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West Division Takes Top Three Spots in AFL Coaches' Poll for Third Straight Week

July 3, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


CHICAGO - For the ninth consecutive week, the Arizona Rattlers (12-2) hold the top spot in the latest Coaches' Poll, while the San Jose SaberCats (10-4) and Spokane Shock (10-4) come in at second and third for the third straight week.

Arizona did not play in Week 15 but will return from their bye this Saturday to face the Orlando Predators (5-9) in "NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday" action on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Coming in at No. 2 once again are the San Jose SaberCats, who knocked off the Utah Blaze, 57-49, last weekend. The SaberCats can clinch their second consecutive playoff berth with a win at home this week against the San Antonio Talons (8-6). Despite dropping the season-opener to the SaberCats back in March, the Talons have been red hot as of late, winning six of their last eight games. Kickoff for the Week 16 rematch is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Spokane Shock stayed put at No. 3 in this week's Coaches' Poll. Coming off a bye in Week 15, the Shock will make their first-ever trip to the Tampa Bay Times Forum for a rematch with the Tampa Bay Storm (7-7). The Storm handed the Shock their first loss of the season in Spokane back in April and could clinch a postseason berth with another win this weekend. Kickoff for the rematch is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

For the second consecutive season, the Philadelphia Soul (9-5) are the East Division champions after defeating the Cleveland Gladiators (2-12), 66-57, in Week 15. Philadelphia will be looking to nail down their second straight 10-win season this week, as they host the Chicago Rush (8-6). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The Jacksonville Sharks (10-5) collected their sixth straight win over the in-state rival Orlando Predators in Week 15. Despite a bye in Week 16, all Jacksonville eyes will be on the Shock and Storm this weekend, as the Sharks have an opportunity to clinch their fourth straight South Division title if Spokane can come away with a win on Saturday night.

WEEK 16 COACHES' POLL

Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week

1 Arizona Rattlers (11) 12-2 128 1

2 San Jose SaberCats (2) 10-4 112 2

3 Spokane Shock (1) 10-4 110 3

4 Philadelphia Soul 9-5 88* 4

5 Jacksonville Sharks 10-5 88* 5

6 Chicago Rush 8-6 69 6

7 San Antonio Talons 8-6 57 --

8 Tampa Bay Storm 7-7 53 7

9 Orlando Predators 5-9 25 8

10 Utah Blaze 5-9 14 9

*Tie broken on number of high-placing votes

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