Even in Home Opener, Avengers Can’t Cut It

The Avengers keep trying to convince themselves they are better than last year’s expansion squad.

But so far they can’t convince any one else in the Arena Football League of that notion. Especially when other sickly teams can get well at the Avengers’ expense.

Houston brought a nine-game losing streak into Thursday’s game, having dropped the last eight games of the 2000 season, and losing their opener last week in Oklahoma. But the ThunderBears had more than enough firepower to beat the Avengers, 58-48, before 7,229 at Staples Center.

In getting its first win since last May 26 against Grand Rapids, Houston (1-1) beat Los Angeles on the ground as well as the air.

Quarterback Todd Hammel completed 20 of 35 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns. But the ThunderBears also got an 11-yard scoring run from Matt Kinsinger, a three-yard scoring run from Damon Bowers, and a two-yard touchdown sneak by Hammel.

Los Angeles (0-2) might have lost more than its second game this season. Lineman Vince Amey, one of the Avengers’ prized rookies, suffered a sprained ligament in his right knee in the first quarter. X-rays were negative, and his status is day to day.

Suffering through another rough night was quarterback Todd Marinovich, who completed only 12 of 26 passes for 151 yards. He threw three touchdown passes but was intercepted three times by Houston defensive specialist Carl Greenwood.

The last one came in the third quarter, and Greenwood returned it seven yards for a score. That put Houston ahead, 48-27, and Marinovich was replaced by Erik Wilhelm.

Coach Stan Brock said Marinovich came out primarily because he injured his neck in the second quarter when Houston lineman Karl Bates pulled and twisted Marinovich’s facemask.

“Todd’s neck is very sore, and that’s what took him out of the game,” Brock said. “We have to protect protect our quarterback better. We’re getting Todd hit too many times.”

Wilhelm was game, passing for 147 yards and three touchdown passes, but he could not get Los Angeles closer than 10 points.

Marinovich got the Avengers off to a quick start with touchdown passes to J.J. Washington (12 yards) and Travis Hannah (29 yards) on Los Angeles’ first two possessions. He later connected with Hannah on a 20-yard scoring play in the second quarter.

But Houston led, 35-27, at the half in part because of Greenwood’s interceptions of Marinovich.

Marinovich’s first interception came near the end of the first quarter. Hammel converted the turnover into a touchdown on a seven-yard pass to Anthony Fogel.

Greenwood’s second interception halted an Avenger drive less than two minutes before halftime.