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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

April 14, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Detroit Fury at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Friday, April 16, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, California
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: None
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Los Angeles by 7 (over/under 106 ½)
Series Record: Detroit leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Detroit 49, Los Angeles 48 (OT) on June 16, 2001, at STAPLES Center
Officials: Bill Athan (R), Al Granado (U), Roger McMinn (HL), Al Riveron (LJ), Rob Vernatchi (BJ)
Head Coaches: Avengers -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 24-15). Fury -- Tom Luginbill (first season, 4-5).


THE AVENGERS: With seven games remaining in the 2004 season and only eight playoff spots available for the ArenaBowl XVIII Playoffs, every game has taken on added importance for the Avengers, who have lost two of their last three and are 5-4. Los Angeles will play four of its final seven games at home, beginning with Friday's match-up against the Detroit Fury at STAPLES Center. Last week, the Avengers were far from sharp in a 57-55 loss to the visiting Colorado Crush and will have to be on their toes when facing the Fury, who have won two of their last three, including an impressive 72-71 victory over the Chicago Rush. L.A. quarterback Tony Graziani is playing as well as any player in the AFL at any position. He has thrown 56 touchdown passes this season, against only one interception. In Week 9, versus the Austin Wranglers, Graziani threw a season-high eight touchdown passes and saw his team score a team-record 81 points. Offensive specialist Chris Jackson tied his own team record with 13 receptions last week in the loss to Colorado and is having another fine season. The Avengers are averaging 57.3 points per game and have been taking great care of the football. In fact, L.A. has turned the ball over only four times this season and is second in the AFL with a turnover margin of +11. Defensively, the Avengers will probably still have to compensate for being without defensive specialist Damen Wheeler, who remains on the injured reserve list with a knee sprain. The Avengers are likely to start their eighth different set of starters at the DS spots in Friday's 10th game of the season.
THE FURY: Unable to find a rhythm as they have mixed wins with losses, the Fury find themselves one game below .500 with little room for error. The AFL's most prolific quarterback, Andy Kelly, leads a capable offense. He has had success finding WR/DB Thibati Davis, WR/DB Jeff Russell and OS David Hill. FB/LB Dawan Moss is Detroit's leading rusher. DS Ron Carpenter leads the team in interceptions and kickoff returns.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (5-4)
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
Mar. 21 @ Dallas Win 60-44
Mar. 26 @ San Jose Loss 55-52
April 3 Austin Win 81-70
April 10 Colorado Loss 57-55
Rest of Season
Opponent Time (PST)
Television
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

DETROIT FURY (4-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 5 San Jose Loss 58-43
Feb. 13 @ Arizona Win 48-31
Feb. 23 Indiana Win 34-25
Mar. 4 @ Colorado Loss 62-61
Mar. 12 @ New Orleans Loss 45-31
Mar. 18 Austin Loss 70-58
Mar. 28 @ Chicago Win 72-71
April 1 Georgia Win 42-40
April 10 Grand Rapids Loss 49-45
Next 6 games
Opponent Time (PST)
Television
April 16 @ Los Angeles 7:30 Fox Sports Net 2
April 25 @ Las Vegas Noon NBC
May 2 Chicago Noon NBC
May 8 @ Indiana 4:00
May 15 Arizona 4:30
May 23 Colorado Noon NBC
THE HEAD COACH: 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 SERIES: On June 16, 2001, the Fury won the only previous meeting between the two teams, 49-48, in overtime at STAPLES Center.

THE NEXT GAME: After playing three consecutive games at home, the Avengers will hit the road to take on the Central Division-leading Chicago Rush at Allstate Arena. L.A. also played at Chicago last season and lost, 54-53, on Feb. 23, 2003.

TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s four losses this season have come by a combined total of 12 points.

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: In nine games this season, the Avengers have turned the ball over just four times (fewest in the AFL). L.A., which has lost three fumbles and been intercepted just once, has played six "turnover-free" games this season and is only 3-3 in those contests. On the flipside, Detroit is currently tied with Las Vegas for the most turnovers in the league this season with 20 apiece. The Avengers are second in the AFL with a +11 turnover margin. On the defensive side of the margin, L.A. has come up with nine INTs (three by WR/DB Kevin Ingram) and six fumble recoveries (two each by OL/DL Al Lucas and FB/LB Josh Jeffries).

AVENGERS OVER THE YEARS: 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 History
Season (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) 5-4

AVOIDING INTERCEPTIONS: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown just one interception this season. He is currently 188-of-286 (65.7 percent) for 2,373 yards and 56 touchdowns. Graziani had his string of 210 attempts without an INT broken in the third quarter of a 55-52 loss at San Jose on March 26. He opened the season by throwing 41 TD passes before being picked off. Last season, within a span of seven games, Graziani threw 185 passes without being intercepted. During that period of time, he threw 45 touchdown passes between picks. In his four-year AFL career, Graziani has passed for 226 touchdowns (No. 15 all-time in AFL history) and has been intercepted just 26 times.

Tony Graziani in 2004
Statistics after nine games
Projection
56 touchdown passes 99.6
1 interception 1.8
2,373 passing yards 4,218.7


THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on losing four close games: "We just haven't found a way to win the close ones. Now, we've found our backs against the wall and can't afford to lose or we will be watching the playoffs from our living rooms. We really need to pick things up especially at the end of games."

Hodgkiss on what it will take to make the playoffs: "It seems that 10 wins will get you in, so I think we will need to win five of our last seven. For that to happen we are going to have to take advantage of every opportunity. We can't take any opponent lightly, and we have to find a way to win those close games."

Hodgkiss on Detroit: "They beat Chicago a couple of weeks ago, and then lost to Grand Rapids last week so they will be ready to redeem themselves. Andy Kelly is the most experienced quarterback in the league, making him very dangerous. With all of the parity in the league this year, Detroit is as good as any other team."

Hodgkiss on how important home field advantage is in the playoffs: "You always want to play at home, but we are a team that has had more success on the road. Our group of guys are capable of performing anywhere, but it is good to have a home atmosphere behind you."



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.









DISRUPTION AT DS: In the nine games of the 2004 season, the Avengers have lined up with seven different pairs of starting defensive specialists. Eight players have started at one of the DS positions this year and three of them are no longer with the club. Furthermore, a defensive specialist has been significantly injured in L.A.'s last three games. The team's top defensive back, Damen Wheeler, who earned AFL "All-Rookie" honors last year, has been on the injured reserve list twice so far this season. The Avengers are 3-0 in games that Wheeler has started and completed at his customary "middle safety" position (L.A. has allowed an average of only 36.3 points in those three games [at Arizona, at Grand Rapids and at Dallas]).

Revolving Door
Game
Starters (safety, field corner)
@ Arizona Damen Wheeler*, Cornelius Coe
@ Las Vegas# Kevin Ingram, Cornelius Coe
San Jose Robert Bean, Keith Heyward
Georgia Keith Heyward, Jason Moore
@ Grand Rapids Damen Wheeler, Jason Moore
@ Dallas Damen Wheeler, Jason Moore
@ San Jose Damen Wheeler*, Jason Moore
Austin Ben Kelly, Jason Moore*
Colorado Ben Kelly, Henry Douglas*
* Was injured in the game
# OL/DL Arnold Miller was L.A.'s designated DS, while Kevin Ingram and Russell Shaw rotated in the defensive backfield


C.J.'S EXPLOSIVE GAME: In the Avengers' 81-70 victory over Austin, offensive specialist Chris Jackson had a game for the ages. The following are some of his accomplishments in that contest:
 11 catches for 210 yards and seven touchdowns, and a two-point conversion reception
 Tied the AFL record for touchdown receptions in a single game (seven)
 Established new Avenger record for touchdowns in a single game (seven)
 Established new Avenger record for points in a single game (44)
 Tied the NBA's Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Quentin Richardson (Clippers) for most points scored in a single game at STAPLES Center this season
 Only one man in AFL history has scored more points in a single game (Eddie Brown, 54, 48)
 Most receiving yards in the AFL this season (210)
 Second most receiving yards in Avenger history (record is 242 by Chris Jackson)
 Most yards from scrimmage in the AFL this season (210)


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.


"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 19 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 the first 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.


"RED-ZONE" SUCCESS: L.A. is second in the AFL in "red zone" offense, scoring on 43 of its 46 trips (38 touchdowns [28 passing, 10 rushing] and five field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 93.5. Only the Carolina Cobras at 95.0 have a better "red zone" percentage. The Avengers were only 5-of-7 in the "red zone" last week versus Colorado.

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 * 60-21 .740
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Tim Marcum * 136-54 .716
4. Danny White * 115-55 .676
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 24-15 .615
7. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
8. Jay Gruden * 37-25 .597
9. Mike Dailey * 65-45 .591
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

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 among the most productive in the AFL since the dawning of the new millennium. Hopkins ranks first with 445 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,377 receiving yards. Jackson is second with 421 catches for 5,884 yards. 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
(Avengers) 400 –
4,888 45 – 489 445 – 5,377
(112 TDs)
Chris Jackson
(Avengers) 355 –
4,992 66 – 892 421 – 5,884
(136 TDs)
Damian Harrell
(Colorado) 348 –
4,851 67– 1,048 415 – 5,899
(123 TDs)
Mike Horacek
(Indiana) 363 –
4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248
(121 TDs)

QUICK TO 200: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has thrown 226 touchdown passes in his 42-game AFL career. That averages out to 5.4 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).

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger WR/DB Russell Shaw: The fourth-year veteran finally worked his way back into the league's most competitive receiving corps last week and made a pair of outstanding catches that resulted in an 18-yard touchdown and two-point conversion. Shaw could easily be overlooked by a Detroit defense that allowed previously winless Grand Rapids to outscore them last week. With WR/DB Henry Douglas' shoulder ailing, Shaw should see even more action this week.

Fury WR/DB Thibati Davis: In his last three games, Davis has been on fire, catching 28 balls for 384 yards and nine touchdowns. In those contests he earned an "Offensive Player of the Game" honor as well as an "Ironman of the Game" award. Davis started really picking up the pace when WR/LB Junior Lord went down in Week 6. The Avengers hope to contain Davis, who will be the main ingredient in Detroit's offensive recipe.

Avenger FB/LB Lonnie Ford: After coming into last week as the most proficient "red zone" offense, the Avengers suddenly hit a wall when having the ball inside the five. One of the few times L.A. was successful at the goal line was when they gave the ball to their second-year fullback/linebacker. Ford will be the one to look to when the Avengers need to pound one in on Friday. If given the opportunity, it could decide the outcome of the game as it did last week.

Fury QB Andy Kelly: The 10-year veteran, who holds the AFL career passing records for completions (2,729), attempts (4,428), passing yards (30,358) and touchdowns (needs just seven to pass the 600 career-mark) has the ability to take control of any game. Kelly will look to bounce back after a sub-par game against Grand Rapids, which should concern the Avengers, who have had a hard time making stops. Playing in an arena that has been particularly kind to visiting quarterbacks, expect Kelly to put up some big numbers.


MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger placekicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. He also needs only one more three-pointer to become just the fifth player in league history to boot 100 or more field goals.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Scoring By Kickers
Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,062
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 817
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 735

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Field Goals Made
Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 137
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 121
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 100
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 99



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 143 touchdowns accounted for in 57 games. Jackson's streak of scoring at least one TD in every game of his AFL career ended at 47 games on May 10, 2003, against Colorado. No player in league history has scored touchdowns in more consecutive games to begin a career than he has. All but seven of Jackson's scores have come as a pass receiver. His other TDs were as a kickoff returner, runner (twice) 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 421 receptions for 5,884 yards and has scored 836 points in his five-year Avenger career.

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 11 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 46 passes for 623 yards and 17 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 three of five 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. On March 14, in Grand Rapids, Ingram had a career-high 121 yards receiving, two touchdowns and an interception. At Dallas on March 21, he caught a career-high three touchdown passes (all in the first half).

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 14-4 when they score two or more touchdowns in the third quarter. Two of the losses came against Arizona and the other two versus Dallas. In games that the Avengers don't score at least two TDs in the third quarter, they are 10-11 since the 2002 season.

HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is one of only seven players in AFL history to have 8,000 or more receiving yards in a career. He is currently fourth among active players with 8,127 receiving yards in his nine-year career. Teammate Chris Jackson, who is in his fifth season in the AFL, is currently at No. 18 on the all-time chart with 5,736 receiving yards.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Receiving Yards
1. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,736
2. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 12,546
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,279
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,312
6. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,209
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,061
8. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
9. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 7,877
10. Alvin Ashley (1994-2004) 7,561
18. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 5,884

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