This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
July 3, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)

With just three games left in the AFL regular season, three of the divisional races are still up for grabs. In the Central Division, Chicago leads the pack at 7-4, but Grand Rapids is just one game behind at 6-5 with Indiana two games back at 5-6. This weekend, Chicago visits Grand Rapids while Indiana takes on the undefeated San Jose Sabercats.

This is the second time this season that the Rush and the Rampage will do battle. In week number three they met in Chicago where the Rush came out on the winning end of a 71-59 decision. Chicago is entering this week's action coming off of victories against Detroit and New York. Grand Rapids, on the other hand, is coming off of a tough loss last weekend in Indiana, 56-42. This game is obviously very important to both team, but Grand Rapids may have more on the line as they need this victory to stay ahead of Indiana and to help secure a playoff birth. The Rampage is always tough at home, so I am looking for a strong effort by Clint Dolezel and company, and I give them the edge by a touchdown.

In the Southern Division, the Orlando Predators lead the way at 5-6, while three other teams - Georgia, Carolina and Tampa Bay - are all tied at 4-7. Both Orlando and Tampa Bay are coming off victories while Georgia has lost two straight and Carolina five in a row. This weekend the war on Interstate 4 continues as Orlando visits Tampa Bay. This is an exceptionally big conference game because first place is on the line. A win by Orlando would put them two games ahead of Tampa Bay and all but guarantee a playoff birth, however, a victory by the Storm would put Tampa Bay in first place as they won the earlier contest, 48-45. Carolina takes on Toronto this week in a must win game while Georgia is at home against Buffalo.

In the Eastern Division race, the New Jersey Gladiators are on top with a 7-4 record followed closely by the Buffalo Destroyers at 6-5 and the Toronto Phantoms at 5-6. New Jersey is vastly improved this year coming off a 2-12 record in 2001. They are visiting New York this weekend to battle Aaron Garcia and the New York Dragons. Although the Dragons have only two wins thus far this season, the return of Garcia will certainly improve the club and cause headaches to opposing defenses.

Buffalo fans hope that Garcia gets hot this weekend because a New Jersey loss and a Destroyers victory would vault Buffalo back into the top spot. The Destroyers did not play up to their potential last weekend at home against Arizona but coach Bentley will have his troops ready for Georgia.

Once again we look forward to some very exciting action in week 12, as we get one step closer to the 2002 Arena Football League playoffs.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 3, 2002

• This week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
• Sienko Earns Player of the Month Honors - Portland Forest Dragons
• SaberCats Look to Move to 12-0 - AFL I
• 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.