
Los Angeles Avengers game notes
May 26, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Game: Orlando Predators at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Sunday, May 30, 2004
Kickoff: 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, California
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: NBC (Tom Hammond, Pat Haden, Lewis Johnson)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Los Angeles by 1.5 (over/under 110)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 64, Orlando 63 -- March 30, 2003, at the TD Waterhouse Centre
Officials: Bill McCabe (R), Doug Wilson (U), Royce Cooley (HL), Kent Payne (LJ), Jim Buchanan (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 28-17). Orlando -- Jay Gruden (seventh season, 44-27).
THE AVENGERS: In control of their own destiny on the final weekend of the 2004 season, the Avengers can earn their third consecutive postseason berth with a victory over the Orlando Predators on Sunday afternoon at STAPLES Center. If Los Angeles (9-6) defeats Orlando, the Avengers would be seeded no lower than sixth in the eight-team playoff bracket and could possibly host a first-round game at STAPLES Center on either June 5 or 6. Orlando (9-6) is in a similar situation as L.A., in control of its own destiny and needing a win to avoid requiring help from other teams to chase its third ArenaBowl world title. Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani has played as well as any player in the league at any position this season. He has thrown 94 touchdown passes this year, against only four interceptions. Forty of those scoring tosses have gone to offensive specialist Chris Jackson. Three-way standout Kevin Ingram is second only to Jackson in receptions (66) and touchdowns (23). Ingram, a leading candidate for AFL "Ironman of the Year" honors, leads the team in all-purpose yards (1,773), interceptions (four), tackles (68) and kickoff return yardage (861). The Avengers currently lead the league, averaging 56.9 points per game and 7.3 yards per play. L.A. also has been taking great care of the football. In fact, the Avengers have turned the ball over only 10 times (the fewest in the AFL), own a turnover margin of +14 and have been "turnover free" in eight games this season.
THE PREDATORS: After a 3-5 start, the Predators have won six of their last seven. "Rookie of the Year" candidate Joe Hamilton has led the way at quarterback. His favorite target is WR/LB Corey Fleming, who is second in the league in receptions (118). The Predator defense leads the league 33 sacks including 7.5 by FB/LB Rupert Grant. DS Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre leads the league with nine interceptions.
LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (9-6)
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
May 16 @ New York Win 58-53
May 22 Las Vegas Win 54-51
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
May 30 Orlando 1 p.m. NBC
ORLANDO PREDATORS (9-6)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 @ Tampa Bay Loss 52-41
Feb. 13 Austin Loss 49-48 overtime
Feb. 28 @ Carolina Win 59-32
Mar. 6 Indiana Win 50-38
Mar. 12 Georgia Loss 52-44
Mar. 21 @ Chicago Loss 58-15
Mar. 27 Las Vegas Win 60-43
April 4 @ Columbus Loss 55-46
April 9 New Orleans Win 57-24
April 18 @ Georgia Win 30-7
April 25 Dallas Win 64-49
May 2 Tampa Bay Loss 63-58
May 9 @ New Orleans Win 45-40
May 16 @ Austin Win 43-26
May 23 New York Win 65-41
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
May 30 @ Los Angeles 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 meeting between the two teams, 64-63, on March 30, 2003, at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Fla. The game ended on a miraculous "Hail Mary" reception off the net by WR/LB Greg Hopkins as time expired.
All-Time Orlando vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 64, Predators 63 3-30-03 Orlando
THE NEXT GAME: The Avengers can guarantee themselves a first-round playoff game on June 5 or 6, with a victory over the Predators. The opponent and site would depend on the outcome of several other AFL games played on May 30.
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 14 games this season, the Avengers have turned the ball over ten times (the fewest in the AFL). L.A., which has lost six fumbles and thrown four interceptions, 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 14 INTs (four by WR/DB Kevin Ingram and three from DS Damen Wheeler) and 10 fumble recoveries (three by FB/LB Josh Jeffries).
"RED-ZONE" SUCCESS: L.A. is third in the AFL in "red zone" offense, scoring on 68 of its 77 trips (59 touchdowns [42 passing, 17 rushing] and nine field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 88.3.
CENTURY MARK: On Sunday, Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani will attempt to become only the second player in football history to pass for 100 or more touchdowns in a single season. He came close last year with 96 scoring tosses.
All-Time AFL Leaders âTD Passes in a Single season
1. Aaron Garcia (New York, 2001) 104
2. Aaron Garcia (New York, 2003) 100
3. Jim Kubiak (Dallas, 2003) 97
4. Tony Graziani (Los Angeles, 2003) 96
5. Tony Graziani (Los Angeles, 2004) 94
WINNING FOLLOWS LOSING: Not only is Ed Hodgkiss 5-0 after his team loses two consecutive games, under his leadership the Avengers have shown the desire to turn the tables and start a winning streak. In the five instances of coming off two-game losing streaks, Hodgkiss' teams have won more than just one regular-season game to end the dry spell. (The Avengers have not had a three-game losing streak since the tail end of the 2001 season).
Positive After NegativeTwo losses in a row Followed by
June 1 and 8, 2002 Three victories
July 6 and 14, 2002 Four victories
Feb. 23 and March 2, 2003 Five victories
Feb. 22 and March 1, 2004 Two victories
May 1 and 9, 2004 Two and counting ...
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 54-51 victory over Las Vegas: "We were very pleased to get back-to-back wins. Despite the one turnover our offense did its part and I was glad the defense was able to get a couple of stops."
Hodgkiss on going up against Jay Gruden and the Predators: "Jay is one of the league's best coaches. He gets the most out of his players. As a long-time player, he knows the game very well. Right now Jay has his team playing their best football of the year."
Hodgkiss on what kind of game to expect: "They are another team that likes to play zone. They have been successful this year getting to the quarterback. Most of their sacks are coverage sacks, so we have to protect well and not hold on to the ball too long."
Hodgkiss on the playoff situation: "All we can do is win. We are very fortunate to be in control of our own destiny and are not really concerned in what happens in the other games. All we can do is just go out and get a win and not worry about where we end up."
AVOIDING INTERCEPTIONS: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown four interceptions this season. He is currently 312-of-482 (64.7 percent) for 4,028 yards and 94 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 264 touchdowns (No. 14 all-time in AFL history) and has been intercepted just 29 times.
Tony Graziani in 2004Statistics after 15 games Projection
94 touchdown passes 100.3
4 interceptions 4.3
4,028 passing yards 4,296.5
DISRUPTION AT DS: In the 15 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 eight 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 5-1 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
@ New York Damen Wheeler, Jason Moore
Las Vegas Damen Wheeler, 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
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.
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) 9-6
L.A. IN O.T.: The Avengers have an all-time record of 3-4 in overtime games. Strangely enough, Los Angeles is a perfect 4-0 when playing the extra period on the road and a winless 0-3 within the usually friendly confines of STAPLES Center. In three of the seven overtime games, the Avenger opponent has been the Arizona Rattlers (L.A. is 1-2 in those contests). In all three overtime victories, Los Angeles won by six points and held the opponent scoreless (twice getting the ball on downs and once benefiting from a missed field goal). The Avengers have played in at least one overtime game in each of their five seasons of play in the AFL (once in 2000, 2002 and 2004, and twice in 2001 and 2003).
Avengers in OvertimeCategory Record
All-time 3-4
At home 0-3
On the road 4-0
When getting the ball first 1-2
When getting the ball second 2-2
When scoring a touchdown 3-2
When scoring first 3-1
When scoring second 0-1
When a field goal is attempted 0-2
When missing a PAT kick 1-1
When getting a two-point conversion 0-0
When allowing a two-point conversion 0-1
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. Tim Marcum * 165-54 .756
2. Darren Arbet * 65-24 .730
3. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
4. Danny White * 138-64 .683
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 28-17 .622
7. Jay Gruden * 44-27 .619
8. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
9. Mike Dailey * 73-51 .589
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579
LAST WEEK'S GAME:
L.A. WINS FIGHT WITH GLADIATORS, 54-51
LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2004) -- Moving closer toward clinching their third consecutive trip to the AFL Playoffs, the Avengers beat the Las Vegas Gladiators, 54-51, before 14,588 at STAPLES Center.
The Avengers, who improved to 9-6, could punch their ticket to the postseason on Sunday, if they defeat the Orlando Predators at STAPLES Center on May 30.
The Gladiators fell to 7-8 and out of contention for the playoffs.
Los Angeles quarterback Tony Graziani completed 17-of-24 for 229 yards and six touchdowns, in addition to rushing for a seventh score. With one more regular-season game remaining, he has thrown for 94 touchdowns this season, against only four interceptions. Next week against Orlando, Graziani could become only the second player in football history to pass for 100 or more touchdowns in a single season.
Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram caught three of Graziani's scoring tosses and finished with 148 all-purpose yards.
Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel attempted 50 passes, completing 32 of them for 326 yards and six scores. Coco Blalock led the Gladiators with 15 catches for 163 yards and three touchdowns.
Dolezel's 32-yard touchdown pass to Blalock pulled the Gladiators to within three, 54-51, but Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson recovered Brian Gowins' onside kick and the Avengers ran out the clock for the final 12 seconds.
Los Angeles scored on eight of its 10 possessions. The Avengers failed to reach the end zone in the second quarter when Las Vegas defensive end Thaddeus Bullard forced Ingram to fumble, with defensive end William Mayes recovering.
The Los Angeles defense held Las Vegas scoreless twice and also limited the Gladiators to Gowins' 28-yard field goal on the game's opening series.
Jackson caught two touchdown passes and rookie WR/DB Henry Douglas one for Los Angeles. FB/LB Josh Jeffries scored the Avengers' other touchdown on a two-yard run in the fourth quarter.
LAS VEGAS (7-8) 10 7 13 21 -- 51
LOS ANGELES (9-6) 7 13 13 21 -- 54
THE 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.
MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers chart. He is only the fourth player in league history to boot over 100 field goals.
All-Time AFL Leaders âScoring By Kickers
Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,099
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 869
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 760
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742
All-Time AFL Leaders âField Goals Made
Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 141
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 121
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 103
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 100
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 ranks first with 466 catches for 6,649 yards. Hopkins is second having 463 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,592 receiving. The following chart lists the AFL's top receivers over the course of the last five seasons:
AFL's Top Pass Receivers â (2000-04)
Catches â Receiving Yards
2000-03 2004 Total
Chris Jackson(Avengers) 355 â4,992 111 - 1,657 466 â 6,649(153 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 400 â4,888 63 â 704 463 â 5,592(115 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 â4,851 105â 1,493 453 â 6,644(136 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Indiana) 363 â4,735 36 â 513 399 â 5,248(121 TDs)
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: 136 of L.A.'s 236 offensive touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 40 of them were one-play "drives," including 17 touchdowns by offensive specialist Chris Jackson. 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 49.1 percent of their touchdown drives. However, the Avengers just missed that qualification 19 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 112 55 (49.1 %) 17
Total 236 136 (57 %) 42
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 11 4 0 .733 842 704
Arizona 10 5 0 .666 786 695
AVENGERS 9 6 0 .600 854 759
Las Vegas 7 8 0 .466 804 740
Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Chicago 11 4 0 .733 800 671
Colorado 10 5 0 .666 737 697
Indiana 8 8 0 .500 801 743
Detroit 4 11 0 .266 697 800
Grand Rapids 1 14 0 .066 527 807
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New York 8 7 0 .533 780 716
Dallas 6 9 0 .400 725 796
Columbus 6 9 0 .400 740 798
Carolina 6 9 0 .400 702 798
Philadelphia 5 10 0 .333 638 727
Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 10 5 0 .666 685 700
Orlando 9 6 0 .600 725 640
Tampa Bay 8 7 0 .533 756 742
Austin 8 7 0 .533 743 755
Georgia 6 9 0 .400 640 739
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 8,424 receiving yards in his nine-year career. Teammate Chris Jackson, who is in his fifth season in the AFL, is currently at No. 12 on the all-time chart with 6,649.
All-Time AFL Leaders âReceiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 12,784
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,736
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,368
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,530
6. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,424
8. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 8,379
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,105
9. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
10. Darryl Hammond (Austin) 7,638
13. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 6,595
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 17-5 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 two weeks ago at Tampa Bay. In games that the Avengers don't score at least two TDs in the third quarter, they are 11-12 since the 2002 season.
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFF SEEDINGS:
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
1. San Jose* 11 4 0 .733 842 704
2. Chicago 11 4 0 .733 800 671
3. Arizona ^ 10 5 0 .666 786 695
4. New Orleans + 10 5 0 .666 685 700
5. Colorado 10 5 0 .666 737 697
6. AVENGERS # 9 6 0 .600 854 759
7. Orlando 9 6 0 .600 725 640
8. Tampa Bay @ 8 7 0 .533 756 742
New York 8 7 0 .533 780 716
Austin 8 7 0 .533 743 755
Indiana 8 8 0 .500 801 743
Las Vegas 7 8 0 .466 804 740
Columbus 6 9 0 .400 740 798
Georgia 6 9 0 .400 640 739
Carolina 6 9 0 .400 702 798
Dallas 6 9 0 .400 725 796
Philadelphia 5 10 0 .333 638 727
Detroit 4 11 0 .266 697 800
Grand Rapids 1 14 0 .066 527 807
* over Chicago due to head to head
^ over New Orleans and Colorado due to record versus common opponents
+ over Colorado due to record versus common opponents
# over Orlando due to record versus common opponents
@ over New York and Austin due to record versus common opponents
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Rookie WR/DB Henry Douglas has played in only eight 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 25 yards per kickoff return (tops in the AFL among those with 15 or more returns). Douglas has returned 20 kickoffs this year for 500 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).
"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 25 games for the Avengers, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" nine times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes five 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.
UNLUCKY 55: The losing team has scored 55 points in five of the 15 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.
PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:
Avenger OL/DL Sean McNamara: As the Avengers face an Orlando team that sacked New York quarterback Aaron Garcia five times last week, raising its total to 33 on the season, the four-year veteran lineman, who is among L.A.'s top pass protectors could prove to be the difference in another close game.
Predator DS Damon Mason: The grizzled veteran, who originally started his career with Orlando was reacquired by the Predators in Week 11 from the Carolina Cobras. Mason has three interceptions (all returned for scores) on the year and broke-up three passes in the win against New York last week. Expect Mason to see a lot of activity coming his way as the Avengers try to avoid teammate Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre who leads the league with nine interceptions.
Avenger WR/DB Greg Hopkins: The two-way star is looking to earn his third consecutive "Defensive Player of the Game" award this week and continue his streak of games with an interception (two). On offense, Hopkins, who has not scored a touchdown in three weeks, is due to find the end zone. With memories of last year's "Hail Mary" touchdown reception against the Predators fresh in his mind, look for Hopkins to have a big game on offense and defense on Sunday.
Predator OL/DL E.J. Burt: In just his second year in the AFL, Burt has proven himself as one of the league's best pass rushers. Amazingly, Burt has recorded a sack in five of his last seven games including three in a convincing victory against New York last week. In a game that will be won at the line, look for Burt to play a huge role in the amount of time that Tony Graziani will have to make his night a successful one.
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 "The Glove" scored on an 18-yard interception return against the New Orleans VooDoo on May 9, 2004.
All-Time AFL Leaders âInterception 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
ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 14 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 58 passes for 722 yards and 21 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 eight 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 152 touchdowns in his 61-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) 157 948
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 74 450
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 400
Kevin Ingram (2002-present) 35 246
Travis Hannah (2000-01) 27 162
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)
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 160 touchdowns accounted for in 63 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 466 receptions for 6,649 yards and has scored 906 points in his five-year Avenger career.
PREVIOUS MEETING VS. ORLANDO:
AVENGERS SHOCK PREDATORS, 64-63
ORLANDO, Fla. -- (March 30, 2003) -- Although it was the fourth time this season that they won a game on the final play of the contest, the Avengers took it to another level in this instance.
As many of the 11,322 on hand were well on their way to the parking lots surrounding the TD Waterhouse Centre, the Avengers overcame a 12-point deficit in the final 35 seconds to shock the Orlando Predators, 64-63.
Los Angeles, which has won four games in a row, improved to 7-2. Orlando lost its third consecutive game and fell to 6-3.
"This team always believes and never gives up," Avenger wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins said. "Today, that really paid off for us."
The game's final play is called "50 Hail Mary S Post." It's one of those "just in case" things that Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss has his team work on regularly.
With a shot at pulling out the game, the Avengers had possession of the football at their own 18-yard line with 7.4 seconds left. The case had presented itself.
The play calls for offensive specialist Chris Jackson, a one-time basketball star at Mater Dei High School, to streak down the field toward the left rebound net for the "jump ball." Hopkins follows nearby with instructions to look for a possible deflection. Finally, wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram runs a post route to the right, just in case the defense converges on Jackson and Hopkins, leaving him wide open.
Even though it didn't start out well, the play worked like a charm. After Graziani stepped up from a collapsed pocket and re-gripped a momentarily loose football with his left hand, his desperation heave into the net tumbled down into a crowd of four and somehow found the arms of Hopkins, who was named the game's "MVP" after catching his second game-winning touchdown pass of the season.
After Predator defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre returned an onside kickoff 11 yards for a touchdown with 35 seconds remaining, the Avengers trailed, 63-52, and their three-game winning streak seemed over.
Ingram, however, brought the ensuing kickoff back 50 yards to the Orlando 7-yard line. Two plays later, Graziani connected with Jackson for his second touchdown catch of the day.
Remy Hamilton's successful extra point cut the lead to five before he tried yet another onside kick. This time, behind a couple of blockers, he slowly dribbled the ball directly forward. Predator lineman E.J. Burt broke through, but misplayed the football, which was recovered by Los Angeles defensive specialist Cornelius Coe.
After Graziani hit Jackson for a 12-yard gain, Hodgkiss went with "50 Hail Mary S Post," a play that carved its own place in Avenger history.
"I've called only two âHail Mary' plays like that in my seven years in the league and it's worked both times, but it's certainly not a high percentage play," Hodgkiss said.
Graziani finished 19-of-31 for 319 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for a score in the first half, but threw a costly interception as well.
Midway through the second quarter, McEntyre stepped in front of a Graziani pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown, which put the Predators ahead, 28-17, and firmly placed the Avengers in a catch-up role until the game concluded.
Orlando quarterback Connell Maynor completed 13-of-26 for 192 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 41 yards on three carries, including a beautiful 26-yard option for a touchdown in the first quarter.
Rookie offensive specialist Travis McGriff led the Predators with five catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Orlando's previous offensive specialist, Siaha Burley, who was traded to the Avengers this past offseason, finished with 169 all-purpose yards versus his former teammates. In by far his best game with Los Angeles, Burley caught five passes for 104 yards and a TD.
LOS ANGELES (7-2) 14 10 14 26 -- 64
ORLANDO (6-3) 14 14 14 21 -- 63
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 "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 50.6
Opponent third-down % 40% 51% (46-of-90)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 67% (12-of-18)
Quarterback sacks 25 14 (pace for 15)
Interceptions 25 14 (pace for 15)
Fumble recoveries 16 10 (pace for 11)
QUICK TO 200: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown 264 touchdown passes in his 48-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).
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).
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.
TROJAN SACKS: There must be something about being a "Trojan" and getting after the quarterback. The three "Trojans" on the Avenger active roster have combined for 6.5 sacks this season. OL/DL Silas Demary, who played for the Virginia State University Trojans, leads Los Angeles with three sacks for a loss of 20 yards. Fellow lineman Al Lucas, who was a collegiate standout with the Troy State University Trojans, is close behind with a pair of sacks for 14 yards in losses. And finally, FB/LB Lonnie Ford, who was a defensive end and tight end for the hometown University of Southern California Trojans, has 1.5 sacks this season for a loss of 10 yards. Demary, Lucas and Ford are the only three players on the Avenger team with more than one quarterback sack, besides rookie FB/LB Josh Jeffries (two sacks for losses of 16 yards ... he incidentally is a Mountaineer from Appalachian State University).
IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: If the Avengers advance into the playoffs and their travels take them to the East Coast, they shouldn't feel too uncomfortable. After winning at New York last weekend, L.A. has now won eight of its last 10 games in the Eastern Time Zone, including a 48-33 victory earlier this season 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.
GREAT NICKNAMES: Several Avengers played college football at schools with interesting nicknames ... Chris Butterfield, Humboldt State University Lumberjacks; Kevin Clemens, College of DuPage Chaparrals; Kevin Ingram, West Chester (Pa.) University Golden Rams; Brian Mann, Dartmouth College Big Green; Sean McNamara, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University Gorillas and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Golden Norsemen; and Brian Sump, Colorado School of Mines Orediggers.
RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
5/21 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Ken Kocher
5/14 Placed on team suspended OL/DL Jeremy Staat
5/13 Activated from injured reserve WR/LB Jerome Riley
5/13 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB Joe Douglass
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
THE AVENGERS ARE ...
· 3-4 at STAPLES Center
· 6-2 on the road
· 8-5 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
· 8-5 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
· 4-3 when they record at least one sack
· 7-2 when they make at least one interception
· 5-4 when they score first
· 6-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 0-3 when they commit more turnovers
· 8-4 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 4-3 when Chris Jackson catches 8 or more passes
· 9-3 when Tony Graziani throws for at least 6 TDs
· 2-1 when Tony Graziani passes for 300+ yards
· 9-3 when Tony Graziani doesn't throw an INT
· 5-2 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
· 4-5 when they commit fewer penalties
· 1-3 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
· 4-5 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 9-2 when leading at halftime
· 5-2 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
15 New York OS Chris Jackson (L.A.)8 catches, 125 yards, 4 TDs
16 Las Vegas QB Tony Graziani (L.A.)17-of-24, 229 yards, 7 TDs (1 run)
"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
15 New York FB/LB Josh White (N.Y.)3 TDs, 1 tackle for a loss
16 Las Vegas WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)3 TD receptions, 148 all-purp. Yds.
"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
15 New York WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)2 tackles, 1 interception
16 Las Vegas WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)2.5 tackles, 1 interception
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 26, 2004
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- Los Angeles Avengers game notes - Los Angeles Avengers
- Philadelphia Soul game notes - Philadelphia Soul
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
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