Avengers rattled in overtime

by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley News
Published on April 13, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

(Los Angeles)- After Kirk Gibson hit his game-winning homerun in game one of the 1988 World Series Vin Scully said, "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened." The same comment could have described the Arizona Rattlers 82-76 Arena Football League win over the Los Angeles Avengers Sunday in overtime before 12,352 at Staples Center.

For in a game that was statistically improbable, Arizona won in an almost impossible way. Improbable because the two teams combined for 23 touchdowns which set a new all-time AFL record for touchdowns in a game. Improbable because the teams combined for 158 points which fell just 11 points shy of the all-time AFL mark of 169. Also improbable because Avengers kicker Remy Hamilton, usually Mr. Automatic, blew not one, but two field goal attempts of 26 yards that would have won the contest.

But the Rattlers' Hunkie Cooper brought in the impossible part. After seeing both quarterbacks combine for 18 touchdowns and 799 yards through the air, Cooper scored the winning touchdown in overtime from 24 yards out with 1:36 left - on the ground.

Yes, after the all out aerial assault that had been displayed the entire afternoon, the Rattlers tried to establish a running game and turned it into a touchdown. Cooper, needing just one yard on fourth down, found a seam on the left side of the Avengers line and scooted to paydirt to end the shoot out.

The air show saw Rattler Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner complete 37 of 54 passes for 470 yards and nine touchdowns. Cooper caught 11 for 140 yards and three scores. For the Avengers, Tony Graziani finished 19 of 28 for 329 yards and also tossed nine scoring strikes.

Greg Hopkins had a big day for Los Angeles hauling in nine passes for 162 yards and five touchdowns. Hopkins also picked off a pass and returned it nine yards for a score. Chris Jackson was a favorite Graziani target as well with six catches for 111 yards and three touchdowns.

With the score tied at 76 at the end of regulation, Hamilton's kick sailed wide left as time expired. The Avengers held the Rattlers scoreless on the first possession in overtime but Hamilton again misfired on a 26-yarder on the Avengers ensuing series. This set up Arizona's winning drive.

The Avengers headed into halftime with a 48-41 advantage after stopping Arizona at the two yard line at the end of the half. The two teams traded touchdowns in the second half before they battled into OT.

The loss snapped the Avengers five game winning streak and dropped them to 8-3. LA will try to begin a new streak this Friday night against the Buffalo Destroyers at Staples. The Rattlers improved to 6-5 with the victory as they head into the stretch run in search of a playoff spot.

Total Yards AZ- 475, LA- 329.
Passing; AZ Bonner- 37-54-470-9-1, LA Graziani- 19-28-329-9-0
Rec: AZ Bryant-14-201-3, Cooper 11-140-2, Gatewood- 9-86-4, Parker 4-48-1. LA Hopkins 9-162-5, Jackson 6-111-3, Burley 4-56-1.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 13, 2003

• Avengers rattled in overtime - OSC Original by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley News
• Rattlers-Avengers Game Sets Records - AFL I
• AFL Game Summaries - AFL I
• Philyaw's Return Ignites Firebirds' Offense - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
• Rampage Rout Gladiators, 69-21 - Grand Rapids Rampage
• Rush Crushes Colorado, 76-58 - Chicago Rush

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