The Avengers and the Arena
by Tim Peterson
Published on April 10, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
Jonesing for a Win
The 67-54 loss to Colorado was the fourth straight loss for the Avengers after they won their first two games but they can take solace in one thing. Last year LA offensive lineman Ken Jones suffered through a five game losing streak as a member of the Columbus Destroyers. Columbus shook it off, warmed up, and made it all the way to the Arena Bowl before losing to San Jose 55-33. So this four game slide is nothing.
Hicks takes the Hikes
After starting the previous 35 games for the Avengers, Sonny Cumbie was on the bench in favor of Tim Hicks against the Crush. By all reports Cumbie was a little nicked up and LA decided to go with Hicks. Hicks wasn't bad completing 21 of 40 for 295 and five touchdowns. But he was hurt by two interceptions. There doesn't seem to be even a hint of a quarterback controversy but it will be interesting to see who starts Saturday against Utah.
Blazing Away
Speaking of the Blaze they are 0-6 after a 54-46 loss to 6-0 Philadelphia Saturday. This isn't a good thing for the Avengers. Is it a game LA should win? Of course. Are the Avengers the better team? Sure. But the Blaze has nothing to lose and is hungry for a victory. Quarterback Joe Germaine leads the league in passing yardage with 1,875 and completions with 163. Huey Whitaker, Germaine's favorite target is second in the league in receiving yards with 683. This could be a dangerous game for the Avengers.
The Dailey News
Colorado Coach Mike Dailey became only the fourth coach in Arena League history to earn his 100th career victory in the Crush's win over the Avengers. Tim Marcum, Danny White ands Mike Hohensee have already passed the century mark. San Jose's Darren Arbet can earn his 100th with a victory over the undefeated Soul this week. Avenger Coach Ed Hodgkiss is more than half way there with a record of 54-46.
Rapids Decline
Previews of the Grand Rapids - New York game last week predicted a rout. Grand Rapids was coming off a record for points scored in two games with 176 and the Dragons had been struggling offensively. It was a rout all right...for New York. Incredibly the Dragons led 35-0 at halftime on their way to a 63-34 win. Rampage quarterback James MacPherson cooled off after sizzling the previous two weeks by throwing four interceptions.
Action Jackson - the Sequel
It seems I can't go a week without mentioning Philadelphia's Chris Jackson in my column. The guy is just too good. In the Souls' win over Utah, Jackson caught 13 more passes for 138 yards and five more touchdowns. He now has 24 TDS for the year, five more than his nearest competitor. He also has racked up 676 receiving yards, good for third in the league. Matt D'Orazio? Tony Graziani? It doesn't matter. It could be Ron Jaworski behind center as long as Jackson is lining up wide.
The Envelope Please
Jackson was named offensive player of the month for his heroics. Calvin Spears of the surprising New Orleans Voo Doo took defensive honors and Chas Gessner of Orlando was named the rookie of the month. A.J. Haglund of San Jose was honored as kicker of the month and Marlon Moye- Moore of Orlando grabbed the ironman award. Moye-Moore was the offensive hero on Sunday when he ran in a two point conversion to give the Predators a 57-56 win over Chicago in overtime.
Remembering Big Luke
It was three years ago this week, April 10, 2005, that Avengers lineman Al Lucas passed away. After making a tackle in the first quarter of a game against the New York Dragons, Lucas was knocked out, and hit the turf. He was rushed to the hospital but never regained consciousness. I was at the game and it appeared to be a routine play. Television replays showed Lucas bending down to make the tackle. As the New York call carrier and blocker tumbled over his head and back, the blocker's leg appeared to hit Lucas in the head. It just shows how fragile life is and how we should treat every day and even moment as a gift from God. "Big Luke", who left behind a one year old daughter and his wife De'Shonda, participated in a weekly bible study and was by all accounts a man of God. Lucas had a positive effect and was an example for teammates and coaches as well as the Arena League during his six year professional career. He fulfilled his duties on earth. Apparently God had plans for him in heaven. "Big Luke" will always be remembered.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 10, 2008
- The Avengers and the Arena - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Quick Hitters: Week 7 - AFL I
- Soul Sign DE Derrick Strong - Philadelphia Soul
- Gladiators Make Roster Moves - Cleveland Gladiators
- Soul to battle defending champs on Saturday - Philadelphia Soul
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
