L.A. Avengers game notes
March 27, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Chicago Rush
Date: Sunday, April 1, 2007
Kickoff: 10:30 a.m. (Pacific)
Site: Allstate Arena (16,000)
Television: ESPN2 (Merrill Hoge, Mark Schlereth)
Radio: AM 570 KLAC (Andrew Siciliano, Troy West)
Spanish Radio: ESPN Deportes 1330-AM (Edu Villamar, Mario Amaya)
Internet Radio: www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Chicago by 8.5 (over/under 97)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads 3-2
Last Meeting: Chicago 65, Los Angeles 46, Feb. 18, 2006, STAPLES Center
Officials: Dave Cutaia (R), Doug Wilson (U), Greg Shields (HL), Dave Chesney (LJ), James Cole (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (sixth season, 45-36)
Chicago -- Mike Hohensee (14th season, 98-86)
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Los Angeles: John Tamanaha (310) 407-0208, cell (310) 463-5262, jtamanaha@laavengers.com; Vince Trotter (310) 407-0238, cell (562) 367-5266, vtrotter@laavengers.com
Chicago: Mike Alzamora (773) 243-3445, cell (773) 456-0030, malzamora@chicagorush.com
THE AVENGERS:
Having already won their first two road games of the 2007 season, the Avengers will attempt to make it three in a row as they take on the defending ArenaBowl champion Chicago Rush on Sunday, April 1. The game will be L.A.'s second nationally televised contest on ESPN2. The first was the inaugural ESPN2 telecast of "Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday" and resulted in a thrilling 44-37 overtime victory at Orlando on March 12. After a bye week, the Avengers followed up with an impressive 48-36 win at New Orleans on March 24. Los Angeles opened the season at home on March 4, absorbing a 66-58 setback at the hands of San Jose, and will finally return to STAPLES Center on April 6, to host Arizona. After missing the playoffs for the first time in five years, Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss is looking to put last season's 5-11 showing behind him and re-establish the franchise as one of the league's elite. Unlike last year, when the Avengers began the season with some uncertainty at quarterback, Sonny Cumbie is now the team's undisputed leader on offense. After three games this season, he is 85-of-130 (65.4 percent) for 878 yards and 16 touchdowns. Cumbie is the only AFL starting quarterback who has yet to throw an interception this season. After entering the 2006 campaign as the third-stringer, Cumbie started the final 12 games of the season and passed for 3,241 yards and 59 touchdowns (with only 10 INTs), on his way to earning AFL All-Rookie honors. Cumbie's main targets are slot receiver Lenzie Jackson, split end Kevin Ingram and flanker Rob Turner. Jackson has caught 34 passes (leads the AFL with 11.3 receptions per game) for 386 yards and five touchdowns this season. Another offensive weapon is veteran fullback Lonnie Ford, who was the AFL's No. 3 rusher last season. He gained 168 yards on the ground in 2006 and his per carry average of 3.8 yards led the league. Defensively, the Avengers added a lot of new faces during the offseason and have been playing very well as of late. Half of the eight starters on that side of the ball are rookies. Defensive end Silas Demary, who set the AFL's all-time single-season sack record (13.5) in 2005, leads a formidable front that includes second-year men Jason Stewart and Reggie Rhodes. In the defensive backfield, safety Damen Wheeler provides veteran leadership to a young but talented group. Wheeler has had interceptions in his last four games, dating back to last season. Los Angeles is rock-solid in the kicking department with the return of Remy Hamilton, who has won the past two AFL "Kicker of the Year" awards. Last season, he hit 27 of his 36 field goal attempts (.750) to break his own single-season league record for accuracy.
STORYLINES:
4 Youthful Avenger defense leading the way to victories
... see "Defense Getting it Done" note on Page 2
4 Quarterback Sonny Cumbie off to great start in 2007
... see Cumbie notes on Page 3
4 Slot receiver Lenzie Jackson putting up big numbers
... see "Action Jackson" note on Page 3
LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2007 SCHEDULE (2-1)
Date Opponent Result Score
March 4 San Jose Loss 66-58
March 12 @ Orlando Win 44-37 (OT)
March 24 @ New Orleans Win 48-36
Rest of season Opponent Time (PT) Television
April 1 @ Chicago 10:30 a.m. ESPN2
April 6 Arizona 7:30 p.m.
April 13 @ Utah 6 p.m.
April 21 @ San Jose 7:30 p.m. Prime (d)
April 28 Grand Rapids 7:30 p.m. FSN West
May 6 @ Las Vegas 3 p.m. Prime
May 12 Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m. Prime (d)
May 19 Georgia 7:30 p.m. FSN West
May 26 @ Kansas City 3 p.m.
June 2 Chicago 7:30 p.m.
June 11 @ Arizona 7 p.m. ESPN2
June 17 Las Vegas 3:30 p.m. FSN West
June 23 Utah 7:30 p.m. FSN West
AVENGER HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his sixth season as the head coach of the Avengers. He has compiled a record of 45-36, advanced to the AFL Playoffs four times and finished as the runner-up in the AFL "Coach of the Year" balloting twice (2003 and 2005). Last season, the Avengers slipped to 5-11, but developed quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who earned AFL All-Rookie honors. Under Hodgkiss' direction, the Avengers captured their first Western Division championship in 2005 and compiled a 10-6 record. 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. In his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Hodgkiss directed the Avengers to a 19-11 record. He is one of only five head coaches in AFL history who has won 21 or more of his first 32 games (the other four are Darren Arbet, John Gregory, Lary Kuharich and Tim Marcum). 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.
THE SERIES: The Avengers have won three of their previous five regular-season meetings with Chicago. The first two games were nail-biters, determined within the last minute of play. The third meeting was a 71-35 Avenger rout that remains the worst loss in Rush history (Los Angeles scored 30 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 50-21 lead at halftime). Sunday's game in Chicago will be the Avengers' first trip back to the Windy City since that contest. In 2005, there was another nail-biter as the Rush fought back from a 17-point halftime deficit to trim L.A.'s final margin of victory to 52-49. The Avengers and Rush met one more time in 2005, as Chicago prevailed in first-round playoff game (Los Angeles held an 18-point lead in the second half, but that melted away as Chicago won, 52-45). Last year, the Rush dominated L.A. in a 65-46 win at STAPLES Center.
All-Time Chicago vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 55, Chicago 47 6-30-01 STAPLES
Chicago 54, Avengers 53 2-23-03 Chicago
Avengers 71, Chicago 35 4-25-04 Chicago
Avengers 52, Chicago 49 4-23-05 STAPLES
Chicago 52, Avengers 45(PLAYOFFS) 5-29-05 STAPLES
Chicago 65, Avengers 46 2-18-06 STAPLES
LOOKING AHEAD: Following Sunday's game in Chicago, the Avengers will finally return home to STAPLES Center after a three-game road swing. After having been away from their home field for 32 days and traveling more than 12,800 miles, the Avengers will host the Arizona Rattlers on Friday, April 6.
EIGHT ARE ROOKIES: Eight of the 22 players on L.A.'s active roster are rookies. They are DB James Bethea, LB Michael Craven, OL Branden Hall, QB Tim Hicks, OL Matt McGhghy, DB Arnold Parker, LB Brandon Perkins and WR/DB LaShaun Ward. Seven of those players -- Bethea, Craven, Hall, McGhghy, Parker, Perkins and Ward -- have started in at least one game this season (Hicks has yet to get into a game). Last season, 11 of the 32 players, who suited up for the Avengers experienced their first taste of AFL action in 2006 (including four players that are still with the club -- QB Sonny Cumbie, WR/LB Robert Quiroga, DL Reggie Rhodes and DL Jason Stewart).
TURNOVER MARGIN: The Avengers have committed only one turnover this season (fewest in the AFL) and are currently tied for fourth in the AFL in turnover margin at +4. This season, the Avengers have come up with five takeaways (four interceptions and one fumble recovery). While going 5-11 last season, the Avengers finished the 2006 campaign -1 in turnover margin (tied for 10th 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). In 2005, Los Angeles had a league-leading 37 takeaways, turned over the football only 20 times (fewest in the AFL), finished 10-6 and won the Western Division title. 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.
DEFENSE GETTING IT DONE: The Avenger defensive unit has been extremely impressive as of late. After surrendering 66 points in a loss to San Jose in the season opener, Los Angeles has allowed a total of 73 points in its last two games (both road victories). Although the Avengers have only one quarterback sack this season (Silas Demary at New Orleans), the defensive front has been applying consistent and effective pressure to opposing passers. The Avenger defensive backfield, which features two rookies (James Bethea and Arnold Parker) has also been playing well and is partly responsible for limiting foes to just 50 percent on third down (11-of-22) and 40 percent on fourth (2-of-4).
"WHEELS" IS ON A ROLL: Avenger safety Damen Wheeler has had interceptions in all three games this season and has picked off a pass in his last four games, dating back to last season. In addition to his three INTs, he also has 15.5 tackles, six pass deflections and one forced fumble in 2007. In recognition of his outstanding performance in the overtime victory at Orlando on March 12, he was selected as the "ADT Defensive Player of the Game." Wheeler has put himself into position to threaten one of L.A.'s oldest team records. Mark Ricks picked off eight passes in 2001 (playing in just 12 of the 14 games that season) to establish Avenger single-season record, a mark that hasn't ever been in serious jeopardy (Kevin Ingram came the closest in 2005 with six interceptions).
ROB'S TURNING IT ON: Avenger flanker Rob Turner caught only 22 passes for 212 yards and six touchdowns in 2006 (seven games). After only three games this season, he has 21 receptions for 215 yards and four scores. Turner, who is in his third season with the club, is averaging 10.2 yards per reception.
THE TEXAS GUNSLINGER: Avenger quarterback Sonny Cumbie has opened the 2007 season in impressive fashion, completing 85-of-130 for 878 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is the only starting quarterback in the AFL who has yet to throw an interception. At Orlando on March 12, 2007, Cumbie set a team record with 32 completions, breaking the old mark of 31 established by John Kaleo in 2005. Cumbie, who was a finalist for the AFL's 2006 "Rookie of the Year" award, started the last 12 games of the 2006 season and was 268-of-450 (59.6 percent) for 3,241 yards and 59 touchdowns, with only 10 INTs. His passer rating of 105.2 ranked him at No. 9 in the AFL (minimum 400 attempts), putting him ahead of veterans such as Tony Graziani (98.4), Andy Kelly (97.6) and John Kaleo (96.6), and all rookies. Furthermore, Cumbie's interception percentage of 2.2 was fifth best among the league's starters. On March 12, 2006, he was 23-of-34 for 348 yards and six TDs in L.A.'s 75-61 victory at San Jose. Those 348 passing yards rank fifth on the all-time Avenger chart. Cumbie threw 17 TD passes in his first three starts, the most by any QB in Avenger history, beating the previous mark set by Graziani, who was in his second AFL season when he tossed 16 in his first three starts for Los Angeles. In his AFL starting debut on Feb. 25, 2006, Cumbie threw seven touchdown passes (first among all QBs making their first Avenger start).
Avenger Record Book -Completions in a Single Game
1. Sonny Cumbie (at Orlando, 2007) 32
2. John Kaleo (at Colorado, 2005) 31
3. Sonny Cumbie (vs. Utah, 2006) * 29
4t. Sonny Cumbie (at New Orleans) 28
4t. Tony Graziani (vs. Arizona, 2004) 28
4t. Tony Graziani (at Dallas, 2003) 28
* 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
6. Tony Graziani (vs. San Jose, 2003) 345
7. Sonny Cumbie (at Orlando, 2007) 340
8. Sonny Cumbie (at Utah, 2006) * 337
9. Tony Graziani (vs. Austin, 2004) 332
10. S. Semptimphelter (vs. Carolina, 2000) 331
* AFL rookie season
NOT YOUR AVERAGE QB: Although just a rookie at the time, Avenger QB Sonny Cumbie finished the 2006 season with numbers very similar to those posted by former Avenger QB Tony Graziani in terms of average passing yards per game as a starter.
Avenger Record Book -Average Passing Yards as a Starter
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2007 (3 starts, 878 yds.) 292.7
2. Tony Graziani, 2003 (16 starts, 4,290 yds.) 268.1
3. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (12 starts, 3,206 yds.) 267.2
4. Tony Graziani, 2004 (16 starts, 4,254 yds.) 265.9
INTERCEPTION-FREE STREAKS: Avenger QB Sonny Cumbie has not thrown an interception in his last 131 attempts (dating back to the end of last season). Within a span of six games last season, he broke Tony Graziani's team record for attempts without an interception, passing 212 times between picks. During that hot streak, Cumbie tossed 28 TD passes. He was not intercepted in six of the 12 games he started in 2006. Graziani set the previous Avenger record at 210 in 2004.
Avenger Record Book -Pass Attempts without an Interception
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (span of 6 games) 212
2. Tony Graziani, 2004 (span of 7 games) 210
3. Tony Graziani, 2003 (span of 7 games) 185
SECOND ON THIRD: Avenger quarterback Sonny Cumbie is currently ranked second in the AFL in third-down passing, having completed 14-of-21 (66.7 percent) for 140 yards and five touchdowns in those key situations so far this season. He currently has a passer rating of 125.0 on third down and 115.5 overall.
ACTION JACKSON: Avenger slot receiver Lenzie Jackson has opened the 2007 season in impressive fashion, catching 34 passes (leads the AFL with 11.3 receptions per game) for 386 yards and five touchdowns. He has achieved a "triple double," finishing with double-digit receptions in each of the three games (13 vs. San Jose, 11 at Orlando and 10 at New Orleans). His 24 receptions over two consecutive games (March 4 and 12) ties an Avenger record set by Chris Jackson in 2004 (April 3 and 10). In addition, Lenzie and Chris Jackson are the only two players in Avenger history to catch 11 or more passes in two consecutive games (Chris Jackson did it twice [once in 2002 and once in 2004]). Lenzie Jackson's 13 catches versus San Jose on March 4, was one shy of the team record of 14 receptions set by Chris Jackson in 2004. And Lenzie Jackson's 196 receiving yards against the SaberCats ranks him at No. 4 on the Avengers' all-time chart.
Lenzie Jackson -Game-by-Game Receiving Stats in 2007
March 4 vs. San Jose 13 rec., 196 yards, 3 TDs
March 12 at Orlando 11 rec., 124 yards, 1 TD
March 24 at New Orleans 10 rec., 66 yards, 1 TD
Avenger Record Book -Receptions in a Single Game
1. Chris Jackson (vs. Orlando, 2004) 14
2. Lenzie Jackson (vs. San Jose, 2007) 13
2. Chris Jackson (vs. Colorado, 2004) 13
2. Greg Hopkins (at Grand Rapids, 2002) 13
2. Chris Jackson (at Georgia, 2002) 13
6. Chris Jackson (twice) 12
Avenger Record Book -Receiving Yards in a Single Game
1. Chris Jackson (at Arizona, 2002) 242
2. Chris Jackson (vs. Austin, 2004) 210
3. Shannon Culver (at Houston, 2000) 209
4. Lenzie Jackson (vs. San Jose, 2007) 196
5. Chris Jackson (at Georgia, 2002) 194
6. Chris Jackson (vs. Detroit, 2004) 192
7. Tony Locke (at San Jose, 2005) 174
AMONG THE ALL-TIME GREATS: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton is now in sole possession of second-place on the AFL's all-time kicking points chart. With eight points (five extra points and one field goal) in the overtime victory at Orlando on March 12, he broke what was a tie with Mike Black at 1,246 points. Hamilton already owns the AFL's single-season record for kicking points with 185 in 2005 (he also posted the second-best mark with 173 points in 2006). He is one of only three players in league history to boot over 125 field goals.
All-Time AFL Leaders -Kicking Points
1. Steve Videtich (Utah) 1,419
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,266
3. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,246
All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 177
2. Steve Videtich (Utah) 168
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 164
AMAZING ACCURACY: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton had yet another standout season in 2006. Displaying stunning accuracy and consistency, he was 27-of-36 (.750) on his field goal attempts last year to break his own single-season AFL record for accuracy set the previous season. Hamilton was a near-perfect 25-of-26 on three-pointers inside of 38 yards. He also connected on 92 of his 98 extra point attempts in 2006 (.939). Hamilton led all AFL kickers in scoring with 173 points. In 2005, he cashed in on 74.4 percent (29-of-39) of his field goals attempts, breaking the previous record of 72 percent (18-of-25) set by Jay Taylor of the Orlando Predators in 2004. Hamilton led the AFL with 29 field goals and 185 kicking points (AFL single-season record) in 2005. He opened the 2005 campaign by hitting his first 11 three-pointers and dating back to the end of the 2004 season, he converted on 12 consecutive field goal attempts, which is an all-time AFL record.
All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2006) .750
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .744
3. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
4. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639
GOING WHERE NO KICKER HAS GONE BEFORE: Last season, Remy Hamilton was selected as the AFL's "Kicker of the Year" for the second consecutive year. He is the first kicker in league history to win the award in back-to-back seasons. Hamilton also has been honored as an All-Arena First Team selection in both 2005 and 2006. Another AFL "first" established by Hamilton occurred on Feb. 11, 2005, when he kicked a career-high five field goals to help the visiting Avengers beat Austin, 64-51. 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 prestigious honor.
BIRTHDAY BOYS: Two members of the Avenger coaching staff -- Brent Winter and Bill Dobson -- will be celebrating their birthdays at Sunday's game.
IRONMAN INGRAM: Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram, the 2005 AFL "Ironman of the Year" and a two-time First Team All-Arena selection (2004 and 2005), had perhaps the best campaign of his career in 2006, but only garnered Second Team All-Arena honors for his efforts. Last season, he finished with 111 catches, 1,354 receiving yards, 34 total touchdowns, five interceptions and averaged 111.7 all-purpose yards per game. During his "Ironman of the Year" season in 2005, Ingram led Los Angeles with 88 receptions, accounted for 1,052 receiving yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Defensively, he had a team-high six interceptions (and also made 68 tackles) two seasons ago. In addition, he led the team in kickoff returns and averaged 104.1 all-purpose yards per game in 2005.
Kevin Ingram -Year-by-Year Ironman Comparison
2007 26 catches, 239 yards, seven touchdownsThree kickoff ret. for 57 yards, three tacklesAveraging 98.3 all-purpose yards per game
2006 111 catches, 1,354 receiving yards, 34 TDsFive INTs, averaging 111.7 all-purpose yards - Second Team All-Arena selection
2005 88 catches, 1,052 receiving yards, 24 TDsSix INTs, averaged 104.1 all-purpose yards- AFL "Ironman of the Year"- First Team All-Arena selection
2004 67 catches, 848 receiving yards, 23 TDsFour INTs, averaged 116.9 all-purpose yards- First Team All-Arena selection
SPREADING IT AROUND: In their two victories this season (both on the road), the Avengers have been very good about distributing the football to all three of their starting receivers. In the 44-37 overtime victory at Orlando, Lenzie Jackson had 11 catches, Kevin Ingram had 10 and Rob Turner had nine. In last week's 48-36 win at New Orleans, Jackson caught 10 passes, Ingram came down with nine and Turner finished with eight. In the season opening loss to San Jose, the distribution wasn't as even as Jackson had 13 receptions, Ingram seven and Turner just four.
ALL-TIME LEADING RUSHER: Avenger FB/LB Lonnie Ford finished the 2006 season ranked at No. 3 in the AFL in rushing. He gained 168 yards and scored 10 touchdowns on only 44 carries last season. His per carry average of 3.8 yards was also the best in the league among players with more than 27 carries. Ford, L.A.'s all-time leading rusher with 535 yards in his five seasons, is also the only Avenger to ever record two 100-yard seasons. He is also the L.A.'s all-time leader in rushes (157) and rushing touchdowns (30).
RECENT AVENGER TRANSACTIONS:
Date Action Player
2/26 Placed on injured reserve LB Jon ApgarWR/LB Nichiren FlowersDL Josh JeffriesDB Rushen JonesWR/LB Terrence StubbsQB Kevin Thompson
AFL WEEK 5 SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):
Friday, March 30
Georgia at Columbus, 4 p.m. (SIRIUS Chan. 119)
Arizona at Kansas City, 5 p.m. (AFL Net)
Saturday, March 31
Orlando at New Orleans, 5 p.m.
Austin at Dallas, 5:30 p.m.
Tampa Bay at San Jose, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, April 1
Philadelphia at New York, 10 a.m. (SIRIUS Chan. 119)
Los Angeles at Chicago 10:30 a.m. (ESPN2, ESPN 360)
Nashville at Colorado, noon
Utah at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. (FSN Prime Ticket)
HOW MUCH STATS CAME BACK: Thirteen of the 28 players currently with the Avengers (22 on the active roster and six on injured reserve) were with the team in 2006. The table below illustrates to what level those returning players contributed to last season's statistics.
How Much Came Back?
Stat Category 2006 Total 2007 Players %Back
Passing yards 4,191 3,241 77.3%
Passing TDs 75 59 78.7%
Interceptions thrown 16 10 62.5%
Receptions 358 169 47.2%
Receiving yards 4,337 1,950 45.0%
Receiving TDs 75 41 54.7%
Rushes 101 72 71.3%
Rushing yards 321 240 74.8%
Rushing TDs 18 15 83.3%
Kickoff returns 94 27 28.7%
Kickoff return yards 1,540 352 22.9%
Missed FG returns 8 3 37.5%
Missed FG ret. yards 134 33 24.6%
Touchdowns scored 104 61 58.7%
Field goals 27 27 100%
Extra point kicks 92 92 100%
Points scored 809 543 67.1%
All-purpose yards 6,539 2,623 40.1%
Total-offense yards 4,512 3,481 77.1%
Total tackles 462 224 48.5%
Tackles for losses 29 20.5 70.7%
Quarterback sacks 11 8 72.8%
Interceptions 14 9 64.3%
Pass breakups 58 34 58.6%
Fumbles forced 15 12 80.0%
Fumbles recovered 12 6 50.0%
Kicks blocked 3 3 100%
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2007 STANDINGS:
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Utah 3 1 0 .750 276 243
Los Angeles 2 1 0 .667 150 139
San Jose 1 2 0 .333 173 170
Arizona 1 3 0 .250 258 241
Las Vegas 1 3 0 .250 187 253
Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Chicago 3 1 0 .750 205 186
Colorado 2 2 0 .500 189 209
Nashville 2 2 0 .500 225 239
Kansas City 1 2 0 .333 148 151
Grand Rapids 1 3 0 .250 195 273
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 4 0 0 1.000 255 150
Philadelphia 3 0 0 1.000 203 117
Columbus 1 2 0 .333 150 163
New York 1 2 0 .333 106 173
Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Georgia 4 0 0 1.000 254 225
New Orleans 2 2 0 .500 208 187
Orlando 2 2 0 .500 183 171
Austin 1 3 0 .250 201 211
Tampa Bay 0 4 0 .000 166 231
L.A. IN O.T.: The Avengers have an all-time record of 4-5 in overtime games. Los Angeles is 4-1 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 nine OT games, the Avenger opponent has been Arizona (L.A. is 1-2 in those contests). In all four overtime victories, L.A. won by scoring a touchdown and holding the opponent scoreless (three times on downs and once benefiting from a missed field goal).
Avengers in OvertimeCategory Record
All-time 4-5
At home 0-4
On the road 4-1
When getting the ball first 2-3
When getting the ball second 2-2
When scoring a touchdown 4-3
When scoring first 4-2
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
BACK IN THE DAY: With the AFL's move to "free substitution" this past offseason, the days of stunning two-way "Ironman" performances could become quite rare. A good example of that kind of impact occurred last season. In the final six seconds of the first half of game at Utah on April 15, 2006, Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram displayed what it really means to be an "Ironman." With the Blaze already leading, 35-27, and driving deep into Avenger territory once again, Ingram intercepted an Andy Kelly pass with six seconds remaining until halftime. On L.A.'s ensuing possession, Ingram caught a seven-yard pass from Sonny Cumbie and quickly got out of bounds, giving the Avengers a second-and-three play from their own 11-yard line with 1.7 seconds left. Then, Cumbie threw a "Hail Mary" pass off the rebound net system and into Ingram's arms for a touchdown as time expired in the first half. His work not yet done, Ingram then successfully fielded a bad snap and expertly got the football set for Remy Hamilton's extra point kick, which brought the Avengers to within a point at the break ... when just moments before, it seemed as if they were about to go down by two touchdowns.
"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 San Jose WR Ben Nelson (S.J.)14 catches, 4 TDs, 2 tackles
2 at Orlando WR/DB Lenzie Jackson (L.A.)11 rec., 124 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle
3 at New Orleans DB James Bethea (L.A.)5.5 tackles
"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 San Jose DB Omarr Smith (S.J.)7 tackles
2 atOrlando DB Damen Wheeler (L.A.)3 breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble
3 at New Orleans DL/OL Silas Demary (L.A.)2.5 tackles, 2 for losses, 1 sack
"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 San Jose WR/DB Lenzie Jackson (L.A.)13 catches, 196 yards, 3 TDs
2 at Orlando QB Sonny Cumbie (L.A.)32-of-48, 340 yards, 5 TDs
3 at New Orleans QB Sonny Cumbie (L.A.)28-of-42, 223 yards, 4 TDs
$10,000 raised for PADRES Contra El Cáncer
2ND ANNUAL CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT
The Los Angeles Avengers held their Second Annual Charity Poker Tournament on Sunday, March 18, at Guy's North in Studio City, Calif. All proceeds benefited PADRES Contra El Cáncer, a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families.
A total of 140 people participated in the event, which featured Avenger fans playing no-limit Texas hold'em along side Avenger players and various celebrities, including Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.
The event also included a star-studded silent auction of sports memorabilia. More than $10,000 was raised for PADRES Contra El Cáncer.
PADRES Contra El Cáncer programs, activities and services, while primarily oriented to the Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from all races and ethnic origins. No family is turned away.
Celebrating 20 years of service, PADRES Contra El Cáncer brings together children, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders as well as effective methods for treatment.
For more information about PADRES Contra El Cáncer please visit their website at www.iamhope.org or call (800) 269-4186.
TWO TEXANS: Avenger QB Sonny Cumbie and PADRES Contra El Cáncer national spokesperson Eva Longoria.
LAST GAME VS. CHICAGO -- Feb. 18, 2006:
AVENGERS UNABLE
TO BEAT THE RUSH
By Michael Ordoña
laavengers.com
They came home from a dismal 0-2 road trip seeking to avenge their shocking 2005 playoff defeat by the Chicago Rush. Instead, the Avengers gave up three return scores, lost a fumble and two interceptions, and absorbed their third straight setback, 65-46, before 12,554 at STAPLES Center.
"Honestly, I'd like to see us play well," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "I'd take a loss right now, next week, if I thought we played well. That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking for drastic improvement, quickly -- mainly offensively, and on special teams."
Having waived quarterback Ryan Van Dyke last week, the team handed the starting job to Brian Mann in the hopes that his fine showing against the Grand Rapids Rampage was a sign of things to come. Mann wasn't able to duplicate that effort, however, going 21-of-37 for 274 yards and four touchdowns, but also tossing two painful interceptions and fumbling the football on a vicious hit by Rush OL/DL Khreem Smith.
The passing game continued to look out of sync, as some throws were over or behind their intended targets. In one sequence late in the game, WR/DB Kevin Ingram clearly didn't expect the ball on two different plays, not even looking as the passes fell incomplete.
Under a heavy pass rush, Mann threw interceptions on two of his team's first three series and the Avengers (1-3) failed to punch it in with first-and-goal from inside the 3-yard line on the other one. On that possession, L.A. found out that the Chicago's (2-2) rush defense didn't get its No. 4 ranking by accident as two carries by FB/LB Lonnie Ford were stuffed at the line. The Avengers settled for a field goal, giving them a total of 3 points in their last two opening quarters.
"We need to play what we played in the past, which is mistake-free football, as far as turnovers go," Hodgkiss said. "There's no doubt, we're struggling offensively. But we're getting a few guys back next week, which is definitely a positive."
Among those expected to return soon is star OL/DL Silas Demary, who ought to help turn around the team's struggles on both sides of the line.
Still, L.A.'s harried defensive unit continued its yeoman's work to keep the team in the game despite yet another slow offensive start. It took a spectacular catch by Rush WR/LB Cornelius Moore, crashing into the backboards and holding on to the ball, to give Chicago its only offensive touchdown until late in the second period.
Unfortunately, the Rush's defense racked up a touchdown when WR/DB Jeremy Unertl picked off a pass and ran it back 45 yards for the score (Chicago's first interception return for a touchdown in two years) to make it 17-3 and continue L.A.'s disturbing trend of falling behind early.
The Avengers got in the end zone when OS Tony Locke, in his second game back from the injured list, dove to corral a long pass and got back up to run it in, pulling his team to within 17-10.
Locke, who attributed some of the turnovers to having to split previous practice time between quarterbacks, believes that the offensive rhythm is developing -- as his nine-catch, 134-yard, two-touchdown performance attests: "The last couple of weeks in practice, Brian and I had a lot of quality reps together and it paid off in the game."
Meanwhile, WR/LB Greg Hopkins was all over the field on defense, breaking up passes and making tackles everywhere. On one series, he made sure Rush QB Matt D'Orazio knew what he looked like by smashing him into the wall on two plays, knocking him completely into the stands on one. L.A. responded to Chicago's earlier goal-line stand with one of its own, denying the Rush with first-and-goal at the 2, holding them to a field goal to make it 20-10, Chicago.
Hopkins then showed his value on offense, pulling down a 7-yard fade pattern in the corner to bring the home squad within three points. The teams traded touchdowns on the next two possessions, including a lightning strike in which Mann pump-faked from his 5 and found Ingram hilariously wide open behind the defense. In an ominous sign, however, even that pass appeared to be underthrown, forcing the all-world Ironman to come back for the ball and then put on another great move to lunge to paydirt.
As halftime approached, it was just a 27-24 Chicago lead, and it looked like L.A. might have a shot at getting its season back on track with a strong showing after intermission. But the Rush were able to put together the dreaded bookend scores at the end of the first and beginning of the second half for a 14-point swing. Just like that, it was 41-24.
On the first of the scoring drives, Chicago WR/LB Cornelius White shook DS Damen Wheeler for the bingo. On the second, Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen, who is rumbling toward the league's all-time rushing record, followed OL/DL John Sikora's hook block on a sweep into the end zone.
Then came the sack-and-fumble, recovered by Chicago OL/DL John Moyer, followed soon after by a one-yard TD plunge by McMillen. 48-24, Rush.
Mann showed guts in leading his squad to a field goal, running for a touchdown on the team's next drive, and lofting a pretty touch pass to Locke for another score, but Carlos Wright's kickoff-return touchdown, Dan Frantz's third field goal, and an onside kick attempt returned for another touchdown buried the Avenger hopes.
Backup QB Sonny Cumbie, fresh off IR, got his first taste of the AFL when he came in to relieve Mann on his team's final series. Cumbie completed three of his first four passes (throwing one away) before getting dusted on a jailbreak sack led by Smith. He finished 5-of-9 for 39 yards and directed the Avengers to a cosmetic score to make the final 65-46 (and keep L.A. from back-to-back 25-point losses).
Hodgkiss said the QB situation still isn't settled: "Not until we win consistently. You need a guy to lead you to wins and we're not winning right now, so everybody's jobs are on the line."
CHICAGO (2-2) 10 24 21 10 -- 65
LOS ANGELES (1-3) 3 21 10 12 -- 46
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