This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
May 8, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

As the song goes, "We've only just begun," but already with just three weeks under our belts, division races are starting to heat up throughout the Arena Football League. This weekend there are several key matchups including a very important game in the Western Division, as the undefeated San Jose Sabercats host the Los Angeles Avengers.

At 2-1, the Avengers are currently tied for second place with the Arizona Rattlers. Although LA had a dismal 2001 campaign, finishing at just 5-9, this year's retooled squad is off to a great start. In week one, the Avengers defeated the New York Dragons 44-36 and in week three they beat the Dallas Desperados 52-51. The only loss came at the hands of their other division rivals, the Rattlers. Second year pivot Tony Graziani is off to a great start for the Avengers and has already tossed 16 touchdown passes on the season. With the off season signing of veteran WR/LB Greg Hopkins, the Avengers are a legitimate threat to score on each and every possession.

The San Jose Sabercats are also an explosive team. Led by quarterback Mark Grieb and receivers such as James Hundon and Barry Wagner, San Jose can score quickly and often. The Cats have recorded 172 points in three games and are just two points behind the league-leading Georgia Force in total points. With the offensive talent of these two teams, this should be a very exciting and high scoring game. Given the fact that San Jose is playing at home, I will give the edge to the Sabercats by a touchdown.

In another key game this weekend, the 2-1 Indiana Firebirds visit Toronto to battle with the Phantoms. Both teams are tied for the top spots in their respective divisions. The Firebirds are coming off two consecutive victories, defeating the defending Arena Bowl Champion Grand Rapids Rampage, 49-43, in week two and the New York Dragons 52-45 last weekend.

The Phantoms on the other hand, were victorious in week one and two and lost a close game to Arizona last weekend by the score of 58-47. Both Indiana and Toronto have an excellent offense and a solid defense. These two teams are actually quite evenly matched and this is probably one of the toughest games to pick this weekend. I am giving the edge to Indiana for one reason and one reason alone, Eddie Brown. He is still one of the top players in the AFL, and like Hunkie Cooper of the Arizona Rattlers, Brown can make good things happen for his team at anytime.

Some of the other key games this weekend include Orlando at Grand Rapids and Detroit at Buffalo. All four teams are out to sluggish starts this season at just 1-2. They all need a win this weekend to keep pace in the division races. All of these teams are capable of better records, and you can bet that they will all improve throughout the course of the 2002 season.

Buffalo was one of the heavily favored teams this year due to all the player changes that they made in the off season. Although they lost last week in Detroit, I am looking for Ray Bentley's team to bounce back this week, and they should handle the Fury by a touchdown or better. Grand Rapids is also at home this weekend, and I like their chances playing the Predators. The Rampage are always tough to beat at home and they are overdue for a breakout game.

So once again, fasten your seatbelts, sit back and enjoy some of the exciting AFL action in week four.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 8, 2002

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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.