Los Angeles Avengers game notes

May 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at New York Dragons
Date: Sunday, May 16, 2004
Kickoff: 12 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Uniondale, New York
Arena: Nassau Memorial Coliseum (11,216)
Television: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Dragons by 2 (over/under 111)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 65, New York 61 -- March 9, 2003, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Officials: Bill Athan (R), Rick DiBernardo (U), Tim Podraza (HL), R.G. Detillier (LJ), Jim Anderson (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 26-17). New York -- Todd Shell (sixth season, 45-34, second with New York, 16-9).

THE AVENGERS: With only three games remaining in the 2004 regular season and just eight playoff spots available, the Avengers (7-6) will probably need to win at least two of the three games to advance into the postseason for a third consecutive year. To do that, Los Angeles will have to successfully navigate an extremely difficult slate of games that beings with a showdown against the dangerous New York Dragons on Sunday. Although the Avengers are coming off a pair of losses, quarterback Tony Graziani has played as well as any player in the league at any position this season. He has thrown 81 touchdown passes this year, against only four interceptions. Thirty-four of those scoring tosses have gone to offensive specialist Chris Jackson. On Sunday, Graziani will be matched up against New York's Aaron Garcia, one of the all-time best quarterbacks in AFL history. The Avengers are averaging 57.1 points per game and 7.2 yards per play. L.A. also has been taking great care of the football. In fact, Los Angeles has turned the ball over only eight times (the fewest in the AFL) and has a turnover margin of +12. The Avengers have been "turnover free" in eight games this season. Defensively, the Avengers got a boost last week with the return of defensive specialist Damen Wheeler, who has been on the injured reserve list twice this season, but is still tied with three-way star Kevin Ingram for the team lead in interceptions with three.

THE DRAGONS: Looking to clinch their second consecutive playoff berth, the Dragons are led by QB Aaron Garcia, who has thrown for more TDs than anyone in AFL history. WR/DB Lincoln Dupree, OS Richmond Flowers and WR/DB William Holder are his primary targets. Defensive specialist Corey Johnson, a former Avenger, leads New York with four interceptions.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (7-6)
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
May 9 @ Tampa Bay Loss 63-55
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
May 16 @ New York Noon NBC
May 22 Las Vegas 7:30
May 30 Orlando 1 p.m. NBC

NEW YORK DRAGONS (8-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 @ Georgia Win 54-28
Feb. 14 Chicago Loss 56-54
Feb. 22 Dallas Loss 56-44
Feb. 29 @ Arizona Loss 53-47
Mar. 7 San Jose Win 64-50
Mar. 14 @ Tampa Bay Win 40-35
Mar. 20 Columbus Win 62-41
April 4 @ Carolina Win 57-41
April 10 @ Columbus Loss 65-55
April 18 Colorado Win 52-49
April 24 @ Philadelphia Loss 60-58
May 1 @ Dallas Win 44-20
May 8 Carolina Win 61-39
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
May 16 Los Angeles Noon NBC
May 23 @ Orlando Noon NBC
May 30 Philadelphia 1:00 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 have won the only two meetings. The most recent was a 65-61 victory at Nassau Memorial Coliseum on March 9, 2003. The game was won on the final play when FB/LB Kevin Clemens scored on a one-yard run as time expired.

THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers will return home to take on the Western Division rival Las Vegas Gladiators. L.A. won the first meeting this year, 62-55, at the Thomas & Mack Center on Valentine's Day.

TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s six losses this season have come by a combined total of 24 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
-- Eight points to Tampa Bay on May 9

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: In 12 games this season, the Avengers have turned the ball over eight times (the fewest in the AFL -- no other team has less than 10 turnovers). L.A., which has lost four fumbles and four interceptions, has played eight "turnover-free" games this season and is 5-3 in those contests. The Avengers are third in the AFL with a +12 turnover margin. On the defensive side of the margin, L.A. has come up with 11 INTs (three each from WR/DB Kevin Ingram and DS Damen Wheeler) and eight fumble recoveries (three by FB/LB Josh Jeffries).

IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: The Avengers shouldn't feel too uncomfortable this weekend in New York. L.A. has won seven of its last nine 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.

THREE'S NOT THE CHARM: On Sunday, the Avengers will be attempting to avoid their first three-game losing streak since the tail end of the 2001 season (L.A. averaged just 32.3 points in three consecutive losses to Nashville, Carolina and Oklahoma). Los Angeles lost two in a row earlier this season, but rebounded with a 48-33 victory at Grand Rapids on March 14. Including that win, the Avengers are 4-0 in the "Ed Hodgkiss Era" when entering a game off two consecutive losses. One of those victories came last year at New York as L.A. won 65-61.

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) 7-6


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 63-55 loss at Tampa Bay: "Obviously is was disappointing, not winning another close game. We need to do better job coaching down the stretch. Each opportunity that was given to us, we gave right back. We need to capitalize more on those chances."

Hodgkiss on going up against Dragon quarterback Aaron Garcia: "He's one of the great quarterbacks in the league. He's very formidable and feared because he has the ability to take over any game. He has a good arm and does a great job of finding people open for the deep ball."

Hodgkiss on what kind of game to expect: "Their defense likes to play zone, and their offense likes to strike quick, so it could be a back-and-forth game. They are fighting to get in the playoffs just like us, so we expect them to lay it all on the line just like us."

Hodgkiss on the playoff race: "With all of the parity, every game is huge from here on out. One thing that can be said for us is that we still control our own destiny, and that's a good thing. We need to find a way to get to 10 wins starting with this game."


AVOIDING INTERCEPTIONS: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown four interceptions this season. He is currently 274-of-420 (65.2 percent) for 3,567 yards and 81 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 251 touchdowns (No. 14 all-time in AFL history) and has been intercepted just 29 times.

Tony Graziani in 2004Statistics after 13 games Projection
81 touchdown passes 99.7
4 interceptions 4.9
3,567 passing yards 4,390.2

QUICK TO 200: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has thrown 251 touchdown passes in his 46-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 57 of its 61 trips (52 touchdowns [37 passing, 15 rushing] and five field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 93.4. Only the Carolina Cobras at 94.8 have a better "red zone" percentage.

DISRUPTION AT DS: In the 13 games of the 2004 season, the Avengers have lined up with eight 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 four of L.A.'s last seven 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 3-1 in games that Wheeler has started and completed at his customary "middle safety" position.

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*
@ Tampa Bay Damen Wheeler, Ben Kelly
* 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 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 eighth-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 * 63-22 .741
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Tim Marcum * 140-54 .722
4. Danny White * 119-55 .684
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
7. Jay Gruden * 40-26 .606
8. Ed Hodgkiss * 26-17 .605
9. Mike Dailey * 67-46 .592
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 13 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 55 passes for 722 yards and 20 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 the most productive in the AFL since the dawning of the new millennium. Jackson is first with 455 catches for 6,470 yards. Hopkins is tied with him having 455 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,518 receiving. The following chart lists the AFL's top receivers over the course of the last five seasons:

AFL's Top Pass Receivers – (2000-04)
Catches – Receiving Yards
2000-03 2004 Total
Chris Jackson(Avengers) 355 –4,992 100 - 1,478 455 – 6,470(147 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 400 –4,888 55 – 630 455 – 5,518(115 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 23 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 154 touchdowns accounted for in 61 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 455 receptions for 6,470 yards and has scored 870 points 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 QB Tony Graziani: Coming off a sub-par performance at Tampa Bay, Graziani will be poised to redeem himself against a Dragon team that often gets into high-scoring affairs. In last year's contest at New York, Graziani was 23-of-33 for 355 yards and eight touchdowns, while earning game "MVP" honors. Expect him to put up big numbers in an even bigger game.

New York QB Aaron Garcia: With a shootout on the horizon, Garcia will be sure to have loaded one of the best guns in the league. The 11-year veteran has surpassed the 3,000-yard mark for the fifth time in his career and is coming off his sixth game when he has thrown seven or more touchdowns. The Dragon offense, which scored 63 points on just 24 plays last week, shouldn't miss a beat against an Avenger team that gave up 63 points last week at Tampa Bay.

Avenger DS Damen Wheeler: The injury plagued defensive specialist looks to play his second consecutive game for just the second time this year. Wheeler didn't take long to get back into the groove as he recorded four tackles and an interception in his first game back since March 26. With a full game under his belt, Wheeler should be extremely effective against an offense that will be looking to test him early and often.

New York WR/DB Lincoln Dupree: The "Rookie of the Year" candidate has been a huge asset to one of the league's most potent offenses. Thus far, Dupree has 50 catches for 644 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also established himself as one of the league's most exciting kick returners, taking 35 returns back for 765 yards and three scores. In a game that will be overloaded with offensive threats, Dupree could get lost in the mix, but end up making a huge difference.


QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: 127 of L.A.'s 221 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 16 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 47 percent of their touchdown drives. However, the Avengers just missed that qualification 17 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 97 46 (47 %) 15
Total 221 127 (57 %) 40

UNLUCKY 55: The losing team has scored 55 points in five of the 13 Avenger games this season. Los Angeles has been on the short end three times, losing to San Jose (61-55) and Colorado (57-55) at home, and at Tampa Bay (63-55). On the flipside, the Avengers won at Las Vegas (62-55) and beat Detroit (62-55) at home. Furthermore, the "unlucky 55" was scored by the winning team once this season as L.A. lost at San Jose, 55-52.

ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 10 3 0 .769 759 624
Arizona 9 5 0 .642 729 662
AVENGERS 7 6 0 .538 742 655
Las Vegas 6 7 0 .461 709 651

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Chicago 9 4 0 .692 702 593
Colorado 9 4 0 .692 636 596
Indiana 7 7 0 .500 705 634
Detroit 4 9 0 .307 622 698
Grand Rapids 1 12 0 .076 468 712

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New York 8 5 0 .615 686 593
Dallas 6 7 0 .461 628 683
Philadelphia 5 8 0 .384 604 633
Carolina 4 9 0 .307 620 724
Columbus 4 9 0 .307 613 714

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 9 4 0 .692 590 601
Austin 8 5 0 .615 683 661
Orlando 7 6 0 .538 617 573
Tampa Bay 7 7 0 .500 697 691
Georgia 5 8 0 .384 549 661


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) 1,081
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 847
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 752
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Made
Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 139
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 16-5 when they score two or more touchdowns in the third quarter. Two of the losses came against Arizona and two were versus Dallas. The most recent one happened last week in Tampa Bay. 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 3 0 .769 759 624
2. Chicago * 9 4 0 .692 702 593
3. Colorado ^ 9 4 0 .692 636 596
4. New Orleans 9 4 0 .692 590 601
5. Arizona 9 5 0 .642 729 662
6. New York + 8 5 0 .615 686 593
7. Austin 8 5 0 .615 686 593
8. AVENGERS $ 7 6 0 .538 742 655

Orlando 7 6 0 .538 617 573
Tampa Bay # 7 7 0 .500 697 691
Indiana 7 7 0 .500 705 634
Las Vegas @ 6 7 0 .461 709 651
Dallas 6 7 0 .461 628 683
Georgia 5 8 0 .384 549 661
Philadelphia 5 8 0 .384 604 633
Detroit 4 9 0 .307 622 698
Columbus 4 9 0 .307 613 714
Carolina 4 9 0 .307 620 742
Grand Rapids 1 12 0 .076 468 712

* over Colorado due to head to head and New Orleans due to record versus common opponents
^ over New Orleans due to record versus common opponents
+ over Austin due to record versus common opponents
$ over Orlando due to record versus common opponent
# over Indiana due to record versus common opponents
@ over Dallas due to strength of schedule


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) 12,697
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,368
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,503
6. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,350
8. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 8,235
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,061
9. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
10. Darryl Hammond (Austin) 7,605
14. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 6,470

MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Rookie WR/DB Henry Douglas has played in only six games this year, but has already set a new Avenger single-season record with three kick returns for touchdowns (FB/LB Chad Dukes established the previous record of two in 2002). He is currently averaging 26.4 yards per kickoff return (tops in the AFL among those with 15 or more returns). Douglas has returned 16 kickoffs this year for 422 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 49-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown against the Austin Wranglers on April 3 (four minutes after taking a kickoff back 56 yards for a score).

PREVIOUS MEETING VS. NEW YORK:

AVENGERS WIN 65-61 SHOOTOUT IN NEW YORK

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (March 9, 2003) -- Los Angeles fullback/linebacker Kevin Clemens scored on a one-yard run with no time remaining to give the Avengers a 65-61 victory over the New York Dragons on Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 11,216 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The winning plunge was Clemens' third consecutive run in the last eight seconds.

Los Angeles broke a two-game losing streak, improving to 4-2. New York remains winless at 0-6.

The Dragons seemed on the verge of posting their first victory of the season, scoring a touchdown with 41 seconds left that put them up 61-58. The Avengers, however, took over at their own 20-yard line with 34 seconds remaining and methodically used eight plays to kill off the clock and win the game.

After Clemens was stopped for no gain on second-and-goal from the one, Los Angeles called a timeout with 3.7 seconds left. Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss could have called upon kicker Remy Hamilton to attempt a game-tying field goal, but chose to send Clemens into the line once more ... do or die.

"If we were further out, I would have gone for the field goal," Hodgkiss said. "But, we were down at the one and had the momentum. I had confidence that our line was going to be able to get Kevin in."

On the game's final play, Clemens was initially stood up short of the end zone, but continued to churn his legs and powered in to break the plane of the goal.

"I just kept going," Clemens said. "Then, when turned over and saw that I was over the white line, all I could think of was, ‘It's gonna be a good ride home.'"

Both quarterbacks had outstanding games. L.A.'s Tony Graziani was 23-of-33 for 355 yards and eight touchdowns, and earned game "MVP" honor for his performance. New York's Aaron Garcia also threw for eight scores, completing 31-of-42 for 326 yards. Neither QB threw an interception.

Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson led all receivers with 11 catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns.

L.A. wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram was selected as the game's "Ironman," after catching three passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 56 yards on three kickoff returns, made 3.5 tackles and had a touchdown-saving pass deflection.
The Avengers racked up 349 yards of total offense, were 6-of-7 on third down and scored on 10 of their 11 possessions -- nine touchdowns and a field goal (a 32-yarder by Hamilton on the final play of the first half).


LOS ANGELES (4-2) 14 16 14 21 -- 65
NEW YORK (0-6) 14 20 7 20 -- 61


SECRET IS SCORING 60: The Avengers are 5-0 this season when they score 60 or more points. The team has not scored more than 55 points in all six of L.A.'s losses this season. The Avengers have managed to win two games this season without reaching the 60-point mark, but relied on defense in those contests -- shutting down Arizona, 51-32, and stopping Grand Rapids, 48-33. Those two performances represent the best outings by the Los Angeles defense this season.


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 150 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) 150 912
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 74 450
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 394
Kevin Ingram (2002-present) 34 222
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 50.3
Opponent third-down % 40% 49% (39-of-79)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 65% (11-of-17)
Quarterback sacks 25 13 (pace for 16)
Interceptions 25 11 (pace for 13)
Fumble recoveries 16 9 (pace for 11)

THE INTERCEPTION KING: In addition to being the AFL's 2002 "Ironman of the Year," WR/LB Greg Hopkins is nearly the league's all-time leader in interception returns for touchdowns. Hopkins returned his 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. Hopkins and McEntyre were tied on the AFL's all-time list until last week when "The Glove" scored on an 18-yard interception return against the New Orleans VooDoo.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Interception Returns for Touchdowns
Kenny McEntyre (Orlando Predators) 10
Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles Avengers) 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
5/8 Activated from injured reserve DS Damen Wheeler
5/8 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Russell Shaw
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

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
· 5-2 on the road
· 6-5 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
· 3-3 when they record at least one sack
· 5-2 when they make at least one interception
· 4-4 when they score first
· 5-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 0-3 when they commit more turnovers
· 6-4 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 3-3 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 7-3 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
· 4-2 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
· 3-5 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
· 4-2 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
6 Grand Rapids QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)18-of-25, 266 yards, 6 TDs
7 Dallas QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)21-of-33, 251 yards, 6 TDs
8 San Jose QB Mark Grieb (S.J.)19-of-28, 230 yards, 6 TDs
9 Austin OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)11 catches, 210 yards, 7 TDs
10 Colo. OS Damian Harrell (COL)7 catches, 147 yards, 4 TDs
11 Detroit QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)359 pass yards, 8 TDs, 1 TD run
12 Chicago QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)19-of-25, 261 yards, 8 TD passes
13 Arizona QB Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona)22-of-29, 270 yards, 4 TD passes
14 Tampa Bay OS Freddie Solomon (T.B.)10 catches, 182 yards, 4 TDs


"U.S. ARMY IRONMAN OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the two-way player who best demonstrated the ideals of the AFL's style of ironman football.

Week Opp. Ironman of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)2 TD receptions, 1 interception
2 Las Vegas WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)3 TDs, game-winning break-up
3 San Jose WR/DB Rashied Davis (S.J.)187 all-purpose yards, 2 TDs
4 Georgia WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)3 TD catches, 4.5 tackles, 1 sack
6 Grand Rapids WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)163 all-purp. Yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
7 Dallas WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle
8 San Jose WR/LB James Roe (S.J.)10 rec., 100 yd., 2TDs, 1 INT (TD)
9 Austin WR/DB Henry Douglas (L.A.)2 kick returns for TDs, 1.5 tackles
10 Colo. WR/DB Kevin McKenzie (COL)7 catches, 65 yds, 3 TDs, 5 tackles
11 Detroit DS Ron Carpenter (Detroit)2 KO returns for TDs, 5 tackles
12 Chicago WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)1 TD reception, 4 tackles, 1 FR
13 Arizona WR/DB Randy Gatewood (Ariz.)1 INT, 4 catches for 59 yards
14 Tampa Bay FB/LB Umar Muhammad (T.B.)1 TD catch 1 rushing TD, 1 tackle


"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
6 Grand Rapids OL/DL Rod Manuel (G.R.)2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
7 Dallas FB/LB Josh Jefferies (L.A.)1 tackle, 1 interception
8 San Jose OL/DL Silas Demary (L.A.)2.5 tackles, 2 quarterback sacks
9 Austin WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)1 INT, 2 TDs, 2 tackles
10 Colo. FB/LB Rich Young (COL)3 rushes for 14 yds, TD, 3 tackles
11 Detroit DS Jason Moore (L.A.)In on 15 of L.A.'s 27 tackles, 1 FF
12 Chicago DS Jason Moore (L.A.)35-yard INT TD return, 11 tackles
13 Arizona OL/DL Tony Plantin (Arizona)1 sack, 1.5 tackles, 1 batted pass
14 Tampa Bay DS Tramain Jones (T.B.)3 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 pass break-up



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 11, 2004


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