Marinovich Apparently Will Start

The Avengers are expected to make a quarterback change for their nationally televised Arena Football League game Thursday at Arizona, replacing Scott Semptimphelter with Todd Marinovich.

Coach Stan Brock would only say after Monday’s practice that he was “leaning toward” giving Marinovich, who played for USC and the then-Los Angeles Raiders, his first Arena start.

In Friday’s 65-44 loss to Oklahoma, Marinovich replaced Semptimphelter midway through the second quarter and played the rest of the game. He completed 15 of 30 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns. He threw one interception.

“We’ll see how the week plays out,” Brock said. “I’ll know for sure Wednesday. But I’m leaning toward Todd. I know Scott’s ready to go all the time. I’m trying to get Todd some [repetitions] so the rust can continue to chip off of him. I thought he looked good in the game, just rusty.”

But Marinovich began Monday’s practice working with the first unit and took more snaps than Semptimphelter. Since this is a short week--the team has one more full practice today and a walk-through Wednesday--Marinovich would not be getting those snaps if he were not going to play.

Brock and staff are looking for ways to spark their expansion team, now 0-4 and struggling offensively.

Marinovich’s last regular-season pro start was Nov. 8, 1992, for the Raiders against Philadelphia, a game the Raiders lost, 31-10.

Marinovich said he would welcome the chance to start against the 3-1 Rattlers, which will be the league’s game of the week on TNN.

“I’ll be ready,” Marinovich said. “Playing last Friday was a good opening game to get a feel what it’s like to play at full speed again. I felt a little rusty, which was expected. And, since high school, I’ve always liked playing away games and playing on TV. So I think we’ll have a big game.”

Semptimphelter said “there’s every indication” Marinovich will get the start.

“In my discussion with Coach [Brock] he basically told me . . . that he wasn’t pointing fingers at me or [the 0-4 start] was my fault,” Semptimphelter said. “I accept that. I don’t agree with it, but I have no other choice.”