BROCK THINKS BIG.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

The Avengers, the only pro football team in Los Angeles, took two important steps in franchise history Tuesday, introducing Stan Brock as head coach and revealing their cutting-edge uniforms.

The 41-year-old Brock is a former NFL offensive lineman with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers. He became a natural choice for the Arena Football League club after resurrecting the AFL's Portland franchise.

``I only have one opportunity to hire the first head coach in our history,'' owner Casey Wasserman said. ``Stan turned around the arena team in Portland that had been in disarray, frankly.''

Wasserman said he received positive recommendations about Brock from San Diego Chargers general manager Bobby Beathard, Detroit Lions coach Bobby Ross and Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora.

``We started out and talked to some name guys,'' Wasserman said. ``But the more we got into the process, we saw we needed a guy who could start from scratch.''

Brock didn't sound like a typical expansion-franchise football coach Tuesday.

``I'm not afraid to say we'll win five or six games. If something good happens, maybe eight wins,'' Brock said. ``I need to put a winner out on the field. That's the biggest thing.

``Nothing really appeals to me about starting over. The nice thing is I consider myself a builder. I don't think it will be as hard as in Portland.''

Brock said the Avengers would hold tryouts in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas, as well as adding players through the Arena League's dispersal draft.

The uniforms will certainly make the Avengers unique: red helmets, red home and white road jerseys, and white home and blue road pants.

``I didn't want to do black and teal, those are kind of also-ran colors,'' Wasserman said. ``We're the only team with a red helmet. Our quarterback can't made an excuse about throwing an interception because he couldn't see the helmet.''

The Avengers are already off to a fast start with the fans, with 2,000 season-ticket holders.

``I've been pleased with the response. In (the Staples Center), we are the most affordable team,'' Wasserman said. ``I promise people it will be the most exciting sport in the building.''

Tickets will cost $7 to $38. And as Wasserman pointed out, ``If the ball goes in the stands, you keep it.''

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PHOTO The Avengers, Los Angeles' Arena Football League franchise, introduced former NFL player Stan Brock as its first coach.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Staff Photographer