Sports stats

Los Angeles Avengers game notes

February 21, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Utah Blaze at Los Angeles Avengers
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: STAPLES Center (17,942)
Television: FSN West
Radio: XTRA Sports AM 570 (Larry Kahn, Troy West, Isaac Lowenkron - pregame show at 7 p.m. [Pacific])
Spanish Radio: ESPN Deportes 1330-AM (Edu Villamar, Mario Amaya)
Internet Radio: www.xtrasportsradio.com
Line: TBA
Series Record: First meeting
Last Meeting: N/A
Officials: David Lambros (R), Al Granado (U), Bill Ward (HL), Brian Matthews (LJ), Joe Duncan (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 39-27)
Utah -- Danny White (14th season, 122-58)

THE AVENGERS: The defending Western Division champion Avengers, who opened their seventh season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League with a 40-31 victory over the Arizona Rattlers, but lost their next three games (all against non-divisional foes), will host the Utah Blaze, the newest member of the Western Division, at STAPLES Center on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Avengers are off to their worst start since 2001, but are still tied for first place in the division. In the first two games of the 2006 season, the Avenger defense led the way, allowing an average of 43.5 points. But in their past two games, things got away from the Avengers, who surrendered 66 points at Grand Rapids and 65 points to Chicago at STAPLES Center last weekend. Veteran WR/DB Kevin Ingram has picked up right where he left off last season when he was honored as the AFL's "Ironman of the Year." Ingram leads the team in receptions (28 -- 20 of which have been for first downs), receiving yards (432), touchdowns (seven) and interceptions (two). Aside from Ingram, the Avengers have had some difficulty finding their offensive rhythm. Quarterback Brian Mann has started three of the four games this season and has taken the large majority of the snaps. He is 81-of-145 for 1,028 yards and 16 touchdowns (with four INTs). Ryan Van Dyke got the start under center at Grand Rapids and played a couple series in the season opener. He was 9-of-16 for 68 yards (with two INTS) this season before being waived on Feb. 14. The Avengers also have been a bit unsettled at the offensive specialist position, as rookie Kareem Kelly started the first two games while last year's starter, Tony Locke, was on the injured reserve list. Locke, who returned to action at Grand Rapids (five catches for 44 yards), really got back into the swing of things last weekend versus Chicago, catching nine passes for 134 yards and a pair of scores. Remy Hamilton, who set several league records last season, has remained in a groove, hitting 10 of his 12 field goal attempts this year and earning "Offensive Player of the Game" honors in the season-opening victory over Arizona. He leads all AFL kickers in scoring with 46 points. Last year, the Avengers effectively utilized a balanced effort rooted in all three phases of the game. Los Angeles 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 defense and special teams. One player who contributes in all three phases is WR/LB Greg Hopkins, who recently was named to the AFL's prestigious "20 Greatest Players" list. He is in his 11th season in the league and is likely to soon become only the fifth player in league history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career (he needs 358 more yards).

STORYLINES:
First meeting with Utah, but 13th with Danny White
... more on Page 2
Defense taking center stage in Los Angeles
... more on Page 2
Silas Demary eligible to come off the IR list
... alphabetical roster on Page 12

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2006 SCHEDULE (1-3)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 Arizona Win 40-31
Feb. 5 @ Philadelphia Loss 47-33
Feb. 12 @ Grand Rapids Loss 66-41
Feb. 18 Chicago Loss 65-46
Rest of season
Opponent Time
(PT)
Television
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 3:30 OLN
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

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.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 46 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "Ironman of the Game" 17 times. L.A. won all but one of those games. The only loss was the recent defeat at Philadelphia. Ironically, that contest was a homecoming of sorts for Ingram, who grew up in nearby Levittown, Pa. (Harry S. Truman High School).

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 24 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 115 passes for 1,412 yards and 35 TDs. Despite playing alongside a constellation of AFL stars for much of his career, Ingram's contributions have not gone unnoticed, winning him the "Ironman of the Game" award in nine road games over the course of the previous two years.

THE SERIES: This will be the first meeting between the Avengers and the Blaze, who are in their inaugural season. However, this will by no means be the first time that the Avengers have faced Blaze head coach Danny White. This will mark the 13th time that Los Angeles has faced off with White, who was previously the longtime head coach of the Arizona Rattlers. White has had success versus Los Angeles, winning seven of 10 regular-season games and a pair of playoff contests. Ironically, the Avengers have never beaten a Danny White-coached team at STAPLES Center. All three of L.A.'s victories over White were in Phoenix at the U.S. Airways Center (then America West Arena). One of the most memorable Avenger games played against Danny White occurred on April 13, 2003 when 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.

JUST THREE TIMES: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 66 regular-season games, the Avengers have been under .500 for only three weeks ... the past two weeks (1-2 and 1-3) and following last year's season-opening loss at Las Vegas (0-1). 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 nine weeks under .500 since the start of the 2002 season.

STINGY WITH THE YARDS: The Avengers currently lead the AFL in total defense by a wide margin, allowing just 207.3 yards per game (Nashville is second at 235.5). Historically more of an "offensive" team, the current Avenger total defense statistic is quite a departure from previous seasons. The Avengers also currently rank first in the AFL in passing defense (195.5) and first downs allowed (56). In addition, L.A. is ranked second in third-down percentage (35.7 percent) and rushing yards allowed per attempt (1.3 yards).

Avenger Total Defense (regular season)
Season Total yards allowed Average
2006 829 (four games) 207.3
2005 4,921 (16 games) 307.6
2004 4,665 (16 games) 291.6
2003 4,526 (16 games) 282.9
2002 3,991 (16 games) 249.4
2001 3,492 (14 games) 249.4
2000 4,236 (14 games) 302.6

TURNOVER MARGIN TAKES A TURN: After four games this season, the Avengers are -7 in turnover margin (last in the AFL). That's a far cry from where L.A. was in the previous two seasons. 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 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.

WHEELER CONTINUES TO ROLL: Avenger DS Damen Wheeler has come up with 12 INTs in his last 28 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

ANOTHER NEW QB: For the second consecutive season, the Avengers opened the year with a new starting quarterback. This time, Brian Mann got 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. Mann was 10-of-27 for 193 yards and three touchdowns in his debut as an AFL starter versus Arizona. Second-year man Ryan Van Dyke also saw some action in the second quarter versus the Rattlers. He was 6-of-10 for 56 yards and tossed one interception. Mann took all the snaps in the Week 2 loss at Philadelphia. He was 24-of-43 for 270 yards and four TDs (with one INT). Van Dyke got his first AFL start in the loss at Grand Rapids and quarterbacked L.A.'s first two series (3-of-6 for 12 yards, with one interception). Mann came on in relief and played the rest of the way, completing 26-of-38 for 291 yards and five touchdowns (with one INT). Two days after the Grand Rapids game, Van Dyke was waived by the Avengers, leaving Mann and rookie Sonny Cumbie as the only two quarterbacks on the roster. In last week's 65-46 loss to Chicago, Mann was 21-of-37 for 274 yards and four touchdowns. Cumbie led the Avengers to a touchdown on their final possession and completed 5-of-9 for 39 yards. Prior to Kaleo, the Avenger starter for three seasons (2002-04) was Tony Graziani (now in his second season with the Philadelphia Soul).

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 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) 10-6 (playoffs 0-1)
2006 (Ed Hodgkiss) 1-3

TOP BOSSES: L.A.'s Ed Hodgkiss is ranked seventh on the AFL's all-time winning percentage chart (regular season only, minimum 60 games, * active coaches).

All-Time AFL Top Winning Percentages
Head Coaches Record Winning %
1. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
2. Tim Marcum * 151-60 .716
3. Darren Arbet * 74-34 .685
4. Danny White * 122-58 .678
5. Jay Gruden * 58-34 .630
6. Mike Dailey * 82-54 .603
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 39-27 .591
8. Pat Sperduto * 36-25-1 .589
9. John Gregory 67-51 .568
10. Todd Shell 53-45 .541

SACKMAN SIDELINED: Avenger lineman Silas Demary broke two fingers on his left hand in the first quarter of the game at Philadelphia on Feb. 5 (and continued to play the entire game) and was placed on the injured reserve list on Feb. 11. He has missed the last two Avenger games, but is eligible to return to the active roster this week. Demary didn't register a sack in the first two games of the season, but he was still applying constant pressure on the quarterback. In the season-opening victory over Arizona, he was in the face of Rattler QB Sherdrick Bonner all afternoon and got credit for three "quarterback hurries." The following week, Demary got to Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani (a former teammate with the Avengers) early in the first quarter, knocking him to the turf and out of the game with a dislocated index finger on his throwing hand. 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 STORM: 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
3. Joe March (Denver, 1991) 12.5

LOCKE WAS THE KEY: Much like they did a year ago, the Avengers began this season without offensive specialist Tony Locke. This year, he began the campaign on injured reserve (hand), but returned to action in Week 3 at Grand Rapids (five receptions for 44 yards). Then, last week, Locke returned to form, leading the team with nine catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. 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 played in, L.A. averaged 263.4 passing yards 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 TD passes in a game.

HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is fifth on the league's all-time receiving yards chart. He has gained 9,642 receiving yards in his 11-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 (Nashville) 9,879
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,642
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,779
8. Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 8,600
9. Darryl Hammond (Nashville) 8,521
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 (Nashville's Darryl Hammond returned an INT 49 yards for a touchdown this season, in Week 2, to tie McEntyre with nine). 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) 9
Mark Ricks (1996-2004) 7
Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 7

SLOW STARTERS: Continuing a trend that began last season, the Avengers have been getting off to slow starts in 2006. In its first four games this season, Los Angeles has scored just 20 points in the first quarter, while opponents have countered with 52 points. The Avengers pick things up in the second quarter, scoring a total of 50 points, but that still trails the opposition (65 points) by a considerable margin. The only quarter in which the Avengers have outscored their opponents is the fourth, where L.A. currently holds a 49-41 advantage. In 16 regular-season games last season, the Avengers scored only 133 points in the first quarter (average of 8.3), while opponents countered with 171. The second quarter was when the Avengers shined brightest, scoring a total of 258 points (average of 16.1). L.A. also did well in the third quarter, racking up 252 (average of 15.8). But, things slowed down in the fourth quarter, when the Avengers were outscored, 275-212.

... WHEN THEY DID GET AHEAD: The Avengers have held the lead at halftime in only seven of their last 21 games and went on to win six of those games.

... AND AFTER THREE QUARTERS: The Avengers are 41-10 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters.

KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton, who led the AFL in field goals (29), field-goal percentage (.744) and kicking points (185) last season, started off the 2006 campaign on the right foot, booting all four of his field goal attempts (20, 22, 29, 42) in the season-opening victory over Arizona on Jan. 29. Hamilton is 10-of-12 on field goals this season. The 2005 campaign was 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.

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 140 field goals.

All-Time AFL Leaders -
Scoring By Kickers
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
2. Steve Videtich (Utah) 1,243
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,109
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 (Utah) 166
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 143
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

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 Avengers 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, in five of the six defeats last season and its three losses this year.

QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: Sixty-one of L.A.'s 131 offensive touchdowns dating back to last season were scored on "drives" of three plays or less. In fact, 16 of them were on one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 199-of-372 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (59 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-06)
Total TD
Drives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 112 55 (49 %) 13
2006 19 6 (31 %) 3
Total 372 199 (53 %) 59

JUST FIVE ARE ROOKIES: Five of the 19 players on L.A.'s current active roster are rookies. They are quarterback Sonny Cumbie, defensive specialist Ricky Sharpe and linemen Jamelle Cage, Trevor Hutton and Reggie Rhodes. 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.

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 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 1 3 0 .250 160 209
Arizona 1 3 0 .250 160 189
Las Vegas 1 3 0 .250 186 231
San Jose 1 3 0 .250 193 215
Utah 1 3 0 .250 220 220

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 3 1 0 .750 227 228
Nashville 3 1 0 .750 223 147
Chicago 2 2 0 .500 224 217
Grand Rapids 2 2 0 .500 205 197

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 3 1 0 .750 215 191
Philadelphia 3 1 0 .750 207 173
New York 2 2 0 .500 222 260
Columbus 1 3 0 .250 142 180

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Austin 4 0 0 1.000 210 162
Orlando 3 1 0 .750 193 186
Georgia 2 2 0 .500 221 187
Tampa Bay 2 2 0 .500 210 222
Kansas City 1 3 0 .250 163 167

AFL WEEK 5 SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):

Friday, February 24
Arizona @ Columbus - 4 p.m. (FSN Arizona, FSN Ohio)
Kansas City @ Georgia - 4:30 p.m. (FSN Midwest, FSN South, NASN)

Saturday, February 25
Austin @ Tampa Bay - 2 p.m. (OLN, SIRIUS)
Grand Rapids @ Nashville - 5 p.m. (AFL Net)
Las Vegas @ Dallas - 6 p.m. (FSN West 2* 10:30 p.m., FSN Southwest)
Utah @ Los Angeles - 7:30 p.m. (FSN West)

Sunday, February 26
Colorado @ Philadelphia - 10 a.m. (NBC, NASN, SIRIUS)
San Jose @ Chicago - 10 a.m. (NBC)
Orlando @ New York - 10 a.m.

BANNER DAY: Prior to the season-opening victory over Arizona, the Avengers showcased the newest addition to the wall at STAPLES Center -- their 2005 AFL Western Division championship banner, which includes a tribute to the late Al Lucas.

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 a winning record. In their seventh season of play, the Avengers are currently 1-3 and have slipped to a deadlocked all-time regular-season record of 47-47.

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

AFL RECORDS SET BY AVENGERS IN 2005:

Sacks (Season)
Silas Demary, 13.5 - (2005)
Field-Goal Percentage (Season)
Remy Hamilton, .744 - (2005)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made)
Remy Hamilton, 12 - (2004-05)
Field Goals (Consecutive Made in Single Season)
Remy Hamilton, 11 - (2005)

AVENGERS VS. EXPANSION TEAMS: The Avengers have a 6-4 all-time record in games played against expansion teams competing in their inaugural season. When Los Angeles hosts Utah on Saturday (Feb. 25), it will mark the first time that the Avengers will face an expansion team playing within the Western Division since sweeping a pair of games from the Colorado Crush in 2003 (the Crush left the Western Division the following season).

2000
April 20 -- 58-50 loss to Carolina Cobras (L.A.)

2001
June 16 -- 49-48 (OT) loss to Detroit Fury (L.A.)
June 30 -- 55-47 victory over Chicago Rush (L.A.)

2002
May 4 -- 52-51 victory at Dallas Desperados (Dallas)
May 24 -- 73-53 victory at Georgia Force (Atlanta)
June 1 -- 62-55 loss to Dallas Desperados (L.A.)

2003
Feb. 16 -- 59-53 (OT) victory at Colorado Crush (Denver)
May 10 -- 45-34 victory over Colorado Crush (L.A.)

2004
April 3 -- 81-70 victory over Austin Wranglers (L.A.)

2005
April 17 -- 51-48 loss at Nashville Kats (Nashville)

RECENT AVENGER TRANSACTIIONS:
Date Action Player
2/21 Waived OL/DL Isaac Hilton
2/17 Activated from injured reserve DS-WR/DB Ricky Sharpe
OL/DL Richard Seals
QB Sonny Cumbie
2/17 Placed on injured reserve DS Anthony Derricks
OL/DL Jason Stewart
2/14 Waived QB Ryan Van Dyke
2/11 Activated from injured reserve OS Tony Locke
OL/DL Jemelle Cage
2/11 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas Demary
OS Kareem Kelly
2/4 Placed on injured reserve DS Antuan Simmons
2/4 Recalled from waivers OL/DL Isaac Hilton
2/3 Signed DS Antuan Simmons
2/3 Placed on recallable waivers OL/DL Isaac Hilton
1/23 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Jemelle Cage
OL/DL Charles Howard
OS Tony Locke
WR/DB Antoine Burns
OL/DL Rod Manuel
OL/DL Richard Seals
QB Sonny Cumbie
WR/DB Ricky Sharpe
1/22 Waived OL/DL Marc Manfredda
OL/DL Mike Rogers
DS Jermaine Smith
WR/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 Cash
WR/DB Terrence Stubbs
1/5 Signed WR/DB Tramissian Davis
WR/DB Lenzie Jackson
1/4 Signed OL/DL Marc Manfredda
OL/DL Michael Rogers

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.

LAST GAME:

AVENGERS UNABLE
TO BEAT THE RUSH

By Michael Ordoña
laavengers.com

They came home from a dismal 0-2 road trip seeking to avenge their shocking 2005 playoff defeat by the Chicago Rush. Instead, the Avengers gave up three return scores, lost a fumble and two interceptions, and absorbed their third straight setback, 65-46, before 12,554 at STAPLES Center Saturday night.
"Honestly, I'd like to see us play well," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "I'd take a loss right now, next week, if I thought we played well. That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking for drastic improvement, quickly -- mainly offensively, and on special teams."
Having waived quarterback Ryan Van Dyke last week, the team handed the starting job to Brian Mann in the hopes that his fine showing against the Grand Rapids Rampage was a sign of things to come. Mann wasn't able to duplicate that effort, however, going 21-of-37 for 274 yards and four touchdowns, but also tossing two painful interceptions and fumbling the football on a vicious hit by Rush OL/DL Khreem Smith.
The passing game continued to look out of sync, as some throws were over or behind their intended targets. In one sequence late in the game, WR/DB Kevin Ingram clearly didn't expect the ball on two different plays, not even looking as the passes fell incomplete.
Under a heavy pass rush, Mann threw interceptions on two of his team's first three series and the Avengers (1-3) failed to punch it in with first-and-goal from inside the 3-yard line on the other one. On that possession, L.A. found out that the Chicago's (2-2) rush defense didn't get its No. 4 ranking by accident as two carries by FB/LB Lonnie Ford were stuffed at the line. The Avengers settled for a field goal, giving them a total of 3 points in their last two opening quarters.
"We need to play what we played in the past, which is mistake-free football, as far as turnovers go," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "There's no doubt, we're struggling offensively. But we're getting a few guys back next week, which is definitely a positive."
Among those expected to return soon is star OL/DL Silas Demary, who ought to help turn around the team's struggles on both sides of the line.
Still, L.A.'s harried defensive unit continued its yeoman's work to keep the team in the game despite yet another slow offensive start. It took a spectacular catch by Rush WR/LB Cornelius Moore, crashing into the backboards and holding on to the ball, to give Chicago its only offensive touchdown until late in the second period.
Unfortunately, the Rush's defense racked up a touchdown when WR/DB Jeremy Unertl picked off a pass and ran it back 45 yards for the score (Chicago's first interception return for a touchdown in two years) to make it 17-3 and continue L.A.'s disturbing trend of falling behind early.
The Avengers got in the end zone when OS Tony Locke, in his second game back from the injured list, dove to corral a long pass and got back up to run it in, pulling his team to within 17-10.
Locke, who attributed some of the turnovers to having to split previous practice time between quarterbacks, believes that the offensive rhythm is developing -- as his nine-catch, 134-yard, two-touchdown performance attests: "The last couple of weeks in practice, Brian and I had a lot of quality reps together and it paid off in the game."
Meanwhile, WR/LB Greg Hopkins was all over the field on defense, breaking up passes and making tackles everywhere. On one series, he made sure Rush QB Matt D'Orazio knew what he looked like by smashing him into the wall on two plays, knocking him completely into the stands on one. L.A. responded to Chicago's earlier goal-line stand with one of its own, denying the Rush with first-and-goal at the 2, holding them to a field goal to make it 20-10, Chicago.
Hopkins then showed his value on offense, pulling down a 7-yard fade pattern in the corner to bring the home squad within three points. The teams traded touchdowns on the next two possessions, including a lightning strike in which Mann pump-faked from his 5 and found Ingram hilariously wide open behind the defense. In an ominous sign, however, even that pass appeared to be underthrown, forcing the all-world Ironman to come back for the ball and then put on another great move to lunge to paydirt.
As halftime approached, it was just a 27-24 Chicago lead, and it looked like L.A. might have a shot at getting its season back on track with a strong showing after intermission. But the Rush were able to put together the dreaded bookend scores at the end of the first and beginning of the second half for a 14-point swing. Just like that, it was 41-24.
On the first of the scoring drives, Chicago WR/LB Cornelius White shook DS Damen Wheeler for the bingo. On the second, Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen, who is rumbling toward the league's all-time rushing record, followed OL/DL John Sikora's hook block on a sweep into the end zone.
Then came the sack-and-fumble, recovered by Chicago OL/DL John Moyer, followed soon after by a one-yard TD plunge by McMillen. 48-24, Rush.
Mann showed guts in leading his squad to a field goal, running for a touchdown on the team's next drive, and lofting a pretty touch pass to Locke for another score, but Carlos Wright's kickoff-return touchdown, Dan Frantz's third field goal, and an onside kick attempt returned for another touchdown buried the Avenger hopes.
Backup QB Sonny Cumbie, fresh off IR, got his first taste of the AFL when he came in to relieve Mann on his team's final series. Cumbie completed three of his first four passes (throwing one away) before getting dusted on a jailbreak sack led by Smith. He finished 5-of-9 for 39 yards and directed the Avengers to a cosmetic score to make the final 65-46 (and keep L.A. from back-to-back 25-point losses).
Hodgkiss said the QB situation still isn't settled: "Not until we win consistently. You need a guy to lead you to wins and we're not winning right now, so everybody's jobs are on the line."


CHICAGO (2-2) 10 24 21 10 -- 65
LOS ANGELES (1-3) 3 21 10 12 -- 46

THIS SEASON THE AVENGERS ARE ...
- 1-1 at STAPLES Center
- 0-2 on the road
- 0-0 when they score more than 50 points
- 0-0 when they score 60 or more points
- 0-0 when they score 70 or more points
- 1-1 when they allow less than 50 points
- 1-0 when they allow less than 40 points
- 1-0 when they score first
- 0-0 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 0-3 when they commit more turnovers
- 1-2 whey they make at least one interception
- 0-2 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 1-0 when Josh Jeffries scores at least one rushing TD
- 0-1 when they throw for at least 5 touchdowns
- 1-3 when they pass for 200+ yards
- 0-1 when they pass for 300+ yards
- 0-0 when they don't throw an INT
- 0-2 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
- 1-2 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
- 1-1 when Kevin Ingram intercepts at least one pass
- 0-1 when Greg Hopkins scores two or more TDs
- 0-1 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
- 1-0 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 12 points
- 0-2 when they commit fewer penalties
- 1-1 when they record at least one sack
- 1-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
- 0-0 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 0-0 when leading at halftime
- 1-3 when trailing at halftime
- 0-0 when tied at halftime

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



"IRONMAN OF THE GAME": Voted on by the media, the award goes to the two-way player who best demonstrated the ideals of the AFL's style of ironman football.

Week Opp. Ironman of the Game
1 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
2 @ Philly WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
8 rec., 132 yds., 3 TDs, 7 tackles
3 @Grand Rapids WR/DB Timon Marshall (G.R.)
4 catches, 2 TDs, 4.5 tackles
4 Chicago WR/DB Dennison Robinson (Chi.)
4 catches, 5 tackles, 1 INT

"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 Arizona WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)
2 tackles, 1 interception
2 @ Philly OL/DL Earnest Allen (Philadelphia)
1.5 stops, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
3 @Grand Rapids DS Johnnie Harris (G.R.)
10 tackles, 1 interception
4 Chicago DS Jeremy Unertl (Chicago)
5.5 tackles, 1 INT return for TD

"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 Arizona Kicker Remy Hamilton (L.A.)
4-for-4 on field goals, 16 points
2 @ Philly QB Matt Sauk (Philadelphia)
17-of-29, 147 yards, 3 TDs
3 @Grand Rapids QB Chad Salisbury (G.R.)
16-of-27, 177 yards, 6 TDs
4 Chicago QB Matt D'Orazio (Chicago)
20-of-26, 251 yards, 3 TDs


BROADCAST INFORMATION: For the remainder of the season, Avenger games are scheduled to be televised on KNBC three times, FSN West 2 three times (one delayed), FSN West once and OLN once. AM 570 is the flagship radio station for the Avengers, however due to conflicts, three games will be broadcast on 1150-AM. Eight more Avenger games also will be aired on Spanish language radio -- five on ESPN Deportes (1330-AM) and three on 1220-KWKU. Additional television broadcasts could be announced soon. Also, information regarding high-definition television coverage via INHD and broadcasts via SIRIUS Satellite Radio are forthcoming.

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

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

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

Sunday, March 19, COLORADO, 3:30 p.m.
TV: OLN Radio: AM 570, 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: AM 570

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

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

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

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

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

NEW FAN-CENTRIC WEBSITE: Two days prior to their 2006 season opener, the Avengers launched a new, state-of-the-art official website that is perhaps the most fan-centric in all of sports.
Within this new model, Avenger fans are the biggest contributors to the website, adding their own unedited opinions and photos to a section called "The Buzz." In addition to being able to communicate with each other at laavengers.com, fans also interact directly with Avenger players, coaches and front office staff members, including Avenger owner and CEO Casey Wasserman. Just like the players they cheer for and the "A-Team" dancers that they love to watch perform, Avenger fans are listed on their own roster and are able to create their own profiles directly on the website.
"We have an avid and loyal fan base, which is at the center of everything we do, so it is only natural that our website reflects that focus in every way," Wasserman said. "Giving Avenger fans an online community of their own, and one that we will also participate in, puts us at the forefront of what I believe will be the wave of the future in terms of websites for professional sports teams."
In addition, the new laavengers.com is extremely media-rich, featuring high-quality videos and photos of players, coaches and fans, which are updated regularly. The multimedia elements complement the written reports of two beat writers who will cover the team throughout the 2006 season.
Avenger season ticket holders also are able to fully manage their accounts online. Besides being able to buy season-seat packages, purchase individual game tickets and renew accounts, users will be able to transfer individual season tickets to family or friends via email. Furthermore, the website allows tickets to be put up for re-sale and reprinted if necessary.
Everything that a fan would want in a sports-team website is also readily available within the new laavengers.com, including biographical information on nearly every person involved in the franchise, a calendar of events, media releases and an area just for the Avengers' youngest fans.
The website was built by Schematic, an industry leader in interface design with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
"No professional sports website offers fans better access than the new laavengers.com," said Nicholas Worth, the president of Schematic. "The site the Avengers just launched lets casual and hard-core fans of the team interact directly with the players and coaches, watch insightful video shorts, and even post photos, comments and fan profiles. You would have to suit up to get any closer to the Avenger squad."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 21, 2006


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.

Other Recent Los Angeles Avengers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central