Despite First Loss, Rattlers Still No. 1 in Latest AFL Coaches' Poll
Published on July 2, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Despite suffering their first loss of the season in Week 16, the Arizona Rattlers (14-1) remained in the top spot of the latest AFL Coaches' Poll for the 28th straight week. The Rattlers, who once again claimed the maximum 13 first place votes, had their winning streak snapped at the hands of the No. 4-ranked San Jose SaberCats (10-4), 33-62, last week. Arizona's 14-game winning streak to start the season, 14-game single-season winning streak and 18-game overall winning streak all represent AFL records. The back-to-back defending ArenaBowl champions have a bye in Week 17, but will return to action next weekend against the Spokane Shock (8-7) in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network. Meanwhile, the SaberCats will travel to Anaheim on Sunday for a matchup with the LA KISS (3-11). Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The Cleveland Gladiators (13-1) improved to 7-0 at home this season with a 48-41 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm (8-7) last week. The No. 2-ranked Gladiators will look to tally another victory at Quicken Loans Arena and inch closer to the East Division crown this weekend as they host the Portland Thunder (4-10). The Thunder, who currently hold the No. 4 seed in the National Conference playoff race, defeated the New Orleans VooDoo (2-12), 62-56, in Week 16. Kickoff for the Week 17 "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" matchup is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
The Pittsburgh Power (12-3) stayed put at No. 3 in the latest AFL Coaches' Poll following an impressive 64-48 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks (5-9) in Week 16. Pittsburgh will look to do more of the same against another South Division opponent in Week 17, as they go for a season sweep against New Orleans. Kickoff from "The Graveyard" is set for 8:30 p.m. ET Monday, July 7 on ESPN3.
Coming in at No. 5 again this week are the Spokane Shock, who locked up their fourth playoff berth in the last five seasons with a 64-46 win over the LA KISS in Week 16. Spokane will rest during their bye this week as they prepare to host the Arizona Rattlers in front of a national television audience on July 12.
July 2 Coaches' Poll
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1. Arizona Rattlers (13) 14-1 130 1
2. Cleveland Gladiators (1) 13-1 117 2
3. Pittsburgh Power 12-3 101 3
4. San Jose SaberCats 10-4 96 4
5. Spokane Shock 8-7 83 5
6. Orlando Predators 8-6 60 7
7. Tampa Bay Storm 8-7 58 6
8. Philadelphia Soul 7-8 55 8
9. Jacksonville Sharks 5-9 32 9
10. Iowa Barnstormers 6-9 22 10
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