Los Angeles Avengers game notes

Published on June 2, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Arizona Rattlers
Date: Sunday, June 6, 2004
Kickoff: Noon (Pacific)
Site: Phoenix, Arizona
Arena: America West Arena (16,321)
Television: NBC (Bob Papa, Ray Bentley, Lewis Johnson)
Radio: XTRA Sports 690/1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Web Radio: http://www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: Arizona by 4 (over/under 104)
Series Record: Arizona leads, 7-3 (1-0 in postseason)
Last Meeting: Arizona 42, Los Angeles 38 -- May 1, 2004, STAPLES Center
Officials: Riley Johnson (R), Rick Lowe (U), Allen Baynes (HL), Dana McKenzie (LJ), Scott Helverson (BJ)
Head Coaches: Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (third season, 28-18). Arizona -- Danny White (13th season, 121-55).

THE AVENGERS: For the second consecutive year, the Avengers will face the Arizona Rattlers in the quarterfinals of the AFL playoffs. Last season, Arizona defeated Los Angeles, 70-63, at STAPLES Center. This time around, the Rattlers are the league's No. 1 seed and will host the Avengers at America West Arena. The game will mark the sixth time the two division rivals have gone toe-to-toe in the last two seasons. The Avengers, who have the best road record in the league at 6-2, will be playing their first playoff game away from STAPLES Center, where they have been defeated in each of their previous two postseason appearances (in 2002, L.A. lost to the Tampa Bay Storm, 66-41). Avenger QB Tony Graziani, who was selected to the "All-Arena" team this week, has played as well as any player in the league at any position in 2004. He threw 99 touchdown passes during the regular season, against only five interceptions. Forty-four of those scoring tosses went to OS Chris Jackson. "All-Arena" WR/DB Kevin Ingram is second only to Jackson in receptions (67), touchdowns (23) and all-purpose yards (1,870). Ingram, a leading candidate for AFL "Ironman of the Year" honors, leads the team in interceptions (four), tackles (76.5) and kickoff return yardage (956). The Avengers led the league in points per game (56.5) and yards per play (7.3). Los Angeles also has been taking great care of the football. In fact, the Avengers have turned the ball over only 11 times in 16 games and own an AFL-best turnover margin of +15.
THE RATTLERS: Winners of their last eight, Arizona beat the San Jose SaberCats last week for the second time in the month of May to claim the No. 1 seed. The Rattlers, who have won two ArenaBowl world championships, will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, the Rattlers are appearing in their 12th consecutive postseason. Former Avenger WR/DB Siaha Burley has been one of the league's top offensive specialists this season (103 receptions for 1,203 yards and 28 touchdowns). The Rattler defense has dominated teams up front, led by linemen Wendall Gaines and Bryan Henderson.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (9-7)
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
May 30 Orlando Loss 52-50

ARIZONA RATTLERS (11-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Feb. 8 Los Angeles Loss 51-32
Feb. 13 Detroit Loss 48-31
Feb. 21 @ Carolina Win 45-38
Feb. 29 New York Win 53-41
Mar. 5 Columbus Win 65-42
Mar. 14 @ Las Vegas Loss 65-64 overtime
Mar. 18 New Orleans Loss 49-45
Mar. 27 @ Colorado Loss 54-46
April 4 @ Grand Rapids Win 51-41
April 10 Las Vegas Win 80-63
April 18 Dallas Win 71-48
April 25 @ Indiana Win 46-43
May 1 @ Los Angeles Win 42-38
May 9 San Jose Win 58-41
May 15 @ Detroit Win 57-33
May 30 @ San Jose Win 50-43


THE HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his third season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his first two seasons at the helm, he directed Los Angeles to a 19-11 record. No head coach in AFL history has won more games in his first two seasons than Hodgkiss, who was the runner-up for the 2003 AFL "Coach of the Year" award. Last season, the Avengers won a franchise-best 11 games and earned a first-round bye in the AFL Playoffs. Hodgkiss oversaw the league's most efficient offense, which scored 122 touchdowns (most in the AFL) on only 619 total plays (least in the AFL). Particularly lethal through the air, the 2003 Avengers averaged a league-leading 13.8 yards per reception. Hodgkiss became the head coach of the Avengers on Oct. 5, 2001, and signed a five-year contract extension shortly after a 2002 season that saw him adroitly pilot the team to an 8-6 mark. In 2002, Hodgkiss not only led the Avengers into the postseason for the first time in franchise history, he also instantly established the L.A. offense as one of the most feared in the AFL. In the final 2002 league statistics, the Avengers ranked at No. 2 in passing efficiency (115.0) and No. 5 in scoring (52.2). Prior to his arrival in Los Angeles, Hodgkiss served as the offensive coordinator for the Indiana Firebirds for three seasons (1999-2001).

THE SERIES: The Rattlers lead the regular-season series 7-3, but the Avengers have won the last two meetings in Phoenix, including a 51-32 decision to open the 2004 season on Feb. 8. Arizona has won all five meetings at STAPLES Center (two in overtime). On April 13, 2003, the two teams combined for an AFL-record 23 touchdowns as the Rattlers prevailed in OT, 82-76, in what was the fourth-highest scoring game in league history. The Rattlers won the only postseason match-up, a 70-63 decision last season at STAPLES Center.

All-Time Arizona vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Rattlers 42, Avengers 38 5-1-04 STAPLES
Avengers 51, Rattlers 32 2-8-04 Phoenix
Rattlers 70, Avengers 63 (second-round playoff game) 6-1-03 STAPLES
Avengers 63, Rattlers 49 5-4-03 Phoenix
Rattlers 82, Avengers 76 (OT) 4-13-03 STAPLES
Rattlers 52, Avengers 46 (OT) 7-6-02 STAPLES
Rattlers 63, Avengers 59 4-27-02 Phoenix
Avengers 54, Arizona 48 (OT) 6-23-01 Phoenix
Rattlers 49, Avengers 21 4-27-01 STAPLES
Rattlers 54, Avengers 51 6-10-00 STAPLES
Rattlers 55, Avengers 28 5-11-00 Phoenix

THE NEXT GAME: The winner of the Avenger-Ratter game will advance to the semifinals of the 2004 AFL Playoffs on either June 12 or 13.

TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s seven losses this season have come by a combined total of 26 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
-- Two points to Orlando on May 30

AVENGER PLAYOFF HISTORY: The Avengers have been involved in two previous postseason games. Following the 2002 season, Los Angeles (fifth seed) hosted the Tampa Bay Storm (12th seed) and committed a season-high four turnovers in a 66-41 loss. Last season, the Avengers earned a first-round bye as the fourth seed and hosted the Arizona Rattlers in the quarterfinals. Once again, the Avengers turned the football over four times and lost (70-63).

Los Angeles Avengers Playoff History
Score Date Site
Arizona 70, Avengers 63 6-1-03 STAPLES
Tampa Bay 66, Avengers 41 7-27-02 STAPLES

THE RATTLER SPECIALIST: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson has been especially dangerous versus the Arizona Rattlers. In eight games versus L.A.'s Western Division rivals, he has racked up 75 receptions for 1,141 yards and 28 touchdowns. That averages out to 9.4 catches for 142.6 yards and 3.5 touchdowns per game against Arizona. In five games at America West Arena, Jackson has been even more effective, averaging 10 catches for 156 yards and four touchdowns. The Avengers have played 10 games versus the Rattlers in their five-year history. Jackson did not play in two of those match-ups. He had not yet re-signed with the Avengers when the team hosted the Rattlers on April 27, 2001 (he did so four days later, after spending part of the 2000 NFL season with the Tennessee Titans) and missed last year's home game versus Arizona on July 6, 2002, with a hamstring injury.

Chris Jackson versus Rattlers
Date (site) Rec., yds., TD Result
5/11/00 (@ Ariz.) 10, 126, 3 55-28 loss
6/10/00 (L.A.) 9, 113, 4 54-51 loss
6/23/01 (@ Ariz.) 12, 144, 4 54-48 win (ot)
4/27/02 (@ Ariz.) 11, 242, 5 63-59 loss
4/13/03 (L.A.) 6, 111, 3 82-76 loss (ot)
5/4/03 (@ Ariz.) 10, 172, 6 63-49 win
2/8/04 (@ Ariz.) 7, 96, 2 51-32 win
5/1/04 (L.A.) 10, 137, 1 42-38 loss
Totals 75, 1,141, 28 --
Per game averages 9.4, 142.6, 3.5 --

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: In 16 games this season, the Avengers have turned the ball over 11 times (the fewest in the AFL). L.A., which has lost six fumbles and thrown five interceptions, has played eight "turnover-free" games this season and is 5-3 in those contests. The Avengers are tied with Chicago for an AFL-best turnover margin of +15. On the defensive side of the margin, L.A. has come up with 15 INTs (four each by WR/DB Kevin Ingram and DS Damen Wheeler) and 11 fumble recoveries (three by FB/LB Josh Jeffries).

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 seven 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.


THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss on L.A.'s 52-50 loss to Orlando: "It was a tough one to swallow. I thought both teams played well enough to win but we were on the short end of the stick. We did many things positive but we once again had a problem finishing. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to redeem ourselves this week."

Hodgkiss on going into playoffs as the eighth seed: "We understand the challenge ahead of us. We will have to win on the road, something that we have done successfully this year. With how close the playoff race has been any team is capable of winning it. I don't think any team is taking their opponent for granted."

Hodgkiss on what kind of game to expect: "I am expecting another close game. When you put two teams that are very familiar with each other in such a big game you can only expect a tight game. Arizona has been playing mistake-free football the last couple of weeks so we must force them into making some mistakes."

Hodgkiss on the previous meetings against Arizona this season: "In the last two meetings, it came down to defense. The first game we were able to get turnovers and in the second matchup they were able to get to the quarterback. We will be prepared for the pressure up front and hope to get the same type of effort from our backfield."


JUST SHY OF A CENTURY: Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani nearly became only the second player in football history to pass for 100 or more touchdowns in a single season, finishing with 99 over the course of the 2004 regular season. He also came close last year with 96 scoring tosses.

All-Time AFL Leaders –TD Passes in a Single season
1. Aaron Garcia (New York, 2001) 104
2. Aaron Garcia (New York, 2003) 100
3. Tony Graziani (Los Angeles, 2004) 99
4. Jim Kubiak (Dallas, 2003) 97
5. Tony Graziani (Los Angeles, 2003) 96

"RED-ZONE" SUCCESS: L.A. is third in the AFL in "red zone" offense, scoring on 74 of its 83 trips (64 touchdowns [47 passing, 17 rushing] and 10 field goals). The Avengers currently have a "red zone" percentage of 89.2.

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.





THE ORIGINAL AVENGER: Offensive specialist Chris Jackson is the only player on L.A.'s 2004 roster who played for the Avengers in their inaugural 2000 season (he was a WR/LB at the time). WR/DB Russell Shaw, and linemen Chris Butterfield and Carlos Fowler are next in line as the only three players who have been with the Avengers for the past four full seasons.


DISRUPTION AT DS: In 16 games, the Avengers 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. The team's top defender, Damen Wheeler, who earned AFL "All-Rookie" honors last year, has been on the injured reserve list twice so far this season.

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
Orlando 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


TOP CATS: Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss is currently in seventh-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 * 166-54 .755
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Darren Arbet * 65-25 .722
4. Danny White * 139-64 .685
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Jay Gruden * 45-27 .625
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 28-18 .609
8. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
9. Mike Dailey * 74-51 .592
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

QUICK TO 200: Avenger QB Tony Graziani has thrown 269 touchdown passes in his 49-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 TDs. He also is the second fastest to do so, falling just one game shy of the mark set by Mike Perez in 1996 (203 TD passes in 37 games for Albany).

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) 9-7

TOP CATS: Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss is currently in seventh-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 * 166-54 .755
2. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
3. Darren Arbet * 65-25 .722
4. Danny White * 139-64 .685
5. Pat Sperduto 25-15 .643
6. Jay Gruden * 45-27 .625
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 28-18 .609
8. John Hufnagel 17-11 .607
9. Mike Dailey * 74-51 .592
10. John Gregory 66-48 .579

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



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 –Scoring By Kickers
Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,108
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 877
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 770
Steve McLaughlin (Georgia) 770
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 742

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Made
Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
Steve Videtich (Columbus) 142
Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 121
Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 104
Daron Alcorn (1997-2004) 100

QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: 138 of L.A.'s 241 offensive touchdowns over the course of the past two seasons were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 41 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 48.7 percent of their touchdown drives. However, the Avengers just missed that qualification 21 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 117 57 (48.7 %) 18
Total 241 138 (57 %) 43

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 480 catches for 6,795 yards. Hopkins is second having 466 receptions since the 2000 season for a grand total of 5,633 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 –4,992 125 - 1,803 480 – 6,795(157 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 400 –4,888 66 – 745 466 – 5,633(116 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Colorado) 348 –4,851 109– 1,573 457 – 6,724(138 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Indiana) 363 –4,735 36 – 513 399 – 5,248(121 TDs)




PREVIOUS MEETINGS THIS SEASON:

RATTLERS ARE RUDE GUESTS AGAIN, 42-38

LOS ANGELES (May 1, 2004) -- The Arizona Rattlers defeated the Avengers, 42-38, before 13,332 at STAPLES Center.
Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, who was 22-of-29 for 270 yards and four touchdowns, plunged into the end zone from a yard out to put Arizona up by the winning margin with 2:03 remaining.
In winning their fifth game in a row, the Rattlers improved to 8-5 and remain undefeated in all six meetings with the Avengers in Los Angeles.
The Avengers, who fell to 7-5, had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but failed on three consecutive pass attempts after reaching the Rattler 3-yard line with 10 seconds remaining. L.A. has won only two its six games within the supposedly friendly confines of STAPLES Center this year.
Los Angeles quarterback Tony Graziani was 28-of-44 for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Ten of his completions were to offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who finished with 137 yards and a touchdown.
"Our confidence is still high," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "Our players are understandably frustrated, but the losses shouldn't have an affect on our goal. We're going to maintain our focus and continue to aim for an ArenaBowl championship."
Los Angeles took its first lead of the game on a 20-yard screen pass from Graziani to WR/DB Kevin Ingram that put the Avengers up 29-28 with 11:54 remaining. Then, Graziani followed up with a two-point conversion toss to WR/LB Greg Hopkins, giving L.A. a 31-28 advantage.
Arizona answered right back with a 25-yard touchdown pass to WR/LB Tom Pace, which was followed by Graziani's lone TD toss to Jackson that gave the Avengers a 38-35 lead with 5:39 left, setting up Bonner's quarterback sneak that closed the scoring.
"They had a couple stops and we had a couple stops," Ingram said. "There was good defense by both sides."
Remy Hamilton kicked the 100th field goal of his AFL career just before halftime. The 28-yarder trimmed Arizona's lead to 21-16 at the intermission.
Both teams failed to score on their first possession. The Rattlers missed a field goal attempt and then intercepted a Graziani pass that was batted up at the line of scrimmage. It was only the second interception he has thrown this year.
After both teams played to a scoreless first quarter (the first in Avenger history), the Rattlers scored on the third play of the second quarter when WR/LB Hunkie Cooper took a pitch and found his way into the left side of the end zone.


ARIZONA (8-5) 0 21 7 14 -- 42
LOS ANGELES (7-5) 0 16 7 15 -- 38








L.A. OPENS SEASON WITH 51-32 VICTORY

PHOENIX (Feb. 8, 2004) -- Advertised as new and improved, the Los Angeles Avengers didn't disappoint on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Arizona Rattlers, 51-32, before 14,343 at America West Arena in the Arena Football League season opener for both teams.
While avenging last season's loss in the quarterfinals of the AFL Playoffs, Los Angeles (1-0) displayed its trademark quick-strike offense, scoring four of its seven touchdowns in three plays or less. Lethal performances such as that have become so commonplace for the Avengers in the past two years, that they barely merit mention.
What was different about this victory, L.A.'s third in its last four games at Arizona (0-1), was an in-your-face aggressive defense that had the Rattlers scrambling to overcome five turnovers and three tackles for loss, including two quarterback sacks.
"Our defense played well," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "It was definitely the best pressure we've had against a quality opponent and the defensive backs did a good job of making plays on the ball."
Chris Jackson was his usual self versus the Rattlers. A well-known thorn in the side of the Rattlers over the years, the Avenger offensive specialist caught seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. For good measure, he also threw for a score, finding wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram alone in the end zone from two yards out for a 42-24 lead with 5:30 left in the third quarter.
Ingram had an outstanding game, as well, gathering in a pair of touchdown receptions and an interception. For the fifth time in his last 11 games with the Avengers, Ingram was selected as the U.S. Army "Ironman of the Game."
Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani was under pressure for most of the afternoon and sacked three times, but he managed to complete 14-of-27 for 214 yards and six touchdowns. He hit five different receivers for scores and did not throw an interception for the sixth time in his last eight games, dating back to last season.
Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner had different sort of day, throwing a record-setting four interceptions. Never before in the 13-year history of the Arizona franchise had a quarterback been intercepted four times. The same can be said for the Avenger defense, which established a new team record as Ingram, WR/DB Russell Shaw and defensive specialists Damen Wheeler and Cornelius Coe each recorded an interception.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Bonner lunged a couple inches for a touchdown on a fourth-and-goal and then tossed a two-point conversion to wide receiver/linebacker Hunkie Cooper, trimming L.A.'s advantage to 42-32 with 13:57 remaining.
The Avengers, however, responded with a 22-yard field goal by Remy Hamilton and a 21-yard touchdown pass from Graziani to Shaw to close out the scoring.


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


FINAL ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Arizona 11 5 0 .688 836 738
San Jose 11 5 0 .688 885 754
AVENGERS 9 7 0 .562 904 811
Las Vegas 8 8 0 .500 868 791

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Chicago 11 5 0 .688 847 727
Colorado 11 5 0 .688 793 744
Indiana 8 8 0 .500 801 743
Detroit 5 11 0 .312 761 854
Grand Rapids 1 15 0 .062 581 871

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New York 9 7 0 .562 849 770
Carolina 6 10 0 .375 735 868
Columbus 6 10 0 .375 782 855
Carolina 6 10 0 .375 791 862
Philadelphia 5 11 0 .312 737 796

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New Orleans 11 5 0 .688 723 721
Orlando 10 6 0 .625 777 690
Tampa Bay 9 7 0 .562 815 799
Austin 8 8 0 .500 764 793
Georgia 7 9 0 .437 710 772


HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is one of only eight players in AFL history to have 8,000 or more receiving yards in a career. He is currently seventh 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 –Receiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 12,811
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,736
3. Gary Compton (Philadelphia) 10,368
4. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 8,888
5. Hunkie Cooper (Arizona) 8,543
6. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 8,537
7. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 8,465
8. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,105
9. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,892
10. Darryl Hammond (Austin) 7,675
13. Chris Jackson (Los Angeles) 6,795

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 17-6 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 against Orlando. 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. Arizona 11 5 0 .688 836 738
2. San Jose 11 5 0 .688 885 754
3. Chicago 11 5 0 .688 847 727
4. New Orleans 11 5 0 .688 723 721
5. Colorado 11 5 0 .688 793 744
6. Orlando 10 6 0 .625 778 690
7. Tampa Bay 9 7 0 .563 815 799
8. AVENGERS 9 7 0 .563 904 811

9. New York 9 7 0 .563 849 770
10. Indiana 8 8 0 .500 801 743
11. Las Vegas 8 8 0 .500 868 791
12. Austin 8 8 0 .500 764 793
13. Georgia 7 9 0 .438 710 772
14. Carolina 6 10 0 .375 735 868
15. Dallas 6 10 0 .375 782 855
16. Columbus 6 10 0 .375 791 862
17. Philadelphia 5 11 0 .313 737 796
18. Detroit 5 11 0 .313 761 854
19. Grand Rapids 1 14 0 .063 52 807



MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Rookie WR/DB Henry Douglas has played in only nine 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 24.6 yards per kickoff return (tops in the AFL among those with 15 or more returns). Douglas has returned 23 kickoffs this year for 566 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 26 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 16 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.

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.






PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram: Ingram finished the regular season with 67 receptions for 848 yards and 22 touchdowns. In his last trip to the Arizona desert, he had an outstanding game, catching two touchdown passes and also had an interception, which helped him earn "Ironman of the Game" honors. Ingram will have to have a similar type of performance against the red-hot Rattlers to help compliment OS Chris Jackson on offense and DS Damen Wheeler on defense.

Rattler WR/DB Orshawante Bryant: In his third season with the Rattlers, Bryant has the playoff experience that could prove to be the difference. In recent weeks he has picked up the slack in place of the injured Randy Gatewood (last season's "Ironman of the Year"). In his last game against the Avengers, Bryant was among the top receivers with five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. With offensive specialist, Siaha Burley back in the lineup this time around, Bryant could become the unexpected game breaker.

Avenger DS Damen Wheeler: Playing in his fifth consecutive game, Wheeler has been on a roll and will have to continue it if L.A. hopes to slow down the hottest team in the league. On opening day, he had one of the four interceptions that Sherdrick Bonner threw during what was one of his toughest days in the AFL. Wheeler returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in last week's loss to Orlando and had another one negated for being out of bounds late in the game. Look for Wheeler to pick up where he left off last week and have another effective day.

Rattler WR/DB Ricky Parker: After getting limited playing time at the beginning of the season, Parker has been a key part of the Rattler's eight-game winning streak. He recorded 6.5 tackles in his last game against Los Angeles and earned "Defensive Player of the Game" honors in a huge victory against San Jose the following week. Parker recorded 5.5 tackles in last week's victory that completed a sweep of the rival SaberCats and gave Arizona the Western Division title. If the Rattlers are able to make it to the semifinals for the third consecutive year, Parker could be the difference.


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 –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


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 156 touchdowns in his 62-game AFL career. Only 16 other players in AFL history, including teammate Greg Hopkins (182), 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) 161 972
Greg Hopkins (2002-present) 75 456
Remy Hamilton (2002-present) 0 408
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 164 touchdowns accounted for in 64 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 480 receptions for 6,795 yards and has scored 972 points in his five-year Avenger career.







LAST WEEK:

ORLANDO KICKS L.A. DOWN TO EIGHTH SEED

LOS ANGELES -- (May 30, 2004) -- Orlando Predator kicker Jason Wells hit a 30-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Avengers, 52-50, before 11,508 at STAPLES Center.
Despite the outcome, both teams qualified for the 2004 AFL Playoffs. Orlando (10-6, sixth seed) will play at Chicago (11-5, third seed). Los Angeles (9-7, eighth seed) will visit top-seeded Arizona (11-5). Both games will be held on Sunday, June 6, and kick off at noon.
"We just have to deal with what happened and move on," said Avenger offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who broke his own team record with 14 receptions (for 146 yards and four touchdowns).
Los Angeles had taken a 50-49 lead with 26 seconds left on Tony Graziani's 8-yard touchdown pass to Jackson. The Avengers missed the two-point conversion attempt when Graziani's pass was incomplete.
Orlando's Anthony Bright returned the ensuing kickoff 16 yards to the Predator 11-yard line. On the opening play of the drive, Joe Hamilton completed a pass to Bright, advancing the ball to the Avenger 20.
Hamilton's next pass appeared to be intercepted by Damen Wheeler, who was ruled to have been out-of-bounds. Hamilton then completed a five-yard pass to Cory Fleming, setting up Wells' winning kick.
"We could have played better," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "Last year, it seemed we won the close ones ... this year we didn't."
Graziani completed 22-of-28 for 226 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. He finished the season with 99 touchdown passes, falling short on his bid to join New York's Aaron Garcia as the only quarterbacks in the AFL's 18-year history to throw 100 or more touchdown passes in a single season.
Hamilton was 26-of-38 for 312 yards and five touchdowns and was intercepted once.
Los Angeles kicker Remy Hamilton hit a 20-yard field goal with 4:53 left, giving his team a 44-43 lead.
The Predators responded with a nine-play, 44-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass from Joe Hamilton to WR/LB Cory Fleming on a fourth-and-four play from the Avenger 13-yard line with 39 seconds remaining.
Los Angeles took the first of its three fourth-quarter leads when Avenger lineman Al Lucas knocked the ball away from Joe Hamilton and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown that put L.A. up, 41-37, with 12:45 left.
It was the second touchdown by the Avenger defense on the afternoon. With 12:44 left in the third quarter, Wheeler returned an interception 38 yards for a score that put Los Angeles ahead, 27-23.
"We have to go back to the drawing board," said Lucas, who earned an ArenaBowl championship ring last season as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Storm. "We need to capitalize on our opportunities, do the things we're capable of and just play our game."


ORLANDO (10-6) 9 14 14 15 -- 52
LOS ANGELES (9-7) 6 14 14 16 -- 50


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 Final Total
Average points allowed 45.0 50.7
Opponent third-down % 40% 50% (47-of-94)
Opponent fourth-down % 40% 68% (13-of-19)
Quarterback sacks 25 15
Interceptions 25 16
Fumble recoveries 16 11

NFL AVENGERS: Twenty 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), 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). Four Avengers -- 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).



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 7.5 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 tied with Demary with three sacks for 20 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).


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.

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
5/29 Signed from practice squad OL/DL Ryan Nielsen
5/29 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas Demary
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 ...
· 3-5 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
· 4-4 when they record at least one sack
· 7-3 when they make at least one interception
· 5-5 when they score first
· 6-2 when they commit fewer turnovers
· 0-3 when they commit more turnovers
· 8-5 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
· 4-4 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
· 4-6 when they commit fewer penalties
· 1-4 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
· 4-6 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 9-2 when leading at halftime
· 5-3 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)
17 Orlando WR/LB Cory Fleming (Orl.)13 catches, 158 yards, two 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
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.
17 Orlando WR/DB Michael Brown (Orl.)2.5 tackles, 1 interception

"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
17 Orlando FB/LB Rupert Grant (Orl.)22 yards rushing, 1 TD, two sacks

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2004


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