This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
June 25, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

This weekend, two of the hottest teams in the AFL hook up in what should be a great contest. The undefeated San Jose Sabercats visit Dallas to do battle with the expansion Desperados. With four consecutive wins under its belt, Dallas has jumped into a tie for third place in the Western Division, just one game behind Arizona. the Desperados have not lost a game since May 24th when they fell victim to the Sabercats in San Jose, 77-54. Although they eventually lost by over 20 points, the Desperados never gave up, even though they fell behind 21-3 in the first quarter.

Coach Joe Avenzzano has put together a solid team in Dallas, led by talented veteran players such as Andy Kelly, Shante Carver, Shannon Culver, Adrian Lunsford and Tom Briggs. The Desperados have been playing some excellent offense and defense in the past month. Last weekend the team showed a lot of character coming from behind with a last second field goal to tie Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter and then winning the game in overtime 62-56.

What more can one say about the play of San Jose this season other than "fantastic?" They have the number one offense, the number one quarterback, several outstanding receivers and a solid defense. They will almost certainly win their division and could even go 14-0. I would not even dream about picking against them, but I will say that this will be a close contest, and I suspect that it may be decided by seven points or less.

In other big games this weekend, Arizona visits Buffalo to take on the Destroyers. With three consecutive wins, the Destroyers have jumped into a first place tie with New Jersey in the Eastern Division. This should be a high scoring affair, as both teams have explosive offensive power. Because the Destroyers are at home and on a roll, I give the edge to Buffalo by three points.

In another important contest, Grand Rapids travels to rival Indiana. At just 4-6, this is almost a must-win situation for the Firebirds if they have any chance of earning the division title. Indiana also needs the victory just to keep its playoff hopes alive. Both teams have struggled somewhat this season, but I look for Indiana to rebound at home with a big game and give them the edge by seven points.

As the regular season winds down, fasten your seatbelts for some exciting AFL action this weekend.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 25, 2002

• This week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
• Remy Hamilton - More Than a Kick - Los Angeles Avengers
• Jacobs Named ADT Defensive Player of the Week - San Jose SaberCats
• Greg Hopkins honored as AFL "Ironman of the Week" - Los Angeles Avengers
• McNair Earns Player of the Week Honors - Buffalo Destroyers
• McNair Leads Players of the Week - AFL I
• Raybon Up to the Challenge - Grand Rapids Rampage
• Desperados Host AFL's Top Team - Dallas Desperados
• New York Dragons Weekly - New York Dragons
• Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I

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.