Rattlers Remain No. 1 in Latest Coaches' Poll
Published on April 30, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Despite slipping to No. 2 in this week's AFL Field Pass vPower Rankings, the Arizona Rattlers (6-0) maintained their spot atop the latest Coaches' Poll, once again garnering the maximum 13 first-place votes.
The Rattlers held off the San Antonio Talons (1-6), 69-59, to remain unbeaten and tie their franchise record for consecutive wins to start the season with six. The back-to-back defending ArenaBowl champions will travel to the Sunshine State for a matchup with the Jacksonville Sharks (2-4). The Rattlers defeated the Sharks, 63-38, in Phoenix four weeks ago. The two teams will meet again this week in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 3.
The Cleveland Gladiators (6-6) stayed put at No. 2 in the Poll this week following a decisive 55-28 victory over the No. 4-ranked Pittsburgh Power (3-3). The East Division-leading Gladiators are off to the best start in franchise history heading into their second bye of the season this week. The team will return to action in Week 9 against the LA KISS (2-4).
On the heels of a 53-41 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm (3-4) on national television last week, the Spokane Shock (4-2) moved up one spot to No. 3 in the latest Coaches' Poll. The Pacific Division-leading Shock find themselves in the national spotlight again this week, as they travel to Honda Center for a showdown with the LA KISS on ESPN2. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 4.
The Pittsburgh Power fell to 3-3 on the year - and down to fourth in the Poll - following another tough divisional loss to Cleveland last week. Ron James' team will look to redeem themselves this week as they host the No. 5-ranked Philadelphia Soul (3-3) in the latest installment of the "Keystone Collision". Though Pittsburgh's only losses this season have been handed to them by the League's two undefeated teams, the Power will likely have their hands full this week as well. After starting the season 0-3, the Soul have strung together three straight wins and the away team is 5-1 all-time in the intrastate series between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN3.
APRIL 30 COACHES' POLL
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1 Arizona Rattlers (13) 6-0 130 1
2 Cleveland Gladiators (1) 6-0 117 2
3 Spokane Shock 4-2 94 4
4 Pittsburgh Power 3-3 84 3
5 Philadelphia Soul 3-3 78 5
6 Orlando Predators 5-2 72 7
7 San Jose SaberCats 4-3 70 6
8 Iowa Barnstormers 3-3 45 10
9 Jacksonville Sharks 2-4 33 8
10 Tampa Bay Storm 3-4 24 9
Arena Football League Stories from April 30, 2014
- Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with the Storm - Tampa Bay Storm
- Christian Hip Hop Artist Trip Lee to Perform After Gladiators Game - Cleveland Gladiators
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers at San Antonio Talons - Iowa Barnstormers
- Game Preview: Spokane Shock (4-2) at LA KISS (2-4) - Spokane Shock
- Sharks to Introduce Vince Neil on Friday - Jacksonville Sharks
- Rattlers Remain No. 1 in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
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