Bitter Sweet Start For AFL 2008 Season

The Arena Football League 2008 regular season commenced on Friday, February 29, 2008.  But as the curtain opened an the much anticipated season, there were big wins and losses, upset and regrets.  The opening game was played in the city of angels, with the Los Angeles Avengers taking on the New Orleans voodoo.   This match up proved successful for Avengers who edged the Voodoo to start the season 1-0.  As was expected their defense played a major part in the win, but he Avengers rallied around offensive weapon Kevin Ingram and former Grand Rapids wide receiver Timon Marshall.   Playing in front of their home fans, Avenger's quarterback Sonnie Cumbie completed 23-of-38 for 268 yards and seven touchdowns, tossing three touchdowns to Marshall who finished with 180 all purpose yards.  Voodoo quarterback Steve Bellisari  came out slinging.  He completed his first six passes on a 45 yard drive with a touchdown pass to Zach Hilton, before leaving the game with an injury in the second half.  The Voodoo rallied after Bellisari's exit, when New Orleans wide receiver Wendell Williams returned the opening kickoff 54 yards for a touchdown. The Avengers capitalized on the loss of Bellisari and they put together a comeback which the Voodoo was not able to match.  Final Score: 59-42 What is touted to be the biggest rivalry in the AFL lived up to the billing, when Dallas Desperados traveled to Georgia to play the Force in what is always known  as a heated battle.   The Desperados' defense made six stops, but Georgia managed to stay in the Game with two fourth quarter touchdowns by Georgia's quarterback Chris Griesen.  The Desperados had spread the love on offense with Will Pettis, Marcus and second year receiver Anthony Armstong.  Armstrong who lead the team with 11 catches for 135 years and two touchdowns was forced to pick up the slack after Andrea Thurman suffered a broken hand on a pass interference call.  But the biggest blow came for Dallas when 13-year veteran quarterback Clint Dolezel was blind-sided by Georgia's defensive lineman Jermaine Smith, Dolezel landed awkwardly on his shoulder resulting in inury.  The injury is serious enough have him out for about a month, but did not stop this tenacious signal caller from finishing the game. He was seen begging the coaches to stay in.  Like Dallas, Georgia suffered a blow on defense, losing defensive back David Crocker with a back injury. Final Score: 51-41