Top-Ranked Rattlers Cling to Narrow Lead in Latest AFL Coaches' Poll
July 16, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Despite enduring their first back-to-back losses in nearly two full calendar years, the Arizona Rattlers (14-2) narrowly edged the Cleveland Gladiators (15-1) by five points to remain in first place of the latest AFL Coaches' Poll.
The Rattlers, who claimed five first place votes this week, fell to the fifth-ranked Spokane Shock (9-7), 66-73, last week. Arizona will host the 10th-ranked Portland Thunder (5-11) this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3, while the Shock play host to the Tampa Bay Storm (8-8) next Monday in "NET10 Wireless AFL on ESPN" action. Kickoff for that game is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
The No. 2-ranked Gladiators collected their franchise record 15th victory of the year in typical Cleveland fashion last week, sending the game to overtime on the final play of regulation and finishing off the San Antonio Talons (1-15) with a field goal to win, 50-47. The team with the best record in Arena Football will host the Jacksonville Sharks (6-10) this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
Falling one spot to No. 3 in this week's Poll are the San Jose SaberCats (12-4), who knocked off the Tampa Bay Storm, 52-43, last week. The SaberCats travel to Philadelphia this week for a matchup with the Philadelphia Soul (8-8) on ESPN3. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.
A bye in Week 18 had no effect on the Pittsburgh Power (13-3), who stayed put at No. 4 in the latest Coaches' Poll. Pittsburgh returns to action this week against the Iowa Barnstormers (6-10). Kickoff is set for 8:05 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN3.
July 16 Coaches' Poll
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week
1. Arizona Rattlers (5) 14-2 121 1
2. Cleveland Gladiators (8) 15-1 115 3
3. San Jose SaberCats (1) 12-4 101 2
4. Pittsburgh Power 13-3 91 4
5. Spokane Shock 9-7 89 5
6. Orlando Predators 9-7 68 6
7. Philadelphia Soul 8-8 63 7
8. Tampa Bay Storm 8-8 46 8
9. Jacksonville Sharks 6-10 27 9
10. Portland Thunder 5-11 25 NR
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Arena Football League Stories from July 16, 2014
- 7.16.14 Thunder Take on Teaching Roles - Portland Thunder
- Shock Batten Down the Hatches as Storm Roll into Town - Spokane Shock
- Thunder Acquire USC Lineman Martinez - Portland Thunder
- Top-Ranked Rattlers Cling to Narrow Lead in Latest AFL Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Gladiators to Host First Round Playoff Game on CBS Sports Network - AFL
- Barnstormers Host 2nd Annual Bacon Bowl - Iowa Barnstormers
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