SaberCats Sweep First-Place Votes in Latest AFL Media Poll
Published on July 23, 2015 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
LAS VEGAS - The San Jose SaberCats (15-1) garnered all 16 first-place votes to remain in the top spot of the AFL Media Poll for the ninth consecutive week after defeating the Portland Thunder, 55-49, in overtime last weekend.
With 15 wins in 2015, the SaberCats have set a new franchise record for victories in a single-season. San Jose has a bye in Week 18, but can still clinch home field advantage if the LA KISS (4-11) defeat the No. 2-ranked Arizona Rattlers (12-3) on Sunday. The Rattlers fell to the Spokane Shock (5-10) last week and will need to rebound at home to keep pace with their longtime rivals. Kickoff for the Week 18 matchup is set for 6:00 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPNEWS.
The No. 3-ranked Philadelphia Soul (13-3) lost to the fifth-ranked Jacksonville Sharks (8-7), 67-74, in a back-and-forth thriller last weekend. The top seed in the American Conference will be on a bye this week, while Jacksonville tries to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2013 when they host the Tampa Bay Storm (6-9) Saturday night on ESPNEWS. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
The Orlando Predators clinched their 22nd playoff berth in 24 seasons last week with a 65-58 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators (7-9). The South Division leaders, who came in at No. 4 once again in the latest AFL Media Poll, have a bye in Week 18 but will return to action in a potentially division-deciding game next week against the Jacksonville Sharks.
The AFL Media Poll consists of voters from television, radio, and newspaper outlets who regularly cover the League in their respective markets, along with national personalities from ESPN and CBS Sports, who provide game and studio commentary about the Arena Football League.
July 23 AFL Media Poll
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1. San Jose SaberCats (16) 15-1 192 1
2. Arizona Rattlers 12-3 170 2
3. Philadelphia Soul 13-3 162 3
4. Orlando Predators 10-6 144 4
5. Jacksonville Sharks 8-7 132 5
6. Cleveland Gladiators 7-9 108 6
7. Tampa Bay Storm 6-9 93 7
8. Spokane Shock 5-10 74 11
9. LA KISS 4-11 67 9
10. Portland Thunder 4-11 50 10
11. Las Vegas Outlaws 5-10 38 8
12. New Orleans VooDoo 3-12 18 12
Arena Football League Stories from July 23, 2015
- Predators Set Sights on Loftier Goals - Orlando Predators
- Week 18 Preview: Sharks Host Storm Saturday - Jacksonville Sharks
- SaberCats Sweep First-Place Votes in Latest AFL Media Poll - AFL
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