L.A. Avengers beat Colorado Crush, 47-35
January 29, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
DENVER -- On their final day of training camp, the Los Angeles Avengers participated in a six-quarter, running-time scrimmage with the Colorado Crush on Thursday.
The contest, which was held at the Pepsi Center but closed to the public, was won by the Avengers by an unofficial score of 47-35.
"We came out of it healthy and that's what I'm most happy about," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "We also got in some good work, which is important before it gets started for real next week."
The Avengers open their fifth season in the 18-year-old Arena Football League on Sunday, Feb. 8, against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix.
Tony Graziani was outstanding as he quarterbacked the Avengers on their first four possessions of the scrimmage. Unofficially, he was 12-of-16 for 150 yards and four touchdowns.
Two of Graziani's scoring tosses went to offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who caught five passes for 73 yards.
"I was just taking what the defense was giving and going through my reads," said Graziani, who is beginning his third season as L.A.'s starting quarterback. "We've got a lot of talented guys on this team and the new guys have gelled rather quickly with the rest of us. That was pretty evident today in the scrimmage."
Avenger rookie wide receiver/defensive back Brian Sump made the play of the day, returning a missed field goal 56 yards for a touchdown to open the scoring in the "second half."
The Avengers were led defensively by rookie WR/DB Henry Douglas, who made a key interception and had two tackles, including one for a loss of two yards. Rookie offensive/defensive lineman Arnold Miller finished with 1.5 quarterback sacks, including a safety that closed the scoring.
"Some of our young guys played really well and got a taste of what true game speed is like in this league," Hodgkiss said. "They also got to experience how substitutions work in the AFL, which is something that they aren't used to yet."
Offensive specialist Ryan Hoag, WR/DB Kevin Ingram and WR/DB Russell Shaw also caught touchdown passes for the Avengers.
L.A.'s only other score came on a 48-yard field goal by Remy Hamilton, who also converted all six of his extra point attempts.
The Avengers will trim their roster down to the AFL's 24-man limit by Monday.
"It will be extremely difficult to make the cuts," Hodgkiss said. "All the guys we have on this team right now can play very well at this level. We just have to find the right combination of guys who fit with this team. Then, we'll have to go from there rather quickly. We'll be on the road to go play Arizona, which has been in the past two ArenaBowls, within a week."
Eight Avenger games will be televised on KNBC Channel 4 this season, including the home opener on Sunday, Feb. 22, at STAPLES Center versus the San Jose SaberCats.
Nine-game season ticket packages or single-game seats are availible by calling 1-888-AVENGERS.
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