Avenger Streak Grows With Easy Win at Home

The Avengers’ goal was simple on Friday night against winless Carolina.

“We didn’t want to be the first team to be beaten by these guys,” defensive specialist Cornelius Coe said.

The Cobras stayed close for a half before the Avengers clamped down and cruised to a 63-48 victory before 12,117 at Staples Center.

The Avengers improved their league-leading record to 8-2 and stayed on pace to secure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

The victory also extended their winning streak to a franchise-record five games, tied the team record for victories in a season and put the Avengers six games over .500 for the first time.

Avenger quarterback Tony Graziani passed for touchdowns the first three times he touched the ball and finished with eight touchdown passes, tying the career high he established on March 9 against New York.

Carolina (0-10), the only winless team in the Arena Football League, trailed only 35-28 at halftime.

But just as they did in a victory over Indiana last month, the Avengers shut out the Cobras in the third quarter en route to a 56-28 lead and eventual rout.

Graziani completed 15 of 21 passes for 270 yards. Greg Hopkins caught five passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Jackson caught five passes for 74 yards and three touchdowns. Kevin Ingram and Siaha Burley also caught touchdown passes for the Avengers.

The Avengers stopped the Cobras twice in the first half, but led only 35-28 at the break.