AVENGERS TODAY

vs. Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m.

Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690, 1150).

Records (2002) -- Avengers 8-6, Gladiators 9-5.

Update -- These two teams mirror each other. Both have second-year coaches who took their teams to the playoffs for the first time last season. The Gladiators, who moved to Las Vegas from New Jersey during the off-season, were the surprise team in the Arena Football League last season when they finished 9-5 and won the Eastern Division under first-year Coach Frank Haege. The Gladiators were 2-12 in 2001. Ed Hodgkiss guided the Avengers to an 8-6 record and a playoff berth after the team was 5-9 in 2001. Las Vegas quarterback Jay McDonagh passed for 3,599 yards and 62 touchdowns last season. The Avengers’ Tony Graziani passed for 3,568 yards and 67 touchdowns. Gladiator offensive specialist Mike Horacek had 118 receptions and 31 touchdowns in 2001. The Avengers’ Chris Jackson had 85 catches and 28 touchdowns.

Tickets -- (888) 283-6437.

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-- Larry Stewart