Los Angeles Avengers game notes

Published on April 21, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Chicago Rush at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, April 23, 2005
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, Calif.
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: FSN West 2 (Bill Macdonald, John Jackson, Lindsay Soto)
Radio: XTRA Sports AM 570 and Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 127 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Line: Los Angeles by 1 (over/under 98.5)
Series Record: Los Angeles leads, 2-1
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 71, Chicago 35 -- April 25, 2004, Allstate Arena
Officials: Wes Fritz (R), Paul Frerking (U), Greg Shields (HL), Dave Chesney (LJ), James Cole (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fourth season, 34-23)
Chicago -- Mike Hohensee (12th season, 86-73)

2005 AVENGERS: Gunning for their fourth consecutive trip to the AFL Playoffs, the Avengers (6-5) face a crucial game in Week 13 as they host Chicago (7-4). The Rush represent one of three teams that Los Angeles will play in the last five weeks of the season that are currently ahead of the Avengers in the American Conference. The other two are Western Division rivals San Jose (7-4) and Las Vegas (7-5). Saturday night's game will be L.A.'s first at STAPLES Center since the tragic death of Al Lucas on April 10. The 26-year-old passed away from a presumed spinal cord injury sustained while making a tackle on a kickoff return in the first quarter. On Monday at Lucas' funeral in Macon, Ga., Rev. Jesse Jackson, Georgia Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor and AFL Commissioner David Baker were among many who addressed a crowd of 2,000, which included the Avengers. Last week, the Avengers lost a 51-48 nail-biter to the Nashville Kats, but remain solidly in the postseason picture. Los Angeles has kept pace this season with a balanced effort in all three phases of the game. Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss directs a dangerous quick-strike offense, averaging 51.6 points per game. Veteran QB John Kaleo, who earned an ArenaBowl championship ring in 2003 with Tampa Bay, has thrown for 51 touchdowns, against only seven interceptions (in 396 attempts) and has provided the kind of leadership that only comes with your 12th year in the league. Leading the way for the receivers are WR/DB Kevin Ingram and WR/LB Greg Hopkins. Ingram leads the team with 61 catches for 775 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hopkins has 58 receptions for 621 yards and eight scores. The Avengers have gotten a boost from OS Tony Locke, who has accumulated 53 receptions for 703 yards and 13 touchdowns. FB/LB Lonnie Ford leads the team in rushing with eight TDs and 118 yards. However, the biggest new addition for L.A. could be defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt, the former head coach of the Indiana Firebirds. With Wilpolt overseeing a unit led by defensive specialists Damen Wheeler and Antuan Simmons the Avengers have been more difficult to score against than in the past. OL/DL Silas Demary has also been a force on that side of the football with his team-high eight quarterback sacks this season. Last but certainly not least, the Avengers have a world-class kicker in Remy Hamilton. He has kicked 26-of-31 field goals this season and is on pace to break several AFL records.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (6-5)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 @ Las Vegas Loss 46-37
Feb. 4 Georgia Win 46-41
Feb. 11 @ Austin Win 64-51
Feb. 20 San Jose Win 71-69
Feb. 27 @ Colorado Loss 58-40
Mar. 6 @ Arizona Win 33-29
Mar. 18 Dallas Loss 72-50
Mar. 26 Tampa Bay Win 59-28
April 3 @ Orlando Loss 55-54 OT
April 10 New York Win 66-35
April 17 @ Nashville Loss 51-48
Rest of Season
Opponent Time (PST)
Television
April 23 Chicago 7:30 FSN West 2
April 30 Arizona 7:30
May 7 @ San Jose 7:30 FSN West
May 14 Las Vegas 7:30 FSN West
May 21 @ Grand Rapids 4:30 FSN West 2

CHICAGO RUSH (7-4)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 @ Dallas Loss 66-65 OT
Feb. 6 Philadelphia Win 51-41
Feb. 13 @ Colorado Win 51-48
Feb. 19 @ Columbus Loss 52-39
Feb. 25 Orlando Loss 48-35
Mar. 6 Nashville Win 45-38
Mar. 13 @ Grand Rapids Win 48-45
Mar. 20 New Orleans Loss 46-40 OT
April 2 @ New York Win 44-43
April 10 San Jose Win 55-39
April 17 Colorado Win 75-51



AL LUCAS TRUST FUND: Persons interested in contributing should make checks payable and send their donations to: Al Lucas Trust Fund, c/o Arena Football League Players Association, 2021 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.


THE SERIES: The Avengers have won two of their previous three meetings with Chicago. The first two games were nail-biters, determined within the last minute of play. However, the most recent meeting was a 71-35 Avenger rout that remains the worst loss in Rush history. Los Angeles scored 30 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 50-21 lead at halftime. Four former Avengers -- Russell Shaw, Henry Douglas, Jeroid Johnson and Johnathan Taylor -- are on the Chicago roster.

All-Time Chicago vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 55, Chicago 47 6-30-01 STAPLES
Chicago 54, Avengers 53 2-23-03 Chicago
Avengers 71, Chicago 35 4-25-04 Chicago

AVENGER HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his three previous seasons, he compiled a record of 28-18 and advanced to the AFL Playoffs each year. In his first two seasons at the helm, he directed the Avengers to a 19-11 record. No head coach in league history has won more games in his first two seasons than Hodgkiss. Last season, the Avengers went 9-7 and led the AFL in scoring, averaging 56.5 points per game. Under Hodgkiss' direction, three major team records were broken in 2004 as QB Tony Graziani threw 99 touchdown passes and OS Chris Jackson caught 125 passes for 1,803 yards. In 2003, the Avengers won a franchise-best 11 games and earned a first-round playoff bye. Hodgkiss, who was the runner-up for the 2003 AFL "Coach of the Year" award, 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 and Jackson tied an AFL record with 46 TD receptions, earning him the league's "Offensive Player of the Year" award. 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 and into the postseason for the first time in franchise history. In his first season as a head coach at any level, he instantly established the Avenger offense as one of the most feared in the AFL, scoring an average of 52.2 points per game. In addition, WR/LB Greg Hopkins took home the AFL's "Ironman of the Year" award that goes to the league's top two-way player. Prior to joining the Avengers, Hodgkiss was the Indiana Firebirds' offensive coordinator for three seasons (1999-2001).

NEXT GAME: The Avengers will be back at STAPLES Center on Saturday, April 30. That contest will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific). The first 5,000 fans will receive a "POKEY" action figure compliments of Carl's Jr.

PICKLESS: Avenger quarterback John Kaleo has thrown only seven interceptions this season, while attempting 396 passes. He has not thrown a pick in six of the 11 games this season. Kaleo has not thrown an interception in his last 114 attempts.

TOPS IN TURNOVERS AGAIN: The Avengers currently lead the AFL in turnover margin at +14. Los Angeles has 25 takeaways (16 INTs and nine fumble recoveries). The Avengers have turned over the ball only 11 times this season (fewest in the AFL). L.A. has committed only four turnovers in its six victories this season (one fumble vs. Georgia, no turnovers at Austin, one interception vs. San Jose, no turnovers at Arizona, two INTs vs. Tampa Bay, no turnovers vs. New York). In 16 games last season, the Avengers turned the ball over just 11 times (the fewest in the AFL) and played eight "turnover-free" games (however, L.A. was only 5-3 in those contests). The Avengers tied the Chicago Rush for an AFL-best turnover margin of +15 last season.



JUST ONCE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 57 regular-season games, the Avengers have been under .500 for only one week ... following this year's season-opening loss at Las Vegas. No other team in at least its fourth AFL season comes anywhere near Los Angeles in this regard. San Jose is the closest, spending just six weeks under .500 since the start of the 2002 season.


L.A. STORY: If the Avengers beat Chicago, they will improve to 7-5 and be exactly where they were last season after 12 games. The Avengers had their most successful season in 2003, winning 11 games. After combining for eight victories in the franchise's first two seasons, L.A. 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 became the only team in AFL history to post four consecutive years of improvement. Last year, L.A. slipped to 9-7.

Avenger History
Season (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 (playoffs 0-1)
2005 (Ed Hodgkiss) 6-5

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: Thirty-three of L.A.'s 71 offensive touchdowns this season have been scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, seven of them are one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 171-of-312 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (50 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-05)
Total TD
Drives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 71 33 (46 %) 7
Total 306 171 (56 %) 50


SACK MAN: Avenger lineman Silas Demary set a team record with four sacks versus New York on April 10. Then, a week later in Nashville, he got one sack to break the Avenger career mark. Demary, who has had seven sacks in his last three games, now has 11 in his Avenger career, which began last season.


YOUNG GUNS: Sixteen of the 29 players who have suited up for the Avengers this year (Luis Almanzar, Richard Seals, Jerome Stevens, Tony Wragge, Bernard Riley, Antuan Simmons, Jermaine Smith, Traco Rachal, Michale Spicer, Brian Sump, Lance Young, Asi Faoa, Rob Turner, John Schlecht, Khori Ivy and Ryan Van Dyke) have experienced their first taste of the AFL this season.

TOP BOSSES: L.A.'s Ed Hodgkiss is ranked seventh on the AFL's all-time winning percentage chart (regular season only, minimum 50 games, * active coaches).

All-Time AFL Top Winning Percentages
Head Coaches Record Winning %
1. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
2. Tim Marcum * 148-57 .722
3. Darren Arbet * 71-28 .717
4. Danny White 121-55 .688
5. Jay Gruden * 53-31 .631
6. Mike Dailey * 77-50 .606
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 34-23 .596
8. John Gregory 67-51 .578
9. Pat Sperduto * 30-22-1 .575
10. Todd Shell * 49-44 .527

KEEPING IT CLOSE: Only seven of the 23 losses that Ed Hodgkiss has suffered as the head coach of the Avengers have been by more than seven points.

SECRET IS SCORING 60: Dating back to last season, the Avengers are 8-0 when they score 60 or more points. The team did not score more than 55 points in all seven of its losses in 2004 and the four defeats this season. The Avengers did manage to win two games last 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.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 37 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" 12 times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes five wins in 2004, and the team's two most recent victories -- at Arizona (March 6), vs. Tampa Bay (March 26), and vs. New York (April 3).

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 20 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 90 passes for 1,061 yards and 28 TDs. Despite playing alongside a constellation of AFL stars for much of his career, Ingram's contributions have not gone unnoticed, winning the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" award in seven road games over the course of the last two years.






KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton leads the AFL in field goals (26), field-goal percentage (.839) and kicking points (138). The 2005 season has been nothing short of amazing for him. Hamilton is 26-for-31 (.839) on field goals this season and opened the year by hitting his first 11 three-pointers. Dating back to the end of last season, Hamilton converted on 12 consecutive field goal attempts, which is an all-time AFL record. Hamilton kicked a career-high five field goals to help the Avengers beat Austin, 64-51, on Feb. 11. Only three other players in AFL history have kicked more field goals in a single game. Hamilton scored a total of 22 points in that game and also came up with a key fumble recovery. For his efforts, he was selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game," becoming the first kicker in AFL history to earn that honor. In Week 2, he kicked four field goals and scored 16 points in a 46-41 victory over Georgia and was named the "Offensive Player of the Game." With a franchise-record 24 field goals this season, Hamilton has surpassed his personal single-season record of 19 (set during his rookie season with Grand Rapids in 1998) and could threaten the AFL single-season record for field goals made (32) and field goal percentage (.720). He is 5-of-7 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 48, 50). His five misses this season were from 28, 29, 31, 47 and 50 yards.


MAKING HIS POINTS: Avenger Remy Hamilton currently ranks at No. 3 on the AFL's all-time scoring by kickers and field goals made charts. He is one of three players in league history to boot over 135 field goals.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Scoring By Kickers
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,179
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,005
4. Steve McLaughlin (1998-2004) 781

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Field Goals Made
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 156
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 140
4. Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 118

THIRD-QUARTER KARMA: The final result of an Avenger game can often be predicted before the start of the fourth quarter. L.A. is 36-9 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters of play. Furthermore, in the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," the Avengers are 22-10 when they score two or more TDs in the third quarter. In games that the Avengers don't score at least two TDs in the third quarter, they are 12-12 since 2002.

TWO-FOR-TWO DEBUT: On March 18, versus Dallas, first-year WR/LB-OS Khori Ivy caught his first two AFL passes. Both of them were for touchdowns.

WHEELER CONTINUES TO ROLL: Avenger DS Damen Wheeler, who returned to the lineup at Colorado on Feb. 27, after a four-week stay on the IR list (hamstring), has come up with nine INTs in his last 19 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is in the fifth spot on the league's all-time receiving yards chart. He has gained 9,186 receiving yards in his 10-year career. Hopkins is one of only six players in AFL history to have 9,000 or more receiving yards.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Receiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 13,031
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
4. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 9,311
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,186
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 8,600
8. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,377
9. Darryl Hammond (Nashville) 8,282
10. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,906

MILLENNIUM MEN: WR/LB Greg Hopkins ranks among the most productive pass catchers in the AFL since the dawning of the new millennium. Only former teammate Chris Jackson and Colorado's Damian Harrell have had more receptions than Hopkins since the start of the 2000 season. The following chart lists the AFL's top receivers over the course of the last six seasons:

AFL's Top Pass Receivers – (2000-05)
Catches – Receiving Yards
2000-04 2005 Total
Chris Jackson
(Force) 480 – 6,795
(157 TDs) 67 - 848 547 – 7,643
(174 TDs)
Damian Harrell
(Crush) 457 – 6,724
(138 TDs) 76 – 1,013 533 – 7,737
(167 TDs)
Greg Hopkins
(Avengers) 466 – 5,633
(116 TDs) 58 - 621 524 – 6,254
(124 TDs)
Mike Horacek
(Dragons) 399 – 5,248
(121 TDs) 61 - 839 460 – 6,087
(141 TDs)

THE INTERCEPTION KING: In addition to being the AFL's 2002 "Ironman of the Year," WR/LB Greg Hopkins is the league's all-time leader in interception returns for touchdowns. Hopkins returned his 10th pick for a score in the 71-69 victory over San Jose on Feb. 20, to break a tie with Orlando defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre at the top of the AFL's career chart. On the record-breaking play, Hopkins jumped and grabbed a pass from SaberCat quarterback Mark Grieb and returned it three yards for the touchdown that gave the Avengers their first lead of the game at 16-14.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
INT Returns for TDs (regular season)
Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles Avengers) 10
Kenny McEntyre (Orlando Predators) 9
Darryl Hammond (Nashville Kats) 8
Mark Ricks (1996-2004) 7
Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 7




RUSHING RECORDS: In L.A.'s game at Orlando on April 3, FB/LB Lonnie Ford scored three rushing touchdowns to set a new Avenger single-game record (nine players had scored two rushing touchdowns in a game a total of 13 times, including Ford, who did the trick twice). He also broke another team record at Orlando, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns. Ford now has 15 rushing scores in three seasons, breaking the mark of 12 set by FB/LB Chad Dukes in 2002. He also has broken Dukes' team record for career rushing yards with 257. The Avengers have rushed for 10 touchdowns in their last four games.


AMONG THE GAME'S GREATS: Avenger quarterback John Kaleo rates alongside the best passers in AFL history. After throwing for 197 yards and five touchdowns in the season opener, he moved into fifth-place on the league's all-time chart for passing yards. Kaleo also ranks at No. 5 in completions and touchdowns. If he can throw 24 more touchdown passes this season, Kaleo would become the fifth player in AFL history to reach the 500 mark.

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Passing Yards
1. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 35,284
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 33,409
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 31,679
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 31,199
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 28,974

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Passing Completions
1. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 3,185
2. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 2,636
3. Aaron Garcia (New York) 2,600
4. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 2,541
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 2,402

All-Time AFL Leaders –
Passing Touchdowns
1. Aaron Garcia (New York) 694
2. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 686
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 632
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 625
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 476

Since Start of 2004 Season –
Passing Touchdowns
1. Tony Graziani (L.A./Philadelphia) 160
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 150
3. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 143
4. Andy Kelly (Detroit/New Orleans) 139
5. John Kaleo (Tampa Bay/L.A.) 131

FIRST TIME IN 50: When John Kaleo took L.A.'s first offensive snap from center in the season opener at Las Vegas, it marked the first time in 50 games (since July 22, 2001), that somebody other than Tony Graziani was the Avenger starting quarterback. Since Wally Richardson started during a 62-40 loss at Oklahoma in the 2001 regular-season finale, Graziani had started 49 consecutive contests for the Avengers, including three playoff games.
PREVIOUS MEETING WITH CHICAGO:

L.A. HALTS RUSH, 71-35

CHICAGO (April 25, 2004) -- A 37-point explosion in the second quarter lifted the Avengers past the Chicago Rush, 71-35, before 13,927 at Allstate Arena.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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




ARENABOWL CHAMPIONS: Four Avenger players -- including the late Al Lucas -- and a pair of coaches have experienced championship seasons in the AFL. Lucas and QB John Kaleo earned ArenaBowl championship rings with the Tampa Bay Storm in 2003. As a rookie with the Orlando Predators in 2000, OL/DL Fred Ray hoisted the ArenaBowl trophy. WR/LB Greg Hopkins was with the Albany Firebirds when they won the AFL title in 1999; along with Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss, who was the Firebird offensive coordinator at the time, and L.A. defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt, who was the defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator.



RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
4/16 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Luis Almanzar
4/9 Signed to practice squad OS Eddie Galles
4/1 Waived WR/LB-OS Jerome Riley
4/1 Activated from injured reserve QB Ryan Van Dyke
WR/LB-OS Jerome Riley
4/1 Signed from practice squad OL/DL Jerome Stevens
4/1 Placed on injured reserve QB Brian Mann
OL/DL John Schlecht
3/25 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Silas Demary
OL/DL Bernard Riley
DS Traco Rachal
3/25 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Brian Sump
OL/DL Luis Almanzar
OL/DL Richard Seals
3/17 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Fred Ray
FB/LB Michale Spicer
3/16 Waived OL/DL Asi Faoa
3/11 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas Demary
3/5 Activated from injured reserve OS Khori Ivy
OL/DL John Schlecht
3/5 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB-OS Jerome Riley
FB/LB Michale Spicer
3/3 Signed to practice squad OS Robert Gordon
3/3 Released from practice squad WR/LB Lance Young





FIRST-QUARTER BLUES: In 11 games this season, the Avengers have scored only 72 points in the first quarter (average of 6.5 points), while opponents have countered with 129. The second quarter is when the Avengers shine most, scoring a total of 171 points (average of 15.5 points). L.A. also does well in the third quarter, racking up 175 (average of 15.9 points). But, things slow down in the fourth quarter when the Avengers have been outscored, 187-144.

SLOW STARTERS: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only three of their 11 games this season -- 37-21 vs. San Jose on Feb. 20, 17-7 vs. Tampa Bay on March 26, and 32-14 vs. New York on April 3. But, even in the game against San Jose, L.A. started slowly, scoring just three points in the first quarter. However, the Avengers exploded for 34 points in the second quarter on their way to a 71-69 win.

DS DEBUTS: Although the Avengers have used four defensive specialists in three different combos already this season, the production has been there. Three of the four Avenger DSs have come up with interceptions in their 2005 debuts. Rookie Antuan Simmons picked off two passes at Las Vegas in the season opener. In his first AFL game, Traco Rachal intercepted a pass at Austin in Week 3. And in the loss at Colorado on Feb. 27, veteran Damen Wheeler, fresh off a stay on the injured reserve list, picked off a John Dutton pass in the end zone to spark an Avenger comeback attempt. In 16 games last season, the Avengers lined up with eight different pairs of starting defensive specialists. Eight players started at one of the DS positions in 2004 and only Wheeler and Kevin Ingram, who is normally a WR/DB, remain with the club today.

L.A. IN O.T.: The Avengers have an all-time record of 3-5 in overtime games. Los Angeles is 3-1 when playing the extra period on the road and a winless 0-4 within the usually friendly confines of STAPLES Center. In three of the eight 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 six seasons of play in the AFL (once in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005, and twice in 2001 and 2003).

Avengers in Overtime
Category
Record
All-time 3-5
At home 0-4
On the road 3-1
When getting the ball first 1-3
When getting the ball second 2-2
When scoring a touchdown 3-3
When scoring first 3-2
When scoring second 0-1
When a field goal is attempted 0-2
When missing a PAT kick 1-2
When getting a two-point conversion 0-0
When allowing a two-point conversion 0-1




THE AVENGERS ARE ...
• 4-1 at STAPLES Center
• 2-4 on the road
• 4-1 when they score more than 50 points
• 3-0 when they score 60 or more points
• 1-0 when they score 70 or more points
• 5-4 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
• 3-2 when they score first
• 6-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
• 0-1 when they commit more turnovers
• 3-2 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
• 3-1 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
• 3-4 when John Kaleo throws for at least 5 TDs
• 6-4 when John Kaleo passes for 200+ yards
• 2-1 when John Kaleo passes for 300+ yards
• 4-2 when John Kaleo doesn't throw an INT
• 2-2 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
• 4-4 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
• 1-3 when Greg Hopkins scores two or more TDs
• 2-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
• 1-0 when Josh Jeffries scores at least one TD
• 1-0 when a lineman catches a TD pass
• 5-2 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 11 points
• 0-1 when Antuan Simmons makes at least one INT
• 1-4 when they commit fewer penalties
• 1-4 when they record at least one sack
• 1-1 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
• 3-2 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
• 3-0 when leading at halftime
• 2-4 when trailing at halftime
• 1-1 when tied at halftime


AVENGERS 2004 RESULTS (9-7, 0-1)
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 OT
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
June 6 @ Arizona (Playoffs) Loss 59-42


TIGHT LOSSES: L.A.'s seven regular-season losses last year were by a combined total of 26 points.


IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: Los Angeles has won eight of its last 11 games in the Eastern Time Zone.


LAST WEEK:

KATS EDGE AVENGERS
IN CLOSING MOMENTS

NASHVILLE (April 17, 2005) -- In an emotionally charged game just a week after the tragic death of teammate Al Lucas, the Avengers fell short in a 51-48 heartbreaking loss to the Nashville Kats at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

With game on the line, the Los Angeles defense simply ran out of gas as Nashville FB/LB Rupert Grant punched it in from the 1-yard line with just nine seconds remaining.

"We played hard," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "Obviously we are disappointed to come out of there with a loss. I think guys played with effort today, but it wasn't enough."

The Avengers had a chance to send the game to overtime with a 54-yard field goal, but after a high snap, Remy Hamilton never had a chance to attempt the kick.

The difference in the game proved to be Nashville's Jarrick Hillery, who burned Los Angeles with two kickoff returns for touchdowns.

"We just made too many mistakes out there today and it cost us," Hodgkiss said. "This was a huge game, and I felt we should have come away with a win."

With the loss the Avengers now sit one game out of first-place in the Western Division at 6-5. The victory gives Nashville its third win of the season, bringing their record to 3-7-1 overall.

Avenger quarterback John Kaleo, who was also a teammate of Lucas' in 2003 with the Tampa Bay Storm, played valiantly in a losing cause, finishing 25-of-35 for 306 yards and six touchdowns.

Kaleo's counterpart, quarterback Leon Murray of Nashville, was 19-of-27 for 227 yards and four touchdowns.

In the locker room before the game it was an emotional scene for the Avengers as players suited up for a game for the first time without Lucas.

"All kinds of things were going through my mind," said OL/DL Silas Demary, who wore Lucas' No. 76 jersey in honor of his former teammate. "I wanted to go out there and dominate the way he would have wanted me to play. As it got closer to kickoff and we had to get ready, it became more and more emotional for me. It was hard sitting in that locker room."

Prior to the kickoff there was a moment of silence to honor Lucas.

All the emotions leading up to the game seemed to be overwhelming for the Avengers as the team was done in by mistakes early in the game. The Avengers had miscues in all phases of the game -- mistakes that they would not normally make. Nashville led 14-6 after running an AFL-record one offensive play in the first quarter, and Los Angeles did not record a single defensive stat.

"I told the guys, ‘You can't win it one play. Calm down and play the way we are capable of,'" Hodgkiss said. "Obviously early on you can't make the kinds of mistakes we made."

The Avenger offense came out flat. The team gave up three sacks in the first 16 minutes, and had to settle for two Hamilton field goals from 33 and 34 yards out.

The defense also looked jittery, as they gave up a one-play touchdown on the Kats opening series after a blown coverage left WR/DB T.T. Toliver wide open for a 45-yard score.

Then the special teams gave up the first of Hillery's touchdowns on kickoffs.

The offense finally got it going in the second quarter when Kaleo found WR/DB Kevin Ingram to bring the Avengers within one at 14-13.

"All of the emotions we went through all week were draining for us," offensive specialist Tony Locke said. "We knew that Nashville was not going to feel sorry for us on the field, so we had to find a way to get it together."

After a Nashville touchdown, the Avengers answered when Kaleo found Ingram again for an eight-yard score.

With a minute to go in the half and the game tied at 20-20, Demary seemed to provide the spark that the Avengers needed after he sacked Murray at the four-yard line as time expired.

Demary now has six sacks in the last three games.

After the Kats scored to open the half on a Tony Dodson 56-yard field goal, the Avenger offense marched right down the field and scored on WR/DB Greg Hopkins 14-yard catch to give L.A. its first lead since the game was 3-0.

But the lead would quickly evaporate when Nashville wide receiver Lindsay Fleshman was wide open in the back of the end zone to put the Kats up 29-27.

The game would continue to seesaw back and forth from that point on.

The Avengers were back on top after just two-plays when WR/LB Khori Ivy scored on a Kaleo pass. Then, Nashville regained the lead on fourth-and-goal from the eight-yard line on another Toliver catch. Toliver then added the two-point conversion on a pitch, making it 37-34 in favor of Nashville.

The Avengers answered right back on an outstanding 26-yard catch by Hopkins for the score. But once again the special teams broke down for L.A. as Hillery ran his second of the day back for the score to give Nashville the lead.

The Avengers would score for the last time after Kaleo found Ivy again for a 14-yard touchdown to put L.A. up 48-43.

Following the game, the team flew from Nashville to Atlanta. On Monday, April 18, the Avengers will attend funeral services for Al Lucas at the Macon (Ga.) City Auditorium.


LOS ANGELES (6-5) 6 14 14 14 -- 48
NASHVILLE (3-7-1) 14 6 9 22 -- 51




NIFTY NICKNAMES: Several Avengers played college football at schools with interesting nicknames ... 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; Michale Spicer, Western Carolina University Catamounts; Brian Sump, Colorado School of Mines Orediggers and Rob Turner, Central Michigan University Chippewas.




ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
San Jose 7 4 0 .636 661 567
Las Vegas 7 5 0 .583 568 568
AVENGERS 6 5 0 .545 568 535
Arizona 3 8 0 .273 544 579

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 8 3 0 .727 637 556
Chicago 7 4 0 .636 548 517
Nashville 3 7 1 .318 450 509
Grand Rapids 1 10 0 .091 501 672


NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 6 4 1 .591 605 543
New York 6 5 0 .545 570 571
Philadelphia 5 7 0 .417 636 662
Columbus 1 10 0 .091 477 609

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Georgia 9 3 0 .750 606 543
Orlando 8 4 0 .667 595 546
New Orleans 7 4 0 .636 584 510
Tampa Bay 7 4 0 .636 589 543
Austin 4 8 0 .333 566 675


THIS WEEK IN THE AFL (all times Pacific):

FRIDAY, APRIL 22
Dallas at Columbus, 4 p.m. - FSN Ohio, FSN Southwest
Georgia at Orlando, 4:30 p.m. - FSN South, Sun Sports
San Jose at Colorado, 6 p.m.
Austin at Arizona, 7 p.m. - FSN Southwest, FSN Arizona

SATURDAY, APRIL 23
New Orleans at Grand Rapids, 4:30 p.m.
Chicago at Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. - FSN West 2, FSN Chicago, FSN South, Sun Sports

SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Philadelphia at New York, 10 a.m. - KNBC Channel 4
Tampa Bay at Nashville, 10 a.m.

BYE: Las Vegas


NEW ASSISTANT COACH: A coach with a wealth of knowledge and a winning history, Kendall Blackburn is in his first season with the Los Angeles Avengers. He was hired last month and coaches the fullback/linebacker position.

Before joining the Avengers, Blackburn coached the tight ends and tackles at New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, N.M.) for eight seasons (1997-2004). In 1998, the Aggies were ranked fifth in the nation in rushing. The following season, New Mexico State ended up sixth in that same category.

Blackburn began his coaching career in 1985, serving as the offensive coordinator at Servite High School (Anaheim, Calif.) for four seasons. In 1990, he moved on to become the offensive coordinator at Serra High School (Gardena, Calif.), which went 10-1 that season and won the league championship. After that, Blackburn became the defensive line coach at Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.) and spent five seasons there, winning the USA Today national championship in 1995.

He started his collegiate coaching career at William Penn College (Oskaloosa, Iowa), tutoring the offensive line during the 1989 season. Blackburn also was the defensive line and special teams coach for two seasons (1995-96) at Cal State Northridge. In 1996, the Matadors led the Big Sky Conference in rushing defense. Blackburn's collegiate coaching career also includes being a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln, Neb.) and a brief stint at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

He received his degree in physical education and minored in history at William Penn College in 1989. Blackburn played college football at Taft (Calif.) College and Long Beach (Calif.) State.

He was born on Aug. 28, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pa. Blackburn attended Moorestown (N.J.) High School, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.


NEW TEAM RECORDS SET THIS SEASON:

Pass Completions (Game)
John Kaleo, 31 – at Colorado (Feb. 27, 2005)
Rushing Yards (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 257 – (2003-05)
Rushing Touchdowns (Game)
Lonnie Ford, 3 – at Orlando (April 3, 2005)
Rushing Touchdowns (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 15 – (2003-05)
Sacks (Game)
Silas Demary, 4 – vs. New York (April 10, 2005)
Sacks (Season)
Silas Demary, 8 – (2005) tied with Victor Hall (2000)
Sacks (Career)
Silas Demary, 11 – (2004-05)
Field Goals (Game)
Remy Hamilton, 5 – at Austin (Feb. 11, 2005)
Field Goals (Season)
Remy Hamilton, 26 – (2005)
Field Goals (Career)
Remy Hamilton, 70 – (2002-05)


"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 @ Las Vegas WR/DB Dameon Porter (L.V.)
5 catches, 37 yards, 1 interception
2 Georgia WR/DB Brian Sump (L.A.)
1 INT, 7 tackles, 4 receptions
3 @ Austin K Remy Hamilton (L.A.)
5 field goals, fumble recovery
4 San Jose WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
5 catches, 49 yards, 2 INTs, 1 TD
5 @
Colo. WR/LB Kevin McKenzie (Colo.)
2 catches, 1 INT return for TD
6 @
Ariz. WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
6 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
7 Dallas WR/LB Bobby Sippio (Dallas)
3 catches, 1 net recovery TD
8 Tampa Bay WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
8 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
9 @ Orlando WR/LB Cory Fleming (Orlando)
159 rec. yards, 4 TDs, 2.5 tackles
10 New York WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
9 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, 4 stops
11 @
Nash. WR/DB Jarrick Hillery (Nashville)
2 kickoff returns for TDs, 2 tackles
12 Chicago


"ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's defensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Defensive Player of the Game
1 @ Las Vegas DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)
2 interceptions, 4 solo tackles
2 Georgia DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)
Fumble recovery for TD, 6 tackles
3 @ Austin DS Traco Rachal (L.A.)
8 tackles, 1 interception
4 San Jose WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
2 INTs, 1 returned for TD, 3 stops
5 @
Colo. DS Rashad Floyd (Colo.)
17.5 tackles (new AFL record)
6 @
Ariz. DS Damen Wheeler (L.A.)
8 tackles, 1 pass breakup
7 Dallas DS Jermaine Jones (Dallas)
3.5 tackles, 1 INT return for TD
8 Tampa Bay WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
4.5 tackles, 1 fumble rec., 1 INT
9 @ Orlando WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
4 tackles, 2 interceptions
10 New York OL/DL Silas Demary (L.A.)
4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, safety
11 @
Nash. OL/DL Silas Demary (L.A.)
1 sack, 1.5 for losses, 2.5 tackles
12 Chicago


"OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the player who was the most valuable to his team's offensive success in the game, win or lose.

Week Opp. Offensive Player of the Game
1 @ Las Vegas OS Marcus Nash (L.V.)
7 catches, 116 yards, 1 touchdown
2 Georgia K Remy Hamilton (L.A.)
4 field goals, 16 points, 1 tackle
3 @ Austin QB John Kaleo (L.A.)
17-of-27, 240 yards, 5 TD passes
4 San
Jose OS Tony Locke (L.A.)
7 catches, 118 yards, 3 TDs
5 @
Colo. OS Damian Harrell (Colo.)
10 catches, 135 yards, 5 TDs
6 @
Ariz. WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)
8 catches, 109 receiving yards
7 Dallas QB Clint Stoerner (Dallas)
18-of-30 for 143 yards, 4 TDs
8 Tampa Bay FB/LB Lonnie Ford (L.A.)
2 rushing TDs, 1 TD reception
9 @ Orlando OS Jimmy Fryzel (Orlando)
9 catches, 151 yards, 2 TDs
10 New York OS Tony Locke (L.A.)
8 receptions, 109 yards, 3 TDs
11 @
Nash. WR/DB T.T. Toliver (Nashville)
6 catches, 100 yards, 2 TDs
12 Chicago

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 21, 2005


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