Big Win Propels SaberCats into Top 5 in Latest Coaches' Poll
May 8, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - A dominating performance in Week 8 propelled the San Jose SaberCats (5-3) up two spots to No. 5 in this week's AFL Coaches' Poll, as they rolled over the Orlando Predators (5-3), 70-35. The SaberCats have a bye in Week 9 but will return to the field next week in front of a national audience when they host the Portland Thunder on ESPN2.
The undefeated Arizona Rattlers (7-0) are once again the No. 1 team in the latest AFL Coaches' Poll, garnering a maximum 13 first-place votes. The Rattlers improved to a franchise-best 7-0 record after defeating the ninth-ranked Jacksonville Sharks (2-5), 70-61, in Week 8. Arizona returns to the field on Sunday, May 11 for a Mother's Day matchup with the No. 10-ranked Portland Thunder (2-5). Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The Cleveland Gladiators (6-0) stayed put at No. 2 in the Poll this week during their bye. The Gladiators return to the field this Saturday, May 10 to host the LA KISS (2-5). Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
Despite losing reigning AFL MVP Erik Meyer to injury in the second quarter, the Spokane Shock (5-2) handled the KISS, 70-21, last week. The Shock return home this weekend to host the No. 4-ranked Pittsburgh Power (4-3), who are coming off a 65-57 victory over the instate rival Philadelphia Soul (3-4). Kickoff for the Week 9 matchup between the Shock and Power is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 9.
MAY 8 COACHES' POLL Rank
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1 Arizona Rattlers (13) 7-0 130 1
2 Cleveland Gladiators (1) 6-0 118 2
3 Spokane Shock 5-2 99 3
4 Pittsburgh Power 4-3 88 4
5 San Jose SaberCats 5-3 78 7
6 Philadelphia Soul 3-4 65 5
7 Orlando Predators 5-3 56 6
8 Iowa Barnstormers 4-3 55 8
9 Jacksonville Sharks 2-5 36 9
10 Portland Thunder 2-5 34 --
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Arena Football League Stories from May 8, 2014
- Game Preview: Soul Look to Put Spell on VooDoo - Philadelphia Soul
- San Jose's Curry Voted Week 8 AFL MVP - San Jose SaberCats
- Game Preview- Pittsburgh Power at Spokane Shock - Pittsburgh Power
- Big Win Propels SaberCats into Top 5 in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
- VooDoo Get Back to Work, Take on Soul - New Orleans VooDoo
- Week 9 Preview: Sharks at Barnstormers - Jacksonville Sharks
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