Rattlers Atop AFL Coaches' Poll for 25th Consecutive Week
June 11, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - For the 25th consecutive week, the Arizona Rattlers (12-0) have claimed the top spot in the AFL Coaches' Poll. The Rattlers, who have been No. 1 in the Poll since May 8 of last year, were tested on the road against the Portland Thunder (3-9) in Week 13, but pulled away late in the game to earn a 70-59 win, tying the AFL record for most consecutive wins to start a season. A win over the San Antonio Talons (1-11) in Week 14 would tie the League record for most consecutive victories in a single-season. The West Division champs can also lock down the top seed in the National Conference this week with a win and a San Jose loss. Kickoff from San Antonio is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The Cleveland Gladiators (10-1) continue to hold the No. 2 spot in the Poll after a dominating 86-49 win over the No. 9-ranked Iowa Barnstormers (6-6). The surging Gladiators stay home this week to host the New Orleans VooDoo (2-9) at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The San Jose SaberCats moved up one spot to No. 3 in the Poll this week following a 63-35 victory over the LA KISS (2-9) last week. On the cusp of a third consecutive playoff berth, San Jose will host the sixth-ranked Spokane Shock (6-6) at 10:30 p.m. ET in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network.
Despite a blowout victory over New Orleans in Week 13, the Pittsburgh Power (9-3) fell one spot to fourth in this week's Poll. The Power will attempt to make a statement this week, as they travel East to face the instate rival Philadelphia Soul (6-6), who are undefeated at home this season, in a "Keystone Collision" matchup. A win for Pittsburgh would clinch the team's first winning season in franchise history, while a Soul victory would propel the back-to-back American Conference champions back into the playoff picture.
Coming in at No. 5 in this week's Poll are the Orlando Predators (7-5), who knocked off San Antonio, 58-39, last week. The South Division leaders will attempt a season sweep of the Jacksonville Sharks (4-7) this Thursday night on ESPN3. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
JUNE 11 COACHES' POLL
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1 Arizona Rattlers (13) 12-0 130 1
2 Cleveland Gladiators (1) 10-1 115 2
3 San Jose SaberCats 8-4 100 3
4 Pittsburgh Power 9-3 99 4
5 Orlando Predators 7-5 74 8
6 Spokane Shock 6-6 64 9
7 Tampa Bay Storm 6-6 61 6
8 Philadelphia Soul 6-6 57 7
9 Iowa Barnstormers 6-6 45 5
10 Jacksonville Sharks 4-7 30 10
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from June 11, 2014
- Game Preview: Shock Face Crucial Pacific Division Matchup at SaberCats - Spokane Shock
- Rattlers Atop AFL Coaches' Poll for 25th Consecutive Week - AFL
- Thunder Sign Portland State's Ramirez - Portland Thunder
- Week 14 Preview: Sharks at Predators - Jacksonville Sharks
- Barnstormers Host Iowa National Guard Night - Iowa Barnstormers
- VooDoo Add Two New QBs - New Orleans VooDoo
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.
