Talons Finish Atop Final Coaches' Poll of Season
July 18, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - The top five spots of the AFL's Week 20 Coaches' Poll remain the same for the second consecutive week, with the San Antonio Talons (14-3) still holding the number one position.
Standing pat at the number one spot in Week 20 are the San Antonio Talons. San Antonio defeated Arizona (12-5) in last week's contest, 62-61, extending their winning-streak to 11 games and allowing the Talons to clinch the #1 seed in the National Conference. This Saturday, the team travels to Iowa to take on the Barnstormers (6-11). Kickoff is set for 8:05 p.m. ET.
Claiming the second spot for the sixth consecutive week is the Philadelphia Soul (14-3). Philadelphia had a bye in Week 19 and looks to be well prepared for a matchup against the Utah Blaze this Sunday (12-5). The game is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. ET.
Taking the third spot in this week's Poll is the Utah Blaze (12-5). Last week, the Blaze had an 83-63 win over the Cleveland Gladiators (7-10). Quarterback Tommy Grady tied the single-game AFL record for passing touchdowns with 12 in Week 19. Utah plays Philadelphia this Sunday, looking to clinch the West Division championship with a win.
Having two consecutive losses, including one to last week's top-ranked team, the Arizona Rattlers remain in fourth place in the Poll. Quarterback Nick Davila broke his own single-season franchise record of 4,916 passing yards, a mark he set in his National Guard MVP year last season. He and the Rattlers take on the Kansas City Command 93-14) this Saturday as kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET.
The San Jose SaberCats (12-6) cling to the fifth position after defeating the Barnstormers 57-48 last week. The team broke their regular season AFL record of 5,786 net yards, set in 2011. The SaberCats will look to be well-rested for their playoff run following a bye in Week 20.
WEEK 20 COACHES' POLL
RK Team (1ST place votes) W-L Pts Last Week
1 San Antonio Talons (12) 14-3 156 1
2 Philadelphia Soul (4) 14-3 142 2
3 Utah Blaze (1) 12-5 134 3
4 Arizona Rattlers 12-5 116 4
5 San Jose SaberCats 12-6 98 5
6 Chicago Rush 10-7 82 6
7 Spokane Shock 9-8 67 7
8 New Orleans VooDoo 8-9 52 9
9 Jacksonville Sharks 9-8 34 8
10 Georgia Force 8-9 26 10
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