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L.A. Avengers game notes

March 14, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Colorado Crush at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Sunday, March 19, 2006
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: OLN (Ari Wolfe, Charles Davis, Andrew Siciliano)
Radio: AM 570 (Larry Kahn, Troy West, Isaac Lowenkron -- pregame show at 3 p.m. [Pacific])
Spanish Radio: ESPN Deportes 1330-AM (Edu Villamar, Mario Amaya)
Internet Radio: www.xtrasportsradio.com
Satellite Radio: SIRIUS (Channel 110)
Line: TBA
Series Record: Tied at 2-2
Last Meeting: Colorado 58, Los Angeles 40, Feb. 27, 2005 (Pepsi Center)
Officials: Perry Havener (R), Tom Laverty (U), Rusty Baynes (HL), David Meslow (LJ), Barry Anderson (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 40-29)
Colorado -- Mike Dailey (10th season, 85-55)

THE AVENGERS: The defending Western Division champion Avengers will play their only home game within a span of 55 days on Sunday, March 19 when they host the defending ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush. The Avengers have not played at STAPLES Center since a heartbreaking 68-66 loss to Utah on Feb. 25 and, after playing Colorado, will not play on their home field until April 22. Despite registering a strong 75-61 victory on the road at San Jose last week, Los Angeles is still off to its worst start since 2001 ... but is still just one game back in the race to defend its division title. Veteran WR/DB Kevin Ingram, the 2005 AFL "Ironman of the Year," is having yet another All-Arena campaign. He leads the team in receptions (51 -- 34 of which have been for first downs), receiving yards (635), touchdowns (13) and interceptions (two). In addition, 14 of his catches have come on third down (No. 1 in the AFL -- next closest player has 11). The Avenger offense has received a boost in recent weeks from rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who has started L.A.'s previous three games and has already thrown 17 touchdown passes (and only two interceptions). On the season, Cumbie is 81-of-129 (62.8 percent) for 948 yards, and his passer rating of 111.5 ranks him at No. 9 in the AFL (right between his counterpart this week, Colorado's John Dutton, and Tony Graziani of the Philadelphia Soul). Quarterback Brian Mann (81-of-145 for 1,028 yards and 16 TDs, with four INTs), who started three of the first four games for the Avengers this season, is now the backup and is contributing significantly on special teams, having made 4.5 tackles on kickoff coverage in recent weeks. Offensive specialist Tony Locke, who opened the season on the injured reserve list, also has injected some new life in the Avenger offense in the past five games, catching 36 passes for 517 yards and eight scores. Remy Hamilton, who set several league records last season, has remained in a groove, hitting 13 of his 16 field goal attempts this year and earning "Offensive Player of the Game" honors in the season-opening victory over Arizona. He leads all AFL kickers in scoring with 77 points. Last year, the Avengers effectively utilized a balanced effort rooted in all three phases of the game. L.A. featured a lethal offense in 2005, leading the AFL in scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and posting an average of 53.8 points per game. But the Avengers were also effective on defense and special teams. One player who contributes in all three phases is WR/LB Greg Hopkins, who recently was named to the AFL's prestigious "20 Greatest Players" list. He is in his 11th season in the league and is 110 yards shy of becoming the fifth player in league history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career.

STORYLINES:
4 Rookie QB Sonny Cumbie off to an impressive start
... see statistical comparisons on Page 3
4 Greg Hopkins 110 yards from joining "10,000 Club"
... see all-time AFL receiving yards chart on Page 4

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2006 SCHEDULE (2-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 Arizona Win 40-31
Feb. 5 @ Philadelphia Loss 47-33
Feb. 12 @ Grand Rapids Loss 66-41
Feb. 18 Chicago Loss 65-46
Feb. 25 Utah Loss 68-66
Mar. 5 @ Orlando Loss 59-34
Mar. 12 @ San Jose Win 75-61
Rest of season Opponent Time(PT) Television
Mar. 19 Colorado 3:30 OLN
Mar. 24 @ Arizona 6 p.m. FSN West 2
April 2 @ Las Vegas 3 p.m. FSN West 2
April 9 @ Kansas City 10 a.m. NBC
April 15 @ Utah 6 p.m. AFL Net
April 22 New York 7:30 FSN West 2
April 29 San Jose 7:30
May 6 Nashville 7:30
May 13 Las Vegas 7:30

AVENGER HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his four previous seasons, he compiled a record of 38-24 and advanced to the AFL Playoffs each year. In his first two seasons at the helm, he directed the Avengers to a 19-11 record. No head coach in league history has won more games in his first two seasons than Hodgkiss. Last season, the Avengers captured their first Western Division championship and compiled a 10-6 record. Under Hodgkiss' direction, Los Angeles led the league in offensive scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and turnover margin (+17). He finished second in the balloting for AFL "Coach of the Year" honors. In 2004, the Avengers went 9-7 and led the AFL in scoring, averaging 56.5 points per game. In 2003, the Avengers won a franchise-best 11 games and earned a first-round playoff bye. Hodgkiss, who was the runner-up for the 2003 AFL "Coach of the Year" award, oversaw the league's most efficient offense, which scored 122 touchdowns (most in the AFL) on only 619 total plays (least in the AFL). Hodgkiss became the head coach of the Avengers on Oct. 5, 2001, and signed a five-year contract extension shortly after a 2002 season that saw him adroitly pilot the team to an 8-6 mark and into the postseason for the first time in franchise history. In his first season as a head coach at any level, he instantly established the Avenger offense as one of the most feared in the AFL, scoring an average of 52.2 points per game. Prior to joining the Avengers, Hodgkiss was the Indiana Firebirds' offensive coordinator for three seasons (1999-2001) and was part of an ArenaBowl championship in 1999.

PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES: Twice in the previous three seasons, the Avengers came one regular-season victory shy of earning the AFL's No. 1 overall seed. Last season, Los Angeles had already wrapped up its first Western Division championship when it traveled to Grand Rapids. The Avengers led by a touchdown at halftime but eventually lost to the Rampage, 71-65, while resting several key starters in the second half. In other key games on that final regular-season weekend, New York beat Colorado and San Jose beat Georgia, which meant L.A. would have been the No. 1 overall seed if it had beaten Grand Rapids (by virtue of a head-to-head tiebreaker over Georgia). Two years earlier, the Avengers closed the 2003 regular season with a monumental showdown at San Jose. Both teams entered that contest at 11-4, and the Western Division championship and overall No. 1 seed in the playoffs would go to the winner. The SaberCats won, 47-43, and earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 26 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 130 passes for 1,546 yards and 39 TDs. Despite playing alongside a constellation of AFL stars for much of his career, Ingram's contributions have not gone unnoticed, winning him the "Ironman of the Game" award in 10 road games over the course of the previous two years.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 49 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "Ironman of the Game" 18 times. L.A. won all but one of those games. The only loss was the recent defeat at Philadelphia. Ironically, that contest was a homecoming of sorts for Ingram, who grew up in nearby Levittown, Pa. (Harry S. Truman High School).

SERIES INFO: The Avengers and Crush have each won two of the four games in the series. Los Angeles swept a pair of games from Colorado in 2003, when the Crush were members of the Western Division. Colorado moved to the Central Division in 2004 and beat the Avengers, 57-55, on April 10, 2004, at STAPLES Center. Last season, the Crush made it two in a row, beating Los Angeles, 58-40, at the Pepsi Center on Feb. 27, 2005.

FIREBIRDS REUNION: When the Crush visit the Avengers on Sunday it will be a reunion of sorts for five members of the 2001 Indiana Firebirds. The connections begin at the top with Colorado head coach Mike Dailey going head-to-head against L.A. head coach Ed Hodgkiss, who worked on Dailey's Firebird coaching staff for five seasons (1997-2001). Hodgkiss was Dailey's offensive coordinator for three seasons, beginning with the Firebirds' ArenaBowl championship season in 1999, until he was hired by Los Angeles prior to the 2002 season. Avenger defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt served in that same capacity for the Firebirds in 2001, which was his third season working under Dailey (he coached the defensive backs and special teams in 1999 and 2000). Two Avenger players -- Greg Hopkins and Kevin Ingram -- were members of the 2001 Indiana Firebirds. Hopkins played five seasons for Dailey and is currently in his fifth season under Hodgkiss' tutelage with the Avengers. Ingram was an AFL rookie in 2001. Dailey, Hodgkiss, Wilpolt and Hopkins each earned an ArenaBowl championship ring with the Firebirds in 1999. Crush OL/DL Kyle Moore-Brown also was a teammate of Hopkins and Ingram on the 2001 Firebirds (and also a member of the 1999 championship team).

TURNOVER MARGIN TAKES A TURN: The Avengers are currently -6 in turnover margin (next to last in the AFL). That's a far cry from where Los Angeles was in the previous two seasons. The Avengers led the AFL in turnover margin in 2005 with an amazing +17 (two teams finished way back in second at +8). Last season, Los Angeles had a league-leading 37 takeaways (22 INTs and 15 fumble recoveries). The Avengers turned over the ball only 20 times (fewest in the AFL). L.A. committed only 11 turnovers in its 10 victories last season. In 2004, the Avengers turned the ball over just 11 times (fewest in the AFL) and tied the Chicago Rush for an AFL-best turnover margin of +15. So far this season, the Avengers have come up with only six takeaways (four INTs and two fumble recoveries). Last season at this time, Los Angeles had 15 takeaways (10 INTs and five fumble recoveries), owned a turnover margin of +6 and was 4-3.

THE DRIVE FOR FIVE: Head coach Ed Hodgkiss has led the Avengers to a winning season and playoff appearance in each of his four previous seasons at the helm. He is one of only three coaches in AFL history to post winning records in each of their first four seasons as an AFL head coach (Tampa Bay's Tim Marcum and Orlando's Jay Gruden are the other two).

Arena Football League Record Book -Most Winning Season to Begin an AFL Career
1. Tim Marcum (three teams, 1997-2001) 13
2. Jay Gruden (Orlando, 1998-present) * 6
3. Ed Hodgkiss (L.A., 2002-present) * 4
4. Three coaches tied 3
* Active streak
THE TEXAS GUNSLINGER: Rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who was 23-of-34 for 348 yards and six touchdowns in last week's 75-61 victory at San Jose, has become a strong AFL "Rookie of the Year" candidate. His 348 passing yards in that game ranks fifth on the team's all-time chart. Cumbie has thrown 17 touchdown passes in his first three starts, the most by any QB in Avenger history, beating the previous mark set by Tony Graziani, who was in his second AFL season when he tossed 16 in his first three starts for the Avengers. In his starting debut on Feb. 25, Cumbie completed 29 passes (second most in Avenger history), seven of which went for scores (first among all QBs making their first start for the Avengers -- and only Todd Marinovich threw for more scores in a single game as a rookie [10 in 2000]).

Avenger Record Book -Touchdown Passes in First Three Starts
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (Games 5-6-7) * 17 (7-4-6)
2. Tony Graziani, 2002 (Games 1-2-3) 16 (4-7-5)
3t. Scott Semptimphelter, 2000 (Games 1-2-3) 12 (3-6-3)
3t. John Kaleo, 2005 (Games 1-2-3) 12 (5-2-5)
5. Brian Mann, 2006 (Games 1-2-4) 11 (3-4-4)
6. Todd Marinovich, 2000 (Games 5-6-8) * 10 (4-2-4)
7. Erik Wilhelm, 2001 (Games 3-4-6) * 7 (2-3-2)
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Passing Yards in a Single Game
1. Todd Marinovich (at Houston, 2000) * 469
2. Tony Graziani (vs. Detroit, 2004) 359
3. Tony Graziani (at New York, 2003) 355
4. Tony Graziani (at Georgia, 2002) 352
5. Sonny Cumbie (at San Jose, 2006) * 348
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Touchdown Passes in First Start
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (Game 5) * 7
2. John Kaleo, 2005 (Game 1) 5
3t. Tony Graziani, 2002 (Game 1) 4
3t. Todd Marinovich, 2000 (Game 5) * 4
5t. Brian Mann, 2006 (Game 1) 3
5t. Scott Semptimphelter, 2000 (Game 1) 3
5t. Wally Richardson, 2001 (Game 14) * 3
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Completions in a Single Game
1. John Kaleo (at Colorado, 2005) 31
2. Sonny Cumbie (vs. Utah, 2006) * 29
3t. Tony Graziani (vs. Arizona, 2004) 28
3t. Tony Graziani (at Dallas, 2003) 28
5t. Tony Graziani (at Georgia, 2002) 27
5t. Erik Wilhelm (vs. Detroit, 2001) * 27
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -TD Passes in a Single Game by a Rookie
1. Todd Marinovich (at Houston, 2000) 10
2t. Sonny Cumbie (vs. Utah, 2006) * 7
2t. Todd Marinovich (vs. Milwaukee, 2000) 7
2t. Todd Marinovich (vs. Arizona, 2000) 7
5t. Erik Wilhelm (vs. Detroit, 2001) 6
5t. Todd Marinovich (vs. Florida, 2000) 6
* Starting debut
THE SACKMAN: Avenger lineman Silas Demary broke two fingers on his left hand in the first quarter of the game at Philadelphia on Feb. 5 (and continued to play the entire game) and was placed on the injured reserve list on Feb. 11. He missed two games before returning to action on Feb. 25 versus Utah. In that game, he registered his first sack of the 2006 season and, in the process, forced a fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Greg Hopkins. Last week in the 75-61 victory at San Jose, Demary made 1.5 tackles, batted down a pass and blocked a crucial extra point attempt. Although Demary didn't register a sack in the first two games of the 2006 season, he did apply constant pressure on the quarterback. In the season-opening victory over Arizona, he was in the face of Rattler QB Sherdrick Bonner all afternoon and got credit for three "quarterback hurries." The following week, Demary got to Philadelphia Soul QB Tony Graziani (a former teammate with the Avengers) early in the first quarter, knocking him to the turf and out of the game with a dislocated finger. Demary, the 2005 AFL "Defensive Player of the Year" and "Lineman of the Year" award winner, broke what was the oldest record in AFL history with 13.5 sacks last season. Craig Walls of the Pittsburgh Gladiators established the record with 13 sacks in 1987. Demary played in 15 games for the Avengers in 2005 (he missed the Dallas game on March 18 [L.A.'s only loss at home last year] while recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee), but he recorded 12.5 of his sacks in the last eight regular-season games. He broke the record on May 21, 2005, by bringing down Grand Rapids QB Michael Bishop on the Rampage's first offensive play of the game. Demary also set a single-game Avenger record with four sacks versus New York on April 10 (three in the first quarter alone).

THE SACK STORM OF 2005: Never before in the history of the AFL had there been a defensive performance by a lineman like the one Silas Demary gave last season. As Week 10 began, he had only one sack, but then exploded for 12.5 to end up breaking one of the most elusive and incredible records in the game.

All-Time AFL Leaders -Sacks in a Single Season
1. Silas Demary (Los Angeles, 2005) 13.5
2. Craig Walls (Pittsburgh, 1987) 13.0
3. Joe March (Denver, 1991) 12.5

TOP BOSSES: Sunday's game pits two of the AFL's winningest coaches against each other. Colorado's Mike Dailey is ranked sixth and L.A.'s Ed Hodgkiss is ranked seventh on the AFL's all-time winning percentage chart (regular season only, minimum 60 games).

All-Time AFL Top Winning Percentages
Head Coaches Record Winning %
1. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
2. Tim Marcum * 153-61 .715
3. Danny White * 124-59 .678
4. Darren Arbet * 75-36 .676
5. Jay Gruden * 59-36 .621
6. Mike Dailey * 85-55 .607
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 40-29 .580
8. Pat Sperduto * 37-27-1 .577
9. John Gregory 67-51 .568
10. Todd Shell 53-45 .541
* Active coaches
HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is fifth on the league's all-time receiving yards chart. He has gained 9,890 receiving yards in his 11-year career. Hopkins, one of only six players in AFL history to have 9,000 or more receiving yards, needs just 110 more yards to join the AFL's "10,000 Club" and 23 yards to move into the No. 4 spot.

All-Time AFL Leaders -Receiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 13,090
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
4. Cory Fleming (Nashville) 9,912
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,890
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,812
8. Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 8,600
9. Darryl Hammond (Nashville) 8,563
10. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,906

THE INTERCEPTION KING: In addition to being the AFL's 2002 "Ironman of the Year," WR/LB Greg Hopkins is the league's all-time leader in interception returns for touchdowns. Hopkins returned his 10th pick for a score in the 71-69 victory over San Jose on Feb. 20, 2005 to break a tie with Orlando defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre at the top of the AFL's career chart (Nashville's Darryl Hammond returned an INT 49 yards for a touchdown this season, in Week 2, to tie McEntyre with nine). On the record-breaking play, Hopkins jumped and grabbed a pass from SaberCat quarterback Mark Grieb and returned it three yards for the touchdown that gave the Avengers their first lead of the game at 16-14.

All-Time AFL Leaders -INT Returns for TDs (regular season)
Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles Avengers) 10
Kenny McEntyre (Orlando Predators) 9
Darryl Hammond (Nashville Kats) 9
Mark Ricks (1996-2004) 7
Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 7

LOCKE STILL THE KEY: Much like they did a year ago, the Avengers began this season without offensive specialist Tony Locke. This year, he began the campaign on injured reserve (hand), but has returned to the starting lineup in the past five games and has caught 36 passes for 517 yards for eight touchdowns. Last week in the 75-61 victory at San Jose, Locke caught seven passes for a game-high 168 yards (ranking him at No. 9 on the Avenger all-time single game chart) and three touchdowns. Last season, Locke began the year on the practice squad and went on to have a dramatic influence on the L.A. offense after joining the active roster in Week 4. In the first three weeks of the 2005 season, the Avengers averaged just 217.3 passing yards per game. In the 13 games that Locke played in, L.A. averaged 263.4 passing yards per game (reflecting a 21 percent increase). The team's touchdown passes per game also went up from 4.0 in the first three games to 5.4 in the last 13. Locke, who led the team with 27 touchdown receptions last season, also had six 100-yard games in 2005, and was named the "Offensive Player of the Game" five times. The Avengers were 4-1 last season when Locke caught at least three TD passes in a game.

KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton, who led the AFL in field goals (29), field-goal percentage (.744) and kicking points (185) last season, started off the 2006 campaign on the right foot, booting all four of his field goal attempts (20, 22, 29, 42) in the season-opening victory over Arizona on Jan. 29. Hamilton is 13-of-16 on field goals this season and is a perfect 12-for-12 on attempts inside of 39 yards. The 2005 campaign was nothing short of amazing for him. Hamilton was 29-for-39 (.744) on field goals and opened the year by hitting his first 11 three-pointers. Dating back to the end of the 2004 season, Hamilton converted on 12 consecutive field goal attempts, which is an all-time AFL record. Hamilton kicked a career-high five field goals to help the Avengers beat Austin, 64-51, on Feb. 11, 2005. He scored a total of 22 points versus the Wranglers, came up with a key fumble recovery and was selected as the "Ironman of the Game," becoming the first kicker in AFL history to earn that honor. In Week 2 of the 2005 season, he kicked four field goals and scored 16 points in a 46-41 victory over Georgia and was named the "Offensive Player of the Game." Last season, he was 6-of-12 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 43, 48, 50). Hamilton's 10 misses in 2005 were from 16 (blocked), 28, 29, 31, 41, 47, 48, 50, 53 and 56 yards out.

RECORD SETTING SEASON: Last season, Avenger Remy Hamilton set a new AFL record for field goal percentage in a single season. In 2004, Jay Taylor of the Orlando Predators set the mark at .720 (18-of-25). Hamilton's percentage in 2005 was .744 (29-of-39). He and Taylor are the only two players in the 20-year history of the Arena Football League to have a field-goal percentage better than .639. Hamilton also made a run at the league's all-time record for field goals in a single season, which was set by Daron Alcorn, who kicked 32 in 1999 for the Portland Forest Dragons. Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers and field goals made charts. He is one of three players in league history to boot over 125 field goals. Hamilton's current field goal percentage is .812 (13-of-16).

All-Time AFL Leaders -Scoring By Kickers
1. Steve Videtich (Utah) 1,309
2. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,220

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Utah) 163
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 146

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .744
2. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
3. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Made in a Single Season
1. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) 32
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) 29
3. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1997) 27

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: In a flashback to the past, the Avenger offense was in quick-strike mode during last week's 75-61 victory at San Jose, scoring seven of its 10 touchdowns on "drives" of three plays or less. Seventy-three of L.A.'s 155 offensive touchdowns dating back to last season have been of the quick-strike variety. In fact, 20 of them were on one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 211-of-396 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (63 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-06)
Total TDDrives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 112 55 (49 %) 13
2006 43 18 (42 %) 7
Total 396 211 (53 %) 63

SECRET IS SCORING 60: Dating back to the 2004 season, the Avengers are 10-2 when they score 60 or more points (the only losses came in the 2005 regular-season finale at Grand Rapids, when the Avengers rested several key starters in the second half, and two weeks ago versus Utah). The team did not score more than 55 points in all seven of its losses in 2004, in five of the six defeats last season and in four of its five losses this year.

FIVE ARE ROOKIES: Five of the 20 players on L.A.'s current active roster are rookies. They are quarterback Sonny Cumbie, wide receiver/linebacker Antoine Burns, and linemen Jemelle Cage, Trevor Hutton and Victor Leyva. Of the 29 players that have seen action for Los Angeles this season, 10 are rookies. Last season, 17 of the 34 players who suited up for the Avengers experienced their first taste of AFL action in 2005 (including five players that are still with the club -- Richard Seals, Bernard Riley, Antuan Simmons, Michale Spicer and Rob Turner).

SLOW STARTERS: Continuing a trend that began last season, the Avengers have been getting off to slow starts in 2006. In its first seven games this season, Los Angeles has scored just 44 points in the first quarter, while opponents have countered with 94 points. The Avengers pick things up in the second quarter, scoring a total of 105 points (34 points in last week's victory at San Jose), but that still trails the opposition (124 points). The only quarter in which the Avengers have outscored their opponents is the fourth, where L.A. currently holds a 97-87 advantage. In 16 regular-season games last season, the Avengers scored only 133 points in the first quarter (average of 8.3), while opponents countered with 171. The second quarter was when the Avengers shined brightest, scoring a total of 258 points (average of 16.1). L.A. also did well in the third quarter, racking up 252 (average of 15.8). But, things slowed down in the fourth quarter, when the Avengers were outscored, 275-212.

... WHEN THEY DID GET AHEAD: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only eight of their last 22 games and went on to win seven of those games.

... AND AFTER THREE QUARTERS: The Avengers are 42-11 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters.

ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Arizona 3 4 0 .429 297 337
Las Vegas 3 4 0 .429 367 376
Utah 3 4 0 .429 401 385
Los Angeles 2 5 0 .286 335 397
San Jose 2 5 0 .286 367 394

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 6 1 0 .857 390 362
Nashville 4 3 0 .571 353 292
Chicago 3 4 0 .429 362 373
Grand Rapids 2 5 0 .286 331 376

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 6 1 0 .857 393 316
New York 4 3 0 .571 390 416
Philadelphia 4 3 0 .571 348 312
Columbus 3 4 0 .429 299 328

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Austin 5 2 0 .714 367 331
Georgia 4 3 0 .571 392 309
Orlando 4 3 0 .571 344 335
Tampa Bay 4 3 0 .571 372 393
Kansas City 1 6 0 .143 265 341

UNLIKELY TACKLERS: Among their other duties, Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton and backup QB Brian Mann have been busy making tackles on kickoff coverage this season. Hamilton, who leads the AFL in scoring by kickers with 77 points, also ranks at No. 6 in the league in special-teams tackles with 7.5. Mann, who started three of the first four games of the season at quarterback, has made 4.5 special-teams tackles in two games of action on the kickoff coverage unit (tied for No. 34 in the AFL).

WHEELER CONTINUES TO ROLL: Avenger DS Damen Wheeler has come up with 12 INTs in his last 31 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

BACK UNDER .500: L.A.'s 59-56 victory over the Arizona Rattlers on April 30, 2005 meant that, for the first time in Avenger history, the franchise could boast a winning record. In their seventh season of play, the Avengers are currently 2-5 and have slipped to an all-time regular-season record of 48-49.

RARE SLIDE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 68 regular-season games, the Avengers have been under .500 for only six weeks ... the past four weeks (1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5 and 2-5) and following last year's season-opening loss at Las Vegas (0-1). Furthermore, until the team's recent five-game slide, the Avengers had never lost more than two consecutive games with Hodgkiss at the helm.

AFL WEEK 8 SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):

Thursday, March 16
Utah @ Grand Rapids - 4 p.m. (FSN Utah, FSN Detroit)

Friday, March 17
Chicago @ Nashville - 5 p.m. (FSN Chicago)
Arizona @ Las Vegas - 7:30 p.m. (FSN West 2, 10:30)
Georgia @ San Jose - 7:30 p.m. (FSN South)

Saturday, March 18
Philadelphia @ Columbus - 4 p.m. (FSN Ohio)
New York @ Tampa Bay - 4:30 p.m. (FSN N.Y., INHD)
Kansas City @ Austin - 5 p.m. (AFL Net)

Sunday, March 19
Dallas @ Orlando - 9 a.m. (NBC, SIRIUS Channel 110)
Colorado @ Los Angeles - 3:30 p.m. (OLN, SIRIUS Channel 110)

Monday, March 20
"AFL Weekly" on FSN West - 3:30 p.m.

NIFTY NICKNAMES: Several Avengers played college football at schools with interesting nicknames ... Kevin Ingram, West Chester (Pa.) University Golden Rams; Brian Mann, Dartmouth College Big Green; Sean McNamara, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University Gorillas and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Golden Norsemen; Michale Spicer, Western Carolina University Catamounts and Rob Turner, Central Michigan University Chippewas.

AVENGERS 2005 RESULTS (10-6, 0-1)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 @ Las Vegas Loss 46-37
Feb. 4 Georgia Win 46-41
Feb. 11 @ Austin Win 64-51
Feb. 20 San Jose Win 71-69
Feb. 27 @ Colorado Loss 58-40
Mar. 6 @ Arizona Win 33-29
Mar. 18 Dallas Loss 72-50
Mar. 26 Tampa Bay Win 59-28
April 3 @ Orlando Loss 55-54 OT
April 10 New York Win 66-35
April 17 @ Nashville Loss 51-48
April 23 Chicago Win 52-49
April 30 Arizona Win 59-56
May 7 @ San Jose Win 54-42
May 14 Las Vegas Win 63-60
May 21 @ Grand Rapids Loss 71-65
May 29 Chicago (Playoffs) Loss 52-45

AFL RECORDS SET BY AVENGERS IN 2005:

Sacks (Season)
Silas Demary, 13.5 - (2005)
Field-Goal Percentage (Season)
Remy Hamilton, .744 - (2005)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made)
Remy Hamilton, 12 - (2004-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made in Single Season)
Remy Hamilton, 11 - (2005)
RECENT AVENGER TRANSACTIONS:
Date Action Player
3/11 Activated off injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
3/11 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Lavell Mann
3/4 Activated off injured reserve DS Antuan SimmonsWR/LB Antoine Burns
3/4 Placed on injured reserve QB Kevin ThompsonDS Ricky Sharpe
3/2 Signed QB Kevin Thompson
3/2 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/1 Signed FB/LB Lavell MannOL/DL Maurice AndersonOL/DL Victor Leyva
2/28 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Josh Jeffriesout for the season(broken left fibula and dislocated left ankle)
2/24 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Silas DemaryOL/DL Rod Manuel
2/24 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale SpicerWR/LB Rob TurnerOL/DL Reggie Rhodes
2/21 Waived OL/DL Isaac Hilton
2/17 Activated from injured reserve DS-WR/DB Ricky SharpeOL/DL Richard SealsQB Sonny Cumbie
2/17 Placed on injured reserve DS Anthony DerricksOL/DL Jason Stewart
2/14 Waived QB Ryan Van Dyke
2/11 Activated from injured reserve OS Tony LockeOL/DL Jemelle Cage
2/11 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas DemaryOS Kareem Kelly
2/4 Placed on injured reserve DS Antuan Simmons
2/4 Recalled from waivers OL/DL Isaac Hilton
2/3 Signed DS Antuan Simmons
2/3 Placed on recallable waivers OL/DL Isaac Hilton
1/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Jemelle CageOL/DL Charles HowardOS Tony LockeWR/LB Antoine BurnsOL/DL Rod ManuelOL/DL Richard SealsQB Sonny CumbieWR/DB Ricky Sharpe
1/22 Waived OL/DL Marc ManfreddaOL/DL Mike RogersDS Jermaine SmithWR/DB Tramissian Davis
1/22 Waived(injured) DS Walter Bernard
1/22 Released OL/DL Furnell Hankton

BANNER DAY: Prior to the season-opening victory over Arizona, the Avengers showcased the newest addition to the wall at STAPLES Center -- their 2005 AFL Western Division championship banner, which includes a tribute to the late Al Lucas.

LAST GAME:

AVENGERS UNSTOPPABLE IN VICTORY AT SAN JOSE

By Michael Ordoña
laavengers.com

Intensity.
In football, it makes the difference every week between winning and losing. After five straight losses, a road matchup with division rival San Jose could either show the Avengers to be a team with the kind of intensity and heart to climb back in the race, or one that was ready to pack it in early.
"No doubt about it, we had to win," said QB Sonny Cumbie after throwing for 348 yards and six touchdowns in his third-ever start. "No two ways about it, we were on a mission."
Cumbie showed the poise of a veteran and impressive touch on his deep throws as the Avengers topped the SaberCats in an Arena-style shootout in San Jose, 75-61.
Wideouts Kevin Ingram (7 catches, 68 yards, 2 touchdown receptions, one return score) and Tony Locke (7, 168, 3) torched a defense that had logged eight stops against division rival Utah the previous week, and WR/LB Greg Hopkins made gritty, clutch plays to notch L.A.'s first touchdown and to keep its crucial final drive alive. The offense scored on every possession, special teams played their best game of the year and the defense registered two key stops, including one on the SaberCats' final drive. Still, the game wasn't completely decided until the final pass from Cumbie to Locke.
On the other side of the ball, longtime star QB Mark Grieb lit up the Avengers for eight touchdowns and rookie WR/LB Ben Nelson caught everything in the air for 162 yards, but it wasn't enough to stop an L.A. team playing like its "hair was on fire," as Cumbie told reporters.
"It feels great," said Cumbie of his first AFL victory. "It's been a long time since we had that winning feeling - it's good for this team and hopefully this will be the momentum we need to build on."
Week 7 may be a bit early for a do-or-die game, but for a defending division champion on a five-game losing streak, the Avengers' renewal of hostilities with the perennial division powerhouse SaberCats in San Jose was played on just this side of the panic line.
Coming in, Los Angeles knew that every other team in the division had already won, so a loss would mean a two-game deficit to all four of their rivals. Coach Ed Hodgkiss told reporters that he had "challenged my stars to play like stars," and the whole team - especially the beleaguered special teams unit and reigning Ironman of the Year Ingram, answered the call.
"I wanted them to lead the cause, hustling to the ball," said Hodgkiss. "I thought our leaders did that. I wanted them to make not just some ordinary plays, but some great plays. Ingram did his part by making some big-time type plays. That's what we need from those guys, not to play like ordinary players, but like great players."
The team's offensive execution was as smooth as they'd wanted all year. Cumbie came out sharp for the first series; even the incompletions were on target, broken up by fine defensive plays. He led the Avengers to a field goal on the first drive of the game, and the team wouldn't be stopped for the rest of the half. In fact, among L.A.'s many types of scores were two kickoffs returned for touchdowns, the Avengers' first two special teams jackpots of the year.
"Nothing was different as far as the scheme or coaching," said special teams coach Brent Winter, who stressed protecting against opponents stealing possessions with onsides attempts and breaking long returns. "We play with a lot of young guys; they come from the outdoor game, where special teams are important, but not as drastically as they can be in the indoor game. We blow it, we give up a score, we give up a catastrophic football event. These guys are starting to comprehend that."
The team certainly looked fired up to start the game, the line giving Cumbie plenty of time to throw and the defense not surrendering any yards easily. SaberCats WR/LB James Roe just did sneak the ball into the end zone for their first score.
Hopkins then fought through tacklers and stretched over the line on a half-yard plunge for L.A.'s first touchdown of the day. But special teams continued to bedevil the Avengers as the extra-point attempt was blocked by FB/LB Phil Glover and almost returned for two points by OL/DL George Williams (the score was saved by a great effort by OL/DL Rod Manuel).
However, the unit turned the tables on their tormentors when, after San Jose retook the lead on a 33-yard TD strike to Nelson that looked too easy, the SaberCats got greedy and tried an onside kick. Ingram scooped it up on a crazy bounce and got it in for the score. The unblocked extra point made it 23-21, Avengers, with just under four minutes left in the half.
LB/FB Lonnie Ford made the defensive play of the game on the ensuing series by knocking the ball loose from Roe and recovering the fumble himself at the LA 20. On the very next play, Cumbie proved unflappable, escaping a hard rush by slipping out of the pocket to his right and finding Ingram behind the defense for a 30-yard score. Ingram, seeing his quarterback in trouble, had come back toward the line, then suddenly turned upfield and lost his coverage - 30-21, Avengers.
After giving up another easy TD when Roe ran all the way across the defense for a 30-yard bingo, Cumbie took over with only 23 seconds to play in the half. Locke made a smart move, skying to pluck a long throw out of the air at the San Jose 4 before DS Clevan Thomas could have a shot at the INT. Then, with the clock ticking down, Ingram bulled WR/LB Marquis Floyd deep into the end zone and turned to find yet another zipped pass by Cumbie on his numbers to make it 37-28, Avengers.
For good measure, Ingram returned a missed field goal by San Jose kicker Brian Schmitz to the L.A. 5 to end the half.
Both teams lost their minds after intermission, scoring four times in seven minutes on a SaberCats bomb to Nelson, the Avengers' first non-onsides kick-return touchdown of the year by Antoine Burns (a 57-yarder on which he abused Schmitz with an ankle-breaking cut), an untouched 9-yard run by San Jose FB/LB Phil Glover, and a gorgeous 46-yard bomb from Cumbie to Locke. It had become a no-guns-barred shootout.
"A big part of it was I had a lot of time back there," said Cumbie. "The guys up front did a great job - they're responsible for basically all the success we had throwing the ball."
On the rare plays when the protection did break down, Cumbie repeatedly slid away from pressure to hit long, pretty strikes for scores. San Jose's Grieb pulled a Cumbie himself when he just dodged a sack and found WR/DB Charles Pauley for an 11-yard touchdown. That cut the Avengers' advantage to 58-54 at the start of the fourth quarter.
An exchange of scores followed, and the SaberCats finally got the closest thing to a stop they had all day when they held the Avengers to a field goal with less than 8 minutes left in the game, making it 68-61, L.A. But the Avengers responded with some superb pass defense by DS Damen Wheeler, making up for a painful but smart pass interference penalty on a fourth down earlier in the drive, and WR/DB Lenzie Jackson, who broke up a couple of passes and nearly picked one. The turnover on downs gave L.A. the ball at their own 10 with 2 minutes to play. Inspired pass rushing by the SaberCats set the Avengers up with third and 9 at the one-minute warning.
Then Hopkins, quiet for most of the day, stepped up with a clutch catch to convert the first down and essentially end the game.
Forced to run one more play to kill the clock with three seconds left, Cumbie and Locke provided the exclamation point to the end of the five-game losing streak with a 24-yard strike for the 75-61 final.
"We're still 2-5," Cumbie cautioned. "We've got a long ways to go before we're sitting in any kind of driver's seat."
Week 6 is far too soon to know anything for sure about the Avengers' season, but the outstanding performances by the special teams and offensive unit against the SaberCats may be just what the team needs to steam into contention. Provided it can maintain its intensity.


LOS ANGELES (2-5) 3 34 21 17 -- 75
SAN JOSE (2-5) 7 21 20 13 -- 61



THIS SEASON THE AVENGERS ARE ...
- 1-2 at STAPLES Center
- 1-3 on the road
- 1-1 when they score more than 50 points
- 1-1 when they score 60 or more points
- 1-0 when they score 70 or more points
- 1-1 when they allow less than 50 points
- 1-0 when they allow less than 40 points
- 2-1 when they score first
- 1-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 0-4 when they commit more turnovers
- 1-3 whey they make at least one interception
- 1-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 1-2 when they throw for at least 5 touchdowns
- 2-5 when they pass for 200+ yards
- 1-1 when they pass for 300+ yards
- 1-1 when they don't throw an INT
- 1-4 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
- 2-4 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
- 0-2 when Greg Hopkins scores two or more TDs
- 1-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
- 2-1 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 12 points
- 1-3 when they commit fewer penalties
- 1-2 when they record at least one sack
- 0-1 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 1-0 when leading at halftime
- 1-5 when trailing at halftime

LAST SEASON THE AVENGERS WERE ...
- 7-1 at STAPLES Center
- 3-5 on the road
- 8-2 when they scored more than 50 points
- 4-1 when they scored 60 or more points
- 8-4 when they allowed less than 60 points
- 6-1 when they allowed less than 50 points
- 3-0 when they allowed less than 40 points
- 5-3 when they scored first
- 9-1 when they committed fewer turnovers
- 1-2 when they committed more turnovers
- 9-3 whey they made at least one interception
- 6-3 when a player scored three or more touchdowns
- 4-1 when Tony Locke caught 3 or more TD passes
- 5-2 when scored two or more TDs on the ground
- 7-4 when John Kaleo threw for at least 5 TDs
- 10-4 when John Kaleo passed for 200+ yards
- 2-1 when John Kaleo passed for 300+ yards
- 6-3 when John Kaleo didn't throw an INT
- 5-3 when Kevin Ingram scored two or more TDs
- 7-4 when Kevin Ingram caught 6 or more passes
- 3-3 when Greg Hopkins scored two or more TDs
- 3-3 when Greg Hopkins caught six or more passes
- 6-3 when Remy Hamilton scored at least 11 points
- 4-4 when they committed fewer penalties
- 4-5 when they recorded at least one sack
- 6-3 when the game was decided by 7 or fewer points
- 6-1 when leading at halftime
- 3-4 when trailing at halftime
- 1-1 when tied at halftime
"IRONMAN OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the two-way player who best demonstrated the ideals of the AFL's style of ironman football.

Week Opp. Ironman of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
2 @ Philly WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)8 rec., 132 yds., 3 TDs, 7 tackles
3 @Grand Rapids WR/DB Timon Marshall (G.R.)4 catches, 2 TDs, 4.5 tackles
4 Chicago WR/DB Dennison Robinson (Chi.)4 catches, 5 tackles, 1 INT
5 Utah WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)7 catches, 4.5 tackles, 4 TDs
6 @ Orlando WR/LB Jerrian James (Orl.)115 all-purpose yds., 1 INT for TD
7 @ San Jose WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)7 rec. for 68 yds., 4 stops, 3 TDs

"ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's defensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Defensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)2 tackles, 1 interception
2 @ Philly OL/DL Earnest Allen (Philadelphia)1.5 stops, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
3 @Grand Rapids DS Johnnie Harris (G.R.)10 tackles, 1 interception
4 Chicago DS Jeremy Unertl (Chicago)5.5 tackles, 1 INT return for TD
5 Utah DS Ricky Sharpe (L.A.)7.5 tackles, 1 interception
6 @ Orlando OL/DL Henry Taylor (Orl.)Consistent pressure on QB
7 @ San Jose DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)Game-high 10 tackles (9 solos)

"OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's offensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Offensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona Kicker Remy Hamilton (L.A.)4-for-4 on field goals, 16 points
2 @ Philly QB Matt Sauk (Philadelphia)17-of-29, 147 yards, 3 TDs
3 @Grand Rapids QB Chad Salisbury (G.R.)16-of-27, 177 yards, 6 TDs
4 Chicago QB Matt D'Orazio (Chicago)20-of-26, 251 yards, 3 TDs
5 Utah QB Sonny Cumbie (L.A.)29-of-43, 266 yards 7 TDs
6 @ Orlando FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (Orl.)16 yards rushing, 1 catch, 2 TDs
7 @ San Jose WR/LB James Roe (San Jose)12 catches, 156 yards, 4 TDs

L.A. IN O.T.: The Avengers have an all-time record of 3-5 in overtime games. Los Angeles is 3-1 when playing the extra period on the road and a winless 0-4 within the usually friendly confines of STAPLES Center. In three of the eight OT games, the Avenger opponent has been Arizona (L.A. is 1-2 in those contests). In all three overtime victories, L.A. won by six points and held the opponent scoreless (twice getting the ball on downs and once benefiting from a missed field goal). The Avengers have played in at least one OT game in each of their six seasons of play in the AFL (once in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005, and twice in 2001 and 2003).

Avengers in OvertimeCategory Record
All-time 3-5
At home 0-4
On the road 3-1
When getting the ball first 1-3
When getting the ball second 2-2
When scoring a touchdown 3-3
When scoring first 3-2
When scoring second 0-1
When a field goal is attempted 0-2
When missing a PAT kick 1-2
When getting a two-point conversion 0-0
When allowing a two-point conversion 0-1

BROADCAST INFORMATION: For the remainder of the season, Avenger games are scheduled to be televised on KNBC one time, FSN West 2 three times (one delayed) and OLN once. AM 570 is the flagship radio station for the Avengers, however due to conflicts, two games will be broadcast on 1150-AM. Six more Avenger games also will be aired on Spanish language radio -- three on ESPN Deportes (1330-AM) and three on 1220-KWKU. Additional television broadcasts could be announced soon. Also, information regarding high-definition television coverage via INHD and broadcasts via SIRIUS Satellite Radio are forthcoming.

Sunday, March 19, COLORADO, 3:30 p.m.
TV: OLN Radio: AM 570, 1330-KWKW, SIRIUS
Friday, March 24, at Arizona, 6 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 1150-AM
(TV delayed until 10:30 p.m.)
Sunday, April 2, at Las Vegas, 3 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 1150-AM, 1330-KWKW
Sunday, April 9, at Kansas City, 10 a.m.
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: AM 570
Saturday, April 15, at Utah, 6 p.m.
Radio: AM 570
Saturday, April 22, NEW YORK, 7:30 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: AM 570, 1220-KWKU
Saturday, April 29, SAN JOSE, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: AM 570, 1220-KWKU
Saturday, May 6, NASHVILLE, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: AM 570, 1220-KWKU
Saturday, May 13, LAS VEGAS, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: AM 570, 1330-KWKW

NEW FAN-CENTRIC WEBSITE: Two days prior to their 2006 season opener, the Avengers launched a new, state-of-the-art official website that is perhaps the most fan-centric in all of sports.
Within this new model, Avenger fans are the biggest contributors to the website, adding their own unedited opinions and photos to a section called "The Buzz." In addition to being able to communicate with each other at laavengers.com, fans also interact directly with Avenger players, coaches and front office staff members, including Avenger owner and CEO Casey Wasserman. Just like the players they cheer for and the "A-Team" dancers that they love to watch perform, Avenger fans are listed on their own roster and are able to create their own profiles directly on the website.
"We have an avid and loyal fan base, which is at the center of everything we do, so it is only natural that our website reflects that focus in every way," Wasserman said. "Giving Avenger fans an online community of their own, and one that we will also participate in, puts us at the forefront of what I believe will be the wave of the future in terms of websites for professional sports teams."
In addition, the new laavengers.com is extremely media-rich, featuring high-quality videos and photos of players, coaches and fans, which are updated regularly. The multimedia elements complement the written reports of two beat writers who will cover the team throughout the 2006 season.
Avenger season ticket holders also are able to fully manage their accounts online. Besides being able to buy season-seat packages, purchase individual game tickets and renew accounts, users will be able to transfer individual season tickets to family or friends via email. Furthermore, the website allows tickets to be put up for re-sale and reprinted if necessary.
Everything that a fan would want in a sports-team website is also readily available within the new laavengers.com, including biographical information on nearly every person involved in the franchise, a calendar of events, media releases and an area just for the Avengers' youngest fans.
The website was built by Schematic, an industry leader in interface design with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
"No professional sports website offers fans better access than the new laavengers.com," said Nicholas Worth, the president of Schematic. "The site the Avengers just launched lets casual and hard-core fans of the team interact directly with the players and coaches, watch insightful video shorts, and even post photos, comments and fan profiles. You would have to suit up to get any closer to the Avenger squad."

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 14, 2006


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