Rematch a Chance to Avenge Defeat

Fullback Andy Chilcote stood in the Avenger locker room after Monday’s 59-33 loss to Oklahoma, wrapped in a couple of ice bags. He could still feel the sting of L.A.’s third defeat in three games.

Chilcote was glad little time would pass until their Arena Football League rematch against the Wranglers. He wanted to remember all the jawboning, trash-talking and bursts of ill will that made Monday’s loss difficult to accept. He will get his chance at redemption tonight at 5:30 in Oklahoma City.

“We’ll see who the tough guys are,” Chilcote said.

Besides stalwart physical play, tonight’s Avenger agenda raises questions that need answers.

The Wranglers (3-0) are among the league’s top scoring teams, but are they 26 points better than L.A? Oklahoma’s defense ranks among the league’s worst.

Can the Avengers find a way to pressure Ron Lopez (66 of 98), who has passed for 830 yards and 21 touchdowns in three games? Or will the 6-foot-5, 220-pound quarterback, who had six touchdown passes Monday, have another field day against the Avenger secondary?

And can Avenger Coach Stan Brock continue to play quarterback Scott Semptimphelter? Take away his 25-of-39, 331-yard outing against expansion Carolina, and Semptimphelter has completed only 34 of 73 attempts for 384 yards. Half of his 12 touchdowns came against Carolina. The shadow of Todd Marinovich on the bench is getting longer.

Will the answers to these questions make a difference? That’s the toughest question of all.