This week in the AFL

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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

This week in the AFL

by Mark Sargent
July 10, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)


It is a must-win week for some teams and a should-win week for others. But as the 2002 Arena Football League regular season winds down, this weekend may be the most important part of the season for several clubs. With just two weeks left in the season, only six teams have clinched playoff berths. The remaining six positions are still undetermined, as eight teams separated by just two games, battle it out.

Tampa Bay, currently seeded 14th, is in a definite must-win situation as they visit Detroit to take on the Fury. The Storm have had a streak of bad luck with injuries this season, but they have the nucleus of a good football team. Tim Marcum is one of the best coaches in the history of the AFL, and you can bet that the Storm will be up for their last couple of regular season games. If the Storm qualify for the post season, look out, they could surprise a lot of teams.

Toronto, Carolina, Indiana and Georgia are all currently at 5-7 and in similar situations. Carolina and Georgia are both coming off big victories last weekend. Carolina defeated Toronto 58-44, while Georgia easily handled Buffalo 54-33. The Phantoms enter this weekend's action on a two-game losing streak, while Indiana dropped its last game to the undefeated Sabercats.

Carolina is in Buffalo on Friday night to battle the Destroyers. Although Buffalo has a fantastic group of players, they have been unable to play up to their potential so far this season. Just like the Tampa Bay Storm, however, the Destroyers are well coached. If they finish the season strong, they have the talent to go a long way in the post season. Carolina will have its hands full on Friday at the HSBC arena.

Toronto is visiting New Jersey to battle the Gladiators. At 8-4, New Jersey leads the Eastern Division by two full games over Buffalo. The Gladiators are the most improved team this season and they are on a two-game winning streak. A victory by New Jersey would mean that they would clinch the Eastern Division title. The Gladiators have been getting stronger and stronger all season long and should have no trouble with the Phantoms.

Georgia is traveling to the sunny state of Florida to battle with Orlando. At 6-6 the Predators are also fighting to clinch a playoff spot. This should be a very close game, however, I will give the edge to Jay Gruden and the Predators because they are historically tough to beat at home.

Indiana is hosting the LA Avengers on Sunday afternoon in the TNN game of the week. The Avengers have had a solid season and have already secured a playoff birth with their 7-5 record. Although they are only 5-7 on the season, the Firebirds are like the Destroyers in that they have a very talented group of players. If they get on track with a couple of late season victories, they could also go far in the playoffs. They are tough at home and, given the gravity of the situation, I look for them to come up big in front of the national audience.

The Grand Rapids Rampage are the other team that needs a victory this weekend. At 6-6 the Rampage are visiting New York to take on the Dragons. Although they have just two wins on the season, the Dragons have one player that is just starting to warm up, quarterback Aaron Garcia. Fresh off training camp with the San Francisco 49ers, Garcia just recently returned to the AFL. He has been one of the best passers in the league over the past few years so don't look for New York to roll over and play dead. The Rampage will have to step up this weekend and play some solid defense if they want to stop Garcia. I think that this will be an exciting game, and look for the Rampage to bounce back after last weeks loss to Chicago.

Although all the playoff positions may not be determined at the final whistle on Sunday afternoon, we may have a much clearer view.

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 10, 2002


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.


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