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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

January 24, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


THE QUICK FACTS:
Game: Arizona Rattlers at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006
Kickoff: 12:05 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: STAPLES Center (17,942) - Los Angeles, Calif.
Television: KNBC Channel 4 (Ted Robinson, John Jackson, Fred Roggin)
Radio: AM 690 (Larry Kahn, Troy West, Isaac Lowenkron)
Spanish Radio: ESPN Deportes AM 1330 (Edu Villamar, Mario Amaya)
Internet Radio: N/A
Line: TBA
Series Record: Arizona leads 7-5
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 59, Arizona 56 - April 30, 2005, STAPLES Center
Officials: Bill Athan (R), Matt Jordan (U), Tim Podraza (HL), Tom Symonette (LJ), Greg Wilson (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 38-24)
Arizona -- Gene Nudo (first season, 0-0)

THE AVENGERS: The defending Western Division champion Avengers open their seventh season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League against one of their archrivals, hosting the Arizona Rattlers on Sunday, Jan. 29, at STAPLES Center. After relying mostly on a high-powered offense in his first three years at the helm, head coach Ed Hodgkiss guided the Avengers to their first division title last season, utilizing a balanced effort based on all three phases of the game. Los Angeles still featured a lethal offense in 2005, leading the AFL in scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and posting an average of 53.8 points per game. But the Avengers were also effective on the defensive side of the football and on special teams. For the second consecutive year, the Avengers will have a new starting quarterback. Brian Mann, who was L.A.'s backup for the past two seasons, is expected to get the start under center in the opener, but second-year signalcaller Ryan Van Dyke will likely also play. Leading the way for the receivers are two of the best two-way players in the league -- WR/DB Kevin Ingram and WR/LB Greg Hopkins. Last season, Ingram led the Avengers with 88 catches for 1,052 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also had a team-high six interceptions and went on to earn the AFL's highest individual honor, being selected as the "Ironman of the Year." Hopkins, who recently was named to AFL's prestigious "20 Greatest Players" list, is in his 11th season in the league and is likely to become only the fifth player in history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career. Offensive specialist Tony Locke, who burst upon the scene last season to accumulated 82 receptions for 1,182 yards and 27 scores, will begin the season on the injured reserve list (hand). His spot in the lineup will be filled by rookie Kareem Kelly, who set numerous receiving records at USC during a standout collegiate career. With defensive coordinator Mike Wilpolt overseeing a unit led by OL/DL Silas Demary and defensive specialist Damen Wheeler last season, the Avengers were much more difficult to score against than in the past. Demary was simply unstoppable in the second half of the 2005 season, finishing with 13.5 record-breaking quarterback sacks on his way to being selected as the league's "Defensive Player of the Year" and "Lineman of the Year." Last but certainly not least, the Avengers have the league's best kicker in Remy Hamilton. Last season, he kicked 29-of-39 field goals, led the team in scoring with 185 points and earned AFL "Kicker of the Year" honors.

THE STORYLINES:
4 Avengers to unveil division championship banner
... more on Page 2
4 Los Angeles-Arizona rivalry tightening up
... more on Page 2
4 Greg Hopkins moving up the AFL receiving charts
... more on Page 3
4 Ed Hodgkiss to break in another new starting QB
... more on Page 4
4 Former USC Trojan Kareem Kelly to make AFL debut
... depth chart on Page 10

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2006 SCHEDULE (0-0)
Date Opponent Time Television
Jan. 29 Arizona Noon NBC
Feb. 5 @ Philadelphia 10 a.m. NBC
Feb. 12 @ Grand Rapids 11 a.m.
Feb. 18 Chicago 7:30 FSN West 2
Feb. 25 Utah 7:30 FSN West
Mar. 5 @ Orlando 9 a.m. NBC
Mar. 12 @ San Jose 3 p.m. NBC
Mar. 19 Colorado 3 p.m.
Mar. 24 @ Arizona 6 p.m. FSN West 2
April 2 @ Las Vegas 3 p.m. FSN West 2
April 9 @ Kansas City 10 a.m. NBC
April 15 @ Utah 6 p.m.
April 22 New York 7:30 FSN West 2
April 29 San Jose 7:30
May 6 Nashville 7:30
May 13 Las Vegas 7:30

BANNER DAY: Prior to the game, the Avengers will unveil the newest addition to the wall at STAPLES Center, pulling down a curtain covering their Western Division title banner, which also includes a tribute to Al Lucas.

AVENGER HEAD COACH: One of the brightest offensive masterminds in the AFL, Ed Hodgkiss is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Avengers. In his four previous seasons, he compiled a record of 38-24 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 captured their first Western Division championship and compiled a 10-6 record. Under Hodgkiss' direction, Los Angeles led the league in offensive scoring percentage (74.4 percent) and turnover margin (+17). He finished second in the balloting for AFL "Coach of the Year" honors. In 2004, the Avengers went 9-7 and led the AFL in scoring, averaging 56.5 points per game. 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). 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. Prior to joining the Avengers, Hodgkiss was the Indiana Firebirds' offensive coordinator for three seasons (1999-2001) and was part of an ArenaBowl championship in 1999.

PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES: Twice in the previous three seasons, the Avengers came one regular-season victory shy of earning the AFL's No. 1 overall seed. Last season, Los Angeles had already wrapped up its first Western Division championship when it traveled to Grand Rapids. The Avengers led by a touchdown at halftime, but eventually lost to the Rampage, 71-65, while resting several key starters in the second half. In other key games on that final regular-season weekend, New York beat Colorado and San Jose beat Georgia, which meant L.A. would have been the No. 1 overall seed if it had beaten Grand Rapids (by virtue of a head-to-head tiebreaker over Georgia). Two years earlier, the Avengers closed the 2003 regular season with a monumental showdown at San Jose. Both teams entered that contest at 11-4, and the Western Division championship and overall No. 1 seed in the playoffs would go to the winner. The SaberCats won, 47-43, and earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

TOPS IN TURNOVERS ... AGAIN: The Avengers led the AFL in turnover margin in 2005 with an amazing +17 (two teams finished way back in second at +8). Last season, Los Angeles had a league-leading 37 takeaways (22 INTs and 15 fumble recoveries). The Avengers turned over the ball only 20 times (fewest in the AFL). L.A. committed only 11 turnovers in its 10 regular-season victories last season. In 2004, the Avengers turned the ball over just 11 times (fewest in the AFL) and tied the Chicago Rush for an AFL-best turnover margin of +15.

DOMINANT ON DEFENSE: Avenger lineman Silas Demary, the 2005 AFL "Defensive Player of the Year" and "Lineman of the Year" award winner, broke what was the oldest record in AFL history with 13.5 quarterback sacks last season. Craig Walls of the Pittsburgh Gladiators established the record with 13 sacks in 1987. Demary played in 15 games for the Avengers in 2005 (he missed the Dallas game on March 18 [L.A.'s only loss at home last year] while recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee), but he recorded 12.5 of his sacks in the last eight regular-season games. He broke the record on May 21, 2005, by bringing down Grand Rapids quarterback Michael Bishop for a three-yard loss on the Rampage's first offensive play of the game. Demary also set a single-game Avenger record with four sacks versus New York on April 10 (three in the first quarter alone).

SACK MASTER: Never before in the history of the Arena Football League has there been a defensive performance by a lineman like the one Silas Demary gave last season. As Week 10 began, he had only one sack, but then exploded for 12.5 to end up breaking one of the most elusive and incredible records in the game.

All-Time AFL Leaders -Sacks in a Single Season
1. Silas Demary (Los Angeles, 2005) 13.5
2. Craig Walls (Pittsburgh, 1987) 13.0
2. Joe March (Denver, 1991) 12.5
4. Craig Walls (Pittsburgh, 1988) 12.0
5. Sam Hernandez (San Jose, 2000) 12.0


THE SERIES: The Rattlers lead the all-time series 7-5, 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. Four of its five victories over Arizona have come at U.S. Airways Arena (formerly America West Arena). The Avengers won their first home game versus the Rattlers in their last meeting on April 30, 2005. The Avengers and Rattlers played a game for the ages on April 13, 2003, as the two teams combined for an AFL-record 23 touchdowns. Arizona prevailed in overtime, 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 59, Rattlers 56 4-30-05 STAPLES
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
L.A. STORY: At 10-6 last season, the Avengers nearly tied the franchise's all-time best record. 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.

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) 10-6 (playoffs 0-1)

JUST ONCE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 62 regular-season games, the Avengers have been under .500 for only one week ... following last 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.

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 * 151-59 .719
3. Darren Arbet * 73-31 .702
4. Danny White * 121-55 .688
5. Jay Gruden * 55-33 .625
6. Ed Hodgkiss * 38-24 .613
7. Mike Dailey * 79-53 .598
8. Pat Sperduto * 33-24-1 .578
9. John Gregory 67-51 .568
10. Todd Shell * 53-45 .541

KEEPING IT CLOSE: Only seven of the 24 losses that Ed Hodgkiss has suffered as the head coach of the Avengers have been by more than seven points.

SLOW STARTERS: In 16 regular-season games last season, the Avengers scored only 133 points in the first quarter (average of 8.3 points), while opponents countered with 171. The second quarter was when the Avengers shined brightest, scoring a total of 258 points (average of 16.1 points). L.A. also did well in the third quarter, racking up 252 (average of 15.8 points). But, things slowed down in the fourth quarter when the Avengers were outscored, 275-212.

... WHEN THEY DID GET AHEAD: The Avengers held the lead at halftime in only seven of their 16 games last season, but went on to win six of those games (the only loss was in the regular-season finale at Grand Rapids).

... AND AFTER THREE QUARTERS: The Avengers are 40-10 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters of play.

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 9,456 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) 13,090
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
4. Cory Fleming (Orlando) 9,658
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,456
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 8,600
8. Darryl Hammond (Nashville) 8,459
9. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,377
10. Stevie Thomas (1991-2001) 7,906

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, 2005, 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

SECRET IS SCORING 60: Dating back to the 2004 season, the Avengers are 9-1 when they score 60 or more points (the only loss came in the 2005 regular-season finale at Grand Rapids, when the Avenger rested several key starters in the second half.). The team did not score more than 55 points in all seven of its losses in 2004 and in five of the six defeats last season.

WINNING RECORD: L.A.'s 59-56 victory over the Arizona Rattlers on April 30, 2005, meant that for the first time in Avenger history, the franchise could boast of a winning record. In their seventh season of play, the Avengers currently have an all-time regular-season record of 46-44.

JUST FIVE ARE ROOKIES: Five of the 20 players on L.A.'s opening day roster are rookies. They are: offensive specialist Kareem Kelly, and linemen Isaac Hilton, Trevor Hutton, Reggie Rhodes and Jason Stewart. Last season, 17 of the 34 players who suited up for the Avengers (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) experienced their first taste of AFL action in 2005.

RECORD SETTING SEASON: Last season, Avenger Remy Hamilton set a new AFL record for field goal percentage in a single season. In 2004, Jay Taylor of the Orlando Predators set the mark at .720 (18-of-25). Hamilton's percentage in 2005 was .744 (29-of-39). He and Taylor are the only two players in the 20-year history of the Arena Football League to have a field-goal percentage better than .639. Hamilton also made a run at the league's all-time 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 -Scoring By Kickers
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
2. Steve Videtich (Columbus) 1,214
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,063
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) 161
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 133
4. Kenny Stucker (1994-99) 118

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Percentage in a Single Season
1. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) .744
2. Jay Taylor (Orlando, 2004) .720
3. Steve McLaughlin (Nashville, 2001) .639

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Made in a Single Season
1. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1999) 32
2. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles, 2005) 29
3. Daron Alcorn (Portland, 1997) 27

KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton led the AFL in field goals (29), field-goal percentage (.744) and kicking points (185) last season. The 2005 campaign was been nothing short of amazing for him. Hamilton was 29-for-39 (.744) on field goals in 2005 and opened the year by hitting his first 11 three-pointers. Dating back to the end of the 2004 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, 2005. 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 of the 2005 season, 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." Last season, he was 6-of-12 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 43, 48, 50). Hamilton's 10 misses in 2005 were from 16 (blocked), 28, 29, 31, 41, 47, 48, 50, 53 and 56 yards out.

WHEELER CONTINUES TO ROLL: Avenger DS Damen Wheeler has come up with 11 INTs in his last 24 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

ANOTHER NEW QB: For the second consecutive season, the Avengers will open the year with a new starting quarterback. This time, Brian Mann gets the nod in the opener, taking over for John Kaleo, who signed a free agent contract with Columbus in the offseason after his one-year stint in L.A. Second-year man Ryan Van Dyke could also take some snaps versus Arizona.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 42 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "U.S. Army Ironman of the Game" 15 times. L.A. won each of those games, which includes six victories last season -- at Arizona (March 6); vs. Tampa Bay (March 26); vs. New York (April 3); vs. Arizona (April 30); at San Jose (May 7); and vs. Las Vegas (May 14).

INFLUX OF INTERCEPTIONS: In the 54-42 victory at San Jose on May 7, 2005, the Avengers broke a franchise single-season record for interceptions. L.A.'s three picks (all by WR/DB Kevin Ingram, which set an individual single-game Avenger record) pushed the team total for the 2005 season to 22. The previous record was 19, by the 2003 squad. The Avengers came away with at least one interception in 12 of the 16 games last season. L.A. failed to get a pick in the games versus Dallas, at Nashville and at Grand Rapids, which all ended in defeat, and also didn't intercept Las Vegas' Clint Dolezel in the Western Division title clinching victory on May 14, 2005.

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 22 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 96 passes for 1,154 yards and 30 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.

RUSHING RECORDS: In L.A.'s game at Orlando on April 3, 2005, 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 18 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 332. The Avengers have rushed for 19 touchdowns in their last nine games.

LOCKE WAS THE KEY: Much like they did a year ago, the Avengers will begin the season without offensive specialist Tony Locke. This year he's on the injured reserve list (hand). Last season, Locke began the year on the practice squad and went on to have a dramatic influence on the L.A. offense after joining the active roster in Week 4. In the first three weeks of the 2005 season, the Avengers averaged just 217.3 passing yards per game. In the 13 games that Locke has played in, L.A. averaged 263.4 yards passing per game (reflecting a 21 percent increase). The team's touchdown passes per game also went up from 4.0 in the first three games to 5.4 in the last 13. Locke, who led the team with 27 touchdown receptions last season, also had six 100-yard games in 2005, and was named the "Offensive Player of the Game" five times. The Avengers were 4-1 last season when Locke caught at least three touchdown passes in a game (the only loss came in the 2005 regular-season finale at Grand Rapids).

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: Fifty-five of L.A.'s 112 offensive touchdowns last season were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 13 of them on one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 193-of-353 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (56 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 112 55 (49 %) 13
Total 353 193 (55 %) 56

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) 107 - 1,366 587 - 8,161(186 TDs)
Damian Harrell(Crush) 457 - 6,724(138 TDs) 122 - 1,486 579 - 8,210(179 TDs)
Greg Hopkins(Avengers) 466 - 5,633(116 TDs) 81 - 891 547 - 6,524(129 TDs)
Mike Horacek(Dragons) 399 - 5,248(121 TDs) 93 - 1,210 492 - 6,458(151 TDs)

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 OT games, the Avenger opponent has been Arizona (L.A. is 1-2 in those contests). In all three overtime victories, L.A. 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 OT 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

RECENT TRANSACTIIONS:
Date Action Player
1/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Jemelle CageOL/DL Charles Howard0S Tony LockeWR/DB Antoine BurnsOL/DL Rod ManuelOL/DL Richard SealsQB Sonny CumbieWR/DB Ricky Sharpe
1/22 Waived OL/DL Marc ManfreddaOL/DL Mike RogersDS Jermaine SmithWR/DB Tramissian Davis
1/22 Waived(injured) DS Walter Bernard
1/22 Released OL/DL Furnell Hankton
1/16 Waived(non-claimable) DS Mark Estelle
1/14 Signed WR/DB Antoine Burns
1/14 Placed on other league exempt WR/DB Ataveus CashWR/DB Terrence Stubbs
1/5 Signed WR/DB Tramissian DavisWR/DB Lenzie Jackson
1/4 Signed OL/DL Marc ManfreddaOL/DL Michael Rogers
1/3 Placed on refused to report OS Chris DoeringWR/DB Brian Sump
12/30 Placed on other league exempt OL/DL Tony Wragge
12/15 Signed WR/DB Ataveus CashWR/DB Ricky Sharpe


UPCOMING AFL SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):

WEEK 1

Friday, January 27
Las Vegas at Austin - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 28
Orlando at Georgia - 4 p.m.
Nashville at New York - 4 p.m.
Utah at San Jose - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 29
Arizona at Los Angeles - 12 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia - 12 p.m.
Chicago at Colorado - 12 p.m.
Kansas City at Dallas - 12 p.m.
Grand Rapids at Columbus - 12 p.m.

WEEK 2

Friday, February 3
Tampa Bay at Grand Rapids - 4:30 p.m.
Kansas City at Orlando - 4:30 p.m.
Columbus at Nashville - 5 p.m.
New York at Chicago - 5:30 p.m.
Austin at Arizona - 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 4
Dallas at Utah - 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 5
Los Angeles at Philadelphia - 10 a.m.
Colorado at Georgia - 10 a.m.
Monday, February 6
San Jose at Las Vegas - 7:30 p.m.

2005 FINAL REGULAR-SEASON
ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
d - AVENGERS 10 6 0 .625 861 813
p - San Jose 9 7 0 .563 945 821
Las Vegas 8 8 0 .500 790 781
Arizona 7 9 0 .438 816 794

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
c - Colorado 10 6 0 .625 873 871
p - Chicago 9 7 0 .563 789 764
Nashville 6 9 1 .406 668 715
Grand Rapids 4 12 0 .250 761 932

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
d - New York 10 6 0 .625 862 798
Dallas 8 7 1 .531 888 825
Philadelphia 6 10 0 .375 852 905
Columbus 2 14 0 .125 718 908

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
c - Georgia 11 5 0 .688 818 745
p - Orlando 10 6 0 .625 800 755
p - Tampa Bay 10 6 0 .625 836 779
New Orleans 9 7 0 .563 835 787
Austin 6 10 0 .375 774 893

d - clinched division title
c - clinched best record in conference
p - clinched playoff berth




AVENGERS 2005 RESULTS (10-6, 0-1)
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
May 14 Las Vegas Win 63-60
May 21 @ Grand Rapids Loss 71-65
May 29 Chicago (Playoffs) Loss 52-45







LAST GAME:

CHICAGO COMES BACK TO CLAIM VICTORY

LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2005) -- It didn't seem fitting that the season would end for the Avengers with a 52-45 loss in the playoffs to the Chicago Rush after all the adversity the team overcame. However, that is the harsh nature of the Arena Football League, where no lead is safe.
Two plays into the second half, the Avengers were firmly in command with a 35-17 lead. But, with their season on the line, the Rush refused to cave in. After Chicago tied the game at 45-45 with 4:24 remaining, Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram fumbled the ensuing kickoff right back to the Rush, and Chicago FB/LB Charlie Cook closed out the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run with 3:08 remaining.
The Avengers had two opportunities to respond in the final moments of the game, but both attempts were turned back by the Rush defense, which allowed no points in the final 12 minutes of the game.
With the game seemingly wrapped up and Chicago draining the final seconds off the clock, Avenger LB/WR Greg Hopkins forced Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw to fumble, which was then recovered by FB/LB Lonnie Ford. But, after quarterback John Kaleo was buried in the turf on fourth down, the dream of moving on in the playoffs ended.
The L.A. defense was the squad that started the game strong, keeping the Rush out of the end zone after earning a first-and-goal at the two-yard line. Chicago had to settle for an 18-yard field goal by Keith Gispert to take a 3-0 lead. Then, it was the Avenger offense's turn to go to work, and Kaleo came out firing to offensive specialist Tony Locke, who was wide open down the field for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Avengers up 7-3.
After an interception by Hopkins, FB/LB Michale Spicer powered his way across the goal line from five yards out to extend the L.A. lead to 21-10. The Rush countered with a 16-yard touchdown catch by WR/LB Etu Molden, but L.A. kept it rolling when Kaleo ht WR/DB Brian Sump for a 30-yard TD bomb.
The Rush mounted their second-half comeback after L.A. struck first on a one-yard touchdown blast by Ford. Chicago FB/LB Bob McMillen punched it in from a yard out to slice into the Avenger lead.
Then, the Rush defense then held the Avengers out of the end zone for the first time in six possessions, and L.A. was forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Remy Hamilton.
With just over a minute remaining in the third quarter, Cook's one-yard touchdown cut the L.A. lead to 38-31. But, just as it looked like the Rush defense was going to hold L.A. to a field goal attempt for the second straight possession, an illegal formation on fourth down gave L.A. new life. Kaleo took full advantage, finding Locke for his third scored of the day to give the Avengers a 14-point cushion with just under 12 minutes to go.


CHICAGO (1-0) 10 7 14 21 -- 52
LOS ANGELES (0-1) 7 21 10 7 -- 45


LAST SEASON THE AVENGERS WERE ...
- 7-1 at STAPLES Center
- 3-5 on the road
- 8-2 when they score more than 50 points
- 4-1 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
- 5-3 when they score first
- 9-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 1-2 when they commit more turnovers
- 9-3 whey they make at least one interception
- 6-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 4-1 when Tony Locke catches 3 or more TD passes
- 5-2 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
- 7-4 when John Kaleo throws for at least 5 TDs
- 10-4 when John Kaleo passes for 200+ yards
- 2-1 when John Kaleo passes for 300+ yards
- 6-3 when John Kaleo doesn't throw an INT
- 5-3 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
- 7-4 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
- 3-3 when Greg Hopkins scores two or more TDs
- 3-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
- 6-3 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 11 points
- 4-4 when they commit fewer penalties
- 4-5 when they record at least one sack
- 2-1 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
- 6-3 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 6-1 when leading at halftime
- 3-4 when trailing at halftime
- 1-1 when tied at halftime




INDIVDUAL TEAM RECORDS SET IN 2005:

Pass Completions (Game)
John Kaleo, 31 - at Colorado (Feb. 27, 2005)
Rushing Yards (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 332 - (2003-05)
Rushing Touchdowns (Game)
Lonnie Ford, 3 - at Orlando (April 3, 2005)
Rushing Touchdowns (Career)
Lonnie Ford, 18 - (2003-05)
Sacks (Game)
Silas Demary, 4 - vs. New York (April 10, 2005)
Sacks (Season)
Silas Demary, 13.5 - (2005) ... AFL RECORD
Sacks (Career)
Silas Demary, 16.5 - (2004-05)
Interceptions (Game)
Kevin Ingram, 3 - at San Jose (May 7, 2005)
Interceptions (Career)
Kevin Ingram, 19 - (2002-05)
Field Goals (Game)
Remy Hamilton, 5 - at Austin (Feb. 11, 2005)
Field Goals (Season)
Remy Hamilton, 29 - (2005)
Field-Goal Percentage (Season)
Remy Hamilton, .744 - (2005) ... AFL RECORD
Field Goals (Career)
Remy Hamilton, 73 - (2002-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made)
Remy Hamilton, 12 - (2004-05) ... AFL RECORD
Field Goals (Consecutive Made in Single Season)
Remy Hamilton, 11 - (2005) ... AFL RECORD
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
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 WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)6 catches, 2 TDs, 7.5 tackles
16 @G.R. FB/LB Chris Avery (G.R.)43 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 sack



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 and Rob Turner, Central Michigan University Chippewas.

















2005 "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 -13 yards, 4 tackles
15 Las Vegas DS Damen Wheeler (L.A.)8 tackles, including one for a loss
16 @G.R. DS Damon Mason (G.R.)17 tackles, 8 pass breakups





























2005 "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
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 QB John Kaleo (L.A.)20-of-30, 269 yards, 5 TD passes
16 @G.R. QB Michael Bishop (G.R.)21-of-29, 199 yards, 6 total TDs






























LAST MEETING WITH RATTLERS:

DRAMATIC FINISH ENDS WITH LOS ANGELES WIN

LOS ANGELES (April 30, 2005) -- There was a playoff atmosphere at STAPLES Center, and with a postseason berth possibly on the line and four seconds remaining, Avenger quarterback John Kaleo found WR/DB Kevin Ingram in the middle of the field for a game-winning 16-yard touchdown.
Trailing 56-52 with 11 seconds on the clock, Kaleo made the call for Ingram to run the post-corner route.
"This is big," said Ingram. "This is a big win for us."
After Arizona WR/DB Randy Gatewood gave the Rattlers late lead, the Avengers, with their never-say-die attitude, never lost hope.
"We were very confident when we got the ball back with about 30 seconds left," said Avenger offensive specialist Tony Locke.
The 59-56 victory was the first by L.A. in seven tries against Arizona at STAPLES Center. The Avengers used a familiar formula to beat Arizona: force turnovers on defense, score at least 50 points on offense, and find a way to eek out a victory.
The win improves L.A.'s record to 8-5 and put the team into a tie for first-place in the Western Division with San Jose, with the showdown between the teams just a week away. Arizona fell to 4-9.
Leading the way on defense for the Avengers was OL/DL Silas Demary, who finished the game with 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He now has a league-leading 11.5 sacks on the season.
Kaleo finished 18-of-26 for 211 yards and six touchdowns. More importantly he threw no interceptions for the seventh time this season.
Locke finished with 10 catches, 166 yards and four touchdowns. His partner in crime, Ingram, had two touchdowns.
Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner had an outstanding game in a losing cause, finishing 29-of-44 for 364 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.
After forcing a fourth down, Demary sacked Bonner, forcing a fumble, which was recovered by OL/DL Luis Almanzar at the Rattler 2-yard line.
The L.A. offense took advantage on its first play, as WR/LB Greg Hopkins muscled his way across the goal line to give the Avengers a 7-0 lead.
The Avengers went on to extend their lead to 38-20, midway through the third quarter, after FB/LB Lonnie Ford crashed over the goal line from a yard out.
Arizona responded when Bonner scored on a one-yard run and former Avenger lineman Vince Amey sacked Kaleo for a safety. Then, Bonner found Jerald Brown for a 33-yard touchdown, making it 38-36.
Locke's fourth touchdown put L.A, back on top with just over five minutes remaining. However, with 38 seconds left, Bonner found Gatewood again to make it 56-52 in favor of the visitors.


ARIZONA (4-9) 7 13 16 20 -- 56
LOS ANGELES (8-5) 10 14 14 21 -- 59



BROADCAST INFORMATION: As of this moment, Avenger games are schedule to be televised on KNBC five times, FSN West 2 four times (one delayed) and FSN West once. XTRA Sports AM 570 is the flagship radio station for the Avengers, however due to conflicts, three games will be broadcast on 1150-AM and one on 690-AM. Eleven Avenger games also will be aired on Spanish language radio -- eight on ESPN Deportes (1330-AM) and three on 1220-KWKU. Additional television broadcasts could be announced soon. In addition, information regarding high-definition television coverage via H2H (formerly INHD) and broadcasts via Sirius Satellite Radio are forthcoming.

Sunday, Jan. 29, ARIZONA, Noon
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: 690-AM, 1330-KWKW

Sunday, Feb. 5, at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: 570-XTRA, 1330-KWKW

Sunday, Feb. 12, at Grand Rapids, 11 a.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA

Saturday, Feb. 18, CHICAGO, 7:30 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 570-XTRA, 1330-KWKW

Saturday, Feb. 25, UTAH, 7:30 p.m.
TV: FSNW Radio: 570-XTRA, 1330-KWKW

Sunday, March 5, at Orlando, 9 a.m.
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: 570-XTRA

Sunday, March 12, at San Jose, 3 p.m.
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: 1150-AM, 1330-KWKW

Sunday, March 19, COLORADO, 3 p.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA, 1330-KWKW

Friday, March 24, at Arizona, 6 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 1150-AM
(TV delayed until 10:30 p.m.)

Sunday, April 2, at Las Vegas, 3 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 1150-AM, 1330-KWKW

Sunday, April 9, at Kansas City, 10 a.m.
TV: Ch. 4 Radio: 570-XTRA

Saturday, April 15, at Utah, 6 p.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA

Saturday, April 22, NEW YORK, 7:30 p.m.
TV: FSNW2 Radio: 570-XTRA, 1220-KWKU

Saturday, April 29, SAN JOSE, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA, 1220-KWKU

Saturday, May 6, NASHVILLE, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA, 1220-KWKU

Saturday, May 13, LAS VEGAS, 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 570-XTRA, 1330-KWKW

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