The Avengers and the Arena 4-17
by Tim Peterson
April 17, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
Hicks is Here
There isn't a quarterback controversy in Los Angeles. Tim Hicks is the guy. While conceding that the struggles that the Avengers have gone through the previous four weeks was not the fault of Sonny Cumbie, LA Coach Ed Hodgkiss stated that they are happy with the change at quarterback and Hicks will continue to start after the Avengers 79-62 win over the Blaze. The move was made to "shake things up" and so far it seems to be working. Hicks threw for 284 yards and eight touchdowns in the victory. Cumbie is healthy and ready to go if needed but right now Hicks is the man.
Going Long, Long, Long....
Whether it's a different quarterback or a different game plan one thing that has changed is that the Avengers are going down the field. Instead of short outs or slant patterns Hicks is winding up and chucking it. Of his eight touchdown passes four were for 24 yards or more including scoring strikes of 45 and 43 yards to LaShaun Ward. Early in the game Hicks would miss deep and come right back and go for the home run ball again on the very next play.
No Ordinary Joe
Utah's Joe Germaine, who came into the game as the league leader in total yards passing, wasn't bad either. Germaine finished the night 28 of 40 for 362 yards and nine scores. Germaine did get picked once however when Damen Wheeler robbed him in the third quarter. J.J. McKelvey had a huge night for the Blaze hauling in 11 of Germaine's tosses for 171 yards and five touchdowns with the longest being 40 yards.
There's Always a First Time
Saturday night was the first time ever that the Avengers beat the Blaze in the regular season. They knocked them off 64-42 last year at Staples Center but that was in the first round of the playoffs. Utah had won the four previous meetings-all in the regular season.
J.J. is in the House
Josh Jeffries recovery of a missed field goal and subsequent touchdown at the end of the first half proved to be the turning point of the contest. Jeffries raced down the field, grabbed the ball and sprinted in for six.
"You don't really expect the ball to just bounce into your hands but that's what happened," Jeffries said.
Jeffries likes playing against the Blaze. Last year he scored four touchdowns in the playoff win over Utah. He scored twice on the ground and also caught two touchdown passes.
If It's Football, they will Come
Despite the Dodgers playing at home up the street and Utah's winless record there were still 14,861 fans standing with the Avengers Saturday night. The big crowd lends credence to Avenger owner Casey Wasserman's statement a few weeks ago about bringing an NFL team to Los Angeles.
"There's no doubt that the fans in LA would support a team in a passionate way. Frankly that's not the problem."
Wild Wide Open West
The Avengers are only a half of a game behind Arizona in the Western Division and are tied with San Jose at 3-4. Utah is the only team in the West that appears to be done. The Rattlers behind Lang Campbell edged Tampa Bay 63-62 while the Sabercats were one point victims of undefeated Philadelphia 58-57.
Headed for a Showdown
Dallas took care of New Orleans 55-44 Saturday night thanks to 278 yards passing from Clint Dolezel and 227 all purpose yards from Will Pettis. With the victory the Desperados remained perfect at 7-0. Next week Dallas has a bye and will use the week off to gear up for the 7-0 Soul in two weeks. Philly will face Columbus next week before welcoming Dallas on April 28.
The Glove Fits
Congratulations to Kenny "The Glove" McIntyre who had his 75th career interception in Orlando's 75-56 win over Grand Rapids. "The Glove" did it in style as he returned the pick four yards for a touchdown.
Week Seven Honors
T.T. Tolliver of Orlando was named the offensive player of the week and Rashad Floyd took home defensive honors. Pettis, who does everything for Dallas except serve the post game meal, was named Ironman of the week.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 17, 2008
- The Avengers and the Arena 4-17 - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Crush Strike Radio Deal - Colorado Crush
- The Outside Rush - Chicago Rush
- Faith & Family Night Highlights April 25 Promotions - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Gladiators Add St. Edward High School Standout - Cleveland Gladiators
- Dragons dominate Destroyers - OSC Original by David Holusha
- Quick Hitters: Week 8 - AFL I
- Rattlers Game Against Georgia Moved To Saturday, April 26 - Arizona Rattlers
- Columbus Destroyers Game Notes - Columbus Destroyers
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