Avengers Rush by Chicago, 71-35
by Tim Peterson - Mid Valley News
Published on April 27, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
(Chicago)- The Los Angeles Avengers racked up a franchise record 50 points in the first half and rolled to a 71-35 win over the Chicago Rush Sunday before 13, 927 at Chicago's Allstate Arena.
The Avengers busted a tight game wide open in the second quarter when they reeled off 30 unanswered points against a shocked Rush team. The 50 point first half was not only a club record for LA, it also marked the most points ever allowed in a half by Chicago.
The Avenger offense was one again firing on all cylinders. Tony Graziani was 19 for 25 for 261 yards and eight touchdowns. Graziani has thrown 72 touchdown passes this year against only one interception. Chris Jackson was on the receiving end of four of the scoring strikes, including a 28 yarder midway through the opening quarter. Jackson finished the day with seven receptions for 135 yards.
But on this day the defense was the story. Jason Moore stepped in front of a Raymond Philyaw pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to give LA a 34-21 lead with just under four minutes left in the half.
After Al Lucas added two more for LA with a safety, Joe Douglass caught a screen pass from Graziani and rambled 19 yards for a score and the Avengers led 43-21.
Moore then recovered Remy Hamilton's kick off at the one yard line and the Avengers immediately cashed in. Hamilton's kick hit the crossbar and Moore, who was in the right place at right time all day; fell on it to put LA in business again. Moore had 11 tackles in the contest.
Graziani followed with a one yard TD toss to Kevin Ingram for a 50-21 halftime advantage.
The Rush were never able to recover from the second quarter blitz as the Avenger defense held them to only 14 points in the second half.
LA improved to 7-4 on the year and is still on target to get the ten victories that Coach Ed Hodgkiss feels is necessary to get into post season action. With the loss, Chicago also left the field at 7-4
The Avengers return home Saturday May 1 against Arizona.
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