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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

February 3, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Arizona Rattlers
Date: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004
Kickoff: Noon (Pacific)
Site: Phoenix, Arizona
Arena: America West Arena (16,321)
Television: NBC (Eli Gold, Charles Davis)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Arizona by 3 (over/under 116)
Series Record: Arizona leads, 6-2 (1-0 in postseason)
Last Meeting (regular season): Los Angeles 63, Arizona 49 -- May 4, 2003, America West Arena
Officials: David Lambros (R), Al Granado (U), Mike McCabe (HL), Arthur Lucky (LJ), David Cutaia (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 19-11). Arizona -- Danny White (13th season, 110-50).

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Los Angeles: John Tamanaha (310) 407-0208, cell (310) 463-5262, jtamanaha@laavengers.com; Antoine Ibrahim (310) 407-0240, cell (310) 628-0976, aibrahim@laavengers.com
Arizona: Randy Policar (602) 514-8302, cell (602) 750-9541, rpolicar@awarena.com

THE AVENGERS: The familiar faces of the Arizona Rattlers will once again stand in front of the Avengers, who will square off with their Western Division rivals for the fourth time in their last eight games, including last season's loss in the second-round of the AFL Playoffs. Last year, the Avengers went 11-5 in the regular season, earning a first-round bye that went along with its No. 4 postseason seed. One of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league, the Avengers averaged 57.8 points last season and could be even more potent in 2004. Quarterback Tony Graziani threw 96 touchdowns in the 16 regular-season games last year and also rushed for four more scores. Incredibly, he threw for a touchdown once every 3.17 completions (and 5.16 attempts). Offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who earned last season's AFL "Offensive Player of the Year" award, was on the receiving end of 46 touchdown tosses from Graziani, tying an all-time AFL single-season record. Another star pass catcher, WR/LB Greg Hopkins has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and could make yet another run at AFL "Ironman of the Year" honors. The Avenger defense, which played well in the last five games of the 2003 season, forcing 16 turnovers and allowing just 204 points (40.8 average), figures to have a new-and-improved pass rush with the addition of linemen Al Lucas (an AFL "All-Rookie" selection with the ArenaBowl champion Tampa Bay Storm) and Jeremy Staat (a four-year NFL veteran with the Steelers and Rams).
THE RATTLERS: After entering last season's playoffs with the No. 6 seed, Arizona advanced to its second consecutive ArenaBowl, but lost the world title to the Tampa Bay Storm. "All-Arena" quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is one of the best triggermen in the AFL history, accounting for 26,786 passing yards and 534 touchdowns in his 10-year career. Rattler WR/LB Hunkie Cooper, an 11-year veteran, has been a thorn in the side of the Avengers many times, often coming up with game-winning plays late in the fourth quarter or overtime. Former Avenger Siaha Burley joined Arizona this past offseason as its new offensive specialist.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (0-0)
Date Opponent Time (PT) Television
Feb. 8 @ Arizona Noon NBC
Feb. 14 @ Las Vegas Noon NBC
Feb. 22 San Jose Noon NBC
Mar. 1 Georgia 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
Mar. 14 @ Grand Rapids 9 a.m. NBC
Mar. 21 @ Dallas 1 p.m. Fox Sports Net 2
Mar. 26 @ San Jose 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
April 3 Austin 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
April 10 Colorado 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
April 16 Detroit 7:30
April 25 @ Chicago Noon NBC
May 1 Arizona 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
May 9 @ Tampa Bay Noon NBC
May 16 @ New York Noon NBC
May 22 Las Vegas 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
May 30 Orlando 1 p.m. NBC

ARIZONA RATTLERS (0-0)
Date Opponent Time (PHX) Television
Feb. 8 Los Angeles 1 p.m. NBC
Feb. 13 Detroit 7 p.m.
Feb. 21 @ Carolina 5:30
Feb. 29 New York 1 p.m. NBC
Mar. 5 Columbus 7 p.m.
Mar. 14 @ Las Vegas 4 p.m.
Mar. 18 New Orleans 7 p.m.
Mar. 27 @ Colorado 7 p.m.
April 4 @ Grand Rapids Noon
April 10 Las Vegas 7 p.m.
April 18 Dallas Noon NBC
April 25 @ Indiana Noon NBC
May 1 @ Los Angeles 7:30
May 9 San Jose Noon NBC
May 15 @ Detroit 4:30
May 30 @ San Jose 1 p.m. NBC

THE HEAD COACHES: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his third season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his first two seasons at the helm, he directed Los Angeles to a 19-11 record. No head coach in AFL history has won more games in his first two seasons than Hodgkiss, who was the runner-up for the 2003 AFL "Coach of the Year" award. Last season, the Avengers won a franchise-best 11 games and earned a first-round bye in the AFL Playoffs. Hodgkiss oversaw the league's most efficient offense, which scored 122 touchdowns (most in the AFL) on only 619 total plays (least in the AFL). Particularly lethal through the air, the 2003 Avengers averaged a league-leading 13.8 yards per reception. 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. In 2002, Hodgkiss not only led the Avengers into the postseason for the first time in franchise history, he also instantly established the L.A. offense as one of the most feared in the AFL. In the final 2002 league statistics, the Avengers ranked at No. 2 in passing efficiency (115.0) and No. 5 in scoring (52.2). Prior to his arrival in Los Angeles, Hodgkiss served as the offensive coordinator for the Indiana Firebirds for three seasons (1999-2001) ... The first and only head coach the Rattlers have ever had, Danny White is a living football legend in Arizona. In the previous 11 seasons, he has won two ArenaBowl championships (1994 and 1997), been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1997) and had his Arizona State University jersey (No. 11) retired. As a player, he led the Dallas Cowboys to five playoff appearances and three NFC East division titles.

THE SERIES: The Rattlers lead the regular-season series 6-2, but the Avengers won the last meeting, 63-49, on May 4, at America West Arena. Arizona has won all four meetings at STAPLES Center, with the last two victories coming in overtime. On April 13, 2003, the two teams combined for an AFL-record 23 touchdowns as the Rattlers prevailed in OT, 82-76, in what was the fourth-highest scoring game in league history. The Rattlers won the only postseason match-up, a 70-63 decision last season at STAPLES Center.

All-Time Arizona vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Ratters 70, Avengers 63 (second-round playoff game) 6-1-03 STAPLES
Avengers 63, Rattlers 49 5-4-03 Phoenix
Rattlers 82, Avengers 76 (OT) 4-13-03 STAPLES
Rattlers 52, Avengers 46 (OT) 7-6-02 STAPLES
Rattlers 63, Avengers 59 4-27-02 Phoenix
Avengers 54, Arizona 48 (OT) 6-23-01 Phoenix
Rattlers 49, Avengers 21 4-27-01 STAPLES
Rattlers 54, Avengers 51 6-10-00 STAPLES
Rattlers 55, Avengers 28 5-11-00 Phoenix

THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers will stay on the road next week for a showdown with the Las Vegas Gladiators on Saturday, Feb. 14. Las Vegas is the newest member of the AFL's rugged Western Division.

STEADY IMPROVEMENT: The Avengers had their most successful regular season in franchise history last year, winning 11 games. After combining for eight wins in the franchise's first two seasons, Los Angeles had its first winning season in 2002, under the direction of head coach Ed Hodgkiss.

Avenger HistorySeason (head coach) Record
2000 (Stan Brock) 3-11
2001 (Stan Brock/Robert Lyles) 5-9
2002 (Ed Hodgkiss) 8-6 (playoffs 0-1)
2003 (Ed Hodgkiss) 11-5


THE "IF" SECTION:
If the Avengers defeat the Rattlers, it would ...
· Give L.A. its second consecutive victory over Arizona at America West Arena
· Be the Avengers' third straight win to open a season
· Give L.A. a 3-2 record in openers
· Be the Avengers' nine victory in their last 13 road games


THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on the outcome of training camp: "We came out of it healthy and that is always our biggest concern. I feel like our new guys really assimilated quickly. We have some new guys on our team who can make a big impact. I feel like we have a team that can compete for the championship."

Hodgkiss on the comparison of last year's team: "I would say were ahead mainly because two positions, our quarterback (Tony Graziani) has another year under his belt and so does our secondary (Damen Wheeler and Cornelius Coe). I really do feel better about this team than last year at this point."

Hodgkiss on the upcoming season: "This is the most talented team that I've had since I've been in the AFL. We have some new guys whose performance is yet to be seen, but if we stay healthy, I am very optimistic. It will be a learning process that we can hopefully build on throughout the season. It's the first game, and so far we have had success early with the players and coaches working hard in camp."

Hodgkiss on the Rattlers: "We don't know what they're doing this year. We're going off what we know from 2003. Arizona had very few turnovers last year, and with most of the same guys back you have to expect that with this team. One thing we do know is that with the addition of (former Avenger) Siaha Burley they have added a playmaker who we have to contain. Hopefully with the addition of our new players up front, we can slow them down a bit."




AMONG THE LEAGUE'S HOTTEST: Winners in eight of their last 11 regular-season games, the Avengers are now 15-7 in their past 22 outings. Only the San Jose SaberCats, who are 17-5, and Orlando Predators, who are 16-6, own better marks over that span of time.


LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2003 REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS (11-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 2 Las Vegas Win 60-48
Feb. 9 San Jose Win 73-72
Feb. 16 @ Colorado Win 59-53 OT
Feb. 23 @ Chicago Loss 54-53
Mar. 2 Georgia Loss 46-35
Mar. 9 @ New York Win 65-61
Mar. 16 @ Indiana Win 42-20
Mar. 23 Grand Rapids Win 61-51
Mar. 30 @ Orlando Win 64-63
April 4 Carolina Win 63-48
April 13 Arizona Loss 82-76 OT
April 18 Buffalo Win 65-14
April 27 @ Dallas Loss 60-57
May 4 @ Arizona Win 63-49
May 10 Colorado Win 45-34
May 17 @ San Jose Loss 47-43

ARIZONA RATTLERS
2003 REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS (10-6)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 2 San Jose Loss 49-28
Feb. 9 Las Vegas Win 46-42
Feb. 14 @ Buffalo Loss 49-45
Feb. 23 @ Indiana Win 62-54
Mar. 2 Dallas Loss 65-64
Mar. 7 Detroit Win 51-41
Mar. 16 Colorado Win 72-45
Mar. 23 @ San Jose Loss 59-58
Mar. 28 @ Tampa Bay Loss 68-39
April 6 Orlando Win 62-36
April 13 @ Los Angeles Win 82-76 OT
April 19 @ Grand Rapids Win 82-81 OT
April 26 Carolina Win 62-22
May 4 Los Angeles Loss 63-49
May 11 @ Chicago Win 56-44
May 18 @ Colorado Win 59-48


AMONG THE ELITE: Ed Hodgkiss' first two seasons as a head coach in the AFL places his name among some of the game's all-time greats. The Avenger head coach nearly won more games in his first two seasons than any head coach in AFL history. His record currently stands at 19-11. John Gregory won 19 games in his first two seasons with the Iowa Barnstormers (1995-96). Both Darren Arbet of the San Jose SaberCats (1999-2000) and Lary Kuharich of the Tampa Bay Storm (1992-93) won 18 games in their first two seasons in the league.




PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger QB Tony Graziani: Last year, in his second full season under center for the Avengers, Graziani threw for a franchise-record 96 touchdown passes, while adding four more scores on the ground. His TD total broke his own team record of 67, which he set in 2002. Graziani finished the 2003 season completing 304-of-495 (61.4 percent) for 4,290 yards. His streak of attempts without an interception ended at 185 in L.A.'s 45-34 victory over Colorado on May 10, 2003. Graziani played nine games last season without being picked off. Three of L.A.'s 11 victories in 2003 were won on the final play of the game on a pass thrown by Graziani. In the 2003 season opener versus Las Vegas, he earned a perfect passer rating of 158.3, completing 18-of-23 for 288 yards and seven touchdowns. He threw for four or more scores in all but one game last season. Graziani currently has nine 300-yard passing games in his AFL career.

Rattler QB Sherdrick Bonner: Despite suffering an early-season injury for the third consecutive year, Bonner was named to "All-Arena" first team last season. In his 10th year in the AFL, he threw for 3,692 yards and 88 touchdowns. Bonner eclipsed the 25,000-yard and 500-touchdown milestones last season, and ranks second all-time with 26,786 yards and third with 534 touchdowns. In seven games against the Avengers, he has averaged 301.8 yards passing and thrown for 41 touchdowns. That includes the 471 yards and nine touchdowns he torched L.A. for at STAPLES Center on April 13, 2003, which are both career highs. His career record as the starting quarterback for the Rattlers is 89-32.

Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram: Itching to get back on the turf after breaking a bone in his left calf on April 27, 2003, against Dallas, Ingram will be ready to contribute for the Avengers on offense, defense and special teams. He earned "Ironman of the Game" honors four times last year: at Chicago (Feb. 23), at New York (March 9), versus Grand Rapids (March 23) and at Orlando (March 30). The fourth-year pro was also named "Ironman of the Week" in the AFL for his performance against the Rampage. In 2003, Ingram had 35 receptions for 355 yards and 10 touchdowns, 28 kickoff returns for 626 yards, 43.5 tackles, four pass deflections and four interceptions.

Rattler WR/DB Randy Gatewood: Fresh off of earning the 2003 AFL "Ironman of the Year" award, Gatewood is expected to have another stellar season. Last season, he was a proven leader on offense and defense with much of his offensive success coming at the expense of the Avengers. In the three games versus L.A. last year, he had 20 receptions for 234 yards and seven touchdowns, including an outstanding performance (10 catches for 117 yards and three touchdowns) the last time they met at America West Arena. Throughout the 2003 season Gatewood showcased his defensive skills as he tallied 36 tackles and broke a Rattler record with nine interceptions. His five touchdown catches and late interception in last year's semifinal against San Jose propelled the Rattlers into their second consecutive ArenaBowl.

CHRIS' CORNER

THE RATTLER SPECIALIST: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has been especially dangerous versus the Arizona Rattlers. In six games versus L.A.'s Western Division rivals, he has racked up 58 receptions for 908 yards and 25 touchdowns. That averages out to 9.7 catches for 151.3 yards and 4.2 touchdowns per game against Arizona. In four games at America West Arena, Jackson has been even more effective, averaging 10.8 catches for 171.0 yards and 4.5 touchdowns. The Avengers have played eight games versus the Rattlers in their four-year history. Jackson did not play in two of those match-ups. He had not yet re-signed with the Avengers when the team hosted the Rattlers on April 27, 2001 (he did so four days later, after spending part of the 2000 NFL season with the Tennessee Titans) and missed last year's home game versus Arizona on July 6, 2002, with a hamstring injury.

Chris Jackson versus Rattlers
Date (site) Rec., yds., TD Result
5/11/00 (@ Ariz.) 10, 126, 3 55-28 loss
6/10/00 (L.A.) 9, 113, 4 54-51 loss
6/23/01 (@ Ariz.) 12, 144, 4 54-48 win (ot)
4/27/02 (@ Ariz.) 11, 242, 5 63-59 loss
4/13/03 (L.A.) 6, 111, 3 82-76 loss (ot)
5/4/03 (@ Ariz.) 10, 172, 6 63-49 win
Totals 58, 908, 25 --
Per game averages 9.7, 151.3, 4.2 --

THE TOUCHDOWN MAKER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has scored a touchdown in every game he has played in for the Avengers except for one. He stunning numbers now stand at 118 TDs in 49 games. Jackson's streak of scoring at least one touchdown in every game of his AFL career ended at 47 games on May 10, 2003, against the Colorado Crush. No player in league history has scored touchdowns in more consecutive games to begin a career than he has. All but five of Jackson's scores have come as a pass receiver. His other touchdowns were as a runner, kickoff returner and passer (three times). Jackson has caught a touchdown pass in all but two of his games with the Avengers, but in one of those contests (June 8, 2002, vs. San Jose), he ran back the opening kickoff 51 yards for a score. Jackson is L.A.'s all-time leading receiver and scorer. He has racked up 352 receptions for 4,931 yards and has scored 692 points in his four-year Avenger career.

THE ORIGINAL AVENGER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson is the only player on L.A.'s 2004 roster who played for the Avengers in their inaugural 2000 season (he was a WR/LB at the time).

THE CENTURY MARK: Although he was held scoreless for the first time in his career against Colorado on May 10, 2003, offensive specialist Chris Jackson has scored 115 touchdowns in his 49-game AFL career. Only 16 other players in AFL history, including teammate Greg Hopkins (168), are members of the "Century Club." ("C.J." has also passed for three touchdowns, all in 2003, but they don't count in his official scoring totals.)

Top Scorers in Avenger History
Player TDs Points
Chris Jackson (2000-present) 115 698
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 60 364
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 279
Travis Hannah (2000-01) 27 162

THE MILLENNIUM'S FINEST: WR/LB Greg Hopkins and offensive specialist Chris Jackson are not only L.A.'s top pass catchers, they're also the most productive in the AFL since the dawning of the new millennium. Hopkins ranks first with 402 receptions for 4,998 and Jackson is second with a grand total of 355 for 4,992 yards since the 2000 season. The following chart lists the AFL's top receivers over the course of the last five seasons:

AFL's Top Pass Receivers – (2000-04)
Catches – Receiving Yards
2000-03 2004 Total
Greg Hopkins(Los Angeles) 402 – 4,998 0 – 0 402 – 4,998
Chris Jackson(Los Angeles) 355 – 4,992 0 – 0 355 – 4,992
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 – 4,851 0 – 0 348 – 4,851
Mike Horacek(Las Vegas) 363 – 4,735 0 – 0 363 – 4,735


"PERFECT GAME" ON OPENING DAY: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani will be attempting to toss his second consecutive opening day "perfect game" when he goes up against the Arizona Rattlers on Sunday. In last season's opener versus the Las Vegas Gladiators (Feb. 2, 2003), he posted a passer rating of 158.3, which is the highest mark possible and ties an AFL record. In the 60-48 victory, Graziani was 18-of-23 for 288 yards. He threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to offensive specialist Chris Jackson on the first play of the 2003 season and went on to throw for a total of seven scores. Graziani also rushed for a touchdown from three yards out to cap the scoring with 53 seconds remaining.

ARENABOWL CHAMPION AVENGERS: Three Avenger players and a pair of coaches own a total of six ArenaBowl world championship rings. Offensive/defensive lineman Al Lucas is a defending world champion, having earned an ArenaBowl title last season as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Storm. Fellow lineman Mike Ulufale was a key member of the San Jose SaberCats team that won ArenaBowl XVI in a rout in 2002. Wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins was with the Albany Firebirds when they took the title in 1999; along with Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss, who was the Firebird offensive coordinator at the time. Avenger defensive coordinator Doug Kay has been part of two ArenaBowl championship teams. He was the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Storm when they won the title in 1993, and then got his second championship ring in 1997 while working with the Arizona Rattlers in the same capacity.
TOP CATS: Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss is currently in sixth-place on the AFL's all-time winning percentage chart, which follows below (regular season only, minimum 25 games, active coaches *):

All-Time AFL Top Winning Percentages
Head Coaches Record Winning %
1. Tim Marcum * 133-47 .739
2. Darren Arbet * 53-19 .736
3. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
4. Danny White * 110-50 .688
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 19-11 .633
7. Jay Gruden 35-21 .625
8. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
9. Mike Dailey * 58-42 .580
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

DEFENDING THE HOME FRONT: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which began at the beginning of the 2002 season, the Avengers have been particularly stingy on defense at home, allowing just 45.5 points per game at STAPLES Center (683 points in 15 games).


MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger placekicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 5 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. In his first year with the Avengers in 2002, he set nine team records, while scoring 131 points on 16 field goals and 83 extra points. Hamilton booted the longest field goal in Avenger history on July 6, 2002, blasting a 52-yarder versus Arizona.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Scoring By Kickers
Mike Black (1993-2003) 1,221
Steve Videtich (Las Vegas) 995
Daron Alcorn (San Jose) 749
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 732
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 667

CLUTCH KICKS IN COLORADO: Lost amid the excitement of L.A.'s overtime victory over the Colorado Crush on Feb. 16, was the outstanding all-around performance by kicker Remy Hamilton. Not only did he split the uprights on an 18-yard field goal on the last play of the game to force overtime, while 17,417 Crush fans were trying to blow the Pepsi Center's roof off, he was also perfect on his two other field goal attempts and all six of his extra points. In addition, he blasted four of his kickoffs over the entire net system for touchbacks and also bounced one high off the net frame, which resulted in a recovery by then-teammate Siaha Burley for a key Avenger touchdown. And, as if that weren't enough, Hamilton had two solo tackles, including one late in the fourth quarter that saved a touchdown.






THE INTERCEPTION KING: In addition to being the AFL's 2002 "Ironman of the Year," WR/LB Greg Hopkins is tied with Orlando's Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre as the league's all-time leader in interception returns for touchdowns. Hopkins returned his record-setting ninth pick for a score on April 13, 2003, in L.A.'s 82-76 overtime loss to the Arizona Rattlers. Hopkins jumped to grab a pass from Sherdrick Bonner and returned it nine yards for the score. McEntyre was alone atop the list for just two days after he picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a score in Orlando's 66-23 drubbing of the Buffalo Destroyers on April 11, 2003.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Interception Returns for Touchdowns
Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles Avengers) 9
Kenny McEntyre (Orlando Predators) 9
Darryl Hammond (Georgia Force) 8
Mark Ricks (Grand Rapids Rampage) 7
Hunkie Cooper (Arizona Rattlers) 7

ROAD WARRIOR: In the six away games he has played in for the Avengers last season, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 21 passes for 237 yards and six touchdowns. His fortunes soured at Dallas on April 27, 2003, when he fractured the fibula in his left calf, which could cost him the remainder of the regular season. Prior to that, his contributions did not go unnoticed, as he won the "Ironman" award in three road games. On March 30, 2003, at Orlando, he had 127 all-purpose yards, including a 50-yard kickoff return in the final minute of the game to set up a touchdown, scored three touchdowns (one rushing) and made one tackle. At Chicago (Feb. 23, 2003), Ingram had 101 all-purpose yards, one touchdown catch and an interception. At New York (March 9, 2003), he had 140 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns, 3.5 tackles and a touchdown-saving pass deflection. He followed up those performances by having a standout game at home versus Grand Rapids on March 23, 2003. Not only did he earn "Ironman of the Game" honors, but he was named the AFL's "Ironman of the Week," as he had four catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns, returned two kickoffs for 34 yards, made five tackles, had an interception, broke up a pass and recovered a fumble.

HOT TICKET: Five of the six largest crowds to ever see the Avengers play came last season. In consecutive games (at Colorado and Chicago), the Avengers played before their two largest crowds in team history. The Avengers averaged 13,220 fans at home in 2003.

Top Crowds in Avenger History
Date Opponent Attendance
2/16/03 @ Colorado 17,417 (Pepsi Center)
2/23/03 @ Chicago 16,132 (Allstate Arena)
5/17/03 @ San Jose 15,407 (HP Pavilion)
5/4/02 @ Dallas 15,196 (American Airlines)
2/9/03 San Jose 14,992 (STAPLES Center)
2/2/03 Las Vegas 14,827 (STAPLES Center)



NOTES FROM 2003

HEART-STOPPING HEROICS: Four of L.A.'s 11 victories last season came on the final play of the game. On Feb. 9, 2003, the Avengers defeated San Jose, 73-72, on a one-yard touchdown blast by FB/LB Mathias Vavao and a two-point conversion pass from Tony Graziani to WR/LB Greg Hopkins with one second left. The following week in a game on the road against Colorado, L.A. forced overtime with a field goal by Remy Hamilton on the final play of regulation and then won on a TD pass from Graziani to Hopkins. On March 9, 2003, the Avengers defeated New York, 65-61, on a one-yard touchdown run by FB/LB Kevin Clemens with no time remaining. Their most amazing victory of the 2003 season came on March 30, at Orlando, as the Avengers rallied from a 12-point deficit in the final 35 seconds to defeat the Predators, 64-63. The "miracle" occurred as Graziani hit offensive specialist Chris Jackson to cut the lead to five with 19 seconds remaining and defensive specialist Cornelius Coe recovered an onside kick five seconds later. That set up another Graziani-to-Hopkins game-winning TD on a "Hail Mary" pass off the rebound net as time expired. Four of L.A.'s five losses in 2003 also came in the final seconds (at Chicago on Feb. 23, vs. Arizona on April 13, at Dallas on April 27 and at San Jose on May 17).

QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: Eighty-one of L.A.'s 124 offensive touchdowns last season were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 25 of them were one-play "drives," including 10 touchdown catches by offensive specialist Chris Jackson. Ironically, two of the 43 "long" drives were quite notable as well. One was the six-play, 13-yard game-winning march in the victory over San Jose that consumed 25 of the final 26 seconds (Feb. 9, 2003). The other was the eight-play, 30-yard touchdown drive that killed off the final 34 seconds at New York (March 9, 2003). The Avengers scored on six "zero-play drives" last season, including the longest play in franchise history, which came on a 57-yard kickoff return by Siaha Burley (currently a member of the Arizona Ratters) in the regular-season finale at San Jose. A week earlier, the Avengers had two "zero-play drives" against Colorado. Both came on 56-yard returns, with WR/DB Russell Shaw returning a missed field goal for a score and defensive specialist Cornelius Coe taking an interception to the house. The first "zero-play drive" of the 2003 season came on a net recovery by Burley while covering a kickoff in the victory at Colorado (Feb. 23, 2003). At Indiana (March 16, 2003), OL/DL Mike Ulufale recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Against Arizona (April 13, 2003), WR/LB Greg Hopkins returned an interception for a score for the ninth time in his AFL career, which is a league record.

LONG SUNDAY DRIVE: The Avengers put together what might have been the longest drive in the history of the Arena Football League versus the Indiana Firebirds on March 16, 2003, using 17 plays to march 47 yards. The touchdown drive consumed an incredible 10 minutes and 14 seconds. Furthermore, 11 plays occurred after L.A. reached Indiana's one-yard line.

RECORD "D" DAY: On April 18, 2003, the Avengers held the Buffalo Destroyers to just 14 points, establishing a new team record. That eclipsed the record set earlier in the 2003 season, when the Avengers limited the Indiana Firebirds to 20 points. The 24 points allowed by the Avengers in their victory over the Tampa Bay Storm on May 17, 2002, had been the all-time best for the L.A. defense at home. It surpassed the effort in the 2002 season opener, which saw the Avengers defeat the New York Dragons, 43-25, on April 19, 2002, which was Ed Hodgkiss' first game as the Avenger head coach.

WELL BALANCED: Last year, the Avengers were the only team in the AFL to have four players with more than 1,000 all-purpose yards. Offensive specialist Chris Jackson (1,774), WR/DB Siaha Burley (1,315),WR/LB Greg Hopkins (1,228) and WR/DB Kevin Ingram (1,129) combined for 5,446 yards in 16 regular-season games in 2003 (the equivalent of 2.9 miles). Only four other AFL teams (Arizona, Dallas, Grand Rapids and San Jose) were even close, with three players over 1,000 all-purpose yards.

OFFENSIVE EFFICENCY: In their final 11 regular-season games of the 2003 season, the Avengers turned the football over on downs only three times. Two of those stalled drives came in L.A.'s 60-57 loss at Dallas on April 27, 2003. The other one came in the 47-43 loss at San Jose in the 2003 regular-season finale. Los Angeles won eight of the nine games in which it didn't turn the football over on downs, scoring 544 points in those victories. That averages out to 60.4 points per game during that span of offensive effectiveness.

EARLY FIREWORKS: In addition to late-game heroics (four victories on the final play of the game in 2003), the Avengers have also been good at the start, scoring on their first offensive snap of the game five times during the 2003 season -- in the season opener against Las Vegas (Feb. 2, Chris Jackson), at Chicago (Feb. 23, Kevin Ingram), at Indiana (March 16, Jackson), against Carolina (April 4, Jackson) and against Colorado (Greg Hopkins). On April 4, 2003, against Carolina, the Avengers scored touchdowns on their first three offensive plays, the other two going to Hopkins.

IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: When their travels take them cross-country this season, the Avengers could feel good about their chances, having won six of their last seven games in the Eastern Time Zone, including victories over Orlando, New York and Indiana last year. L.A.'s victory at Orlando on March 30, 2003, marked a third consecutive road game within the Eastern Time Zone.

PLAYING SMART: The Avengers were the AFL's second-least penalized team last season, averaging just 5.3 flags per game (32.5 yards). That brought a smile to the face of head coach Ed Hodgkiss, whose motto is "Play Hard, Play Smart." L.A. was especially sharp in the 2003 season opener, getting called for only two penalties for a loss of just a yard, establishing a pair of franchise records.

NFL AVENGERS: Twenty-two Avengers (nearly the entire team) have spent time on NFL rosters -- FB/LB Kevin Clemens (2001 Jacksonville, 2002 Seattle, 2003 Philadelphia), WR/DB Henry Douglas (1999-2001 Detroit, 2002 Jacksonville, 2003 Carolina), WR/LB Joe Douglass (1998 New Orleans), FB/LB Lonnie Ford (2002 Carolina), QB Tony Graziani (1997-99 Atlanta, 2000 Cleveland), K Remy Hamilton (2003 Seattle), OS Ryan Hoag (2003 Oakland), OS Chris Jackson (1998 Seattle, 1998 Tampa Bay, 1999 Seattle, 2000 Tennessee, 2002 Green Bay, 2003 Miami and Green Bay), FB/LB Josh Jeffries (2003 Tennessee), OL/DL Ken Kocher (2002 Green Bay, 2003 New England), WR/DB Brian Leigeb (2002 Indianapolis), OL/DL Al Lucas (2000-01 Carolina), OL/DL Arnold Miller (1999-2001 Cleveland), FB/LB Wes Ours (2001 Tennessee and Indianapolis, 2002 Indianapolis), WR/DB Jerome Riley (2003 Denver), WR/DB Russell Shaw (1998 St. Louis), OL/DL Jeremy Staat (1998-2000 Pittsburgh, 2001-2002 Seattle and Oakland), WR/DB Brian Sump (2003 San Diego), OL/DL Johnathan Taylor (2002 Detroit), WR/DB Scott Thomas (1999 and 2000 Indianapolis), OL/DL Mike Ulufale (1996 Dallas) and DS Damen Wheeler (2000 San Diego, 2001 Jacksonville). Six Avengers -- Staat (2nd round), Ulufale (3rd round), Taylor (4th round), Wheeler (6th round), Graziani (7th round) and Hoag (7th round) -- were NFL Draft picks. Staat is the most experienced, having played in 29 NFL games, Lucas is second with 20 games and Graziani is next with 19 games of action (including five starts) for the Falcons.

LAST SEASON THE AVENGERS WERE ...
· 9-3 when they score more than 50 points
· 7-1 when they score 60 or more points
· 1-1 when they score 70 or more points
· 8-3 when they allow less than 55 points
· 6-2 when they allow less than 50 points
· 2-0 when they allow less than 25 points
· 3-2 when they allow 60 or more points
· 6-2 when they record at least one sack
· 7-4 when they make at least one interception
· 6-3 when they score first
· 5-3 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 3-2 when they commit more turnovers
· 8-2 when a receiver scores three or more touchdowns
· 5-2 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 8-3 when Tony Graziani throws for at least 5 TDs
· 3-2 when Tony Graziani passes for 300+ yards
· 7-2 when Tony Graziani doesn't throw an INT
· 7-3 when Siaha Burley scores a touchdown
· 4-4 when 315-pound Mathias Vavao scores a TD
· 5-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
· 6-2 when they commit fewer penalties
· 7-3 when they commit five or less penalties
· 1-1 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
· 3-1 when they pitch a shutout for at least one quarter
· 4-4 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 8-2 when leading at halftime
· 4-4 on NBC
· 5-1 on Fox Sports Net 2
· 8-4 on Sunday



RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
1/30 Signed DS Kyle Grove
1/30 Waived QB Ryan Helming
1/30 Waived QB Lon Sheriff
1/30 Waived WR/LB Brian Haugabrook
1/30 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Brian Leigeb
1/31 Traded for WR/LB Joe Douglass
2/2 Placed on injured reserve DS Kyle Grove, OS Ryan Hoag, OL/DL Ken Kocher, FB/LB Wes Ours, WR/LB Jerome Riley, OL/DL Johnathan Taylor, WR/LB Scott Thomas and OL/DL La'Zerius White.


2003 AFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:
Week – Offensive, Defensive, Ironman
Week 1 – Tony Graziani (Los Angeles), Corey Sawyer (Tampa Bay), Corey Fleming (Orlando)
Week 2 – Jay Gruden (Orlando), Dwaine Carpenter (Arizona), Randy Gatewood (Arizona)
Week 3 – Chris Jackson (Los Angeles), Donnie Caldwell (Indiana), Ricky Ross (Grand Rapids)
Week 4 – Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Dameon Porter (Chicago), Hunkie Cooper (Arizona)
Week 5 – Jim Kubiak (Dallas), Adrian Lunsford (Colorado), Lindsay Fleshman (Chicago)
Week 6 – Aaron Bailey (San Jose), Randy Gatewood (Arizona), Andy McCullough (Dallas)
Week 7 – Mike Furrey (New York), Al Lucas (Tampa Bay), Clevan Thomas (San Jose)
Week 8 – Aaron Garcia (New York), Darryl Hammond (Georgia), Kevin Ingram (Los Angeles)
Week 9 – Tony Graziani (Los Angeles), Jeroid Johnson (Las Vegas), Evan Hlavacek (Indiana)
Week 10 – Jim Kubiak and Dialleo Burks (Dallas), John Moyer (Chicago), Andre Bowden (Tampa Bay)
Week 11 – Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Kenny McEntyre (Orlando), Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles)
Week 12 – Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Kenny McEntyre (Orlando), Charlie Davidson (Colorado)
Week 13 – Billy Dicken (Chicago), Tim Martin (Dallas), B.J. Cohen (Tampa Bay)
Week 14 – Chris Jackson (Los Angeles), Clevan Thomas (San Jose), Lawrence Samuels (Tampa Bay)
Week 15 – Andy Kelly (Detroit), John Moyer (Chicago), Chris Anthony (New York)
Week 16 – Antonio Chatman (Chicago), Tom Briggs (Dallas), Barry Wagner (San Jose)










GAME & SEASON AVENGER RECORDS SET IN 2003:

PASSING
Touchdowns (season) – Tony Graziani, 96 (2003)
Yards (season) – Tony Graziani, 4,290 (2003)
Completions (game) – Tony Graziani, 28 (April 27, 2003)
Completions (season) – Tony Graziani, 304 (2003)

RECEIVING
Touchdowns (game) – Chris Jackson, 6 [tied] (May 4, 2003)
Touchdowns (season) – Chris Jackson, 46 (2003)
Yards (season) – Chris Jackson, 1,737 (2003)
Catches (season) – Chris Jackson, 117 (2003)

RUSHING
Touchdowns (game) – Mathias Vavao, 2 [tied] (Feb. 23, 2003)

SCORING
Touchdowns (game) – Chris Jackson, 6 [tied] (May 4, 2003)
Touchdowns (game) – Greg Hopkins, 6 [tied] (April 13, 2003)
Points (season) – Chris Jackson, 278 (2003)

KICKING
PATs made (season) – Remy Hamilton, 106 (2003)
PATs attempted (season) – Remy Hamilton, 118 (2003)
PAT percentage (season) – Remy Hamilton, .898 (2003)

DEFENSE
Tackles (season) – Cornelius Coe, 83.0 (2003)
Solo tackles (season) – Cornelius Coe, 77 (2003)
Forced fumbles (season) – Cornelius Coe, 3 (2003)
Fumble recoveries (season) – Mike Ulufale, 3 [tied] (2003)
Quarterback hurries (season) – John DeWitt, 10 (2003)

ALL-PURPOSE YARDAGE
All-purpose yards (season) – Chris Jackson, 1,774 (2003)

MISSED FIELD GOAL RETURNS
Longest return – Russell Shaw, 56 yards (May 10, 2003)

INTERCEPTION RETURNS
Yards (game) – Cornelius Coe, 56 yards (May 10, 2003)
Longest return – Cornelius Coe, 56 yards (May 10, 2003)

TEAM
Victories (season) – 11 (2003)
Margin of victory (game) – 51 points (April 18, 2003)
Points (game) – 76 (April 13, 2003)
Points (season) – 924 (2003)
Fewest points allowed (game) – 14 (April 18, 2003)
Passing touchdowns (season) – 100 (2003)
Passing yardage (season) – 4,286 (2003)
Pass completions (season) – 311 (2003)
Yards per pass (season) – 8.5 (2003)
Yards per play (season) – 7.1 (2003)
Total offense (season) – 4,545 (2003)
First downs (game) – 25 [tied] (Feb. 16, 2003)
First downs (season) – 300 (2003)
Fewest penalties (game) – 2 (Feb. 2, 2003)
Fewest penalty yards (game) – 1 (Feb. 2, 2003)
Tackles (season) – 464 (2003)
Solo tackles (season) – 402 (2003)
Interceptions (season) – 19 (2003)
Quarterback sacks (season) – 15 [tied] (2003)
Quarterback hurries (season) – 40 (2003)
Forced fumbles (season) – 12 (2003)
Attendance (season) – 105,756 (2003)





2003 "GAME M.V.P." AWARD: Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was determined to be the most valuable to his team's success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Most Valuable Player
1 Las Vegas OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)9 catches, 165 yards, 5 TDs
2 SanJose WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)7 catches, 133 yards, 20 points
3 Colorado QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)21-of-34, 232 yards, 4 TDs
4 Chicago OS Antonio Chatman (CHI)183 all-purpose yards, 2 TDs
5 Georgia DS Kevin Gaines (GEO)2 INTs, 4.5 tack., 3 pass break ups
6 N.Y. QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)23-of-33, 355 yards, 8 TD passes
7 Indiana OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)6 catches, 91 yards, 2 touchdowns
8 Grand Rapids QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)20-of-27, 222 yards, 7 TDs
9 Orlando WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)GW 32-yard TD catch on final play
10 Carolina QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)15-of-21, 270 yards, 8 TD passes
11 Arizona QB Sherdrick Bonner (AZ)37-of-54, 471 yards, 9 TD passes
12 Buffalo OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)6 catches, 63 yards, 5 TDs
13 Dallas WR/LB Andy McCullough (DAL)8 rec., 77 yds., fumble rec., 3 TDs
14 Arizona QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)22-of-31, 289 yards, 8 TDs
15 Colorado WR/DB Russell Shaw (L.A.)99 all-purp. yds., 2 TDs, PD, 4 tack.
16 SanJose OS James Hundon (SJ)14 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs

2003 "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 Las Vegas WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)4 catches, 44 yards, interception
2 San Jose FB/LB Mathias Vavao (L.A.)TD rush, 2 catches, 25 yards, sack
3 Colorado WR/DB Charlie Davidson (COL)9 catches, 111 yards, six tackles
4 Chicago WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)101 all-purpose yards, TD, INT
5 Georgia OL/DL Jermaine Smith (GEO)1 forced fumble, 1 sack, 2 hurries
6 N.Y. WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)140 all-purpose yards, 2 TDs
7 Indiana WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)5 catches, 2 TDs, 2.5 tackles
8 Grand Rapids WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)2 TDs, rec. fumble, INT, 5 tackles
9 Orlando WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)127 all-purpose yards, 3 TDs
10 Carolina WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)103 yards rec., 3 TDs, 1.5 tackles
11 Arizona WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)9 catches 162 yards, INT, 6 TDs
12 Buffalo WR/LB J.J. Washington (L.A.)2.5 tackles, rec. fumble, TD
13 Dallas WR/DB Siaha Burley (L.A.)138 all-purp. yds., 6 tack., TD, INT
14 Arizona WR/DB Siaha Burley (L.A.)68 all-purpose yards, TD, 4 tackles
15 Colorado WR/DB Russell Shaw (L.A.)99 all-purp. yds., 2 TDs, PD, 4 tack.
16 San Jose WR/DB Barry Wagner (SJ)2 TDs, 2 INT, 3 tackles

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