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Los Angeles Avengers game notes

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


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Arizona Rattlers
Date: Friday, March 24, 2006
Kickoff: 6 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: US Airways Center (16,321)
Television: FSN West 2 (Kent Derdivanis, Dale Hellestrae) -- delayed until 10:30 p.m.
Radio: AM 1150 (Larry Kahn, Troy West, Isaac Lowenkron -- pregame show at 5:30 p.m. [Pacific])
Line: TBA
Series Record: Arizona leads 7-6
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 40, Arizona 31, Jan. 29, 2006 (STAPLES Center)
Officials: Steve Pamon (R), Wes Fritz (U), Neil Brunner (HL), R.G. Detillier (LJ), Tony Lombardo (BJ)
Head Coaches:
Los Angeles -- Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 41-29)
Arizona -- Gene Nudo (first season, 4-4)

THE AVENGERS: The defending Western Division champion Avengers begin a stretch of four consecutive road games on Friday (March 24) when they travel to Phoenix to face the Arizona Rattlers. After losing five straight games, Los Angeles is on a roll, having won at San Jose and beaten the defending ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush in consecutive weeks. The Avengers, who will not play on their home field until April 22, are set to face three divisional opponents during its long road swing. Despite its modest 3-5 record (L.A.'s worst start since 2001), Los Angeles is still just one game back in the race to defend its division title and a victory over the Rattlers would give the Avengers a share of first place. Veteran WR/DB Kevin Ingram, the 2005 AFL "Ironman of the Year," is having yet another All-Arena campaign. He leads the team in receptions (57 -- 39 of which have been for first downs), receiving yards (711), touchdowns (15) and interceptions (two - tied with DS Damen Wheeler). In addition, 14 of his catches have come on third down (No. 1 in the AFL). The Avenger offense has received a significant boost in recent weeks from rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who has started L.A.'s previous four games and has already thrown 20 touchdown passes (and only three interceptions). On the season, Cumbie is 101-of-161 (60.8 percent) for 1,164 yards, and his passer rating of 104.6 ranks him at No. 9 in the AFL. QB Brian Mann (81-of-145 for 1,028 yards and 16 TDs, with four INTs), who started three of the first four games for the Avengers this season, is now the backup and is contributing significantly on special teams, having made 5.5 tackles on kickoff coverage in recent weeks. Offensive specialist Tony Locke, who opened the season on the injured reserve list, also has injected some new life in the Avenger offense in the past six games, catching 42 passes for 573 yards and nine scores. Remy Hamilton, who set several league records last season, has remained in a groove, hitting 17 of his 20 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 95 points. Last year, the Avengers effectively utilized a balanced effort rooted in all three phases of the game. L.A. 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 93 yards shy of becoming the fifth player in league history to surpass 10,000 receiving yards in a career.

STORYLINES:
4 Avengers are one win from tying up series with Rattlers
... see series information on Page 2
4 Rookie QB Sonny Cumbie off to an impressive start
... see statistical comparisons on Page 3
4 Greg Hopkins 93 yards from joining "10,000 Club"
... see all-time AFL receiving yards chart on Page 4

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS
2006 SCHEDULE (3-5)
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
Feb. 25 Utah Loss 68-66
Mar. 5 @ Orlando Loss 59-34
Mar. 12 @ San Jose Win 75-61
Mar. 19 Colorado Win 60-57
Rest of season Opponent Time(PT) Television
Mar. 24 @ Arizona 6 p.m. FSN West 2Delay 10:30
April 2 @ Las Vegas 3 p.m. FSN West 2
April 9 @ Kansas City 10 a.m. NBC
April 15 @ Utah 6 p.m. AFL Net
April 22 New York 7:30 FSN West 2
April 29 San Jose 7:30 AFL Net
May 6 Nashville 7:30
May 13 Las Vegas 7:30 AFL Net

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.

ROAD WARRIOR: In his last 26 games away from STAPLES Center, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has caught 130 passes for 1,546 yards and 39 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 10 road games over the course of the previous two years.

"IRONMAN" INGRAM: In his last 50 games, WR/DB Kevin Ingram has been selected as the "Ironman of the Game" 18 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).

THE SERIES: The Rattlers lead the all-time regular-season series 7-6, but the Avengers have taken the last three. Arizona also owns 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 six victories over Arizona have come at the US Airways Center (formerly America West Arena). The Avengers beat the Rattlers in this season's opener, 40-31, on Jan. 29, at STAPLES Center. The Avengers and Rattlers played a game for the ages on April 13, 2003, as the two teams combined for an AFL-record 23 TDs. 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 40, Rattlers 31 1-29-06 STAPLES
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

SUCCESS OUT WEST: Dating back to last season, the Avengers have won their last three road games against Western Division foes.

TURNOVER MARGIN TAKES A TURN: The Avengers are currently -3 in turnover margin (tied for 13th in the AFL with Arizona). That's a far cry from where Los Angeles 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. So far this season, the Avengers have come up with only 10 takeaways (six INTs and four fumble recoveries). Last season at this time, Los Angeles had 20 takeaways (13 INTs and seven fumble recoveries), owned a turnover margin of +9 and was 5-3.

SECRET IS SCORING 60: Dating back to 2004, the Avengers are 11-2 when they score 60 or more points (the only losses came in the 2005 regular-season finale at Grand Rapids, when the Avengers rested several key starters in the second half, and earlier this season versus Utah). 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 in four of its five losses this year.

THE TEXAS GUNSLINGER: Rookie quarterback Sonny Cumbie, a strong candidate for AFL "Rookie of the Year" honors, has started L.A.'s last four games and is 101-of-161 (60.8 percent) for 1,164 yards and 20 touchdowns (with only three INTs). His current passer rating of 104.6 ranks ninth in the AFL (first among rookies), putting him ahead of veterans such as Orlando's Joe Hamilton, Philadelphia's Tony Graziani, Arizona's Sherdrick Bonner and Kansas City's Andy Kelly. Furthermore, Cumbie's interception percentage of 1.8 (three INTs in 161 attempts) ranks third in the AFL, behind only Chicago's Matt D'Orazio (0.7) and Dallas' Clint Dolezel (1.0). Two weeks ago, he was 23-of-34 for 348 yards and six touchdowns in L.A.'s 75-61 victory at San Jose. Those 348 passing yards rank fifth on the all-time Avenger chart. Cumbie threw 17 touchdown passes in his first three starts, the most by any QB in Avenger history, beating the previous mark set by Tony Graziani, who was in his second AFL season when he tossed 16 in his first three starts for the Avengers. In his starting debut on Feb. 25, Cumbie completed 29 passes (second most in Avenger history), seven of which went for scores (first among all QBs making their first start for the Avengers).

Avenger Record Book -Touchdown Passes in First Three Starts
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (Games 5-6-7) * 17 (7-4-6)
2. Tony Graziani, 2002 (Games 1-2-3) 16 (4-7-5)
3t. Scott Semptimphelter, 2000 (Games 1-2-3) 12 (3-6-3)
3t. John Kaleo, 2005 (Games 1-2-3) 12 (5-2-5)
5. Brian Mann, 2006 (Games 1-2-4) 11 (3-4-4)
6. Todd Marinovich, 2000 (Games 5-6-8) * 10 (4-2-4)
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Passing Yards in a Single Game
1. Todd Marinovich (at Houston, 2000) * 469
2. Tony Graziani (vs. Detroit, 2004) 359
3. Tony Graziani (at New York, 2003) 355
4. Tony Graziani (at Georgia, 2002) 352
5. Sonny Cumbie (at San Jose, 2006) * 348
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Touchdown Passes in First Start
1. Sonny Cumbie, 2006 (Game 5) * 7
2. John Kaleo, 2005 (Game 1) 5
3t. Tony Graziani, 2002 (Game 1) 4
3t. Todd Marinovich, 2000 (Game 5) * 4
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -Completions in a Single Game
1. John Kaleo (at Colorado, 2005) 31
2. Sonny Cumbie (vs. Utah, 2006) * 29
3t. Tony Graziani (vs. Arizona, 2004) 28
3t. Tony Graziani (at Dallas, 2003) 28
* AFL rookie season

Avenger Record Book -TD Passes in a Single Game by a Rookie
1. Todd Marinovich (at Houston, 2000) 10
2t. Sonny Cumbie (vs. Utah, 2006) * 7
2t. Todd Marinovich (vs. Milwaukee, 2000) 7
2t. Todd Marinovich (vs. Arizona, 2000) 7
* Starting debut
QUICK-STRIKE OFFENSE: In a flashback to the past, the Avenger offense has been in quick-strike mode for the past two weeks, scoring 13 of its 17 touchdowns on "drives" of three plays or less (6-of-7 vs. Colorado and 7-of-10 at San Jose). Seventy-nine of L.A.'s 162 offensive touchdowns dating back to last season have been of the quick-strike variety. In fact, 21 of them were on one-play "drives." Over the course of the last three seasons, 217-of-403 Avenger TDs were of the quick-strike variety (64 on a single play).

Avenger Touchdown Drives (2003-06)
Total TDDrives Quick Strikes (percent) 1 Play Score
2003 124 81 (65 %) 25
2004 117 57 (49 %) 18
2005 112 55 (49 %) 13
2006 50 24 (48 %) 8
Total 403 217 (54 %) 64

THE SACK STORM OF 2005: Never before in the history of the AFL had there been a defensive performance by a lineman like the one Silas Demary gave last season, which earned him the league's "Defensive Player of the Year" and "Lineman of the Year" awards. As Week 10 began, he had only one sack, but ended up breaking the oldest and most elusive record in the game. 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 seven regular-season games. He broke the record on May 21, 2005, by bringing down Grand Rapids QB Michael Bishop 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).

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

SACKMAN SIDELINED EARLY: 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 missed two games before returning to action on Feb. 25 versus Utah. In that game, he registered his first sack of the 2006 season and, in the process, forced a fumble that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Greg Hopkins. Two weeks ago, in the 75-61 victory at San Jose, Demary made 1.5 tackles, batted down a pass and blocked a crucial extra point attempt. Although Demary didn't register a sack in the first two games of the 2006 season, he did apply 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 QB 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 finger.

HOPPING UP THE CHARTS: Avenger WR/LB Greg Hopkins is fifth on the league's all-time receiving yards chart. He has gained 9,907 receiving yards in his 11-year career. Hopkins, one of only six players in AFL history to have 9,000 or more receiving yards, needs just 93 more yards to join the AFL's "10,000 Club" and 33 yards to move into the No. 4 spot.

All-Time AFL Leaders -Receiving Yards
1. Barry Wagner (San Jose) 13,146
2. Eddie Brown (1994-2003) 12,730
3. Gary Compton (1992-2004) 10,247
4. Cory Fleming (Nashville) 9,940
5. Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles) 9,907
6. George LaFrance (1988-2000) 9,004
7. Calvin Schexnayder (San Jose) 8,812
8. Hunkie Cooper (1993-2005) 8,600
9. Darryl Hammond (Nashville) 8,563
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

LOCKE STILL 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 has returned to the starting lineup in the past six games and has caught 42 passes for 573 yards for nine touchdowns. Two weeks ago in the 75-61 victory at San Jose, Locke caught seven passes for a game-high 168 yards (ranking him at No. 9 on the Avenger all-time single game chart) and three 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.
KICKING UP A STORM: Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton is having another standout season. Displaying stunning accuracy and consistency, he is 17-of-20 on his field goal attempts in 2006. Hamilton is a perfect 16-of-16 on three-pointers inside of 39 yards. He was a perfect 4-for-4 in the season opening victory over Arizona (20, 22, 29, 42) and duplicated the feat in last week's 60-57 win over Colorado (18, 24, 32, 33). Hamilton has also connected on 44 of his 48 extra point attempts this season. He currently leads all AFL kickers in scoring with 95 points (his closest competitor is 19 points behind). At this time last season, Hamilton was 19-of-22 on field goals. He went on to lead the AFL in field goals (29), field-goal percentage (.744) and kicking points (185) in 2005. Hamilton opened last year's campaign by hitting his first 11 three-pointers and dating back to the end of the 2004 season, he 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 "Ironman of the Game," becoming the first kicker in AFL history to earn that honor. Last season, he was 6-of-12 from beyond 40 yards (41, 41, 43, 43, 48, 50) and half of his 10 misses were from 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 AFL 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 (32, Daron Alcorn, 1999, Portland). 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 125 field goals. Hamilton's current field goal percentage is .850 (17-of-20) and he is on pace to kick 34 three-pointers.

All-Time AFL Leaders -Scoring By Kickers
1. Steve Videtich (Utah) 1,316
2. Mike Black (1993-2004) 1,253
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 1,218

All-Time AFL Leaders -Field Goals Made in a Career
1. Mike Black (1993-2004) 178
2. Steve Videtich (Utah) 163
3. Remy Hamilton (Los Angeles) 150

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

WHEELER CONTINUES TO ROLL: Avenger DS Damen Wheeler has come up with 13 INTs in his last 32 games, dating back to the tail end of the 2003 season.

TOP BOSSES: Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss is ranked seventh on the AFL's all-time winning percentage chart (regular season only, minimum 60 games).

All-Time AFL Top Winning Percentages
Head Coaches Record Winning %
1. Perry Moss 75-28-1 .726
2. Tim Marcum * 154-61 .716
3. Darren Arbet * 76-36 .679
4. Danny White * 124-60 .674
5. Jay Gruden * 59-37 .615
6. Mike Dailey * 85-56 .603
7. Ed Hodgkiss * 41-29 .586
8. Pat Sperduto * 38-27-1 .583
9. John Gregory 67-51 .568
10. Todd Shell 53-45 .541
* Active coaches

THE DRIVE FOR FIVE: Head coach Ed Hodgkiss has led the Avengers to a winning season and playoff appearance in each of his four previous seasons at the helm. He is one of only three coaches in AFL history to post winning records in each of their first four seasons as an AFL head coach (Tampa Bay's Tim Marcum and Orlando's Jay Gruden are the other two).

Arena Football League Record Book -Most Winning Season to Begin an AFL Career
1. Tim Marcum (three teams, 1997-2001) 13
2. Jay Gruden (Orlando, 1998-present) * 6
3. Ed Hodgkiss (L.A., 2002-present) * 4
4. Three coaches tied 3
* Active streak

RARE SLIDE: In the "Ed Hodgkiss Era," which now spans 70 regular-season games, the Avengers have been under .500 for only seven weeks ... the past six weeks (1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-5 and 3-5) and following last year's season-opening loss at Las Vegas (0-1). Furthermore, until the team's recent five-game slide, the Avengers had never lost more than two consecutive games with Hodgkiss at the helm.

BACK AT .500: 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 3-5 and have slipped to an all-time regular-season record of 49-49.

FOUR ARE ROOKIES: Four of the 20 players on L.A.'s current active roster are rookies. They are quarterback Sonny Cumbie, wide receiver/linebacker Antoine Burns, and linemen Jemelle Cage and Trevor Hutton. Of the 29 players that have seen action for Los Angeles this season, 10 are rookies. Last season, 17 of the 34 players who suited up for the Avengers experienced their first taste of AFL action in 2005 (including five players that are still with the club -- Richard Seals, Bernard Riley, Antuan Simmons, Michale Spicer and Rob Turner).




ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS:

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Arizona 4 4 0 .500 344 370
Los Angeles 3 5 0 .375 395 454
Las Vegas 3 5 0 .375 400 423
San Jose 3 5 0 .375 423 449
Utah 3 5 0 .375 450 444

Central Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Colorado 6 2 0 .750 447 422
Nashville 5 3 0 .625 401 339
Chicago 3 5 0 .375 409 421
Grand Rapids 3 5 0 .375 390 425

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Dallas 7 1 0 .875 480 378
Columbus 4 4 0 .500 352 348
New York 4 4 0 .500 434 476
Philadelphia 4 4 0 .500 368 365

Southern Division
W L T Pct. Pts. OP
Austin 6 2 0 .750 431 368
Tampa Bay 5 3 0 .625 432 437
Georgia 4 4 0 .571 447 365
Orlando 4 4 0 .571 406 422
Kansas City 1 7 0 .143 302 405



UNLIKELY TACKLERS: Among their other duties, Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton and backup QB Brian Mann have been busy making tackles on kickoff coverage this season. Hamilton, who leads the AFL in scoring by kickers with 95 points, also ranks at No. 8 in the league in special-teams tackles with 7.5. Mann, who started three of the first four games of the season at quarterback, has made 5.5 special-teams tackles in three games of action on the kickoff coverage unit (tied for No. 27 in the AFL).



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.




37.5 PERCENT TROJAN: Typically the starting defensive unit for the Avengers includes OL/DL Bernard Riley, FB/LB Lonnie Ford and DS Antuan Simmons. All three of those defenders played at the University of Southern California and were all members of the same Trojan teams from 1999 to 2001. (The Avenger roster also includes another USC Trojan, OS Kareem Kelly, who is currently in the injured reserve list.)


SLOW STARTERS: Continuing a trend that began last season, the Avengers have been getting off to slow starts in 2006. In its first eight games this season, Los Angeles has scored just 54 points in the first quarter, while opponents have countered with twice as many points (108). The Avengers pick things up in the second quarter, scoring a total of 117 points (34 points in the victory at San Jose on March 12), but that still trails the opposition (145 points). The Avengers have outscored their opponents in the third (103-99) and fourth (121-102) quarters. 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 eight of their last 23 games and went on to win seven of those games.

... AND AFTER THREE QUARTERS: The Avengers are 42-11 all-time when leading or tied after three quarters.


AFL WEEK 9 SCHEDULE (all times Pacific):

Friday, March 24
Kansas City @ New York - 4:30 p.m. (AFL Net)
Las Vegas @ Utah - 6 p.m. (AFL Net)
Los Angeles @ Arizona - 6 p.m. (FSN West 2 delayed until 10:30 p.m., FSN Arizona)

Saturday, March 25
San Jose @ Nashville - 5 p.m. (FSN South * delayed until Sunday 4 p.m.)
Orlando @ Austin - 5 p.m. (FSN Florida, FSN Southwest)
Philadelphia @ Dallas - 5 p.m. (INHD, SIRIUS Ch. 110, FSN Southwest * delayed until 7 p.m.)
Columbus @ Colorado - 6 p.m. (FSN Rocky Mountain, FSN Ohio * delayed until Sunday 11 a.m.)

Sunday, March 26
Tampa Bay @ Georgia - noon (FSN Florida, FSN South, SIRIUS Ch. 110)
Grand Rapids @ Chicago - noon (FSN Detroit, FSN Chicago)

Monday, March 27
"AFL Weekly" on FSN West - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 28
"This Week in the AFL" on SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Channel 110) - 5 p.m.
(replay at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night on Channel 123)
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)



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.



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, 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."
RECENT AVENGER TRANSACTIONS:
Date Action Player
3/18 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/18 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Victor Leyva
3/16 Activated off injured reserve OL/DL Charles Howard
3/16 Waived OL/DL Charles Howard
3/11 Activated off injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale Spicer
3/11 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Lavell Mann
3/4 Activated off injured reserve DS Antuan SimmonsWR/LB Antoine Burns
3/4 Placed on injured reserve QB Kevin ThompsonDS Ricky Sharpe
3/2 Signed QB Kevin Thompson
3/2 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Maurice Anderson
3/1 Signed FB/LB Lavell MannOL/DL Maurice AndersonOL/DL Victor Leyva
2/28 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB Josh Jeffries
2/24 Activated from injured reserve OL/DL Silas DemaryOL/DL Rod Manuel
2/24 Placed on injured reserve FB/LB-DE Michale SpicerWR/LB Rob TurnerOL/DL Reggie Rhodes
2/21 Waived OL/DL Isaac Hilton
2/17 Activated from injured reserve DS-WR/DB Ricky SharpeOL/DL Richard SealsQB Sonny Cumbie
2/17 Placed on injured reserve DS Anthony DerricksOL/DL Jason Stewart
2/14 Waived QB Ryan Van Dyke
2/11 Activated from injured reserve OS Tony LockeOL/DL Jemelle Cage
2/11 Placed on injured reserve OL/DL Silas DemaryOS 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 CageOL/DL Charles HowardOS Tony LockeWR/LB 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



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



BROADCAST INFORMATION: For the remainder of the season, Avenger games are scheduled to be televised on KNBC one time and FSN West 2 three times (one delayed). AM 570 is the flagship radio station for the Avengers, however due to conflicts, two games will be broadcast on 1150-AM. Five more Avenger games also will be aired on Spanish language radio -- two 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.

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








LAST GAME:

AVENGERS CONQUER COLORADO, 60-57

By Michael Ordoña
laavengers.com

The defending ArenaBowl champs, the Colorado Crush, came to town riding the best start in team history at 6-1; the Avengers were just relieved to be out from under their recent five-game losing streak. The Crush led for most of the extremely hard-hitting contest, but Remy Hamilton's wildly bouncing kickoffs and besieged defensive specialist Damen Wheeler turned the tide for the home team. The Avengers won the seesaw thriller, 60-57, before 12,276 at STAPLES Center.
"[Colorado is] the best team in the league, world champs, and we hung in there and played hard," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "We got some breaks and we created some breaks ... now I know we can beat the best team in the league, so no more excuses the rest of the year."
The first break came on the first play, when Hamilton's kickoff took a wild carom off the upright and FB/LB Jemelle Cage recovered it for the Avengers. One penalty and two plays later, FB/LB Lonnie Ford had the first score of the game.
"I try to aim for the right upright every time," said Hamilton. "I usually have a slight fade and that'll put it in the soft net where [the coaches] want it. If I hit a clean shot, it'll hit the right upright."
The Avengers' defensive unit didn't get close to a stop in the first half as the Crush scored 35 points despite a spirited pass rush early. The Crush only dress 18 for salary cap reasons, so L.A. had some hope that it could wear down the Colorado line throughout the game. But it was the Avengers' rush that dissipated as the Crush's got tougher.
Quarterback Sonny Cumbie was sacked four times, fumbling twice (both recovered by the Avengers), and often looked hesitant against Colorado's mixed zones. He hesitated on his first passing play as OS Tony Locke appeared to break open right away, but Cumbie held the ball long enough for DS Rashad Floyd to slide underneath. When Cumbie's pass was slightly underthrown, Floyd had the pick. Two plays later, Crush star receiver Damian Harrell had his second score for a 14-7 Colorado lead.
"I thought we drew ‘em offsides," said Cumbie of the interception, "but even if we have a free play, I've still got to put it over the top more."
Wheeler had said earlier in the week that the defense had to focus on Harrell, so it was no surprise to see pass after pass coming Harrell's way. But the Avengers looked befuddled by the veteran's moves as he racked up nine catches for 169 yards and four scores.
While L.A.'s defense was unable to register a stop in the first half, the offense was being held to three field goals to go with WR/DB Kevin Ingram's brilliant circus catch for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, with the Crush up 21-10, Cumbie zipped a pass behind Ingram in the corner of the end zone. Ingram somehow spun around and made the grab, holding on as he smashed into the padding. However, Hamilton missed the extra point: 21-16, Crush.
Wheeler had a half to forget as Harrell was putting up big numbers, including a 45-yard TD after he got Wheeler turned around in coverage, and WR/DB Willis Marshall bowled the Avenger over twice (once for a score). In the third, for good measure, Colorado QB John Dutton busted through a Wheeler tackle for a touchdown.
Hamilton's third field goal of the first half made it 35-22, visitors, and the Avengers knew they would not only have to score on every possession in the second half, but get at least one stop.
"We came in at halftime and realized we weren't playing as hard as we did last week, and if we wanted to win the game, we'd have to play a lot harder," said Cumbie.
The team came out for the second half looking as fired up as they were all game long against San Jose the previous week. WR/LB Antoine Burns got it going with a kickoff return into Colorado territory, Ford took a surprise handoff all the way to the 4, and Cumbie blistered the ball to Ingram in the end zone to cut the deficit to 35-29.
Then, with Wheeler turning up the defensive pressure with tight coverage and jarring hits, the Avengers looked poised to get their first defensive stop of the day. On fourth down, DS Antuan Simmons cut in front of Harrell for a pick and ran it back to the promised land. L.A. had its first lead of the day, 36-35.
The teams traded scores throughout the half, including Locke's all-concentration catch of an end-zone fade pattern over tough defense by DB Ahmad Hawkins. The Crush spent most of the day attacking Wheeler, apparently trying to use their receivers' size against the 5-foot-9-inch defensive specialist. But absolutely under siege on the drive following Locke's fade, Wheeler stood up tall under the pressure and delivered some hard, hard shots on Colorado receivers. The Crush still managed to zip a score in, but not against Wheeler's coverage.
"Whenever we can get those kinds of matchups, we've got a couple of big receivers," Crush head coach Mike Dailey said. "I thought L.A.'s secondary did an excellent job. I know they're well-coached, so I give them a lot of credit."
In perhaps the most important decision of the game, Hodgkiss decided to go for the field goal on fourth and 11 at the Crush 18 with only 2:39 left to play. Hamilton's kick was good, but it left the home team trailing, 49-46, against an offense it had only stopped once.
Hamilton then came through with another unreturnable kickoff, banging it off the upright and back to the Avengers. Replays seemed to show Burns recovering the ball in the end zone, but officials marked it just inside the Crush 1-yard line. It didn't matter; Cumbie snuck it in on the next play for a 53-49 Avengers lead.
Taking over with one minute to play and a field goal of no use, the Crush had to show how champions face do-or-die situations. They went to the well again, going after Wheeler with WR Andy McCullough at midfield. McCullough had been involved in a few shoving matches earlier and Wheeler gave up 7 inches and 40 pounds in the matchup, but it was the Avenger who made the play, batting the ball in the air and making a juggling interception against the wall. Wheeler returned it all the way to the Crush 8 with 50 seconds to go.
Wheeler was asked if he'd be feeling all the collisions he was involved in during the game, later on. "No. I'll be alright," he said, with the smile of a man who had just made the play of the game. "I'm used to it."
Ford bulled to the 2 on his first attempt and then simply refused to go down on his second try, putting the Avengers up by 11 with 36 seconds to play.
The champs showed their mettle by marching down for yet another Harrell touchdown with only 9 seconds left and converting the two-pointer, setting up a crucial onside attempt. Ford recovered it at the Crush 7, giving Cumbie a chance to throw some souvenirs to the fans on the Avengers' final two plays of the 60-57 L.A. victory.
"We're still 3-5, so we've got a lot of games left to win," said Cumbie. "We've got to keep building and keep executing."


COLORADO (6-2) 14 21 7 15 -- 57
LOS ANGELES (3-5) 10 12 14 24 -- 60


THIS SEASON THE AVENGERS ARE ...
- 2-2 at STAPLES Center
- 1-3 on the road
- 2-1 when they score more than 50 points
- 2-1 when they score 60 or more points
- 1-0 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
- 3-1 when they score first
- 2-1 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 0-4 when they commit more turnovers
- 2-3 whey they make at least one interception
- 1-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 1-2 when they throw for at least 5 touchdowns
- 3-5 when they pass for 200+ yards
- 1-1 when they pass for 300+ yards
- 1-1 when they don't throw an INT
- 2-4 when Kevin Ingram scores two or more TDs
- 3-4 when Kevin Ingram catches 6 or more passes
- 1-3 when Greg Hopkins catches six or more passes
- 3-1 when Remy Hamilton scores at least 12 points
- 1-3 when they commit fewer penalties
- 1-2 when they record at least one sack
- 1-1 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 1-0 when leading at halftime
- 2-5 when trailing at halftime

LAST SEASON THE AVENGERS WERE ...
- 7-1 at STAPLES Center
- 3-5 on the road
- 8-2 when they scored more than 50 points
- 4-1 when they scored 60 or more points
- 6-1 when they allowed less than 50 points
- 3-0 when they allowed less than 40 points
- 5-3 when they scored first
- 9-1 when they committed fewer turnovers
- 1-2 when they committed more turnovers
- 9-3 whey they made at least one interception
- 4-1 when Tony Locke caught 3 or more TD passes
- 5-2 when scored two or more TDs on the ground
- 5-3 when Kevin Ingram scored two or more TDs
- 7-4 when Kevin Ingram caught 6 or more passes
- 6-3 when Remy Hamilton scored at least 11 points
- 6-3 when the game was decided by 7 or fewer points
- 6-1 when leading 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
5 Utah WR/LB Greg Hopkins (L.A.)7 catches, 4.5 tackles, 4 TDs
6 @ Orlando WR/LB Jerrian James (Orl.)115 all-purpose yds., 1 INT for TD
7 @ San Jose WR/DB Kevin Ingram (L.A.)7 rec. for 68 yds., 4 stops, 3 TDs
8 Colo. WR/LB Antoine Burns (L.A.)5 catches, 136 all-purp. Yds., 1 FR
"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
5 Utah DS Ricky Sharpe (L.A.)7.5 tackles, 1 interception
6 @ Orlando OL/DL Henry Taylor (Orl.)Consistent pressure on QB
7 @ San Jose DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)Game-high 10 tackles (9 solos)
8 Colo. DS Antuan Simmons (L.A.)4.5 stops, 37-yd. 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
5 Utah QB Sonny Cumbie (L.A.)29-of-43, 266 yards 7 TDs
6 @ Orlando FB/LB Marlon Moye-Moore (Orl.)16 yards rushing, 1 catch, 2 TDs
7 @ San Jose WR/LB James Roe (San Jose)12 catches, 156 yards, 4 TDs
8 Colo. OS Damian Harrell (Colorado)9 catches, 169 yards, 4 TDs



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


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