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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

April 27, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Arizona Rattlers at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2005
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, Calif.
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: None
Radio: XTRA Sports AM 570 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Spanish Radio: KWKU AM 1220 (Edu Villamar, Mario Amaya)
Line: TBA
Series Record: Arizona leads, 7-4
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 33, Arizona 29 – March 6, 2004, America West Arena
Officials: Riley Johnson (R), Rick Podraza (U), Jullian Mapp (HL), Paul Engelberts (LJ), Bud McCleskey (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fourth season, 35-23)
Arizona -- Todd Shell (first season in Arizona, 50-44)

2005 AVENGERS: Gunning for their fourth consecutive trip to the AFL Playoffs, the Avengers (7-5) face one of their archrivals in Week 14 as they host the Arizona Rattlers (4-8). If Los Angeles is able to win its final four regular-season games, it will capture its first Western Division title. To do so, L.A. would have to do a couple things in the next two weeks that it has never been able to pull off -- a home victory over Arizona and a road win at San Jose. If the Avengers are able to win only three of their four remaining games, they would likely still be one of the four American Conference teams invited into the postseason to battle toward ArenaBowl XIX in Las Vegas. Last week, the Avengers beat Chicago, 52-49, registering a crucial victory in their first game 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. Los Angeles has kept pace with the playoff picture this season with a balanced effort in all three phases of the game. Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss directs a dangerous offense, averaging 51.7 points per game. Veteran QB John Kaleo, who earned an ArenaBowl championship ring in 2003 with Tampa Bay, has thrown for 56 touchdowns, against only eight interceptions (in 425 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 70 catches for 840 yards and 17 touchdowns. Hopkins has 62 receptions for 662 yards and eight scores. The Avengers have gotten a boost from OS Tony Locke, who has accumulated 57 receptions for 778 yards and 15 touchdowns. FB/LB Lonnie Ford leads the team in rushing with eight TDs and 130 yards. With defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt overseeing a unit led by defensive specialists Damen Wheeler (AFL's "ADT Defensive Player of the Week" after making two interceptions last week) and Antuan Simmons the Avengers have been more difficult to score against than in the past. OL/DL Silas Demary also has been a force on that side of the football with his team-high 10 quarterback sacks this season. Last but certainly not least, the Avengers have a world-class kicker in Remy Hamilton. He has kicked 27-of-33 field goals this season and is on pace to break several AFL records.

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (7-5)
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
April 23 Chicago Win 52-49
Rest of Season Opponent Time (PST) Television
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

ARIZONA RATTLERS (4-8)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 28 @ Grand Rapids Win 58-38
Feb. 3 Orlando Loss 51-40
Feb. 12 @ Georgia Loss 61-47
Feb. 19 Colorado Loss 74-69
Feb. 27 @ New York Loss 61-37
Mar. 6 Los Angeles Loss 33-29
Mar. 13 @ Tampa Bay Loss 59-56
Mar. 19 Las Vegas Loss 66-63
Mar. 28 @ Nashville Win 48-35
April 3 @ San Jose Loss 48-27
April 8 Columbus Win 70-53
April 22 Austin Win 52-26



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.


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).

TOPS IN TURNOVERS AGAIN: The Avengers currently lead the AFL in turnover margin at +17 (Colorado is way back in second at +8). Los Angeles has 30 takeaways (18 INTs and 12 fumble recoveries). The Avengers have turned over the ball only 13 times this season (fewest in the AFL). L.A. has committed only six turnovers in its seven 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, two turnovers vs. Chicago). 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.

TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: Avenger quarterback John Kaleo has thrown only eight interceptions this season, while attempting 425 passes (one per 53 attempts). He has not thrown a pick in six of the 12 games this season. Kaleo has thrown only one interception in his last 143 attempts.


THE SERIES: The Rattlers lead the all-time series 7-4, but that does not include a pair of playoff victories over the Avengers. Strangely enough, Los Angeles has fared better on the road versus its "most-played" opponent. All four of its victories over Arizona have come at America West Arena. The Avengers, who won the last meeting between the two teams earlier this season on March 6, 33-29, at the "Snake Pit," have won their last three games in Phoenix (regular season). Arizona has won all five regular-season meetings at STAPLES Center, with two of the last three victories coming 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 then the fourth-highest scoring game in league history.

All-Time Arizona vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 33, Rattlers 29 3-6-05 Phoenix
Rattlers 59, Avengers 42 (first-round playoff game) 6-6-04 Phoenix
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



JUST ONCE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 58 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: At 7-5, the Avengers are 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 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 (playoffs 0-1)
2005 (Ed Hodgkiss) 7-5


SACK MAN: Avenger lineman Silas Demary set a team record with four sacks versus New York on April 10. A week later in Nashville, he got one sack to break the Avenger career mark. Demary has had nine sacks in his last four games. In addition, to his single-game record, he also now owns the Avenger single-season (10) and career (13) records for sacks.


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.

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: Thirty-seven of L.A.'s 78 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, 175-of-319 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (50 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-05)
Total TDDrives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 78 37 (47 %) 7
Total 319 175 (55 %) 50

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.

FIRST-QUARTER BLUES: In 12 games this season, the Avengers have scored only 82 points in the first quarter (average of 6.8 points), while opponents have countered with 136. The second quarter is when the Avengers shine most, scoring a total of 199 points (average of 16.6 points). L.A. also does well in the third quarter, racking up 182 (average of 15.2 points). But, things slow down in the fourth quarter when the Avengers have been outscored, 202-151.

SLOW STARTERS: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only four of their 12 games this season -- 37-21 vs. San Jose on Feb. 20, 17-7 vs. Tampa Bay on March 26, 32-14 vs. New York on April 3, and 38-21 vs. Chicago on April 23. 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.

NEXT GAME: The Avengers will head north to renew their rivalry with the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at the HP Pavilion on Saturday, May 7. That contest will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific) and will be televised on FSN West.

TOP BOSSES: L.A.'s Ed Hodgkiss is ranked sixth 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. Darren Arbet * 72-28 .720
3. Tim Marcum * 148-58 .718
4. Danny White 121-55 .688
5. Jay Gruden * 54-31 .635
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 35-23 .603
7. Mike Dailey * 77-51 .602
8. Pat Sperduto * 31-22-1 .583
9. John Gregory 67-51 .578
10. Todd Shell * 50-44 .532

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.

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 11 INTs in his last 20 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 38 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 three victories this season -- 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.

THIRD-QUARTER KARMA: The final result of an Avenger game can often be predicted before the start of the fourth quarter. L.A. is 37-9 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 13-12 since 2002.

DS DEBUTS: Although L.A. has used four defensive specialists in three different combos this season, the production has been there and quick to arrive. 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.


KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton leads the AFL in field goals (27), field-goal percentage (.818) and kicking points (148). The 2005 season has been nothing short of amazing for him. Hamilton is 27-for-33 (.818) 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. He scored a total of 22 points versus the Wranglers, came up with a key fumble recovery and 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." He is 5-of-8 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 48, 50). His six misses have been from 28, 29, 31, 47, 48 and 50 yards out.


RECORD SETTING SEASON: Avenger Remy Hamilton is on pace to set a new AFL record for field goal percentage in a single season. Last year, Jay Taylor of the Orlando Predators set the mark at .720 (18-of-25), before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hamilton is currently at .818 (27-of-33) and also on pace to break the AFL record for field goals in a single season, which was set by Daron Alcorn, who kicked 32 in 1999 for the Portland Forest Dragons. 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 130 field goals.

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .818
2. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
3. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639
4. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) .593

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Made in a Single Season
1. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) 32
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) 27
3. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1997) 27
4. Brian Gowins (Grand Rapids, 2000) 25

All-Time AFL Leaders –Scoring By Kickers
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,188
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,026
4. Steve McLaughlin (1998-2004) 781

All-Time AFL Leaders –Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 158
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 131
4. Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 118


IN COMPARISON: To further illustrate the amazing season Remy Hamilton has been having, the following is a list of 17 NFL kickers, who attempted 16 or more field goals last season and did not have a better percentage than Hamilton's current .818 (27-of-33) -- Morten Andersen (Vikings, .818), Todd Peterson (49ers, .818), John Carney (Saints, .815), Mike Vanderjagt (Colts, .800), Nate Kaeding (Chargers, .800), Jeff Wilkins (Rams, .792), Steve Christie (Giants, .786), Jay Feely (Falcons, .783), Josh Scobee (Jaguars, .774), Gary Anderson (Titans, .773), Billy Cundiff (Cowboys, .769), Neil Rackers (Cardinals, .759), Olindo Mare (Dolphins, .750), Lawrence Tynes (Chiefs, .739), Kris Brown (Texans, .708), Paul Edinger (Bears, .625) and Martin Gramatica (Buccaneers, .579). Please note that the uprights in the AFL are nine-feet apart and the crossbar is 15-feet high. In the NFL, the uprights are 18.5 feet apart and the cross bar is 10-feet high.


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.


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 9,227 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) 13,053
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
4. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 9,434
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,227
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) 79 – 1,014 559 – 7,809(177 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Crush) 457 – 6,724(138 TDs) 82 – 1,063 539 – 7,787(168 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 466 – 5,633(116 TDs) 62 - 662 528 – 6,295(124 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Dragons) 399 – 5,248(121 TDs) 66 - 900 465 – 6,148(142 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 269. The Avengers have rushed for 10 touchdowns in their last five 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 19 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) 35,586
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 33,631
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 31,903
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 31,199
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 29,182

All-Time AFL Leaders –Passing Completions
1. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 3,214
2. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 2,636
3. Aaron Garcia (New York) 2,616
4. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 2,561
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 2,422

All-Time AFL Leaders –Passing Touchdowns
1. Aaron Garcia (New York) 699
2. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 692
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 637
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 625
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 481

Since Start of 2004 Season –Passing Touchdowns
1. Tony Graziani (L.A./Philadelphia) 162
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 155
3. Andy Kelly (Detroit/New Orleans) 145
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 143
5. John Kaleo (Tampa Bay/L.A.) 136

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 ARIZONA:

AVENGERS GET IT DONE
WITH DEFENSE, 33-29

PHOENIX (March 6) -- On a night when the offense struggled, the Los Angeles Avengers found a way to win with defense, beating the Arizona Rattlers, 33-29, at America West Arena on Sunday night.

The Avengers, who were 3-2 after five games in all four of Ed Hodgkiss' years as head coach and improved to 4-2 with a road win in all three previous seasons, continued the trend on a low-scoring evening and own sole possession of first place in the Western Division, going into the team's bye week. Arizona has now lost five consecutive games for the first time in franchise history and fell to 1-5.

The Avengers defense made big plays all night, winning a game that featured less than 500 yards total offense.

The game's biggest play came from Avenger defensive specialist Damen Wheeler, who was named the "ADT Defensive Player of the Game." After being beat by Rattler wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood with Arizona up by three points and just under two minutes remaining, Wheeler never gave up on the play and ran down Gatewood at the 1-yard line.

"I knew I got beat, but I had to make a play," Wheeler said. "We just never quit on defense."

The play proved to be the difference in the game after the defense stopped Arizona four straight times near the goal line, with fullback/linebacker Josh Jeffries coming up with two tackles for losses on Arizona running plays.

The goal-line stand set up the winning score when Avenger quarterback John Kaleo found WR/DB Kevin Ingram for a 36-yard touchdown with just 24 seconds left.

"It was just a slant and go and Kaleo hit me," Ingram said. "We struggled all game on offense, but the guys stepped it up at the end."

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Jeffries, who failed on a block and gave up a costly sack for a safety in the third quarter, came up with a huge interception of Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner at goal line.

"I have never been so mad on the football field in my life after I gave up that sack and safety," Jeffries said. "I knew I had to come out on defense and make a play. Fortunately I backed up in the box and was able to jump and intercept the ball."

The Avenger offense finished the game with just 218 yards, but the defense held Arizona to only 257 yards and intercepted two passes and got the Rattlers to turn the ball over on down three times.

Kaleo finished with less than gaudy numbers, completing 21-of-37 for 214 yards and three touchdowns, but threw no interceptions and ran for a score on a fourth-down play that tied the game at the half at 13-13.

Kevin Ingram was named the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" for his one-touchdown, one-interception performance. His interception in the first quarter kept Arizona out of the end zone, proving to be a major play in the Avengers' narrow victory. On offense Ingram caught 6 passes for 60 yards and the score.

Ingram's teammate, wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins did his part for an offense that was out of sync for most of the night, finishing as the game's "Offensive Player of the Game" with 8 catches for 109 yards.

Bonner finished just 17-of-42 for 252 yards and two touchdowns.

Early on in the fourth quarter, it did not look good for the Avengers as Bonner found receiver Siaha Burley for 26-yard touchdown to make it a two-possession game at 29-20. But it was the last time the Rattlers would score.

Burley, a former Avenger, had a monster night for Arizona with 10 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

After Ingram's score put Los Angeles up 33-29 with just 24 seconds remaining, Bonner's final "Hail Mary" attempt came off the net and into a scrum, but eventually fell harmlessly to the turf, allowing the Avengers to escape with the win.


LOS ANGELES (4-2) 0 13 7 13 -- 33
ARIZONA (1-5) 7 6 9 7 -- 29

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
4/22 Activated from injured reserve QB Brian Mann
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 DykeWR/LB-OS Jerome Riley
4/1 Signed from practice squad OL/DL Jerome Stevens
4/1 Placed on injured reserve QB Brian MannOL/DL John Schlecht
3/25 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Silas DemaryOL/DL Bernard RileyDS Traco Rachal
3/25 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB Brian SumpOL/DL Luis AlmanzarOL/DL Richard Seals
3/17 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Fred RayFB/LB Michale Spicer
3/16 Waived OL/DL Asi Faoa
3/11 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas Demary

LAST WEEK:

AVENGERS SLOW RUSH WITH FIVE TAKEAWAYS

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2005) -- The Avengers used a flurry of turnovers to deliver a crushing blow, 52-49, to the Chicago Rush in a crucial game with playoff implications at STAPLES Center.

The win was huge for the Avengers, who came into the game sitting in third place in the Western Division. At 7-5 the Avengers remain just a game behind San Jose. With the loss, Chicago, which had won three straight, falls to 7-5, and L.A. now holds the tiebreaker if the teams finish the season with the same record.

"This is a huge win for us," OL/DL Silas Demary said. "This now puts us in position for the playoffs."

The Avengers are now 5-1 at home on the season, but had to hold off a late Chicago comeback before claiming the victory.

"They did a good job hanging in there tough," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "But we went in there and made the plays in the end."

Los Angeles came into the game tops in the AFL with a +14 turnover margin, and got five of them -- four in the first half, with two of those returned for touchdowns, and a third that led to a touchdown.

Defensive specialist Damen Wheeler set the tone early for the Avenger defense with a hard hit that broke up a Rush pass, and then two plays later followed it up with in an interception that he ran all the way down to the Chicago two-yard line.

Wheeler's second interception of the half was even bigger for the Avengers when he picked off Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw with just 13 seconds remaining in the first half, and this time made sure he ran it all the way back for the touchdown.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Avenger special teams came up with a score as WR/LB Greg Hopkins recovered the ball off the net and ran it in from four yards out to give the Avengers a 38-21 halftime lead.

Demary led a relentless Avenger pass rush with two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery that set up a touchdown for the offense. Demary has been unstoppable of late, recording nine sacks in the last four games and now has 10 on the season.

Wheeler was named "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" for his two-interception performance, which also included a forced fumble. He now has four interceptions on the season.

"I can't take all the credit," Wheeler said. "Coach made good calls and we practiced all the plays they ran all week. I was in position to make plays all game."

Two of the hottest players in the Arena Football League for the Rush, Philyaw and WR/LB Etu Molden, were largely held in check for most of the game by the L.A. defense. Philyaw finished 26-of-37 for 333 yards and four touchdowns, but threw the two costly interceptions. Molden was limited to just four catches for 42 yards and one touchdown.

The Avenger offense was led by quarterback John Kaleo, who was 20-of-29 for 208 yards and five touchdowns.

The game was the first home game for the Avengers since the tragic death of teammate Al Lucas just two weeks prior. Before the game there the STAPLES Center held a tribute for Lucas, and the team fed off the emotions.

"I thought the celebration before the game for Al was great," Hodgkiss said. "It set the tone and got guys excited, and I thought we played hard. The defense played with a lot of emotion, and that was probably the difference."

The Avengers got on the board first with a Remy Hamilton 21-yard field goal.

Philyaw found Jeremy McDaniel for a 16-yard touchdown to put the Rush up, 21-17, with just over a minute remaining in the first half. But the Avenger offense once again responded on a quick 23-yard strike from Kaleo to offensive specialist Tony Locke, which started a 21-0 run to end the half for the Avengers after Wheeler and Hopkins scored their touchdowns on turnovers.

Colorado came out fired up in the second half and scored on a Philyaw pass to lineman John Moyer to put the game in reach at 38-28.
After Molden's nine-yard touchdown reception made the score 45-34 at the end of the third quarter, the Avengers opened the fourth with another Ingram touchdown from Kaleo.

Chicago refused to go quietly. A 45-yard Philyaw touchdown pass to Charles Pauley, an onside kick recovery, a touchdown and a two-point conversion made it 52-49 with just two minutes to go. But L.A. was able to run out the rest of the clock.


CHICAGO (7-5) 7 14 13 15 -- 49
LOS ANGELES (7-5) 10 28 7 7 -- 52



THE AVENGERS ARE ...
· 5-1 at STAPLES Center
· 2-4 on the road
· 5-1 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
· 6-4 when they allow less than 60 points
· 5-1 when they allow less than 50 points
· 3-0 when they allow less than 40 points
· 4-2 when they score first
· 7-1 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
· 4-4 when John Kaleo throws for at least 5 TDs
· 7-4 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
· 3-2 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
· 5-4 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
· 2-4 when they commit fewer penalties
· 2-4 when they record at least one sack
· 1-1 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
· 4-2 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
· 4-0 when leading at halftime
· 2-4 when trailing at halftime
· 1-1 when tied at halftime

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 OvertimeCategory 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


IN THE ZONE OUT EAST: Los Angeles has won eight of its last 11 games in the Eastern Time Zone. The Avengers will close the 2005 regular season in the Eastern Time Zone when they face the Grand Rapids Rampage on Saturday, May 21.


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.

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.

NEW TEAM RECORDS SET THIS SEASON:

Pass Completions (Game)
John Kaleo, 31 – at Colorado (Feb. 27, 2005)
Rushing Yards (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 269 – (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, 10 – (2005)
Sacks (Career)
Silas Demary, 13 – (2004-05)
Field Goals (Game)
Remy Hamilton, 5 – at Austin (Feb. 11, 2005)
Field Goals (Season)
Remy Hamilton, 27 – (2005)
Field Goals (Career)
Remy Hamilton, 71 – (2002-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made)
Remy Hamilton, 12 – (2004-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made in Single Season)
Remy Hamilton, 11 – (2005)


"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 WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)4 catches, 1 net recovery TD

"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 DS Damen Wheeler (L.A.)2 INTs, 1 forced fumble, 2.5 stops

"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 SanJose 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 OS Tony Locke (L.A.)4 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TDs

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