Arizona Rattlers remain atop latest AFL Coaches’ Poll

By Yourwellness Last updated Mar 27, 2014 9

Photo by Barry Gossage.

Arena Football: CHICAGO (March 26, 2014) – The Arizona Rattlers (2-0) received 13 first place votes to top the latest AFL Coaches’ Poll. Arizona defeated the Spokane Shock (1-1), 68-49, on CBS Sports Network last Sunday in a rematch of the 2013 National Conference Championship Game. The Shock fell from second to fourth in the Poll following the loss. Arizona has a bye in Week 3 and will return to action against the Jacksonville Sharks (0-1) at home in Week 4.

Despite playing without injured quarterback Russ Michna, the San Jose SaberCats (2-0) rolled to a 70-33 victory over the Philadelphia Soul (0-2) in Week 2. In Michna’s absence, rookie signal caller Nathan Stanley tossed six touchdown passes and rushed for another, earning Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week honors in his first career start. San Jose returns to action on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Power (0-1) on ESPN3. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. EST.

The Tampa Bay Storm (2-0) moved up two spots to No. 3 in this week’s Poll following a 48-45 victory over the San Antonio Talons (0-2). Storm receiver Amarri Jackson hauled in the game-winning touchdown with four seconds left in regulation. Tampa Bay will host the fifth-ranked Orlando Predators (2-0) in the 53rd meeting of the “War on I-4” this Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. EST on CBS Sports Network. Orlando knocked off the LA KISS (1-1) in dramatic fashion, 69-63, in overtime last week.

The Spokane Shock fell two spots to No. 4 in this week’s Poll following the team’s 49-68 loss to the Rattlers in Week 2. Spokane is off in Week 3 and will return from the bye to face the division rival San Jose SaberCats in Week 4.

MARCH 26 COACHES’ POLL

Rank	Team (1st Place Votes)	W-L	Points	Last Week
1	Arizona Rattlers (13)	2-0	130	1
2	San Jose SaberCats (1)	2-0	116	2
3	Tampa Bay Storm	2-0	90	5
4	Spokane Shock	1-1	87	2
5	Orlando Predators	2-0	84	7
6	Philadelphia Soul	0-2	68	4
7	Cleveland Gladiators	1-0	55	8
8	Jacksonville Sharks	0-1	44	9
9	LA KISS	1-1	36	6
10	Iowa Barnstormers	1-1	18	—

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2014 season. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVII Saturday, August 23, 2014 on ESPN.