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Avengers Game Notes

February 18, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Chicago Rush
Date: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003
Kickoff: Noon (Pacific)
Site: Rosemont, Illinois
Arena: Allstate Arena (16,000)
Television: NBC (Mike Breen, Ray Bentley, Marty Snider)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690 & 1150 (Larry Kahn, Ed Cunningham)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Series Record: Los Angeles leads, 1-0.
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 55, Chicago 47 -- June 30, 2001, STAPLES Center
Officials: Wes Fritz (R), Tony Payne (U), Rich Grube (HL), Kent Payne (LJ), James Cole (BJ), Jim Lapetina (S)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (second season; 11-6). Chicago -- Mike Hohensee (10th season; 60-59).

THE AVENGERS: One of four undefeated teams left in the Arena Football League, the Avengers are playing with the look of a serious title contender. Two of L.A.'s three victories this season have featured fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning plays in the final seconds.

Two weeks ago, the Avengers toppled the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats, 73-72, as WR/LB Greg Hopkins caught a two-point conversion pass from quarterback Tony Graziani with one second left. This past Sunday, Hopkins caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Graziani in overtime to defeat the Colorado Crush, 59-53, before a sellout crowd in Denver. Under the direction of second-year head coach Ed Hodgkiss, the Avengers have won seven of their last nine regularseason games, dating back to last season when they earned the No. 5 seed in the AFL playoffs with an 8-6 record. It's surely comforting for Hodgkiss to see his team consistently making plays on offense, defense and special teams late in games to emerge victorious. The Avengers have scored exactly twice as many points as the Rush this season (192-96). At 3-0, the Avengers lead the Western Division by two games, but will play their next seven games outside the division. L.A. is 8-1 in the past two years against non-Western Division foes.

THE RUSH: Last season, the Rush won the Eastern Division title with a 9-5 record and earned the No. 3 seed in the AFL playoffs. Coming into the 2003 campaign, Chicago was tabbed as an ArenaBowl contender, however a 0-3 start has provided a setback.

Quarterback Billy Dicken threw for 74 touchdowns last year and lead the Rush offense to an average of 53 points per game. But, this season has been a different story as the Chicago offense has only been able to muster 32 points per game. Dicken was benched in favor of Chad Salisbury in last Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Indiana Firebirds, but Salisbury fared no better, throwing two critical interceptions along with two touchdown passes. After hosting the Avengers on Sunday afternoon, the Rush will play five of their next seven games away from the friendly confines of Allstate Arena.

THE HEAD COACHES: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss led the Avengers to a franchise-best 8-6 record and No. 5 seed in the AFL playoffs last season in his first year with the club. He became the head coach of the Avengers on Oct. 5, 2001, and signed a five-year contract extension shortly after the 2002 season. Not only did Hodgkiss lead the Avengers into the postseason for the first time in franchise history, he also instantly established the Avenger offense as one of the most feared in the AFL. In the final 2002 league statistics, the Avengers ranked at No. 2 in passing efficiency (115.0), No. 4 in total offense (275.6), No. 4 in rushing yards (20.8) and No. 5 in scoring (52.2). Prior to his arrival in Los Angeles, Hodgkiss served as the offensive coordinator for the Indiana Firebirds for three seasons (1999-2001) ... In his third year as head coach of the Rush, Mike Hohensee is one of only six coaches in league history to win 60 or more games. During his nine seasons as a head coach in the AFL, Hohensee's teams have reached the playoffs six times. He has coached four other teams besides the Rush -- the Washington Commandos (1990), the Albany Firebirds (1994-96), the Anaheim Piranhas (1997) and the New England Sea Wolves (1999-2000).

THE SERIES: The Avengers lead the series 1-0, as they beat the Rush, 55-47, at STAPLES Center on June 30, 2001. Current Avenger assistant head coach and director of player personnel Brent Winter was on the Rush coaching staff for that contest.

THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers return home to face the Georgia Force on Sunday, March 2. Kickoff is set for noon (Pacific) and the game will be televised on NBC.

PERFECT GAME: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani tossed a "perfect game" against the Las Vegas Gladiators on opening day. His passer rating of 158.3 from that contest is the highest mark possible and ties an Arena Football League record. In the 60-48 victory on Feb. 2, Graziani was 18-of-23 for 288 yards. He threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to offensive specialist Chris Jackson on the first play of the 2003 season and went on to throw for a total of seven scores. He also rushed for a touchdown from three yards out to cap the scoring with 53 seconds remaining.

ALMOST PERFECT: The Avengers were called for only two penalties in the season opener on Feb. 2, and the yardage marked off against Los Angeles totaled just one yard. Both of those numbers represent new team records and bring a smile to the face of Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss, whose motto is "Play Hard, Play Smart." The Avengers followed up in Week 2, drawing five flags for 27 yards in the come-from-behind victory over the San Jose SaberCats.

THE "IF" SECTION:

If the Avengers defeat the Rush, it would ...
- Be the Avengers' first four-game winning streak in franchise history
- Give L.A. a 9-1 record in the past two years versus non-Western Division foes (13-11 alltime)
- Be the Avengers' fifth victory in its last six games on the road
- Give L.A. a 3-0 record in games televised on NBC

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on being 3-0 and holding a two-game lead in the Western Division: "It's still really early. I'm happy we have accomplished our goal of being undefeated at this point, but it's way to early to look at where we stand in the division."

Hodgkiss on finding ways to win games: "It's Arena Football. Every week is going to be tight. Maybe a third of the games are going to come down to the end. Good teams find a way to win. We have been able to do that and hopefully that trend will continue. The types of guys we have here are experienced and play well in those situations. We have a core group that has played with each other for over a year and they trust each other."

Hodgkiss on the effect playing in Denver will have on his team this week: "It was definitely harder for us while we were there. We conditioned hard for it, hydrated ourselves and had oxygen tanks on the sidelines. I don't anticipate it affecting us this week."

Hodgkiss on this week's game versus the Chicago Rush: "They are a team that everybody thought would compete for a championship. They still have a good team and an outstanding defense. They will win some games and be in the playoffs. Hopefully we can go in there and play at a high level and not beat ourselves. They will have a good crowd and won't beat themselves. So, it will be a similar situation to what we saw in Colorado."

QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: Eighteen of L.A.'s 25 offensive touchdown drives this season have been just three plays or less. In fact, three of them have been oneplay "drives." Ironically, one of the seven "long" drives was the six-play, 13-yard game-winning march in the victory over San Jose that consumed 25 of the final 26 seconds. Additionally, the Avengers scored one "zero-play drive" this season on Siaha Burley's net recovery while covering a kickoff in the victory at Colorado on Feb. 23.

ALL-PURPOSE AVENGER: Over the past three seasons, L.A.'s new offensive weapon Siaha Burley has racked up more all-purpose yards than any other active player in the league (4,779). That yardage is the equivalent of 2.7 miles, which is roughly the distance between STAPLES Center and Dodger Stadium. Acquired in a trade with the Orlando Predators, Burley moves to the WR/DB position (he was primarily an offensive specialist with the Predators). He is currently 125 yards ahead of his nearest competitor, Steve Papin of the New York Dragons.

THE MILLENNIUM'S FINEST: Wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins and offensive specialist Chris Jackson are not only L.A.'s top pass catchers, they're also among the most productive in the AFL since the dawning of the new millennium. In fact, Hopkins leads the way with a grand total of 331 receptions for 4,038 yards since the 2000 season (Jackson is third with 263 for 3,608).

ARENABOWL CHAMPION AVENGERS: Two Avenger players and a pair of coaches own a total of five ArenaBowl world championship rings. Offensive/defensive lineman Mike Ulufale was a key member of the San Jose SaberCats team that won ArenaBowl XVI in a rout last year. Wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins was with the Albany Firebirds when they took the title in 1999, along with Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss, who was the Firebird offensive coordinator at the time. Avenger defensive coordinator Doug Kay has been part of two ArenaBowl championship teams. He was the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Storm when they won the title in 1993, and then got his second championship ring in 1997 with the Arizona Rattlers working with the team in that same capacity.

HOT TICKET: Four of the five largest crowds to see the Avengers play have come in L.A.'s last four regular-season games, dating back to last year. The Avengers are averaging 14,910 fans at home this season in two games at STAPLES Center.

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger QB Tony Graziani: In the last two games, Graziani's final attempt has resulted in an Avenger victory. He hit WR/LB Greg Hopkins both times -- for a two-point conversion with one second remaining against the San Jose SaberCats (Feb. 9) and for a 21-yard touchdown pass in overtime against the Colorado Crush (Feb. 16). In the season opener versus the Las Vegas Gladiators, Graziani earned a perfect passer rating of 158.3, completing 18-of-23 for 288 yards and seven touchdowns (no interceptions). Although he was virtually an AFL rookie last season, Graziani put up impressive numbers and established himself as one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league, throwing for 3,568 yards and 67 touchdowns. He currently has five 300-yard passing performances in his AFL career.

Rush OS Antonio Chatman: A finalist for "Rookie of the Year" honors last year, Chatman is becoming one of the most explosive receivers and kick returners in the AFL. He has 27 receptions for 328 yards in three games this season. However, after catching 23 touchdown passes last year, he has scored just once so far this season. Off the nets, he has amassed 255 yards in total returns in 2003, which puts him on pace with last year's total of 1,608 yards. Chatman has returned two kickoffs and one missed field goal for touchdowns in his short time in the AFL. His missed field goal return for a touchdown covered 58 yards, tying a league record that cannot be broken.

Last season, Chatman finished third in the AFL in allpurpose yards with 2,666. Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins: A proven winner throughout his AFL career, Hopkins has come through in the clutch for the Avengers in the last two games. He was on the receiving end of a game-winning two-point conversion against San Jose (Feb. 9) and a 21-yard touchdown pass in overtime against Colorado (Feb. 23).

In the season opener versus Las Vegas, Hopkins came up with the 16th interception in his career. The reigning AFL "Ironman of the Year," he ranked among the AFL's leaders in six statistical categories last season (scoring, touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, interceptions and fumble recoveries). He also owns the all-time AFL record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with eight. The prototype WR/LB, Hopkins is seemingly made to play Arena Football and his effect on the game goes well beyond his statistics on both sides of the football.

Rush FB/LB Jamie McGourty: The leading offensive producer for the Rush this season, McGourty has found the end zone three times. All three scores have come on rushes as he has gained 14 yards on nine carries. On defense, he has made 3.5 tackles (including one for a loss) and pressured the quarterback once. Last year, McGourty ranked third in the league with 10 rushing touchdowns and set a team-record with 29 rushing attempts in only 10 games of action (he missed four games with a partially torn left quad). He also had 25.5 tackles in 2002. McGourty exploded for three touchdowns last season against the Georgia Force, including one on a career-long 39-yard reception.

LAST WEEK'S GAME:

AVENGERS CONQUER CRUSH IN OVERTIME

DENVER (Feb. 16, 2003) -- Continuing a pattern of last-second heroics, quarterback Tony Graziani threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins in overtime to give the Los Angeles Avengers a 59-53 victory over the Colorado Crush before a sellout crowd at Pepsi Center.

"I would have to say that was a real pretty pass," said Graziani, who led Hopkins perfectly over his outside shoulder on the post-corner route.

With the victory, Los Angeles remained undefeated at 3-0 and took a two-game lead in the Arena Football League's Western Division.

"It feels real good to be 3-0," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "That is a good club we beat and we were fortunate to come out of here with a victory."

Graziani finished 21-of-34 for 232 yards and four touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and was named the game's "MVP." Ten of his passes were caught by offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who gained 119 yards, scored three receiving touchdowns and passed for another.

Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton nailed an 18-yard field goal on the final play of regulation to send the game into overtime.

The Crush had the first possession in the extra period, but the Avenger defense rose to the challenge. After Avenger lineman Mike Ulufale batted down a third-down pass by Colorado quarterback John Dutton, the Crush opted to go for it on fourth down. Dutton put the ball in the hands of offensive specialist Damian Harrell near the goal line, but Avenger rookie defensive specialist Wasswa Serwanga knocked the ball loose, allowing the Avengers to take over at their own 11-yard line.

Dutton completed 27-of-43 for 359 yards and eight touchdowns, against no interceptions. Harrell finished with 10 receptions for 138 yards and five touchdowns. Colorado (0-3) outscored Los Angeles, 20-6, in the fourth quarter. The Crush's final eight points came with 1:03 remaining as Dutton hit Harrell for a 10-yard touchdown and two-point conversion, giving Colorado its first second-half lead of the game.

L.A. wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram returned the ensuing kickoff and weaved his way to the Colorado 24-yard line, setting up the drive that ended with Hamilton's game-tying three-pointer.

Colorado didn't help itself by committing 14 penalties for a total of 85 yards. Midway through the fourth quarter, Jackson fumbled after catching a short pass. The Crush recovered and scored a touchdown on the very next play. However, Colorado's two-point conversion pass failed, leaving the Avengers up, 47-45, with 7:31 left in regulation.

THE ORIGINAL AVENGER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson is the only player on L.A.'s 2003 roster who played for the Avengers in their inaugural 2000 season (he was an WR/LB at the time). Jackson shared that distinction last season with wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Rice, who was released on Jan. 25, following the conclusion of training camp.

THE TOUCHDOWN MAKER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has scored at least one touchdown in every game he has played in for the Avengers. In 36 games, Jackson has accounted for 82 touchdowns. All but four of those scores came as a pass receiver. Jackson's other touchdowns were as a runner, kickoff returner and two as a passer. He has caught a touchdown pass in all but one of his games with the Avengers (June 8, 2002, vs. San Jose), but in that contest he ran back the opening kickoff 51 yards for a score, keeping "The Streak" alive. Jackson is L.A.'s all-time leading receiver and scorer. He has racked up 263 receptions for 3,608 yards and has scored 492 points in his four-year Avenger career.

DEFENDING THE HOME FRONT: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which began at the beginning of the 2002 season, the Avengers have been particularly stingy on defense at home, allowing just 45.3 points per game at STAPLES Center (408 points in nine games). The 24 points allowed by the Avengers in their victory over the Tampa Bay Storm on May 17, 2002, is an all-time best for the L.A. defense. It surpassed the effort in the 2002 season opener, which saw the Avengers defeat the New York Dragons, 43-25, on April 19, 2002.

GOOD TO SEE FAMILIAR FACES: In a departure from previous seasons, the majority of the opening-day Avenger roster contains players who already have a history with the franchise. Seventeen of the 24 players on the active roster played for the Avengers last season. Among the seven newcomers are a pair of All-Arena caliber performers -- wide receiver/defensive back Siaha Burley and offensive/defensive lineman Mike Ulufale. Last season, the roster was equally divided between holdovers from 2001 and newcomers to the squad.

AVENGERS ON RADIO: All Avenger games are broadcast live on the radio throughout the Southern California area on XTRA Sports 690 & 1150, with Larry Kahn and Ed Cunningham calling all the action, and Troy West on the sidelines. The games are also available live over the Internet at http://www.xtrasportsradio.com.

AVENGERS ON TELEVISION: The Avengers will have nine of their 16 games televised by NBC (although two of those games will not be aired on the West coast). Six other games, including the season opener (Feb. 2, vs. the Las Vegas Gladiators) will be shown on Fox Sports Net 2, as Bill Macdonald and Artie Gigantino return to call all the action.

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. He returned his record-setting eighth pick for a score on June 22, 2002, in L.A.'s 62-32 romp over the Carolina Cobras. Hopkins stepped in front of a pass and raced 37 yards for the score and then celebrated by leaping under the crossbar and into the crowd at STAPLES Center. Coming into that contest, Hopkins was tied with former Avenger teammate Mark Ricks at the top of the AFL chart.

MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger placekicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 5 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. He jumped past Joe Cimadevilla, who scored 609 points between 1992 and 1998, by scoring 16 points in Sunday's win over Colorado. In his first year with the Avengers in 2002, Hamilton set nine team records, while scoring 131 points on 16 field goals and 83 extra points. He booted the longest field goal in Avenger history on July 6, 2002, blasting a 52-yarder versus the Arizona Rattlers at STAPLES Center.

CLUTCH KICKS IN COLORADO: Lost amid the excitement of L.A.'s overtime victory over the Colorado Crush on Feb. 16, was the outstanding all-around performance by kicker Remy Hamilton. Not only did he split the uprights on an 18-yard field goal on the last play of the game to force overtime, while 17,417 Crush fans were trying to blow the Pepsi Center's roof off, he was also perfect on his two other field goal attempts and all six of his extra points. In addition, he blasted four of his kickoffs over the entire net system for touchbacks and also bounced one high off the net frame, which resulted in a recovery by teammate Siaha Burley for a key Avenger touchdown. And, as if that weren't enough, Hamilton had two solo tackles, including one late in the fourth quarter that saved a touchdown.

"SAMOAN SEMI" CARRIES HUGE LOAD: At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds Mathias Vavao isn't your average fullback/linebacker. But, that's not just because he's gigantic. Vavao is also quite productive on both sides of the ball. He's scored rushing touchdowns in all three games this season, including the one that led to the game-winning two-point conversion in the 73-72 victory over the San Jose SaberCats this past Sunday. Vavao has also caught two passes for 25 yards so far this season and recorded the team's first sack of the year on Feb. 9, versus San Jose. If Jerome Bettis is Pittsburgh's "Bus," Vavao is L.A.'s "Samoan Semi." Coming into this season, the last time he played running back was in high school.

The FB/LB position was somewhat of a concern for the Avengers coming into the 2003 season since they chose not to re-sign free agent Chad Dukes, who led the AFL in rushing last year and is currently ranked at No. 3 on the league's all-time rushing chart. In just 14 games with the Avengers, Dukes broke 11 team records, while rushing for 223 yards and 12 touchdowns on 81 carries. The other FB/LBs on the roster are second-year man Ron Puggi, rookie Lonnie Ford, who was a defensive end and tight end during his collegiate career at USC, and Kevin Clemens, who was signed following the season opener. Ford is currently on the injured reserve list with a sprained left ankle.

BIG MEN CAN CATCH: While L.A.'s well-known receivers get all the headlines, four Avenger linemen -- Mathias Vavao (recently converted into a fullback/linebacker), Tony Plantin, Vince Amey and John DeWitt -- quietly made a "heavy" impact in the passing game since the beginning of last season. Those four players, who weigh a combined 1,180 pounds, have caught a total of 14 passes for 173 yards in the past 16 games. That's an average of 12.4 yards per reception for the "big men." This statistical comparison will forever be known as "The Arthur D. Gigantino Key to Success" in honor of Avenger Fox Sports Net 2 color commentator Artie Gigantino, who has been known to say, "Throwing to those big guys always works."

PICKED FROM THE PAC: Seven Avengers hail from Pacific-10 Conference schools -- OL/DL Vince Amey (Arizona State), FB/LB Lonnie Ford (USC), WR/DB Derrick Gardner (California), QB Tony Graziani (Oregon), OS Chris Jackson (Wash. State), DS Wasswa Serwanga (UCLA) and WR/DB Rodney Williams (Arizona). Three of those Avengers played in the Rose Bowl -- Graziani (1995), Amey (1997) and Jackson (1998). In addition, OL/DL Carlos Fowler played in the 1994 Rose Bowl for Wisconsin (against UCLA) and WR/DB Russell Shaw played in the 1998 Rose Bowl for Michigan (against Washington State and current teammate Chris Jackson).

RECORD SETTING SIGNALCALLER: Quarterback Tony Graziani has set 14 team records during his three-year career with the Avengers.

NFL AVENGERS: Sixteen Avengers have spent time on NFL rosters -- OL/DL Vince Amey (1998 Oakland), WR/DB Jahine Arnold (1996-98 Pittsburgh, 1999 Green Bay), WR/DB Siaha Burley (1999 Miami, 1999 Seattle, 2000 St. Louis, 2001 Dallas), OL/DL Cecil Caldwell (2001 Cleveland), OL/DL John DeWitt (1995 Houston), FB/LB Lonnie Ford (2002 Carolina), WR/DB Derrick Gardner (1999 Atlanta), QB Tony Graziani (1997-99 Atlanta, 2000 Cleveland), QB Ryan Helming (2002 St. Louis), DS Dwight Henry (1999 San Francisco), OS Chris Jackson (1998 Seattle, 1998 Tampa Bay, 1999 Seattle, 2000 Tennessee, 2002 Green Bay), OL/DL Tony Plantin (2000 San Francisco, 2000 Carolina), DS Wasswa Serwanga (1999 San Francisco, 2000-01 Minnesota), WR/DB Russell Shaw (1998 St. Louis), OL/DL Mike Ulufale (1996 Dallas) and DS Damen Wheeler (2000 San Diego, 2001 Jacksonville). Five Avengers -- Amey (7th round), Arnold 4th round), Graziani (7th round), Ulufale (3rd round) and Wheeler (6th round) -- were NFL Draft picks. Graziani is the most experienced, having played in 19 games (including five starts) for the Falcons.

NEW UNIFORMS: The Avengers debuted their new home uniforms on Feb. 2, in the season-opening victory over the Las Vegas Gladiators at STAPLES Center. The first major uniform revision in the franchise's four-year history includes a change to a darker navy blue (previously royal blue) and the addition of some thin light blue trim. The Avengers also switched from blue to red facemasks and now wear dark blue pants with a thick red curving stripe for home games (previously white pants). Red carpet fashion policewoman Melissa Rivers gave this review following the season opener: "The Avengers' new home uniforms are a huge improvement over last year and certainly put Las Vegas to shame. They are super telegenic and I love the darker color because it makes the offensive/defensive linemen look as imposing as they were in the game (a 60-48 victory over the Las Vegas Gladiators). The Avengers didn't look tough before.

These new uniforms make the players look like the Avenger warriors that they are and they looked like the champions that I expect will be styling in ArenaBowl XVII." The Avengers debuted their new road (white) uniforms on Feb. 23 at Colorado.

THE LAST MEETING:

AVENGERS 55, RUSH 47

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2001) -- The Avengers won for the fifth time in their last six games, beating the Chicago Rush, 55-47, before 8,476 at STAPLES Center. L.A. improved to 5-6 and remained in the hunt for a playoff berth with three regular-season games left. Avenger rookie WR/LB J.J. Washington caught three of Todd Marinovich's five touchdowns passes and was selected as the "Ironman of the Game." Marinovich, starting his second consecutive game, completed 23-of-36 for 240 yards and threw three interceptions. Los Angeles also displayed a rejuvenated ground attack, rushing 15 times for 51 yards and a couple of scores. FB/LB Ed Smith led the way with seven carries for 29 yards to establish a pair of new Avenger team records. DS Mark Ricks intercepted two passes and returned one of them 47 yards for a touchdown that put the Avengers up, 34- 19, with 11:22 left in the third quarter. In the process, Ricks set an all-time AFL record with the seventh interception return for a touchdown in his career. Ricks, who earned "M.V.P. of the Game" honors, began the night tied for the record with Arizona superstar Hunkie Cooper.

Chicago was led by QB Billy Dicken, who was 21-of-29 for 282 yards. He threw four touchdowns, but was also intercepted three times. Most of Dicken's completions were to OS Joe Douglass, who had seven catches for 121 yards and two scores. The Avengers led, 48-33, with 9:41 left in the fourth quarter, but Chicago trimmed the advantage down to 55-47 with 1:32 remaining on an 18- yard scoring toss from Dicken to Douglass. The Avengers responded by driving to the Rush 15-yard line. Kicker Brian Reaves, however, pushed his 31-yard field goal attempt wide left, giving Chicago one last chance to possibly send the game into overtime with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion. Dicken nearly pulled it off, completing a pair of key 14 and 19-yard passes, but on first-and-goal from the L.A. 6-yard line, he was forced to scramble and came up a yard short of the end zone while in the arms of Avenger lineman Carlos Fowler.

Five of the last six games that Los Angeles has been involved in have come down to the final play of the game, including two overtime contests. Avenger WR/LB Chris Jackson, coming off his AFL "Ironman of the Week" performance in last week's overtime victory at Arizona, had another outstanding game. Jackson caught a gamehigh eight passes for 89 yards and a touchdown (he has scored at least one touchdown in every game he has played this season). He also intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game and returned it 35 yards to set up a key fourth-quarter touchdown for the Avengers.

LOOKING BACK AT 2002 ...

THE DYNAMIC DUO: Avenger wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins (202 points) and offensive specialist Chris Jackson (182 points) established themselves as the most dangerous scoring duo in AFL history last season. In 2002's regular-season finale, the L.A. pair established a new league record for scoring tandems (384 points), surpassing the mark of 370 points set by New Jersey's Alvin Ashley and Larry Willis in 1998. Last season, both Hopkins and Jackson ranked among the league's Top-10 in four offensive categories (scoring, touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards). Combined they made 187 catches over the course of the 2002 season for 2,490 yards and 57 touchdowns. Hopkins and Jackson accounted for 69 percent of L.A.'s receiving yards last year. In addition, Hopkins broke a pair of Avenger singleseason receiving records, which were set by Jackson during his AFL "Rookie of the Year" season in 2000, when he scored 26 touchdowns among his 91 receptions. Hopkins caught 29 touchdown passes in 2002 and Jackson caught 28, but each of them also scored at least two nonreceiving TDs last season -- Hopkins returned three of his five interceptions for scores, while Jackson rushed for a touchdown and returned a kickoff 51 yards for a score.

ATTENDANCE UP 62% IN 2002: The Avengers drew a total of 86,786 fans to STAPLES Center in seven home dates during the 2002 season. That represented a 62 percent increase over 2001's total of 53,567. The Avengers finished the regular season averaging 12,398 fans at home in 2002, placing them near the top of the AFL in attendance last season.

OFFENSIVE TURNAROUND: In his first season with the club, head coach Ed Hodgkiss had a huge impact on the improvement of the Avenger offense last year. L.A.'s 2002 numbers were up considerably over 2001's totals. The Avengers finished the regular season averaging 52.2 points (5th in the AFL) and 275.6 yards of total offense (4th) per game. In 2001, Los Angeles ranked near the bottom of the AFL in many categories -- scoring (18th - 40.3), total offense (17th - 245.6), pass offense (17th - 228.1), pass rating (19th - 76.4), touchdowns (18th - 77) and kickoff return average (19th -14.9).

WHERE THE AVENGERS RANKED: Los Angeles was home to some of the AFL's top players in 2002. Fullback/linebacker Chad Dukes ranked first in rushing yards (223). Quarterback Tony Graziani was third in total offense (3,630) and pass rating (115.79), while Chris Jackson ranked in the Top-10 in seven offensive categories. Greg Hopkins ranked in the Top-10 in nine categories.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 18, 2003


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