Los Angeles Avengers game notes
May 10, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
QUICK FACTS:
Game: Las Vegas Gladiators at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: Los Angeles, Calif.
Arena: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: FSN West (Bill Macdonald, John Jackson, Lindsay Soto)
Radio: XTRA Sports AM 570 (Larry Kahn, Troy West)
Internet Radio: www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: TBA
Series Record: Los Angeles leads 3-1
Last Meeting: Las Vegas 46, Los Angeles 37 â Jan. 30, 2005, Thomas & Mack Center
Officials: Perry Havener (R), Matt Jordan (U), Rusty Baynes (HL), Darrel Leftwich (LJ), Rich Wilborn (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fourth season, 37-23)
Las Vegas -- Ron James (first season, 8-6)
2005 AVENGERS: Gunning for their fourth consecutive trip to the AFL Playoffs, the Avengers (9-5) host the Las Vegas Gladiators (8-6) on Saturday night in what amounts to a Western Division championship game. If the Avengers are able to emerge victorious they will capture their first division title and host a first-round playoff game.
If Las Vegas beats the Avengers and then closes out the regular season next week with a victory over Arizona, the Gladiators would earn one of the four American Conference postseason berths (if coupled with a San Jose loss, Las Vegas would win the Western Division title). Last week, the Avengers registered their first victory at San Jose, setting up Saturday night's crucial showdown at STAPLES Center, which will be L.A.'s fifth game 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 stayed in 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 52.4 points per game. Veteran QB John Kaleo, who earned an ArenaBowl championship ring in 2003 with Tampa Bay, has thrown for 69 touchdowns, against only eight interceptions, 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, OS Tony Locke and WR/LB Greg Hopkins. Ingram leads the team with 79 catches for 924 yards and 19 touchdowns. Locke, who joined the active roster in Week 4, has accumulated 75 receptions for 1,118 yards and 24 scores. FB/LB Lonnie Ford leads the team in rushing with nine TDs and 155 yards. With defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt overseeing a unit led by OL/DL Silas Demary, and defensive specialists Damen Wheeler and Antuan Simmons, the Avengers have been more difficult to score against than in the past. Demary has been simply unstoppable as of late and leads the league with 11.5 sacks. Last but certainly not least, the Avengers have a world-class kicker in Remy Hamilton. He has kicked 28-of-37 field goals in 2005 and is on pace to break several AFL records.
LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (9-5)
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
April 30 Arizona Win 59-56
May 7 @ San Jose Win 54-42
Rest of Season
Opponent Time (PST)
Television
May 14 Las Vegas 7:30 FSN West
May 21 @ Grand Rapids 4:30 FSN West 2
LAS VEGAS GLADIATORS (8-6)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 30 Los Angeles Win 46-37
Feb. 5 @ San Jose Loss 66-31
Feb. 11 New York Win 41-37
Feb. 20 Georgia Loss 38-13
Feb. 26 @ Nashville Win 40-32
Mar. 4 Austin Loss 42-41
Mar. 12 @ Columbus Win 63-34
Mar. 19 @ Arizona Win 66-63
Mar. 28 San Jose Loss 81-75
April 3 @ Colorado Loss 61-40
April 8 Grand Rapids Win 56-28
April 17 @ Philadelphia Win 56-49
May 1 @ Chicago Loss 63-62
May 7 Dallas Win 58-38
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 +19 (Nashville is way back in second at +9). Los Angeles has 36 takeaways (22 INTs and 14 fumble recoveries). The Avengers have turned over the ball only 17 times this season (fewest in the AFL). L.A. has committed only 10 turnovers in its eight 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, one fumble vs. Arizona, three fumbles at San Jose). 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.
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 five defeats this season.
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 10.5 sacks in his last six games. In addition, to his single-game record, he also now owns the Avenger single-season (11.5) and career (14.5) records for sacks. Demary has his sights set on the all-time AFL single-season sack record of 13, which was set by Craig Walls of the Pittsburgh Gladiators in 1987.
SEEKING SACKS: One of the AFL's oldest records is within the long reach of Avenger lineman Silas Demary, who is two quarterback sacks shy of becoming the league's all-time single-season sack leader. He is currently tied for fifth on the league's all-time chart with former Avenger teammate Carlos Fowler.
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Sacks in a Single Season
1. Craig Walls (Pittsburgh, 1987) 13.0
2. Joe March (Denver, 1991) 12.5
3. Craig Walls (Pittsburgh, 1988) 12.0
3. Sam Hernandez (San Jose, 2000) 12.0
5. Silas Demary (Los Angeles, 2005) 11.5
5. Carlos Fowler (Texas, 1997) 11.5
THE SERIES: The Avengers have won three of the four meetings between the two teams. Las Vegas broke a three-game losing streak to Los Angeles with a 46-37 victory over the Avengers at the Thomas & Mack Center to open the 2005 season on Jan. 30. The Gladiators became the newest member of the AFL's rugged Western Division last year and both encounters in 2004 with L.A. were nail-biters.
All-Time Las Vegas vs. Los Angeles Series
Score Date Site
Avengers 60, Gladiators 48 2-2-03 L.A.
Avengers 62, Gladiators 55 2-14-04 Las Vegas
Avengers 54, Gladiators 51 5-22-04 L.A.
Gladiators 46, Avengers 37 1-30-05 Las Vegas
JUST ONCE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 60 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.
YOUNG GUNS: Seventeen of the 31 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, Ryan Van Dyke and Eddie Galles) have experienced their first taste of the AFL this season.
LOCKE IS THE KEY: Avenger offensive specialist Tony Locke has had a dramatic influence on the L.A. offense since he joined the active roster in Week 4. In the first three weeks of the season, the Avengers averaged just 217.3 passing yards per game. In the 11 games that Locke has played in, L.A. is averaging 262.4 yards passing per game (reflecting a 21 percent increase). The team's touchdown passes per game has also gone up from 4.0 in the first three games to 5.3 in the past 11. Locke, who leads the team with 24 touchdown receptions, has had six 100-yard games this season and has been named the "Offensive Player of the Game" six times, which includes a current three-game streak. The Avengers are 4-0 this season when Locke catches at least three touchdown passes in a game.
L.A. STORY: At 9-5, the Avengers have already equaled their win total from last season and have two more games to play. 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) 9-5
TAKING CARE OF THE FOOTBALL: Avenger quarterback John Kaleo has thrown only eight interceptions this season, while attempting 482 passes (one per 60.3 attempts). He has not thrown a pick in eight of the 14 games this season. Kaleo has thrown only one interception in his last 200 attempts.
"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 40 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" 14 times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes five victories this season -- at Arizona (March 6); vs. Tampa Bay (March 26); vs. New York (April 3); vs. Arizona (April 30); and at San Jose (May 7).
QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: Forty-seven of L.A.'s 94 offensive touchdowns this season have been scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 10 of them are one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 185-of-335 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (53 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 94 47 (50 %) 10
Total 335 185 (55 %) 53
INFLUX OF INTERCEPTIONS: In last week's 59-56 victory at San Jose, the Avengers broke a franchise single-season record for interceptions. L.A.'s three interceptions (all by WR/DB Kevin Ingram, which set an individual Avenger record) pushed the team total to 22. The previous record was 19, by the 2003 squad. The Avengers have come away with at least one interception in 12 of the 14 games so far this season. L.A. failed to get a pick in the games versus Dallas and at Nashville, which both ended in defeat.
WINNING RECORD: L.A.'s 59-56 victory over the Arizona Rattlers on April 30, meant that for the first time in Avenger history, the franchise could boast of a winning record. In their sixth season of play, the Avengers currently have an all-time regular-season record of 45-43 (L.A. tacked on a win at San Jose last week).
AHEAD AT HALFTIME: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only six of their 14 games this season -- 37-21 vs. San Jose; 17-7 vs. Tampa Bay; 32-14 vs. New York; 38-21 vs. Chicago; 24-20 vs. Arizona; and 21-7 at San Jose. The Avengers went on to win all six of those games. Through the first seven games of the season, the Avengers took a lead into the intermission just once. And, 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. The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in four of their last five games.
THIRD-QUARTER KARMA: The final result of an Avenger game can often be predicted before the start of the fourth quarter. L.A. is 39-9 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters of play. Furthermore, in the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," the Avengers are 24-10 when they score two or more TDs in the third quarter.
ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 21 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 93 passes for 1,108 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 eight road games over the course of the last two years.
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. Tim Marcum * 149-59 .716
3. Darren Arbet * 72-30 .706
4. Danny White 121-55 .688
5. Jay Gruden * 54-33 .621
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 37-23 .617
7. Mike Dailey * 78-52 .600
8. Pat Sperduto * 33-22-1 .598
9. John Gregory 67-51 .578
10. Todd Shell * 51-45 .531
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.
KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton leads the AFL in field goals (28), field-goal percentage (.757) and kicking points (165). The 2005 season has been nothing short of amazing for him. Hamilton is 28-for-37 (.757) 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-10 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 48, 50). Hamilton's nine misses have been from 16 (blocked), 28, 29, 31, 41, 47, 48, 50 and 56 yards out. He has made 11 of his last 17 field goal attempts, with the misses coming from 56, 50, 48, 47, 41 and 16 (blocked) 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 .757 (28-of-37) and also on pace to tie 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 â
Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .757
2. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
3. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639
4. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) .593
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Field Goals Made in a Single Season
1. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) 32
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) 28
3. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1997) 27
4. Brian Gowins (Grand Rapids, 2000) 25
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Scoring By Kickers
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,196
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,043
4. Steve McLaughlin (1998-2004) 781
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 159
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 132
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 five NFL kickers, who attempted 16 or more field goals last season and did not have a better percentage than Hamilton's current .757 (28-of-37) -- 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.
FIRST-QUARTER BLUES: In 14 games this season, the Avengers have scored only 99 points in the first quarter (average of 7.1 points), while opponents have countered with 150. The second quarter is when the Avengers shine most, scoring a total of 227 points (average of 16.2 points). L.A. also does well in the third quarter, racking up 217 (average of 15.5 points). But, things slow down in the fourth quarter when the Avengers have been outscored, 236-184.
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 22 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.
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.
RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
5/5 Signed from practice squad OL/DL Furnell Hankton
5/5 Waived OL/DL Jerome Stevens
4/29 Signed from practice squad WR/LB Eddie Galles
4/29 Activated from injured reserve WR/DB Brian Sump
4/29 Placed on injured reserve WR/DB-DS Traco Rachal
4/27 Signed OL/DL Ken Kocher
4/27 Signed to practice squad OL/DL Furnell Hankton
4/27 Placed on injured reserve WR/LB Khori Ivy
QB Ryan Van Dyke
4/22 Activated from injured reserve QB Brian Mann
4/16 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Luis Almanzar
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 9,272 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 â
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) 9,602
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,272
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) 8,338
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 â (2000-05)
Catches â Receiving Yards
2000-04 2005 Total
Chris Jackson
(Force) 480 â 6,795
(157 TDs) 91 â 1,144 571 â 7,939
(180 TDs)
Damian Harrell
(Crush) 457 â 6,724
(138 TDs) 106 â 1,313 563 â 8,037
(175 TDs)
Greg Hopkins
(Avengers) 466 â 5,633
(116 TDs) 69 - 707 535 â 6,340
(126 TDs)
Mike Horacek
(Dragons) 399 â 5,248
(121 TDs) 75 â 1,000 474 â 6,248
(144 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 â
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. He also broke another team record at Orlando, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns. Ford now has 16 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 294. The Avengers have rushed for 12 touchdowns in their last seven 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 six more touchdown passes this season, Kaleo would become the fifth player in AFL history to reach the 500 mark. He also needs just 336 passing yards to become the fifth player in league history to pass for over 30,000 yards.
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Passing Yards
1. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 36,137
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 34,144
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 32,507
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 31,769
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 29,664
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Passing Completions
1. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 3,272
2. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 2,683
3. Aaron Garcia (New York) 2,663
4. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 2,612
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 2,457
All-Time AFL Leaders â
Passing Touchdowns
1. Aaron Garcia (New York) 711
2. Andy Kelly (New Orleans) 704
3. Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona) 651
4. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 641
5. John Kaleo (Los Angeles) 494
Since Start of 2004 Season â
Passing Touchdowns
1. Tony Graziani (L.A./Philadelphia) 169
2. Aaron Garcia (New York) 160
3. Clint Dolezel (Las Vegas) 159
4. Andy Kelly (Detroit/New Orleans) 157
5. John Kaleo (Tampa Bay/L.A.) 149
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.
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.
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 title 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.
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.
PREVIOUS MEETING WITH GLADIATORS:
AVENGERS FIND NO
LUCK IN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 30) -- Proving to be their own worst enemy, the Avengers committed three turnovers and lost possession on two kickoffs in a 46-37 loss to the Las Vegas Gladiators at the Thomas & Mack Center. It was the 2005 season opener for both teams and marked the first time that the Gladiators were able to beat the Avengers in four tries.
"Anytime you turn the ball over in this league it is hard to win," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "We had five turnovers -- two interceptions, one fumble and two change of possessions off kickoffs. That is just too many mistakes."
Las Vegas fullback/linebacker Frank Carter scored three rushing touchdowns, the last coming with just over a minute to play to seal the victory.
Gladiator quarterback Clint Dolezel was 18-of-30 for 251 yards and three touchdowns, but was intercepted two times by Avenger rookie defensive specialist Antuan Simmons. Dolezel's favorite target and last year's AFL "Offensive Player of the Year," Marcus Nash caught seven passes for 116 yards and one touchdown.
"It really wasn't what they were doing on offense that was frustrating, but rather what we weren't doing on defense," Simmons said. "If we just clean up our mistakes we'll be fine. We just came out a little jittery on defense. We just made too many mistakes out there early on."
The Gladiators took control on the first play of the season as Dolezel found wide receiver Coco Blalock for a 47-yard touchdown.
Things got worse for the Avengers. On their first series, quarterback John Kaleo was intercepted after a pass deflected off WR/DB Kevin Ingram's hands.
The Gladiators took advantage when Dolezel found Nash on fourth down for a 42-yard gain. Carter capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run to give Las Vegas a quick 14-0 lead.
The Avengers took advantage of Simmons' first interception with a two-yard Kaleo-to-Ingram touchdown to give Los Angeles its first lead of the game at 31-26 with 1:47 remaining in the third quarter.
"I thought that overall John (Kaleo) played well out there today," Hodgkiss said. "He bounced back from some mistakes and showed that he could lead our offense. We expected a few of those mistakes with all of the new faces on our team."
Kaleo finished 19-of-34 for 197 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. WR/LB Greg Hopkins led Los Angeles with 11 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Las Vegas outscored the Avengers, 20-6, in the fourth quarter to post the franchise's first opening-day win since the team moved from New Jersey to Las Vegas in 2003.
LOS ANGELES (0-1) 7 10 14 6 -- 37
LAS VEGAS (1-0) 14 12 0 20 -- 46
LAST WEEK:
KALEO, LOCKE, INGRAM KEY AVENGER VICTORY
SAN JOSE (May 7, 2005) -- With the stakes sky high and huge playoff implications on the line, Los Angeles quarterback John Kaleo threw seven touchdown passes, five to offensive specialist Tony Locke, and WR/DB Kevin Ingram intercepted three passes, leading the Avengers to a 54-42 victory over the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at HP Pavilion.
"I am just so happy for this organization," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said.
In claiming one of the biggest victories in the six-year history of the franchise, Los Angeles swept the two-game season series with San Jose for the first time, improved to 9-5 overall and took over sole possession of first place in the Western Division.
"I feel like we deserved this win here tonight," Locke said. "We were on the same page all night."
Kaleo and Locke hooked up for three of their five touchdowns in the third quarter as the Avengers worked to fend off a comeback attempt by the SaberCats, who fell to 8-6 but remain solidly in the hunt to defend their world championship.
With just 35 seconds remaining, it looked as if the SaberCats were poised to come all the way back as they took possession of the football at their own 10-yard line, trailing 48-42.
However, that's when Ingram stepped in front of a pass into the right flat by San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb, made his second interception of the night and returned it seven yards for a touchdown that sealed the Avenger win.
"They tried to run the screen again," Ingram said. "I read the motion man, and this time, Grieb threw the ball right to me."
L.A. had been winless in five previous games in San Jose. But the defending champions, who received their massive platinum rings for the 2004 season on Friday, did not play like the team that had dominated the Avengers at HP Pavilion in the past. The Avenger defense kept the high-powered San Jose offense out of sync by forcing four turnovers, four sacks and a 1-of-6 performance on fourth down. The SaberCats, who came into the contest averaging 61.9 points per game, scored only seven points in the first half.
Rookie FB/LB Michale Spicer, who also plays along the defensive line, led the pass rush and had two sacks among his four tackles on his way to being named the "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" for the first time in his career.
"The defense did a great job of putting pressure on them all night," Hodgkiss said. "Coach (Mike) Wilpolt had the secondary ready to play and the play of our line upfront, getting pressure was really the difference."
Locke, who now has a team-high 24 touchdowns, finished with eight receptions for 174 yards, earning himself "Offensive Player of the Game" honors for the third consecutive week. Kaleo was 17-of-31 for 261 yards. More importantly, he did not throw an interception for the eighth time in a game this season. Kaleo has thrown only one interception in his last 200 attempts.
Grieb, who came into the contest with an AFL-leading 72 touchdown passes was held in check by the Avengers and finished just 25-of-43 for 282 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to his three crucial interceptions to Ingram.
With 5:51 remaining and Los Angeles holding on to a 48-35 lead, the Avengers held San Jose on downs for the fifth time in the game, taking over at the SaberCat 24-yard line. However, the Avengers had to settle for a 41-yard field goal attempt that kicker Remy Hamilton pushed wide.
San Jose quickly responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Grieb to WR/LB Shalon Baker to cut the Avenger advantage to 48-42 with 1:40 left.
The SaberCats failed on their ensuing onside kick attempt and the Avengers quickly advanced the ball to the San Jose one-yard line, but the drive stalled there. At that point, Hamilton attempted a 16-yard field goal, but Ingram, who holds on all placekick attempts, was unable to get his right hand clear of the ball before the kick was attempted, causing it to flutter short and to the right.
Not to worry ... Ingram redeemed himself with two interceptions and a touchdown within the final 35 seconds of the game. He also caught three passes for 47 yards and also made six tackles to earn "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" honors for the second consecutive week and fifth time overall this season.
The Avengers, who came in leading the league with a +18 turnover margin, looked like they were in for a long evening early in the game, giving away the football twice in the early going.
After the Avenger defense stopped San Jose on the initial possession of the game when Spicer got his first sack on Grieb on fourth-and-goal, Kaleo was stripped of the football by OL/DL Sam Hernandez on L.A.'s first offensive play. San Jose recovered the football and capitalized on the turnover when FB/LB Joey Dozier plowed his way into the end zone to give the SaberCats an early 7-0 lead.
Then, on the ensuing kickoff, Locke fumbled the ball right back to the SaberCats.
But, fortunately for the Avengers, the defense and the offense got on track. First, Ingram intercepted Grieb's pass in the end zone. Then, Kaleo worked the ball down the field and eventually found Locke for a four-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
The Avenger defense forced a second turnover-on-downs after OL/DL Bernard Riley sacked Grieb on fourth down once again. A touchdown reception by WR/LB Greg Hopkins gave L.A. a 14-7 lead.
After finally converting on a fourth down, the SaberCats uncharacteristically turned the ball over once again after WR/LB James Roe was stripped of the football and Ingram pounced on the loose ball. But L.A. could not do anything with the football and went four-and-out, giving the ball back to San Jose in prime position at the 12-yard line.
But the defense forced a third-turnover on downs, which lead to Hopkins' second touchdown of the game to give the Avengers a commanding 21-7 halftime lead.
The Avengers continued to pour it on right from the opening possession of the second half, scoring a fourth-straight touchdown. This time, Kaleo found Locke wide open in the middle of the field for a 38-yard touchdown, giving L.A. a three-touchdown lead.
LOS ANGELES (9-5) 7 14 21 12 -- 54
SAN JOSE (8-6) 7 0 21 14 -- 42
THE AVENGERS ARE ...
⢠6-1 at STAPLES Center
⢠3-4 on the road
⢠7-1 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
⢠8-4 when they allow less than 60 points
⢠6-1 when they allow less than 50 points
⢠3-0 when they allow less than 40 points
⢠5-2 when they score first
⢠9-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
⢠0-1 when they commit more turnovers
⢠9-3 whey they make at least one interception
⢠5-2 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
⢠4-0 when Tony Locke catches 3 or more TD passes
⢠4-1 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
⢠6-4 when John Kaleo throws for at least 5 TDs
⢠9-4 when John Kaleo passes for 200+ yards
⢠2-1 when John Kaleo passes for 300+ yards
⢠6-2 when John Kaleo doesn't throw an INT
⢠4-2 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
⢠6-4 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
⢠2-3 when Greg Hopkins scores two or more TDs
⢠2-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
⢠6-2 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 11 points
⢠3-4 when they commit fewer penalties
⢠4-4 when they record at least one sack
⢠2-1 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
⢠5-2 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
⢠6-0 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 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
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
AVENGERS 9 5 0 .643 733 682
Las Vegas 8 6 0 .571 688 669
San Jose 8 6 0 .571 847 719
Arizona 5 9 0 .357 713 707
Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 9 5 0 .643 793 760
Chicago 8 6 0 .571 703 692
Nashville 6 7 1 .464 598 618
Grand Rapids 2 12 0 .143 639 827
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
New York 9 5 0 .643 742 709
Dallas 7 6 1 .536 755 699
Philadelphia 6 8 0 .429 737 773
Columbus 1 13 0 .071 610 778
Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
*Georgia 10 4 0 .714 707 635
Orlando 9 6 0 .600 749 715
New Orleans 8 6 0 .571 726 668
Tampa Bay 8 6 0 .571 697 668
Austin 6 9 0 .400 706 824
* clinched playoff berth
THIS WEEK IN THE AFL (all times Pacific):
FRIDAY, MAY 13
Nashville @ Colorado, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Dallas @ Georgia, 4 p.m. (FSN South, FSN Southwest)
Austin @ New Orleans, 5 p.m.
San Jose @ Arizona, 7 p.m.
Las Vegas @ Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. (FSN West, INHD)
SUNDAY, MAY 15
New York @ Tampa Bay, 10 a.m. (KNBC Channel 4)
Grand Rapids @ Chicago, 10 a.m.
Columbus @ Philadelphia, 10 a.m.
BYE: Orlando
NEXT GAME: The Avengers will close out the 2005 regular season with a game at Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 21. That contest will kick off at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific) and will be televised on FSN West 2.
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.
INDIVDUAL TEAM RECORDS SET THIS SEASON:
Pass Completions (Game)
John Kaleo, 31 â at Colorado (Feb. 27, 2005)
Rushing Yards (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 294 â (2003-05)
Rushing Touchdowns (Game)
Lonnie Ford, 3 â at Orlando (April 3, 2005)
Rushing Touchdowns (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 16 â (2003-05)
Sacks (Game)
Silas Demary, 4 â vs. New York (April 10, 2005)
Sacks (Season)
Silas Demary, 11.5 â (2005)
Sacks (Career)
Silas Demary, 14.5 â (2004-05)
Interceptions (Game)
Kevin Ingram, 3 â at San Jose (May 7, 2005)
Interceptions (Career)
Kevin Ingram, 19 â (2002-05)
Field Goals (Game)
Remy Hamilton, 5 â at Austin (Feb. 11, 2005)
Field Goals (Season)
Remy Hamilton, 28 â (2005)
Field Goals (Career)
Remy Hamilton, 72 â (2002-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made)
Remy Hamilton, 12 â (2004-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made in Single Season)
Remy Hamilton, 11 â (2005)
TACKLING A NEW RECORD: Rookie defensive specialist Antuan Simmons is five stops shy of setting a new Avenger single-season record for tackles. He currently has 67 solo stops and 24 assists in 14 games, giving him a total of 79 tackles. Cornelius Coe established the current team record with 83 tackles in 2003.
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.
"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
13 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
2 TD catches, 1 INT, 5.5 tackles
14 @ San Jose WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
3 INTs, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 catches
15 Las Vegas
16 @
G.R.
"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
13 Arizona OL/DL Silas Demary (L.A.)
1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
14 @ San Jose FB/LB Michale Spicer (L.A.)
2 sacks for â13 yards, 4 tackles
15 Las Vegas
16 @
G.R.
"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
OS Tony Locke (L.A.)
4 receptions, 75 yards, 2 TDs
13 Arizona OS Tony Locke (L.A.)
10 receptions, 166 yards, 4 TDs
14 @ San Jose OS Tony Locke (L.A.)
8 receptions, 174 yards, 5 TDs
15 Las Vegas
16 @
G.R.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 10, 2005
- Los Angeles Avengers game notes - Los Angeles Avengers
- San Jose SabreCats game notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Avenger sack man Silas Demary - Los Angeles Avengers
- Georgia Force WR/LB named AFL Offensive Player of the Week - Georgia Force
- Hillery Named AFL Ironman of the Week - Nashville Kats
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- New York Dragons game notes - New York Dragons
- AFL announces week 15 honors - AFL I
- Tampa Bay Storm game notes - Tampa Bay Storm
- VooDoo's regular season finale moved to Sunday - New Orleans VooDoo
- Week 17 New Orleans-Orlando game rescheduled - AFL I
- Dragons look to clinch division title - New York Dragons
- New Orleans/Orlando game moves to Sunday afternoon - Orlando Predators
- Philadelphia Soul game notes - Philadelphia Soul
- Georgia Force game notes - Georgia Force
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
