AVENGERS FINISH WITH A FUMBLE RUSH RALLIES, WINS PLAYOFF OPENER CHICAGO 52, AVENGERS 45.Byline: Erik Boal Special to the Daily News The Avengers worked the entire regular season to establish themselves as the Arena Football League's most efficient team. It took them less than five minutes Sunday to give that title away. After turning the ball over a league-low 20 times in their first 16 games, the second-seeded Avengers were victimized by two costly fourth-quarter fumbles - one that led to the winning score - as the third-seeded Chicago Rush The Chicago Rush are a team in the Arena Football League. They began play as a 2001 expansion team. History The team began play in 2001 and is based in Rosemont, Illinois, northwest of Chicago and near O'Hare International Airport. scored 21 unanswered points in the final 9:12 to post a 52-45 victory in the American Conference American Conference may refer to:
* Its neutrality is disputed. * It may contain original research or unverifiable claims. * It does not cite any references or sources. . Kevin Ingram's fumble on a kickoff return with 4:24 remaining led to a two-play scoring drive by Chicago, capped by Charlie Cook's 2-yard run. Avengers quarterback John Kaleo John Kaleo (born February 5, 1971) is a former Arena Football League quarterback for the Albany Firebirds (1993), Cleveland Thunderbolts (1994), St. Louis Stampede (1995–96), Anaheim Piranhas (1997), San Jose SaberCats (1997), New England Sea Wolves (1999), Tampa Bay Storm fumbled on a third-and-10 play from Chicago's 11-yard line with five seconds left as L.A., in its fourth postseason game in history, remained without a playoff win. ``I still can't believe this. This is unreal. This is the worst loss I've ever been around,'' said kicker Remy Hamilton, whose sixth extra point with 12:03 remaining gave the Avengers a 45-31 lead. ``Everything we have overcome this season, and to be in the lead and let it slip away is so disappointing.'' Following the April 10 death of lineman Al Lucas Albert Lucas (September 1, 1978 – April 10, 2005) was an American football player in the NFL and Arena Football League who died in a game for the Los Angeles Avengers. from a spinal-cord injury, the Avengers (10-7) regrouped to win four of their final six regular-season games - including all three at home - to capture the franchise's first American First American may refer to:
The Avengers appeared to be on their way to the franchise's first playoff victory following Lonnie Ford's 1- yard run on the opening possession of the second half, which increased their lead to 35-17. But Chicago (10-7) - which will play at top-seeded Colorado Crush Colorado Crush is an Arena Football League team that began play as a 2003 expansion team. The Crush play in the Central Division of the American Conference. History , a 56-48 winner over San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. , in Sunday's conference final - scored touchdowns on its next two drives and held L.A. to a field goal between them to cut the deficit to seven entering the final quarter. Tony Locke's third touchdown reception built the Avengers' lead back to 14, but they were stopped on downs on two of their next three drives, with Ingram's fumble coming in the middle. ``We made enough plays on offense to get us back in the game, but when it came down to the fourth quarter, the defense made the plays, and we won.'' Even with its fourth-quarter struggles, the Avengers had a possession to tie or possibly win the game after Philyaw's fumble was recovered by former USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. standout Antuan Simmons at the L.A. 23-yard line with 23 seconds left. On the ensuing play, Kaleo - who completed just 3 of 12 fourth-quarter attempts (he finished 14 of 31 for 245 yards and four touchdowns) - completed a 16-yard pass to Ingram to move into Chicago territory. After consecutive incompletions, Kaleo was sacked by D.J. Bleisath and John Moyer, knocking the ball loose. Bob McMillen fell on it to secure the victory. Erik Boal, (818) 713-3607 erik.boal(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: The Avengers' Tony Locke reaches and hauls in a touchdown pass from John Kaleo on Sunday at Staples Center. Edna T. Simpson/Daily News |
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