LOS ANGELES, CA -- In a crucial Western Division battle, the Avengers were able to get past the Arizona Rattlers, 66-59, on Saturday night in front of 13,511 at STAPLES Center.
The victory boosted L.A.’s record to 4-6 and polished off a season sweep of Arizona, which fell to 4-5. Both teams trail division-leading San Jose, which lost at Orlando earlier in the day to fall to 5-5.
"Staying focused is the big factor," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss said. "We didn't have any moments where we spaced out. We were able to stay in the moment throughout the game."
"Offensive Player of the Game" Timon Marshall capped off a record setting night with a nine-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Tim Hicks to provide the winning margin with 22 seconds left.
In a see-saw battle that saw 11 lead changes and four ties, it was an obscure Arena Football League rule that saved Los Angeles from defeat. With 6:02 to play, Arizona defensive back Aric Williams sacked Hicks, recovered his fumble and returned it for a touchdown. However, the play was called back due to a penalty by Williams for making contact with Hicks.
"Hicks faked a toss and that means a defensive back can rush the passer," Hodgkiss said. "But, if the quarterback stays in the pocket, the DB can’t hit him. It’s an AFL rule that’s always been there."
On a subsequent play, "Ironman of the Game" Josh Jeffries barreled in for his second touchdown of the evening from one-yard out to give the Avengers a 59-52 lead.
Hicks was 19-of-36 for 328 yards and six touchdowns.
Marshall had a team-high nine receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He also broke Chris Jackson's team record for all-purpose yards in a single season early in the second quarter on a 12-yard catch. Marshall finished the evening with 190 all-purpose yards, giving him a season total of 2,011 in just 10 games. Jackson set the previous mark of 1,897 in 2004, playing in 15 games.
Los Angeles took advantage of a miscue by Trandon Harvey early in the fourth quarter when Tyler Fredrickson’s kickoff was misplayed and recovered by Avenger WR/DB Kevin Ingram to give the Avengers their first second-half lead with 13:24 remaining.
After the first half ended in a 38-38 tie, only seven points were scored in the third quarter, courtesy of a five-yard touchdown pass from Arizona quarterback Lange Campbell (22-of-34 for 277 yards and seven touchdowns) to former Avenger wide receiver Siaha Burley (six catches for 95 yards and three scores).
In the first half, the Avengers and Rattlers both scored five touchdowns and a field goal. L.A.’s field goal, an 18-yarder by Fredrickson, came on its first possession. Arizona’s, a 28-yarder by Eric Houle, came as time expired in the second quarter.
Rattlers vs. Avengers Preview
