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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

March 16, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Dallas Desperados
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2004
Kickoff: 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Dallas, Texas
Arena: American Airlines Center (16,971)
Television: Fox Sports Net 2 (Josh Lewin, Ed Cunningham)
Radio: KLAC 570-AM (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Line: TBA
Series Record: Dallas leads 2-1
Last Meeting: Dallas 60, Los Angeles 57 -- April 27, 2003, Reunion Arena
Officials: Craig Wrolstad (R), Rick Lowe (U), Gary Cavaletto (HL), Rusty Baynes (LJ), Scott Helverson (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 22-13). Dallas -- Will McClay (first season 5-1)

THE AVENGERS: After breaking a two-game losing streak last week with a 48-33 victory over winless Grand Rapids, the Avengers are eager to get back to their winning ways. They'll have to do so on the road against the explosive Dallas Desperados, but being away from home might not be so bad. Los Angeles has won all three of its games away from STAPLES Center this season. The Avengers are determined to re-establish themselves as one of the premier teams in the AFL and a strong ArenaBowl contender. Last year, they rode their quick-strike offense to an 11-5 regular season record, earning the first-round bye that goes along with the No. 4 postseason seed. This season, the L.A. defense keyed all three victories. Last week, the Avengers came away with four turnovers in the first half at Grand Rapids. 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, who threw 96 touchdowns last year, leads the AFL this season with an average of 6.4 scoring tosses per game and has yet to be intercepted. Offensive specialist Chris Jackson scored four touchdowns versus the Rampage after sitting out a week with a sprained knee. Another featured pass catcher, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been a star in all three phases of the game, earning "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" honors in all three Avenger victories this season. OL/DL Al Lucas, WR/LB Greg Hopkins, FB/LB Josh Jeffries and OL/DL Silas Demary have led the L.A. defense.
THE DESPERADOS: After dropping their first game of the season Dallas has reeled off five consecutive victories and is at the top of the Eastern Division. Quarterback Glen Gauntt has quickly established himself as an "Offensive Player of the Year" candidate. He currently leads the AFL in passing yards (1,587) and is second in touchdowns (33). Gauntt pilots the league's highest scoring offense with help from receivers Will Pettis and Jason Shelley. Defensive specialist Derek Stingley and WR/LB Bobby Sippio anchor the Desperado defense.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (3-2)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 @ Arizona Win 51-32
Feb. 14 @ Las Vegas Win 62-55
Feb. 22 San Jose Loss 61-55
Mar. 1 Georgia Loss 53-52 overtime
Mar. 14 @ Grand Rapids Win 48-33
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
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
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

DALLAS DESPERADOS (5-1)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 Carolina Loss 41-67
Feb. 15 Philadelphia Win 51-47
Feb. 22 @ New York Win 56-44
Feb. 29 @ Columbus Win 51-35
Mar. 6 Grand Rapids Win 51-35
Mar. 14 @ Carolina Win 77-52
Next 7 games Opponent Time (PST) Television
Mar. 21 Los Angeles 1 p.m. Fox Sports Net 2
April 4 @ Philadelphia 9 a.m. NBC
April 10 San Jose 5:30
April 18 @ Arizona Noon NBC
April 25 @ Orlando 9 a.m. NBC
May 2 New York Noon NBC
May 9 @ Austin Noon 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) ... Will McClay was named head coach of the Dallas Desperados on Feb. 5, 2004, following the resignation of Joe Avezzano. McClay will continue to serve as the team's defensive coordinator, a position he has held since its inception in 2002. He also works in the Dallas Cowboys Player Personnel Department. Prior to coming to Dallas, McClay was the assistant director of pro scouting for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2001) and the player personnel director of the XFL's Orlando Rage (2001). He was the Grand Rapids Rampage's defensive coordinator/director of player personnel (1998-99) after serving in the same capacity for the Anaheim Piranhas (1997). McClay was defensive coordinator for the Florida Bobcats (1996) and Milwaukee Mustangs (1995) after beginning his coaching career with the Detroit Drive (1993). He was a WR/DB for the Drive from 1989-92, helping them win three ArenaBowl titles in four trips.

THE SERIES: The Desperados lead the series 2-1. The former divisional foes split in 2002 with the Avengers winning the first meeting at American Airlines Center, 52-51, and the Desperados taking the rematch at STAPLES Center, 62-55. Dallas won the most recent meeting, 60-57, at Reunion Arena on April 27, 2003.

THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers will stay on the road for the third time in as many weeks as they get set to face the San Jose SaberCats in a key Western Division showdown. L.A. returns to STAPLES Center on Saturday, April 3, for a the first of three consecutive home games when they take on the expansion Austin Wranglers.


"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 15 games for the Avengers, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" seven times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes all three victories this season. In the victory at Las Vegas on Valentine's Day, Ingram doubled up, also earning "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" honors.


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 (playoffs 0-1)
2004 (Ed Hodgkiss) 3-2


THE "IF" SECTION:
If the Avengers defeat the Desperados, it would ...
· Be their second consecutive win at American Airlines Center
· Give them a 4-0 road record for the season
· Give them a 2-1 record versus non-divisional opponents
· Make Dallas the fifth team the Avengers have evened their series record against
· Give L.A. a 6-2 record in the month of March


THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on the victory at Grand Rapids: "I was excited to go on the road and get back on the winning track. I was also extremely happy that we came out of the game healthy. The game had positives and negatives, so it was something to build on."

Hodgkiss on the Dallas Desperados and their early success: "They have been playing very well. Their quarterback, Gauntt is picking up the game very quickly and seems like he could be an emerging star. They have an excellent pass rush along with very talented receivers. We are playing a team that is hot so hopefully we can go in and stop them."

Hodgkiss on the L.A.'s road success in 2004: "I don't think it has a lot to do about where we play, it just so happens that we have been more healthy on the road than at home. We have been pretty banged up in our two home games, in addition we played two very tough opponents, so that has a lot to do with it."

Hodgkiss on what type of game to expect on Sunday: "Hopefully it won't turn into a shootout. They have a very high-powered offense and we will need to get some stops. On defense, they play a lot of zone coverage, so we must prepare for that. If we create some opportunities on defense, we should be in good shape"



INTERCEPTION-FREE ZONE: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has not thrown an interception this season. He is currently 98-of-158 (62 percent) for 1,287 yards and 32 touchdowns, and one of only two quarterbacks in the AFL to be "pickless" this year (the other one is Chicago's Raymond Philyaw, who set the all-time AFL single-season record last year with the Indiana Firebirds by tossing 247 passes without an interception). Last season, within a span of seven games, Graziani threw 185 passes without being intercepted. During that period, which stretched from the end of a victory at Orlando on March 30, 2003, to the beginning of a win over Colorado on May 10, 2003, he threw 45 touchdowns passes between picks. In his four-year AFL career, Graziani has passed for 202 touchdowns and been intercepted just 25 times.


IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: With last week's victory at Grand Rapids, L.A. has won seven of its last eight games in the Eastern Time Zone, including victories over Orlando, New York and Indiana last year. L.A.'s thrilling last-second victory at Orlando on March 30, 2003, marked a third consecutive road game within the Eastern Time Zone for the Avengers, which all ended with a win.

AMONG THE ELITE: Ed Hodgkiss' first two seasons as a head coach in the AFL placed 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 after two seasons was 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.

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. Darren Arbet * 57-20 .740
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Tim Marcum * 135-51 .725
4. Danny White * 113-53 .680
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 22-13 .629
7. Jay Gruden * 35-22 .614
8. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
9. Mike Dailey * 62-44 .585
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 46.8 points per game at STAPLES Center (797 points in 17 games).







PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger WR/DB Henry Douglas: The AFL rookie saw his first significant action of the season in L.A.'s victory at Grand Rapids last week. Douglas caught three passes for 30 yards, returned two kicks for 41 yards and had a tackle. He is the fastest player on the team and could soon be the most exciting. With the explosiveness Douglas has shown in the few times he has touched the football, it would not be surprising to see him break a big play in the near future.

Desperado QB Glen Gauntt: The second-year starter has not only quarterbacked the highest scoring offense in the league to five straight victories, but he also has established himself as the league's top passer. Gauntt leads the AFL in passing yards (1,587) and is second in touchdowns (33). He helped Dallas avenge its opening-day loss to Carolina last week by going 15-of-23 with 301 yards and six touchdowns. As Gauntt looks to continue his five-game win streak as a starter and with Dallas coming off its best offensive output of the season (77 points), he should continue to shine on Sunday.

Avenger DS Jason Moore: In only his second game with the Avengers, Moore complemented defensive specialist Damen Wheeler well. He made 4.5 tackles and also made a potentially game-saving tackle right at the halftime buzzer as Grand Rapids WR/DB Jeremy Dutcher nearly ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. Moore, a former NFL veteran in his first AFL season, tracked Dutcher down at the last second near the goal line. In a position that has been a revolving door for the Avengers since losing two starters, it seems as if they may have found a stable cornerback in Moore.

Desperado WR/LB Jason Shelley: In his third season with the Desperados, Shelley is on pace to triple his career totals. He has already recorded 52 catches for 653 yards and 15 touchdowns in six games. Shelley has gone over the century mark in receiving yards in the last two games and should continue to get open in the potent Dallas offense. He has stepped in admirably for the Desperados' previous leading receivers Andy McCullough and Dialleo Burks, who both signed with Georgia this past offseason, the former having since been traded to the Indiana Firebirds.


QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: Ninety-five of L.A.'s 160 offensive touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 31 of them were one-play "drives," including 12 touchdowns by offensive specialist Chris Jackson. So far this season, opposing defense are making it tougher for L.A. to score quickly, as the Avengers have been able to get in the end zone in three plays or less on just 38.9 percent of their touchdown drives. However, the Avengers just missed that qualification nine times this season, scoring a touchdown on their fourth play.

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-04)
Total TDDrives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Scores
2003 124 81 (65.3 %) 25
2004 36 14 (38.9 %) 6
Total 160 95 (59.4 %) 31

LAST WEEK'S GAME

AVENGERS STOP RAMPAGE, 48-33

GRAND RAPIDS (March 14) -- The Avengers broke a two-game losing streak with a 48-33 victory over the Grand Rapids Rampage before 7,326 at Van Andel Arena.
The Avengers improved to 3-2 and avoided dropping below .500 for the first time since 2001. The Rampage fell to 0-6 and have lost their last 11 regular-season games.
Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani was 18-of-25 for 266 yards and six touchdowns. He has thrown 32 touchdown passes in five games this season, against no interceptions (158 attempts).
WR/DB Kevin Ingram caught two of Graziani's scoring tosses, finished with 163 all-purpose yards and had one of L.A.'s two interceptions on the day. For his efforts, Ingram was selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game," an honor that he has earned in each of the Avengers' three victories this season.
The Rampage turned the football over to the Avengers on four of their first five possessions, but were able to keep pace.
Los Angeles led 20-13 with four minutes left in the second quarter, before scoring touchdowns on the last possession of the first half and the first series of the second.
The Rampage, however, fought back and got within 34-26 with 1:36 remaining in the third quarter.
"We weren't able to take full advantage of those four turnovers," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "If we had, it would have been a much different game. But you have to give Grand Rapids credit. Defensively, they played as well as they have all year."
Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who was sidelined in L.A.'s last game (an overtime loss to the Georgia Force), caught two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Jackson finished with six receptions for 89 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a two-yard score early in the first quarter on his first rushing attempt of the season.
Jackson's final score, a 17-yard touchdown pass from Graziani with just under three minutes left, will be replayed on television for years to come. He caught the football in the left corner of the end zone just as he made contact with the sideline barrier. Jackson's momentum immediately flipped him over the wall and completely out of sight. Seconds later, his hand popped up above the boards with the football still firmly in his grasp. Only then were the officials able to signal the touchdown.
"That was one of the best catches I've ever seen in Arena Football," Graziani said.
Grand Rapids quarterback Anthony Buich had a solid game despite losing two fumbles and throwing a pair of interceptions. He completed 20-of-38 for 248 yards and four touchdowns. Buich also rushed for a score, but was sacked twice.


LOS ANGELES (3-2) 7 20 7 14 -- 48
GRAND RAPIDS (0-6) 6 7 13 7 -- 33



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). WR/DB Russell Shaw, and linemen Chris Butterfield and Carlos Fowler are next in line as the only three players who have been with the Avengers for the past four full seasons.


HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins needs just nine yards to become the seventh player in AFL history to have 8,000 or more receiving yards in a career. He is currently fifth among active players with 7,991 receiving yards in his nine-year career. Teammate Chris Jackson, who is in his fifth season in the AFL, is currently at No. 21 on the all-time chart with 5,350 receiving yards.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Receiving Yards
1. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,736
2. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 12,490
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,279
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,203
6. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,061
7. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 7,991
8. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
9. Alvin Ashley (1994-2004) 7,561
10. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 7,437
21. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 5,350

THE TOUCHDOWN MAKER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has scored a touchdown in every game he has played in for the Avengers except for one. His stunning numbers now stand at 130 touchdowns accounted for in 53 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 six of Jackson's scores have come as a pass receiver. His other touchdowns were as a runner, kickoff returner and passer (four 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 381 receptions for 5,350 yards and has scored 756 points in his five-year Avenger career.

MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger placekicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. In his first year with the Avengers in 2002, he booted the longest field goal in team history, blasting a 52-yarder versus Arizona.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Scoring By Kickers
Mike Black (Tampa Bay) 1,230
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,024
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 784
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 714

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last nine games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 36 passes for 497 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite playing alongside a constellation of AFL stars, his contributions have not gone unnoticed, winning the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" award in six road games over the course of the last two seasons, including all three so far this season. In the 2004 season opener, Ingram caught a pair of touchdown passes and also had an interception. In the victory at Las Vegas on Feb. 14, he scored three times, made 5.5 tackles and a game saving pass deflection as time expired. Last week in Grand Rapids Ingram had a career-high 121 yards receiving, two touchdowns and an interception. 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.

THE MILLENNIUM'S FINEST: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson and WR/LB Greg Hopkins 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. Jackson ranks first with 5,350 receiving yards on 381 catches. Hopkins is fourth with a grand total of 5,159 yards on 423 receptions 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
Chris Jackson(Avengers) 355 –4,992 26 – 358 381 – 5,350(123 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 –4,851 33 – 469 381 – 5,320(110 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Indiana) 363 –4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248(121 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 400 –4,888 23 – 271 423 – 5,159(110 TDs)

THIRD-QUARTER KARMA: The final result of an Avenger game can often be predicted by what happens in the third quarter. In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," the Avengers are 13-4 when they score two or more touchdowns in the third quarter. Two of the losses came against Arizona and the other two were at the hands of Dallas. In games that the Avengers don't score at least two touchdowns in the third quarter, they are 9-9 since the start of the 2002 season.



QUICK TO 200: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has thrown 202 touchdown passes in his 38-game AFL career. That averages out to 5.3 scoring tosses per game. Graziani is only the 14th player in league history to pass for 200 or more touchdowns. He also is the second fastest to do so, falling just one game shy of the mark set by Mike Perez in 1996 (203 touchdown passes in 37 games for the Albany Firebirds).


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 122 touchdowns in his 53-game AFL career. Only 16 other players in AFL history, including teammate Greg Hopkins (175), are members of the "Century Club." ("C.J." has also passed for four touchdowns (three in 2003, one this season, but they don't count in his official scoring totals.)

Top Scorers in Avenger History
Player TDs Points
Chris Jackson (2000-present) 126 732
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 67 407
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 331
Travis Hannah (2000-01) 27 162


NO ACTION JACKSON: The Avengers have struggled when Chris Jackson, their main offensive weapon, has been out of the lineup. L.A. has won just two of the 10 games in franchise history that have been played without him in uniform. The Avengers are 28-25 with C.J. active.
** 2001 SEASON
April 14 -- San Jose 52, Avengers 30 (with NFL team)
April 19 -- Houston 58, Avengers 48 (with NFL team)
April 27 -- Arizona 49, Avengers 21 (with NFL team)
July 13 -- Carolina 66, Avengers 28 (broken foot)
July 22 -- Oklahoma 60, Avengers 42 (broken foot)
** 2002 SEASON
May 4 -- San Jose 78, Avengers 44 (broken wrist)
May 17 -- Avengers 38, Tampa Bay 24 (broken wrist)
June 15 -- Avengers 68, Grand Rapids 61 (hamstring)
July 6 -- Arizona 52, Avengers 46 OT (hamstring)
** 2004 SEASON
March 1 -- Georgia 53, Avengers 52 OT (sprained knee)


THE "D" IN L.A.: Avenger defensive coordinator Doug Kay has a six specific goals for his unit to strive for this season. If the Avengers are able to achieve them, it would put the L.A. defense in the Top-5 in each category, based on last season's final AFL team statistics. The following is a look at how the Avengers are currently doing in this regard.

Avenger Defensive Goals
Category Goal Current Total
Average points allowed 45.0 46.8
Opponent third-down % 40% 34.7%(17-of-32)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 57.1% (4-of-7)
Quarterback sacks 25 7 (pace for 22.4)
Interceptions 25 7 (pace for 22.4)
Fumble recoveries 16 4 (pace for 12.8)

ARENABOWL CHAMPION AVENGERS: Three Avenger players and a pair of coaches own a total of six ArenaBowl world championship rings. OL/DL Al Lucas is a defending world champion, having earned an ArenaBowl title last season as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Storm. WR/LB Joe Douglass was the offensive specialist for the Orlando Predators as a rookie in 2000, the year they beat the Nashville Kats, 41-38, in ArenaBowl XIV. WR/LB 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.

SUPER BOWL AVENGERS: A pair of Avengers -- quarterback Tony Graziani and defensive specialist Ben Kelly -- have been on Super Bowl teams. Graziani played in five games for the "Dirty Bird" Atlanta Falcons in 1998 when they made it to Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost, 34-19, to the Denver Broncos who were quarterbacked by current Colorado Crush owner John Elway. Graziani was the third string QB for the Falcons that season, playing behind Chris Chandler and Steve DeBerg, the former Indiana Firebirds head coach (and Arizona Ratters QB Sherdrick Bonner was on the Falcons practice squad). Three years later, Kelly earned a ring with the New England Patriots when they beat the St. Louis Rams, 20-17, in Super Bowl XXXVI. He played in four games that season for the Patriots.

NFL AVENGERS: Twenty-one 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 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), DS Ben Kelly (2000 Miami, New England 2001-02 New England), OL/DL Ken Kocher (2002 Green Bay, 2003 New England), OL/DL Al Lucas (2000-01 Carolina), DS Jason Moore (1999 Denver, 2001 San Francisco, 2003 Cleveland), 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), and DS Damen Wheeler (2000 San Diego, 2001 Jacksonville). Five Avengers -- Staat (2nd round), Kelly (3rd round), Taylor (4th round), Wheeler (6th round) and Graziani (7th round) -- were NFL Draft picks. Staat is the most experienced, having played in 29 NFL games, Lucas is second with 20 and Graziani is third with 19 games of action (including five starts).




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

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)

THE AVENGERS ARE ...
· 0-2 at STAPLES Center
· 3-0 on the road
· 2-2 when they score more than 50 points
· 1-0 when they score 60 or more points
· 0-0 when they score 70 or more points
· 3-2 when they allow less than 60 points
· 2-0 when they allow less than 50 points
· 2-0 when they allow less than 40 points
· 0-0 when they allow less than 30 points
· 2-1 when they record at least one sack
· 2-1 when they make at least one interception
· 2-2 when they score first
· 2-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 0-0 when they commit more turnovers
· 2-2 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 0-0 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 3-2 when Tony Graziani throws for at least 6 TDs
· 0-0 when Tony Graziani passes for 300+ yards
· 3-2 when Tony Graziani doesn't throw an INT
· 3-1 when Kevin Ingram scores a touchdown
· 1-0 when OL/DL Silas Demary scores a TD
· 1-1 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
· 1-1 when they commit fewer penalties
· 0-1 when they commit five or less penalties
· 0-0 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
· 0-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
· 1-2 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 3-1 when leading at halftime
· 2-1 on Sunday


LAST MEETING WITH THE DESPERADOS:

DALLAS OUTLASTS
LOS ANGELES, 60-57

DALLAS (April 27, 2003) -- In a final minute that saw 35 points scored in a flurry of touchdowns and onside kicks, one man and two defensive plays stood out.
His name hadn't been called in the first 59 minutes and 30 seconds, but Desperado OL/DL Tim Martin eventually became the man of the hour in Dallas' 60-57 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers before a crowd of 10,019 at Reunion Arena.
With his team leading, 53-50, the Avengers were on the move and threatening, but Martin sacked L.A. quarterback Tony Graziani and forced a fumble in the process. Dallas WR/LB Andy McCullough scooped up the loose ball and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown that put the Desperados up, 60-50, with 26 seconds remaining.
"He came in and got good pressure on me," said Graziani, referring to Martin. "I should have been more secure with the football. I just lost it."
Incredibly, however, Los Angeles fought back to put itself in position to possibly tie the game with a long field goal at the buzzer. But, Martin rose to the occasion once again, elevating above the middle of the line to block Remy Hamilton's 53-yard attempt.
In victory, the Desperados improved to 8-5. The Avengers dropped to 9-4, losing for the second time in three weeks, and fell out of the No. 1-seed playoff position they occupied coming into the game.
With three games remaining in the regular season, Los Angeles has already qualified for the postseason and is still in prime position to secure one of the byes in the first round that go to the top four seeds.
"We're going to the playoffs ... we've already accomplished that goal," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "What I'm looking for is to get there while playing at a high level. We didn't play smart football today, getting eight penalties. We've been leading the league in fewest amount of penalties all year and we didn't get that accomplished today. That probably cost us."
The Avengers currently hold the No. 2 seed, trailing only the Tampa Bay Storm, who are 10-3. The Orlando Predators and San Jose SaberCats are both 9-4 and seeded third and fourth, respectively.
Graziani clearly won his much-anticipated duel with Dallas quarterback Jim Kubiak, completing 28-of-42 for 327 yards and six touchdowns, but the Avenger offense, which scored touchdowns on only eight of 13 possessions, has seen better days.
While Graziani didn't throw an interception for the fourth consecutive game, the Avenger defense picked off Kubiak three times. Kubiak was 25-of-36 for 248 yards and five touchdowns.
Adding injury to insult, the Avengers also lost one of their top players in defeat. WR/DB Kevin Ingram fractured the fibula in his left calf and is expected to be out two to three weeks.
Ingram, L.A.'s third-leading receiver, interception leader and primary return man, suffered the injury while returning the opening kickoff. He continued to play during the ensuing series, which ended with a touchdown, before going to the locker room to be examined.
Los Angeles led, 35-31, after three quarters of play, setting up a wild final frame, which featured 51 total points and five lead changes.
It began with McCullough making a phenomenal one-hand catch for 19-yard touchdown that put Dallas up, 38-35, with 14:01 left.
The Avengers regained the lead on an eight-yard touchdown pass from Graziani to WR/LB Greg Hopkins, but Hamilton misfired on the extra point, leaving L.A. up, 41-38, with 9:20 remaining.
Hamilton redeemed himself a few minutes later, nailing a 23-yard field goal to extend the Avenger lead to 44-38 with 2:37 left. The three-pointer ended a possession that began with the L.A. defense's third interception in the end zone. This time defensive specialist Damen Wheeler stepped in front of Kubiak's pass for his second interception of the season, after lineman Mike Ulufale applied some heavy pressure in the Desperado backfield.
The two teams went on to alternate touchdowns as Dallas scored on a two-yard run by Will Pettis, followed by another eight-yard touchdown pass from Graziani to Hopkins.
The Desperados answered back with another touchdown to take a 53-50 lead with 38 seconds remaining, but kicker Jason Wells booted the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, setting the Avengers up with a first down at their own 20-yard line. That drive, however, did not last long as Martin put Dallas in control with his sack and forced fumble during the second play.
After McCullough's fumble return pushed the Desperado advantage to 60-50, Los Angeles used three plays and 24 seconds to score on a one-yard sneak by Graziani.
Hamilton's extra point cut the lead to three and his successful onside kick moments later gave the Avengers one last chance to stay alive. If not for Martin's block, Hamilton's 53-yard attempt with 0.8 seconds left on the clock could have sent the game into overtime or if it had missed off one of the rebound nets, it could have been available for Los Angeles to recover in the end zone for a touchdown and miraculous victory.
Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson led all receivers with 11 catches for 129 yards and three touchdowns. Hopkins wasn't far behind with 10 catches for 82 yards and a pair of scores. WR/DB Siaha Burley, who played the majority of the game after Ingram was sidelined, finished with a game-high 138 all-purpose yards, which included five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
McCullough and offensive specialist Dialleo Burks each caught eight passes and scored two touchdowns for the Desperados.


LOS ANGELES (9-4) 7 14 14 22 -- 57
DALLAS (8-5) 7 10 14 29 -- 60












ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 4 1 0 .800 286 228
AVENGERS 3 2 0 .600 268 234
Arizona 3 3 0 .500 290 285
Las Vegas 3 3 0 .500 238 204

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Chicago 4 1 0 .800 267 218
Colorado 4 2 0 .666 267 295
Detroit 2 3 0 .400 217 220
Indiana 1 5 0 .166 251 269
Grand Rapids 0 6 0 .000 195 332

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 5 1 0 .833 342 295
New York 3 3 0 .500 297 278
Philadelphia 3 3 0 .500 270 255
Carolina 2 4 0 .333 309 331
Columbus 1 5 0 .166 259 317

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 5 1 0 .833 268 250
Georgia 4 2 0 .666 310 307
Austin 3 2 0 .600 237 251
Orlando 2 3 0 .400 242 234
Tampa Bay 2 4 0 .333 280 299




RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
2/27 Signed DS Jason Moore
2/27 Signed from practice squad OL/DL Ryan Nielsen
2/27 Played on injured reserve DS Jeroid Johnson
2/28 Signed FB/LB Lenny Lucas
2/28 Activated off injured reserve WR/DB Jerome Riley
2/28 Placed on injured reserve OS Chris Jackson, OL/DL Ryan Nielsen
2/29 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Ken Kocher, OL/DL Jeremy Staat
2/29 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Henry Douglass
3/1 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Lenny Lucas
3/11 Waived DS Keith Heyward
3/11 Signed DS Ben Kelly
3/12 Activated off injured reserve OS Chris Jackson, DS Damen Wheeler, WR/DB Henry Douglas
3/12 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Ken Kocher, FB/LB Kevin Clemens





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

Week Opp. Offensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)7 catches, 2 TDs, 1 TD pass
2 Las Vegas QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)23-of-30, 265 yards, 7 TDs
3 SanJose WR/LB-OS Joe Douglass (L.A.)8 catches, 104 yards, 2 TDs
4 Georgia OS Joe Douglass (L.A.)9 catches, 126 yards, 3 TDs
5 Grand Rapids QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)18-of-25, 266 yards, 6 TDs

"U.S. ARMY 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.)2 TD receptions, 1 interception
2 Las Vegas WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)3 TDs, game-winning break-up
3 San Jose WR/DB Rashied Davis (S.J.)187 all-purpose yards, 2 TDs
4 Georgia WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)3 TD catches, 4.5 tackles, 1 sack
5 Grand Rapids WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)163 all-purp. yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

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

Week Opp. Defensive Player of the Game
1 Arizona OL/DL Bryan Henderson (Ariz.)3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 fumble rec.
2 Las Vegas WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)Crucial pass break-up, 5.5 tackles
3 San Jose OL/DL Sam Hernandez (S.J.)2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection
4 Georgia WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)6 tackles, 1 pass break-up, 1 INT
5 Grand Rapids OL/DL Rod Manuel (G.R.)2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 16, 2004


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