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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

April 28, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Arizona Rattlers at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, May 1, 2004
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, California
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: Fox Sports Net (Bill Macdonald, Matt Stevens)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Avengers by 6.5 (over/under 110)
Series Record: Arizona leads 6-3
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 51, Arizona 32 -- on Feb. 8, 2004, at America West Arena
Officials: Steve Pamon (R), Jeff Carr (U), Brent Durbin (HL), Tom Symonette (LJ), James Cole (BJ)
Head Coaches: L.A. -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 26-15). Arizona -- Danny White (13th season, 117-55).

THE AVENGERS: With five games remaining in the 2004 regular season and only eight playoff spots available for the ArenaBowl XVIII Playoffs, every game has taken on added importance for the Avengers, who have won three of their last four to improve to 7-4. Los Angeles will have to be on its toes on Saturday as it hosts the Arizona Rattlers (7-5), who have never lost a game played at STAPLES Center. Arizona, which has played in the last two ArenaBowls, is on a four-game winning streak and playing as well as anyone in the AFL right now. From an individual standpoint, Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani is playing as well as any player in the AFL at any position. He has thrown 72 touchdown passes this season, against only one interception. Last week against a tough Chicago defense, Graziani threw for eight touchdowns, leading the Avengers to an impressive 71-35 victory over the Rush. For his efforts, Graziani earned AFL "Offensive Player of the Week" honors. The Avengers are averaging 59 points per game (only San Jose averages more) and a league-leading 7.5 yards per play. Los Angeles also has been taking great care of the football. In fact, L.A. has turned the ball over only four times this season (fewest in the AFL) and has a turnover margin of +14. The Avengers have been "turnover free" in eight games this season. 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 RATTLERS: Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is on the verge of his third consecutive 3,000-yard season. Veteran WR/LB Hunkie Cooper still makes an impact in all phases of the game. Two-way star Randy Gatewood was last year's AFL "Ironman of the Year." OL/DL Bryan Henderson currently leads the league in sacks (seven) and former Avenger WR/DB Siaha Burley is having a career-year as the Rattler offensive specialist.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (7-4)
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
April 16 Detroit Win 62-55
April 25 @ Chicago Win 71-35
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
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
May 30 Orlando 1 p.m. NBC

ARIZONA RATTLERS (7-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 Los Angeles Loss 51-32
Feb. 13 Detroit Loss 48-31
Feb. 21 @ Carolina Win 45-38
Feb. 29 New York Win 53-41
Mar. 5 Columbus Win 65-42
Mar. 14 @ Las Vegas Loss 65-64 overtime
Mar. 18 New Orleans Loss 49-45
Mar. 27 @ Colorado Loss 54-46
April 4 @ Grand Rapids Win 51-41
April 10 Las Vegas Win 80-63
April 18 Dallas Win 71-48
April 25 @ Indiana Win 46-43
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
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 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: The Rattlers lead the regular-season series 6-3, but the Avengers have won the last two meetings, including a 51-32 decision to open the 2004 season at America West Arena on Feb. 8. 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
Avengers 51, Rattlers 32 2-8-04 Phoenix
Rattlers 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 head to Tampa Bay for their first time in their history to battle the defending champion Tampa Bay Storm. The two teams have met twice, with each taking place at STAPLES Center in the 2002 season. The teams split with the Storm winning the most recent meeting, 66-44, in the first round of the playoffs.

TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s four losses this season have come by a combined total of 12 points:
-- Six points to San Jose on Feb. 22
-- One point in overtime to Georgia on March 1
-- Three points at San Jose on March 26
-- Two points to Colorado on April 10

THE RATTLER SPECIALIST: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has been especially dangerous versus the Arizona Rattlers. In seven games versus L.A.'s Western Division rivals, he has racked up 65 receptions for 1,004 yards and 27 touchdowns. That averages out to 9.3 catches for 143.4 yards and 3.9 touchdowns per game against Arizona. In five games at America West Arena, Jackson has been even more effective, averaging 10 catches for 156 yards and four touchdowns. The Avengers have played nine games versus the Rattlers in their five-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
2/8/04 (@ Ariz.) 7, 96, 2 51-32 win
Totals 65, 1,004, 27 --
Per game averages 9.3, 143.4, 3.9 --

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: In 11 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 eight "turnover-free" games this season and is 5-3 in those contests. The Avengers are second in the AFL with a +14 turnover margin. On the defensive side of the margin, L.A. has come up with 10 INTs (three by WR/DB Kevin Ingram) and eight 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. If the Avengers win all six of their remaining regular-season games, the franchise will have an improved record in each of its five seasons.

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) 7-4


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.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on his team's performance at Chicago: "It was good to get turnovers and a couple of breaks, such as the ball off the post on the kickoff and the safety. Our guys played well against a very good team. We need to now build off of this momentum."

Hodgkiss on the Arizona Rattlers: "Arizona has always been a good team. They have went to the ArenaBowl the last couple of years and always seem to be in the mix at the end of the season. They have a four-game winning streak and they are playing their best football right now. It will be a big challenge for us."

Hodgkiss on the success of Arizona head coach Danny White: "He is a good coach who has some good schemes. He has done an excellent job at keeping players together and that chemistry has allowed him to field some great teams."

Hodgkiss on what will be the difference in this game: "As always with Arizona, it is going to come down to turnovers. Since both offenses have been so efficient in recent games, the team that causes turnovers usually comes out on top. That was the difference in Week 1, and I expect it to be the difference this Saturday as well."


AVOIDING INTERCEPTIONS: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown just one interception this season. He is currently 229-of-343 (66.8 percent) for 3,007 yards and 72 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 242 touchdowns (No. 14 all-time in AFL history) and has been intercepted just 26 times.

Tony Graziani in 2004Statistics after 11 games Projection
72 touchdown passes 104.7
1 interception 1.4
3,007 passing yards 4,373.8

QUICK TO 200: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has thrown 242 touchdown passes in his 44-game AFL career. That averages out to 5.5 scoring tosses per game. Graziani is one of only 16 players 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).

"RED-ZONE" SUCCESS: L.A. is second in the AFL in "red zone" offense, scoring on 52 of its 55 trips (47 touchdowns [35 passing, 12 rushing] and five field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 95.0. Only the Carolina Cobras at 95.0 are tied with the same "red zone" percentage. The Avengers were a perfect 5-of-5 in the "red zone" last week versus Chicago.

DISRUPTION AT DS: In the 11 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 three of L.A.'s last five 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 DoorGame 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*
Detroit Ben Kelly, Jason Moore
@ Chicago Ben Kelly, Jason Moore
* 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 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 a single game in the AFL this year (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.

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 * 62-21 .747
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Tim Marcum * 138-54 .719
4. Danny White * 117-55 .680
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 26-15 .634
7. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
8. Jay Gruden * 39-25 .610
9. Mike Dailey * 66-46 .589
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 448 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,429 receiving yards. Jackson is second with 438 catches for 6,211 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 48 – 541 448 – 5,429(114 TDs)
Chris Jackson(Avengers) 355 –4,992 83 - 1,219 438 – 6,211(143 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 –4,851 85– 1,311 433 – 6,162(129 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Indiana) 363 –4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248(121 TDs)

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 21 games for the Avengers, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" eight times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes four 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.

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 150 touchdowns accounted for in 59 games. Jackson's streak of scoring at least one TD in every game of his AFL career ended at 47 games last season. 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 games, 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 438 receptions for 6,211 yards and has scored 870points in his five-year Avenger career.

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger OL/DL Al Lucas: "Big Luke" was a key component of L.A.'s biggest victory of the season last week at Chicago. He put pressure on Rush QB Raymond Philyaw early and took him out of the game with a hit that led to a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie defensive specialist Jason Moore. Lucas also provided the pressure on backup Chicago QB Chad Salisbury that resulted in an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone for a safety. Against the Rattlers in the season opener, Lucas recorded a tackle for a loss in addition to his first sack as an Avenger. Expect him to get into the backfield and hurry Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner on Saturday night.

Rattler OL/DL Bryan Henderson: In just his second year in the AFL, Henderson leads the league in sacks (seven) and forced fumbles (four). In addition to making life difficult for opposing offensive linemen, Henderson has also gotten into the end zone, scoring twice on fumble returns. The lineman was a nightmare for the Avengers in the season opener, recording three tackles (two for losses) and a pair of sacks. Look for Henderson to have another good game against a familiar foe.

Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram: One of the most consistent triple-threat players in the league, you can always count on Ingram to play an important role. In the first meeting against the Rattlers, the "Ironman of the Game" scored two touchdowns on offense and had an interception on defense. Ingram has also become the Avengers leading tackler in a defensive backfield that has been beaten up throughout the season. Ingram will have an opportunity to earn some accolades on Saturday, going against last year's AFL "Ironman of the Year" Randy Gatewood.

Rattler OS Siaha Burley: The former Avenger WR/DB is having a career-year with the Rattlers as their offensive specialist. Burley has already gone over the 1,000 receiving yards mark and needs just five receptions to reach 100 for the season. He has been particularly dangerous on special teams as well, returning two kicks for scores. Playing in his old stomping grounds, Burley might have added incentive to have a big game against his former mates. Last year, he had a good game for the Avengers, going against his ex-teammates with the Orlando Predators.


ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 12 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 50 passes for 663 yards and 18 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 six 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).

QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: 120 of L.A.'s 210 offensive touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 37 of them were one-play "drives," including 15 touchdowns by offensive specialist Chris Jackson. So far this season, opposing defenses 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 45 percent of their touchdown drives. However, the Avengers just missed that qualification 16 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 86 39 (45 %) 12
Total 210 120 (57 %) 37

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) 1,072
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 834
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 740

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Made
Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 138
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 121
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 100
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 99

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 16-4 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.

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.

THE LAST GAME VS. ARIZONA:

AVENGERS ROUT RATTLERS, 51-32

PHOENIX (Feb. 8, 2004) -- Advertised as new and improved, the Avengers didn't disappoint, defeating the Arizona Rattlers, 51-32, before 14,343 at America West Arena in the season opener for both teams.

While avenging last season's loss in the quarterfinals of the playoffs, Los Angeles (1-0) displayed its trademark quick-strike offense, scoring four of its seven touchdowns in three plays or less. Lethal performances such as that have become so commonplace for the Avengers in the past two years, that they barely merit mention.

What was different about this victory, L.A.'s third in its last four games at Arizona (0-1), was an in-your-face aggressive defense that had the Rattlers scrambling to overcome five turnovers and three tackles for loss, including two quarterback sacks.

Chris Jackson was his usual self versus the Rattlers. A well-known thorn in the side of the Rattlers over the years, the Avenger offensive specialist caught seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. For good measure, he also threw for a score, finding wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram alone in the end zone from two yards out for a 42-24 lead with 5:30 left in the third quarter.

Ingram had an outstanding game, as well, gathering in a pair of touchdown receptions and an interception. For the fifth time in his last 11 games with the Avengers, Ingram was selected as the "Ironman of the Game."

Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani was under pressure for most of the afternoon and sacked three times, but he managed to complete 14-of-27 for 214 yards and six touchdowns. He hit five different receivers for scores and did not throw an interception for the sixth time in his last eight games, dating back to last season.

Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner had different sort of day, throwing a record-setting four interceptions. Never before in the 13-year history of the Arizona franchise had a quarterback been intercepted four times. The same can be said for the Avenger defense, which established a new team record as Ingram, WR/DB Russell Shaw and defensive specialists Damen Wheeler and Cornelius Coe each recorded a pick.

Los Angeles scored two touchdowns within the final minute of the first half, taking a 35-18 lead into the locker room at the intermission. But the Avengers stumbled to begin the third quarter, losing a fumble on its first possession and stalling on the team's second opportunity.

With Arizona on the move and trailing by just 11 points, Wheeler sparked Los Angeles back into action with a spectacular interception. Two plays later, Jackson came in motion, took a handoff and tossed his fourth touchdown pass in the last two seasons.

The victory was L.A.'s third consecutive on opening day, but first on the road. Conversely, Arizona suffered its fourth straight season-opening loss.


ARIZONA (0-1) 7 28 7 9 -- 51
LOS ANGELES (1-0) 6 12 6 8 -- 32



ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 9 2 0 .818 650 532
AVENGERS 7 4 0 .636 649 550
Arizona 7 5 0 .583 629 583
Las Vegas 4 7 0 .363 586 578

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 8 4 0 .666 578 556
Chicago 7 4 0 .636 582 518
Indiana 6 6 0 .500 599 515
Detroit 4 7 0 .363 523 573
Grand Rapids 1 10 0 .090 406 609

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 6 5 0 .545 572 591
New York 6 5 0 .545 581 534
Philadelphia 5 6 0 .454 529 512
Carolina 4 7 0 .363 529 603
Columbus 3 8 0 .272 502 590

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 9 2 0 .818 516 488
Austin 6 5 0 .545 595 598
Orlando 6 5 0 .545 514 470
Tampa Bay 5 7 0 .416 571 578
Georgia 4 8 0 .333 477 610


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 8,261 receiving yards in his nine-year career. Teammate Chris Jackson, who is in his fifth season in the AFL, is currently at No. 16 on the all-time chart with 6,211 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) 8,421
6. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,261
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,061
8. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 8,048
9. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
10. Alvin Ashley (1994-2004) 7,561
16. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 6,211

IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: 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.


ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFF SEEDINGS:

W L T Pct. Pts. OP
1. San Jose* 9 2 0 .818 650 532
2. New Orleans 9 2 0 .818 516 488
3. Colorado 8 4 0 .666 578 556
4. AVENGERS ^ 7 4 0 .636 649 550
5. Chicago 7 4 0 .636 582 518
6. Arizona 7 5 0 .583 629 583
7. Austin # 6 5 0 .545 595 598
8. Orlando + 6 5 0 .545 514 470

Dallas $ 6 5 0 .545 572 591
New York 6 5 0 .545 581 534
Indiana 6 6 0 .500 599 515
Philadelphia 5 6 0 .455 529 512
Tampa Bay 5 7 0 .454 571 578
Las Vegas 4 7 0 .363 586 578
Detroit 4 7 0 .363 523 573
Carolina 4 7 0 .363 529 603
Georgia 4 8 0 .333 477 610
Columbus 3 7 0 .300 502 590
Grand Rapids 1 10 0 .091 406 609

* Wins tiebreaker over New Orleans due to record versus common opponents.
^ Wins tiebreaker over Chicago due to head to head.
# Wins tiebreaker over Orlando due to head to head and Dallas due to record versus common opponents.
+ Wins tiebreaker over Dallas due to head to head
$ Wins tiebreaker over New York due to head to head


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 146 touchdowns in his 59-game AFL career. Only 16 other players in AFL history, including teammate Greg Hopkins (180), 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) 146 870
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 74 448
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 362
Kevin Ingram (2002-present) 33 204
Travis Hannah (2000-01) 27 162

THE "D" IN L.A.: Avenger defensive coordinator Doug Kay has 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 50.0
Opponent third-down % 40% 52% (33-of-64)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 57% (8-of-14)
Quarterback sacks 25 12 (pace for 17)
Interceptions 25 10 (pace for 15)
Fumble recoveries 16 8 (pace for 12)

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

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, 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).

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
4/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Ken Kocher
4/22 Signed to the practice squad DS Cliff Green
4/15 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Ken Kocher
4/15 Signed to the practice squad DS Chris Martin
4/2 Activated off injured reserve FB/LB Kevin Clemens
4/2 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB Jerome Riley
3/31 Placed on injured reserve DS Damen Wheeler

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.


THE AVENGERS ARE ...
· 2-3 at STAPLES Center
· 5-1 on the road
· 6-4 when they score more than 50 points
· 5-0 when they score 60 or more points
· 2-0 when they score 70 or more points
· 6-4 when they allow less than 60 points
· 4-0 when they allow less than 50 points
· 3-0 when they allow less than 40 points
· 0-0 when they allow less than 30 points
· 3-2 when they record at least one sack
· 5-1 when they make at least one interception
· 4-3 when they score first
· 5-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 0-1 when they commit more turnovers
· 6-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 3-2 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 7-2 when Tony Graziani throws for at least 6 TDs
· 2-0 when Tony Graziani passes for 300+ yards
· 7-3 when Tony Graziani doesn't throw an INT
· 4-1 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
· 1-0 when OL/DL Silas Demary scores a TD
· 1-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
· 3-3 when they commit fewer penalties
· 0-3 when they commit five or less penalties
· 0-0 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
· 1-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
· 2-4 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 7-2 when leading at halftime
· 4-1 on Sunday


FAMILIAR FACES IN NEW PLACES: Three Rattler players played with the Avengers last season on the team that got eliminated by Arizona in the quarterfinals of the 2003 AFL Playoffs. Former Avenger WR/DB Siaha Burley was picked up by the Rattlers in the offseason to be their offensive specialist. Linemen Tony Plantin and Vince Amey were picked up off waivers during the 2004 season.

Former Avengers with Rattlers
OL/DL Vince Amey With L.A. 2001-03
WR/DB Siaha Burley 2003
OL/DL Tony Plantin 2002-03



LAST WEEK'S GAME

L.A. HALTS RUSH, 71-35

CHICAGO (April 25) -- A 37-point explosion in the second quarter lifted the Avengers past the Chicago Rush, 71-35, before 13,927 at Allstate Arena.

Both teams are now 7-4 and remain in the thick of the postseason picture with five games remaining in the regular season.

Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani was 19-of-25 for 261 yards and eight touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Game honors. He has now thrown 72 touchdown passes this season, against only one interception.

Although Los Angeles had the football 10 times and ended each possession with a touchdown, much of the credit on this afternoon went to the defense.

"The defense played really well," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "The defensive backs made plays when the guys up front were able to put them in that position by getting some pressure on the quarterback."

The Avengers led, 50-21, at halftime, scoring 30 unanswered points in the last 10 minutes of the second quarter.

Chicago, which matched touchdowns with the Avengers in the early going, took a 21-20 lead on a 22-yard scoring toss from quarterback Raymond Philyaw to WR/LB Etu Molden with 11:31 remaining in the second quarter. Los Angeles answered with offensive specialist Chris Jackson's third of four touchdown receptions on the day.

Less than five minutes later, Avenger defensive specialist Jason Moore came up with the first interception of his AFL career and returned it 35 yards for a score that put the Avengers up, 34-21, with 3:54 left in the first half. Philyaw sprained his right knee on the play and did not return to the game.

"The defense did its job today," said Moore, who also had 11 tackles, including one for a loss of three yards and a fumble recovery, and was selected as the Defensive Player of the Game. "Our offense always puts up big numbers regardless of who we are playing, so that kind takes some of the pressure off us to go out there and make plays."

After taking his second snap of the contest, Chicago backup quarterback Chad Salisbury was wrapped up in the end zone by Avenger lineman Al Lucas for a safety, giving the Avengers a 36-21 lead and the next offensive possession, which resulted in Joe Douglass taking a screen pass from Graziani and racing 19 yards through the middle of the field for another score.

As if that weren't enough, Remy Hamilton's ensuing kickoff bounced squarely off the crossbar and was recovered by Moore with 54 seconds left until the intermission. Los Angeles burned every last tick off the clock before Graziani hit WR/DB Kevin Ingram for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Hamilton's PAT made it 50-21, which represents the most points the Avengers have ever scored in a half and the most ever given up by the Rush in two quarters.

Early in the contest it looked as if the game would go down to wire, as had the previous two meetings between the two teams.

On the Avengers' first possession, Graziani hit WR/LB Greg Hopkins for a 23-yard touchdown, but on the extra point attempt, the Avengers tried a fake, snapping the ball directly to Hamilton, who was stopped well short on his rushing attempt to the right side. Therefore, the Rush maintained their lead at 7-6.

On its ensuing possession, Chicago fumbled twice on one play. Ingram recovered the second one at his own 21-yard line and on the next play, Graziani connected with Jackson for a 28-yard score. Hamilton's PAT put the Avengers up 13-7 with 6:08 remaining in the first quarter.

The Rush responded with a touchdown to regain the lead, but the Avengers' 37-point second quarter was just on the horizon.


LOS ANGELES (7-4) 13 37 14 7 -- 71
CHICAGO (7-4) 14 7 7 7 -- 35



PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tony Graziani completed 19-of-25 for 261 yards and eight touchdowns in Sunday's 71-35 victory over the Chicago Rush. Those gaudy numbers earned him the Arena Football League's "Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Week" award on Tuesday, but they are nearly commonplace for Graziani this season.

On the year, he is 229-of-343 (66.8 percent) for 3,007 yards and has thrown 72 touchdown passes, against just one interception.

Graziani has passed for more yards than he did against the Rush six times this year and matched his eight scoring tosses in two previous games. He has accounted for no less than six touchdowns in each of L.A.'s 11 games this season.

This marks the first time this season and third time in his career that Graziani has been honored with a weekly AFL award.
At his current pace, Graziani would finish the 16-game regular season with 104.7 touchdown passes (the AFL's all-time single-season record is 104), 4,373.8 passing yards and only 1.4 interceptions.
In his four-year AFL career, Tony has passed for 242 touchdowns (No. 14 all-time in league history). Last season, he was the runner-up to teammate Chris Jackson for the AFL's "Offensive Player of the Year" award.


"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
6 Dallas QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)21-of-33, 251 yards, 6 TDs
7 San Jose QB Mark Grieb (S.J.)19-of-28, 230 yards, 6 TDs
8 Austin OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)11 catches, 210 yards, 7 TDs
9 Colo. OS Damian Harrell (COL)7 catches, 147 yards, 4 TDs
10 Detroit QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)359 pass yards, 8 TDs, 1 TD run
11 Chicago QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)19-of-25, 261 yards, 8 TD passes

"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
6 Dallas WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle
7 San Jose WR/LB James Roe (S.J.)10 rec., 100 yd., 2TDs, 1 INT (TD)
8 Austin WR/DB Henry Douglas (L.A.)2 kick returns for TDs, 1.5 tackles
9 Colo. WR/DB Kevin McKenzie (COL)7 catches, 65 yds, 3 TDs, 5 tackles
10 Detroit DS Ron Carpenter (Detroit)2 KO returns for TDs, 5 tackles
11 Chicago WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)1 TD reception, 4 tackles, 1 FR


"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
6 Dallas FB/LB Josh Jefferies (L.A.)1 tackle, 1 interception
7 San Jose OL/DL Silas Demary (L.A.)2.5 tackles, 2 quarterback sacks
8 Austin WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)1 INT, 2 TDs, 2 tackles
9 Colo. FB/LB Rich Young (COL)3 rushes for 14 yds, TD, 3 tackles
10 Detroit DS Jason Moore (L.A.)In on 15 of L.A.'s 27 tackles, 1 FF
11 Chicago DS Jason Moore (L.A.)35-yard INT TD return, 11 tackles



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 28, 2004


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