Page 72 - Fl Stats News Today

The concerns revolving around the ownership of the Chicago Rush have certainly been no secret this season. The team was purchased during the off-season from the Arena Football League. To put it in a very simple statement, the new owner did not meet the requirements of the league and the relationship was broken and it was uncertain as to whether a team would take the field for the season.

The Baltimore Brigade exacted a measure of revenge on Saturday night as they defeated the Albany Empire, 59-56, in front of 8,767 at the Times Union Center in Albany. The win moves Baltimore into sole possession of first place heading into the final third of the season.

In a wild Week 2 of Arena Football League action, the biggest winners were the Philadelphia Soul. They have officially become the first team in AFL history to clinch a division title without winning a single game.

After a bizarre finish with a roughing the passer penalty resulting in an untimed down after the arena fired off its confetti, the Washington Valor won ArenaBowl XXXI 69-55 over the Baltimore Brigade.

Tampa Bay Storm head coach Tim Marcum had played ArenaBowl championships in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Orlando, Iowa, and at Tampa Bay... But never before had he seen anything like this.

A few months ago, fellow ArenaFan columnist Dan Ryan wrote an article advocating that the Arena Football League Hall of Fame should actually have a building somewhere. I totally agree. But where should it be located?

The wait is finally over. After months of speculation and rumors, the AFL has finally announced an expansion franchise for the 2017 season. An unnamed team will call Washington DC and the Verizon Center home next season with Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis owning the team.

JACKSONVILLE -- The Arena Football League playoffs are still a few weeks away, but it certainly felt like it was a playoff game at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. The Jacksonville Sharks knocked off the Philadelphia Soul for the second time this season by a 74-67 count.

At halftime at ArenaBowl XXIV at the US Airways Center, Barry Wagner, George LaFrance, Hunkie Cooper, Eddie Brown, Darren Arbet, Sylvester Bembery, Sam Hernandez, Gene Nudo, Stevie Thomas, and Kurt Warner were announced as the Arena Football League Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Only five were expected to be selected.

While the Arizona Rattlers' high-octane offense garners tons of attention, it was one critical defensive stand that saved the team's 2014 season Aug. 3. Marquis Floyd intercepted a Kyle Rowley pass with under 10 seconds left to preserve Arizona's gritty, penalty-filled 52-48 conference semifinal win over the Portland Thunder at US Airways Center.