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 18, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)


When the regular season began back on April 19th, all 16 teams had aspirations of making it into the playoffs for a chance to win the Arena Bowl Championship. As the final week of the season approaches, 14 of the 16 teams are still in a position to advance. In fact, seven teams have already qualified while seven others are fighting for the final five spots. 2002 has been a very competitive year for Arena football and the growing number of fans who follow the game. I can't think of a better or more exciting way to end the season.

Tampa Bay, Toronto, Buffalo, Orlando, Carolina, Georgia and Indiana are all fighting for a chance to play at least one more game. Each of these teams have had up and down seasons and enter this weekend under 500.

In the Eastern Division, both Toronto and Buffalo were highly touted in the pre-season. Toronto was coming off a solid 2001 regular season, followed by a good playoff showing, while Buffalo made several big off season personnel changes. The Phantoms were rocked by injuries during the year and have never seemed to get on track, while Buffalo has just been inconsistent. Both these teams are quite capable of winning a playoff game or two if they just get on track. In fact, if Ray Bentley can get the Destroyers in gear, they could make it all the way to the championship game.

In the Southern Division, Orlando, Carolina and Georgia, all not only have a chance to advance in the playoffs but one of the teams has a chance to win the Division title. All three squads have tough games this weekend as Orlando is visiting Dallas, Georgia is up against Tampa Bay and Carolina is playing San Jose. Both Carolina and Georgia enter this week's action on two-game winning streaks, while Orlando is coming off a one-point loss to Georgia. I will go out on a limb and pick Orlando to win at Dallas to secure the Division title.

In the Central Division, Indiana is looking for a second straight victory this weekend in order to solidify their playoff chances. The Firebirds are on the road as they visit their division rivals the Chicago Rush. Last weekend the Firebirds back-up quarterback, Jim Ballard, stepped into the game and directed his team to a 56-53 victory over the LA Avengers. Ballard looked very poised and confident and, given the opportunity, he could step it up again this weekend at Chicago. This should be a very exciting and high scoring contest that is too close to call.

Oh yes, lets not forget about the Tampa Bay Storm who play host to Georgia. Tim Marcum is one of the best coaches in the league and there is no doubt that he will pull out all the stops to get the win. The Storm also have excellent fans and they will most likely be out in full force to cheer on the team. Given the circumstances, I am looking for a Storm victory, and look out if they make it to the playoffs.

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 18, 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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