Graziani and Ingram selected to AFL "All-Arena" first team
Published on June 2, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani and wide receiver/linebacker Kevin Ingram have been selected to the Arena Football League's 2004 "All-Arena" first team. Los Angeles kicker Remy Hamilton made the "All-Arena" second team.
Graziani, a leading candidate for "Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Year" honors, had a superb regular season, completing 334-of-510 for 4,254 yards and 99 touchdowns. Amazingly, he was intercepted only five times, establishing an all-time professional football record with a 19.8-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Graziani also rushed for three scores and finished second in the AFL in total offense (267.8 yards per game) and pass rating (126.9).
Ingram, who is also a leading candidate for "U.S. Army Ironman of the Year" honors, was a triple-threat standout for the Avengers in 2004, catching 67 passes for 848 yards (second on the Avengers in both categories). He accounted for 23 touchdowns and also led the Avengers in kickoff return yardage (956, No. 8 in the AFL) and tackles (76.5, No. 9 in the AFL). Ingram also tied for the team lead in interceptions (four) and pass break-ups (seven). He finished second on the team with 1,870 all-purpose yards and also completed his only pass of the season for 12 yards.
The Orlando Predators led all AFL teams with three first-team selections: wide receiver/linebacker Cory Fleming, defensive specialist Kenny McEntyre and kicker Jay Taylor. Los Angeles was the only other team with multiple first-team selections.
The Avengers also placed two players on the "All-Arena" first team last season, when offensive specialist Chris Jackson and wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins were selected. Los Angeles has now had seven players make the "All-Arena" first team in its five seasons of play in the AFL.
Hamilton, a strong candidate for "Kicker of the Year" honors, was 14-of-18 on his field goal attempt inside of 50 yards and 104-of-117 on extra point attempts. He led all AFL kickers in scoring this season with 146 points and moved into third place on the league's all-time scoring by kickers list with 877 points. In addition, Hamilton excelled with his variety of onside kicks throughout the year.
The Avengers (9-7) will face the top-seeded Arizona Rattlers (11-5) in the quarterfinals of the AFL Playoffs on Sunday, June 6, at the America West Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Kickoff is set for noon (Pacific) and the game will be televised on KNBC Channel 4.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2004
- Sabercats' Smith Named to 2004 AFL First Team; Grieb Named to Second Team - San Jose SaberCats
- Drive to ArenaBowl XVIII Playoffs begin Saturday - AFL I
- Graziani and Ingram selected to AFL "All-Arena" first team - Los Angeles Avengers
- Chicago Rush game notes - Chicago Rush
- Samuels, Wiren named to All-Arena team - Tampa Bay Storm
- Briggs selected to All-AFL First Team - Austin Wranglers
- Los Angeles Avengers game notes - Los Angeles Avengers
- Floyd, Harrell named to AFL's All-Arena Second Team - Colorado Crush
- Orlando Predators game notes - Orlando Predators
- Moyer named First Team All-Arena - Chicago Rush
- San Jose SaberCats game notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Georgia Force's Gaines named to All-Arena Second Team - Georgia Force
- Preds lead Arena Football League with five on All-Arena Team - Orlando Predators
- Bryan Henderson named First Team All-Arena - Arizona Rattlers
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- Colorado Crush game notes - Colorado Crush
- Desperados Pettis Named Second Team All-Arena - Dallas Desperados
- Marcus Nash earns First-Team All-Arena honors - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Arena Football League names All-Arena Teams - AFL I
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