA has already clinched a playoff spot and their record now stands at 9-4.
Receiver and kick returner Kevin Ingram suffered a broken left leg on the opening kickoff. He is not expected to play again before the May 17 season finale. Ingram is a two way player and is also the team's third leading receiver.
The Avengers had won six of their last seven games before the loss and have three games left until the playoffs begin. They will travel to Arizona for a rematch with the Rattlers next Sunday.
The Desperados improved to 8-5 and are tied with Grand Rapids for first place in the Central Division.
LA 7 14 14 22 - 57 Dallas 7 10 14 29 - 60
Passing: LA- Graziani 28-42-327-6-0. Dallas- Kubiak 25-36-248-6-3.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 28, 2003
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
