The Avengers and the Arena
by Tim Peterson
April 3, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
Once, Twice, Three Times a Return
The 84 points that Grand Rapids racked up can't all be laid at the doorstep of the Avenger defense. Chris Martin returned two kick offs in the first quarter for touchdowns on his way to three for the game. Martin gained a grand total of 249 yards on kick off returns in the contest. Rampage quarterback James MacPherson threw for 215 yards and five touchdowns but Sonny Cumbie passed for 210 and five for LA. Minus Martin's heroics and the Avengers win 59-53.
On a Rampage
The 176 points scored by Grand Rapids in the last two games is a new Arena League record. The Rampage is averaging over 67 points a game to lead the league in scoring. MacPherson leads the league in completion percentage (79.7) and overall quarterback rating (140.3). The Rampage, now 2-2, started off the season losing their first two games.
AFL Worst?
Despite three straight losses, the Avengers are still in the thick of the Western Division race. San Jose leads at the Division at 3-2 but hasn't been setting the world on fire. Arizona is 2-3 and Utah has blazed its way to a 0-5 record. The Avengers have the opportunity to get back on track in the next two weeks with games at Colorado (1-3) and at home against Utah on April 12.
East is a Beast
If the Avengers were in the National Eastern Division they would be in trouble. Dallas and Philadelphia are the only undefeated teams in the league as they both improved to 5-0. Cleveland is second at 3-1. The Soul got seven more touchdown passes from Matt D'Orazio in a 59-51 win over Tampa Bay while Dallas struggled to beat New York 33-31. It was the Desperados lowest point total since May 1, 2004 but they still managed to remain undefeated. Both teams have been doing it without their starting quarterbacks. Clint Dolezel went out in week one but Chris Sanders has stepped up. D'Orazio is looking to turn Tony Graziani into Wally Pipp in Philly. The Desperados and the Soul square off in week nine, April 28, in the city of brotherly love.
Action Jackson
Former Avenger Chris Jackson is leading the league in touchdown receptions with 19 and is currently on a pace to break the single season record of 61 for the Soul. Jackson is also leading the league in scoring with 114 points and is second in the league is first down receptions with 33. Whether it's Graziani or D'Orazio it won't matter as long as Jackson is on the receiving end. Philadelphia is seeking its first 6-0 start in franchise history.
Big D was Never Like This
Former Dallas Cowboy quarterback Danny White isn't currently enjoying life as the head coach at Utah. The Blaze is 0-5 after falling to Georgia 70-49 Saturday. Despite the dismal record, Utah quarterback Joe Germaine leads the league in passing yards with 1,625 and touchdown passes with 33. Three of Utah's losses have been by a grand total of 12 points and it appears a win is on the horizon. But with losses come changes and this week the Blaze relieved defensive backs Coach Hunkie Cooper of his duties. It doesn't get any easier this week as Utah travels to Philadelphia to take on the undefeated Soul. Utah isn't the only team going hungry. Kansas City is 0-4 and will travel to Georgia this week.
Speaking of Changes
The Avengers traded defensive back Eddie Canonico to Utah for future considerations. Arnold Parker will replace him on the roster. LA also waived linebackers Andy Collins and Robert Quiroga and activated Ryan Riddle from injured reserve.
Last Add Rampage
They're on a roll now but surprisingly the Rampage has the worst record of the 17 active teams over the last five seasons. Grand Rapids is 22-58 for a percentage of .275. San Jose, who won the Arena Bowl in 2004 and 2007, has the best record over the last five years going 55-25 which parlays into a .688 winning percentage.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 3, 2008
- Dragons falter late - OSC Original by David Holusha
- The Outside RUSH - Chicago Rush
- Quick Hitters: Week 6 - AFL I
- Soul Strive To Put Out The Blaze For Sixth Consecutive Win - Philadelphia Soul
- AFN To Broadcast AFL Games - AFL I
- Gladiators Add Quarterback Rohan Davey - Cleveland Gladiators
- Tailgate With Shane's Rib Shack - Tampa Bay Storm
- Crush Sign Former NCAA Record Setter - Colorado Crush
- Destroyers Sign Defensive Back Chris Pointer - Columbus Destroyers
- ESPN Classic to air week two mathcup between Chicago Rush and Philadelphia Soul - AFL I
- The Avengers and the Arena - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
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