This week’s picks are sponsored by Clemens-McCready, who remind you that “Guys (and gals) do it all the time!”
A really good week this week in the AFL. A battle of unbeaten teams was not much of a battle, if you’re Dallas. On the other hand, if you’re a Philly Soul fan, you have every right to gloat and talk as much smack as possible. Get your popcorn ready, kids! Last week saw a 6-2 mark, meaning that I am now 50-20 for the year.
Without any more fanfare, this week’s picks.
Philadelphia Soul (9-0) at Cleveland Gladiators (4-4) - The Soul not only had their A+ game against Dallas last week, they showed the nation how good they were. Dallas was taken to the woodshed and left there, scoring just 15 second half points. Cleveland was held to 35 yards net rushing in their loss on Long Island last Sunday. The Gladiators will be Philly’s next victim and will be told, to quote Bon Jovi, “ Have a nice day!” Philadelphia takes this one.
Grand Rapids Rampage (3-5) at Colorado Crush (3-5) - Grand Rapids trailed Kansas City in every offensive category in their contest last week. However, it was the Rampage that won the most important category, the win column. Colorado played Chicago close at the Pepsi Centre but could not seal the deal. It looks like the Crush could lose two in a row. Rampage wins over Crush.
Dallas Desperados (7-1) at Columbus Destroyers (2-6) - Dallas has a huge chip on their shoulders after being sent away from the ranks of the unbeaten by Philadelphia on national television last week. The Desperados were held to 248 yards in total offense. Columbus was off last week and better be ready for a battle. Right now, I would not want to be a Columbus Destroyer player. The Desperados come to their senses (apologies to the Eagles) and say “Goodbye, Columbus.”
New Orleans VooDoo (7-2) at Georgia Force (3-5) - Georgia and Arizona played an even first half in Phoenix last Saturday night and the Force led 49-42 at one point before Arizona came back and took them to task. The VooDoo did their magic on a helpless Utah Blaze team that is still looking for win number one. This time, the Force are at home in the Atlanta area, which will be more than enough for them. Georgia breaks the curse of the VooDoo at Gwinnett Centre this week.
San Jose Saber Cats (5-4) at Orlando Predators (6-3) - San Jose showed Los Angeles what they were made of last week and looked pretty good in the process, despite losing the total offense battle. Orlando played their instate rivals Tampa Bay tough but lost at home and the Saber Cats can’t take them lightly. Look for the Saber Cats to be hunted, not the hunters. Orlando wins at home.
Kansas City Brigade (1-7) at Utah Blaze (0-9) - Call this game ugly. Kansas City’s 1-7, Utah has yet to break the win column this season. Both teams are coming off losses last week. If these two teams were dying, a priest would be called for the last rites. Unfortunately, only one team can win. Kansas City stays up to date. Brigade takes this one.
Arizona Rattlers (4-4) at Los Angeles Avengers (3-6) - Arizona picked itself off the mat against Georgia last weekend in Phoenix, taking the Force to task after they rallied to win that contest. Los Angeles had three fumbles in their loss to San Jose last week. The Avengers have to do a better job of holding on to the football. I’m taking Arizona in this one but Los Angeles has been playing better football of late.
Chicago Rush (7-2) at Tampa Bay Storm (3-5) - Chicago was idle last week. Tampa Bay took care of business and narrowly came away with a win against their instate rivals just up Interstate 4. Still, the Rush are a force to be reckoned with and could very well challenge Philadelphia for the AFL title in New Orleans in a few months. The Rush take care of the Storm.
Idle - New York