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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

May 4, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Tampa Bay Storm
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2004
Kickoff: 12 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Tampa, Florida
Arena: St. Pete Times Forum (20,082)
Television: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Avengers by 1.5 (over/under 101)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads the series 1-0
(the teams also met once in the 2002 AFL Playoffs -- the Storm beat the Avengers, 66-41, at STAPLES Center)
Last Regular-Season Meeting: Los Angeles 38, Tampa Bay 24 – May 17, 2002, at STAPLES Center
Officials: Riley Johnson (R), Paul Frerking (U), Darrel Leftwich (HL), Paul Engelberts (LJ), Bud McCleskey (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 26-16). Tampa Bay -- Tim Marcum (16th season, 139-54, 10th with Tampa, 109-50).

THE AVENGERS: With only four games remaining in the 2004 regular season and just eight playoff spots available for the AFL Playoffs, the Avengers (7-5) will probably need to win at least two of those four games to qualify for the postseason. To do that, Los Angeles will have to successfully navigate an extremely difficult slate of games that beings with a visit to the defending ArenaBowl champion Tampa Bay Storm on Sunday. Although the Avengers are coming off a loss to Arizona, quarterback Tony Graziani is playing as well as any player in the league at any position. He has thrown 75 touchdown passes this season, against only two interceptions. Last week, a ball that was batted at the line of scrimmage ended up being only his second interception in 387 pass attempts this season. The Avengers are averaging 57.3 points per game and a league-leading 7.5 yards per play. L.A. also has been taking great care of the football. In fact, L.A. has turned the ball over only five times (by far the fewest in the AFL -- no other team has less than 10) and has a turnover margin of +13. The Avengers have been "turnover free" in eight games this season, but are only 5-3 in those contests. Defensively, the Avengers could receive a boost on Sunday with the possible return of defensive specialist Damen Wheeler, who began the week still on the injured reserve list.
THE STORM: The defending ArenaBowl champions have won their last three games and are desperately trying to
stay alive in the playoff race. Quarterback Shane Stafford whose targets include Freddie Solomon and Cliff Dell directs the offense. Two way stars "T.T." Toliver and Lawrence Samuels are the premier receivers and pass defenders.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (7-5)
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
May 1 Arizona Loss 42-38
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
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

TAMPA BAY STORM (6-7)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 Orlando Won 52-47
Feb. 13 Georgia Loss 70-62
Feb. 22 @ Austin Loss 56-48
Feb. 29 Philadelphia Win 40-37
Mar. 7 @ New Orleans Loss 55-43
Mar. 14 New York Loss 40-35
Mar. 21 @ Carolina Loss 54-43
Mar. 27 @ Georgia Win 53-24
April 4 San Jose Loss 62-55
April 11 @ Chicago Loss 51-36
April 18 Austin Win 58-52
April 25 @ Columbus Win 46-36
May 2 @ Orlando Win 63-58
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
May 9 Los Angeles Noon NBC
May 15 New Orleans Noon NBC
May 30 @ Dallas 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 Avengers won the only regular-season meeting between the two teams, 38-24, at STAPLES Center on May 17, 2002. Los Angeles and Tampa Bay also met later that season in the playoffs. The Storm won that contest, 66-41, on July 27, 2002 at STAPLES Center, beating the Avengers in their first playoff game in franchise history.

THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers will return to the East Coast to take on the New York Dragons at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. It will be L.A.'s second trip in as many years to Long Island, N.Y. Last year, the Avengers won a hard-fought battle on the last play of the game, 65-61.

TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s five losses this season have come by a combined total of 16 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
-- Four points to Arizona on May 1

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: In 12 games this season, the Avengers have turned the ball over just five times (by far the fewest in the AFL -- no other team has less than 10 turnovers). L.A., which has lost only three fumbles and been intercepted just twice, has played eight "turnover-free" games this season and is 5-3 in those contests. The Avengers are second in the AFL with a +13 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).

CHAMPIONSHIP STORM CONNECTIONS: Avenger OL/DL Al Lucas is a defending world champion, having earned an ArenaBowl title last season as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Storm. L.A. defensive coordinator Doug Kay held that same position with the Storm when they won the ArenaBowl championship in 1993.

IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: The Avengers shouldn't feel too uncomfortable on the road this weekend in Tampa. Los Angeles has won seven of its last eight games in the Eastern Time Zone, including this season's 48-33 victory at Grand Rapids, and last year's wins over Orlando, New York and Indiana. 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 concluded with a pleasant flight home.

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. Building upon each season from 2000 to 2003, the Avengers are the only team in AFL history to post four consecutive years of improvement.

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) 7-5


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 L.A.'s performance versus Arizona: "It was a very disappointing loss. Offensively, we did not execute the way we wanted to. The defense played well enough to win, but we ran into a hot team that got it done at the end."

Hodgkiss on the defending ArenaBowl champion Tampa Bay Storm: "They're another hot team that is trying to get into the postseason. They definitely cannot afford to lose and have their backs against the wall so they will be ready to play."

Hodgkiss on what kind of game to expect: "Unlike Arizona, which is more of a zone team, Tampa Bay is man-to-man. They are very physical and are known for disrupting offenses, so we will have to make sure we take care of the ball. We cannot get into a sloppy game with them."

Hodgkiss on Tampa Bay's legendary head coach Tim Marcum: "He has fielded some great teams, and always seems to get the most out of his players. With his experience he always has a good game plan which makes him tough to beat."


AVOIDING INTERCEPTIONS: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown just two interceptions this season. He is currently 257-of-387 (66.4 percent) for 3,315 yards and 75 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 245 touchdowns (No. 14 all-time in AFL history) and has been intercepted just 27 times.

Tony Graziani in 2004Statistics after 12 games Projection
75 touchdown passes 100
2 interceptions 2.7
3,315 passing yards 4,420

QUICK TO 200: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has thrown 245 touchdown passes in his 45-game AFL career. That averages out to 5.4 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 55 of its 58 trips (50 touchdowns [36 passing, 14 rushing] and five field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 94.8. Only the Carolina Cobras at 95.6 have a better "red zone" percentage.

DISRUPTION AT DS: In the 12 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 six 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
Arizona 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 Kobe Bryant (Lakers) 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 * 63-21 .750
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Tim Marcum * 139-54 .720
4. Danny White * 118-55 .682
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 26-16 .619
7. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
8. Jay Gruden * 39-26 .600
9. Mike Dailey * 67-46 .592
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 12 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 50 passes for 663 yards and 18 TDs. Despite playing alongside a constellation of AFL stars, his contributions have not gone unnoticed, winning the "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 TDs and an interception. At Dallas on March 21, he caught a career-high three touchdown passes (all in the first half).

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 454 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,492 receiving yards. Jackson is second with 448 catches for 6,348 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 54 – 604 454 – 5,492(115 TDs)
Chris Jackson(Avengers) 355 –4,992 93 - 1,356 448 – 6,348(144 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 –4,851 89– 1,357 437 – 6,204(130 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Indiana) 363 –4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248(121 TDs)

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 22 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 151 touchdowns accounted for in 60 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.

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.




PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger OL/DL Al Lucas: Playing against the team he helped lead to an ArenaBowl championship last year, Lucas should be ready to continue the roll he's been on in the last two games. In his second season in the AFL, he has already made as many tackles as he had last year (12). Playing in his old stomping grounds, Lucas should attract a lot of attention while rushing the passer, which could free up some other Avengers to make an impact.

Storm WR/DB Antoine Toliver: A big reason why the Storm are riding a three-game win streak is their triple-threat star who has earned the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" award in each of those victories. Toliver, who head coach Tim Marcum describes as "faster than a small-town rumor," is currently the league's No. 5 kick returner with 52 runbacks for 1,112 yards and four touchdowns. Offensively, Toliver has become the Storm's No. 2 go-to guy, racking up 53 catches for 655 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Avenger OL/DL Arnold Miller: The rookie lineman has recorded a tackle in every game this season, and made his presence felt last week by knocking down a pass against Arizona. If the Avengers are going to get added pressure, Miller is a key component to the attack. With each team giving up one sack per game, the difference this week could be what happens on the line, where Miller is difficult to block for an extended period of time.

Storm WR/DB Lawrence Samuels: In his 11th year in the AFL, Samuels has shown that he hasn't lost a step, leading Tampa Bay's receivers with 73 catches for 871 yards and nine touchdowns. Along with his strong contributions on offense, the Storm have been very grateful for what he has done on defense. Samuels has a knack for finding the loose ball, leading the league with five fumble recoveries. The veteran two-way star is always capable of being a game breaker and looks to force one of the league's turnover ratio leaders into making mistakes.


QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: 123 of L.A.'s 215 offensive touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 38 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 91 42 (46 %) 13
Total 215 123 (57 %) 38






ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 10 2 0 .833 718 566
Arizona 8 5 0 .615 671 621
AVENGERS 7 5 0 .583 687 592
Las Vegas 5 7 0 .416 646 616

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 9 4 0 .692 636 596
Chicago 8 4 0 .666 639 558
Indiana 6 7 0 .461 637 575
Detroit 4 8 0 .333 563 630
Grand Rapids 1 11 0 .083 433 649

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New York 7 5 0 .583 625 554
Dallas 6 6 0 .500 592 635
Philadelphia 5 7 0 .416 569 570
Carolina 4 8 0 .333 581 663
Columbus 4 8 0 .333 562 642

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 9 3 0 .750 550 556
Austin 7 5 0 .583 635 625
Orlando 6 6 0 .500 572 533
Tampa Bay 6 7 0 .461 634 636
Georgia 4 8 0 .333 477 610


MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger placekicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. Last week he became 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) 840
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
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 100
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 100

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 10-12 since the 2002 season.


ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFF SEEDINGS:

W L T Pct. Pts. OP
1. San Jose 10 2 0 .833 718 566
2. New Orleans 9 3 0 .750 550 556
3. Colorado 9 4 0 .692 636 596
4. Chicago 8 4 0 .666 639 558
5. Arizona 8 5 0 .615 671 621
6. New York* 7 5 0 .583 625 554
7. AVENGERS ^ 7 5 0 .583 649 550
8. Austin 7 5 0 .583 635 625

Orlando + 6 6 0 .500 572 533
Dallas 6 6 0 .500 592 635
Tampa Bay $ 6 7 0 .461 634 636
Indiana 6 7 0 .461 637 575
Las Vegas # 5 7 0 .416 648 616
Philadelphia 5 7 0 .416 569 570
Detroit 4 8 0 .333 563 630
Columbus 4 8 0 .333 562 642
Georgia 4 8 0 .333 477 610
Carolina 4 8 0 .333 562 642
Grand Rapids 1 11 0 .083 433 649

* Wins tiebreaker over Los Angeles and Austin due to record versus common opponents
^ Wins tiebreaker over Austin due to head to head
+ Wins tiebreaker over Dallas due to head to head
$ Wins tiebreaker over New York due to head to head
# Wins tiebreaker over Philadelphia due to record versus common opponents


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 8,324 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 6,348 receiving yards.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Receiving Yards
1. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,736
2. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 12,649
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,279
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,446
6. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,324
8. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 8,179
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,061
9. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
10. Darryl Hammond (Austin) 7,588
16. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 6,348














PREVIOUS MEETINGS VS. TAMPA BAY:

AVENGERS WEATHER
THE STORM, 38-24

LOS ANGELES (May 17, 2002) -- The Avengers defeated the Tampa Bay Storm, 38-24, before a crowd of 11,961 at STAPLES Center. Emerging victorious from the defensive battle, the Avengers improved to 3-2.
L.A. wide receiver-linebacker Greg Hopkins was named the game's "M.V.P." after catching 11 passes for 127 yards and four touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass and made three tackles.
"We had a better attitude this week and didn't get down early, but it was still a sloppy game," Hopkins said.
Quarterback Tony Graziani completed 21-of-37 for 227 yards and five touchdowns, as the Avengers were able to overcome the absence of star offensive specialist Chris Jackson (injured reserve -- broken right wrist).
Neither offense performed well in the first half, which ended with Los Angeles up, 14-10. But, after halftime the Avengers turned up the heat on both sides of the football to secure their second consecutive victory at home.
In allowing just 24 points, the Avenger defense established a new franchise record, surpassing its performance in the season opener on April 19, which resulted in a 43-25 victory over the New York Dragons.
"We struggled on offense, but the defense stepped up," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "And when we needed the offense, it stepped up too. I'm very proud of our defense. There's just something about defense at home."
Thirty-seven of Hopkins' 136 all-purpose yards came on a spectacular diving catch at the Los Angeles one-yard line that set him up for his fourth touchdown reception on the very next play, which put the Avengers up, 38-17, with just 1:12 remaining.
Avenger lineman Tony Plantin earned "Ironman of the Game" honors after batting down three passes and making 2.5 tackles. He also had a key third-down sack that led to an unsuccessful field goal attempt by Tampa Bay.
"We made three or four crucial plays on defense that gave us the opportunity to come back on offense," Hopkins said. "It's all about possessions."
Los Angeles outscored Tampa Bay, 21-7, in the fourth quarter.
The Storm's only touchdown came on a five-yard pass from Shane Stafford to Carlos Johnson with 22 seconds left that proved to be too little too late. In their previous game, the Avengers were pounded, 78-44, at San Jose.


TAMPA BAY (1-4) 3 7 7 7 -- 24
LOS ANGELES (3-2) 0 14 3 21 -- 38












L.A.'S FIRST PLAYOFF VISIT IS SHORT ONE

LOS ANGELES (July 27, 2002) -- Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss called his team's 66-41 loss to the Tampa Bay Storm in the first round of the AFL playoffs "our worst game of the year."
Before a crowd of 9,203 at STAPLES Center, the fifth-seeded Avengers committed a season-high four turnovers as they were upset by the 12th and final qualifier for a postseason berth.
Quarterback Tony Graziani threw three interceptions and defensive specialist Mark Ricks lost a fumble after making an interception. The Storm converted the turnovers into two touchdowns and a field goal.
"We didn't get one break," Hodgkiss said. "When that happens in the playoffs, they send you home."
Graziani, who was constantly scrambling behind an offensive line depleted due to a rash of injuries, completed 16-of-29 passes for 245 yards and six TDs.
After one quarter, Tampa Bay led, 21-14. The Storm advantage was increased to 38-27 at halftime, but the Avengers were still in it as they received the second half kickoff. However, Graziani threw his third interception and Tampa Bay quarterback Shane Stafford responded with four consecutive completions, culminating with a five-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Schexnayder.
The Avengers next drive ended when Remy Hamilton was forced to try a 64-yard field, which he purposely kicked short, giving the Storm the ball on its 20. Tampa Bay drove to the Los Angeles eight-yard line, when Stafford's pass was intercepted in the end zone by Ricks, whose fumble was recovered by Troy Wilson on the Avenger one-yard line. Stafford ran for a touchdown on the next play, putting Tampa Bay ahead 52-27 with 1:27 left in the third quarter.
Stafford finished the contest completing 22-of-28 for 298 yards and seven touchdowns, tying a franchise playoff game high. He was intercepted once and at one point completed 13-consecutive passes.
Throughout the 2002 season, Hodgkiss had preached the importance of avoiding turnovers, and the team's results bore a large correlation to how well they did or didn't take care of the football. The Avengers were 6-2 in games in which they committed one turnover or less, but 2-5 when they made two or more.
Throughout the entire regular season, Graziani had not thrown three interceptions. Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson caught a game-high nine passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns.


TAMPA BAY (1-0) 21 17 14 14 -- 66
LOS ANGELES (0-1) 14 13 0 14 -- 41









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 147 touchdowns in his 60-game AFL career. Only 16 other players in AFL history, including teammate Greg Hopkins (181), 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) 147 876
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 75 454
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 368
Kevin Ingram (2002-present) 34 210
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 49.3
Opponent third-down % 40% 49% (34-of-69)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 60% (9-of-15)
Quarterback sacks 25 12 (pace for 16)
Interceptions 25 10 (pace for 13)
Fumble recoveries 16 8 (pace for 10)

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
4/28 Released from practice squad DS Cliff Green
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 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 ...
· 2-4 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
· 6-5 when they allow less than 60 points
· 4-1 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
· 0-2 when they commit more turnovers
· 6-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 3-3 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 7-2 when Tony Graziani throws for at least 6 TDs
· 2-1 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
· 1-4 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
· 3-4 when they commit fewer penalties
· 0-3 when they commit five or less penalties
· 0-1 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
· 1-1 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
· 2-5 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 7-2 when leading at halftime
· 4-1 on Sunday


"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
12 Arizona QB Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona)22-of-29, 270 yards, 4 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
12 Arizona WR/DB Randy Gatewood (Ariz.)1 INT, 4 catches for 59 yards


"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
12 Arizona OL/DL Tony Plantin (Arizona)1 sack, 1.5 tackles, 1 batted pass



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 4, 2004


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