Avengers wrap up Cobras, 63-48
by Tim Peterson, Mid Valley News
Published on April 5, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
(Los Angeles)- Tony Graziani continued his air assault on opposing defenses as he tossed eight touchdown passes to lead the Los Angeles Avengers to a 63-48 Arena Football League romp over the Carolina Cobras Friday night before 12,117 at Staples Center.
The game wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated. The Avengers built a 29 point lead in the fourth quarter before Carolina rallied for two late scores.
The Cobras are still seeking their first win as they lost for the tenth straight time. The losing steak is a franchise record. For the Avengers however the season continues to be magical. They won their fifth straight, improved their record to league leading 8-2, and put them six games over .500 for the first time ever.
The Cobras got on the board first when Stewart Partridge hit Chris Johnson on a 20-yard touchdown pass. But the Avengers scored on their next three possessions on only three offensive plays. All three scores came by way of Graziani passes to give LA a 21-14 advantage after one.
The teams traded touchdowns in the second and the Avengers went into the break with a 35-28 lead.
LA's defense, as it has done so often this year, made a statement in the third quarter. They held Carolina scoreless and the offense did its part with three scoring strikes as the Avengers sprinted to a 28 point lead. Siaha Burley, Greg Hopkins and Chris Jackson all caught touchdown passes and the rout was on.
Graziani finished 15 for 21 for 270 yards without an interception. Hopkins caught five balls for 103 yards and three touchdowns while Jackson grabbed five passes for 74 yards and also scored three times.
Partridge did his best to bring the Cobras back in the final period leading the offense to three TD's but the deficit was too much to overcome. Partridge threw for 287 yards and six touchdowns on the evening but not even Danny or Keith Partridge could have helped the Cobras overcome the Avengers.
The Avengers will put their winning streak on the line next week when they take on Arizona at Staples on Sunday, April 13. Meanwhile the Cobras continue on their quest for their first victory.
Carolina 14 14 0 20 - 48 Los Angeles 21 14 21 7 - 63
Total Yards: Car. - 274, LA- 288.
Passing: Car. Partridge- 30-46-287-6-1, LA- Graziani- 15-21-270-8-0.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.
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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.
