AFLWA > News > AFL Top 8 Poll

March 15, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Anderson
702-379-0154

Dragons ascent to No. 1 for first time in 2005

NEW YORK TAKES OVER TOP
RANKING IN AFLWA TOP 8 POLL

LAS VEGAS (AFLWA) – Not only did the New York Dragons receive assistance, they helped themselves to reach the top of the most recent Top 8 Poll, which was conducted by the Arena Football League Writers Association (AFLWA).

The top spot was cleared when the Orlando Predators knocked off the then-No. 1 New Orleans VooDoo 63-52, and New York (5-1) took advantage by edging the Georgia Force 53-51. The Dragons moved up two spots, receiving 12 first-place votes and 120 points. They next visit the Austin Wranglers (2-5).

Orlando's victory elevated the Predators (5-2) from a tie for fourth to No. 2. They received two first-place votes and 91 points. Orlando plays at No. 3 Georgia (5-2), which moved down a slot.

New Orleans (5-2), which fell to No. 4, is at the Chicago Rush (4-3).
The Dallas Desperados (5-2) dropped a place to No. 5 despite a 52-28 victory over Austin. Dallas next plays at the No. 8 Los Angeles Avengers (4-2), which also fell a spot after taking the weekend off.

There was no change in the rankings for the No. 6 Tampa Bay Storm (4-2), which got by the Arizona Rattlers 59-56. Tampa Bay is at the Philadelphia Soul (2-5).

The other ranked team, the No. 7 Colorado Crush (4-2) advanced a spot following a 42-35 victory over the Nashville Kats. Colorado hosts the Columbus Destroyers (1-5).

AFLWA TOP 8 POLL
Rk.	Team [1st Place]	W-L	Pts.	LW
1.	1. New York Dragons [12]	5-1	120	3
2.	Orlando Predators [2]	5-2	91	t4
3.	Georgia Force	5-2	86	2
4.	New Orleans VooDoo	5-2	77	1
5.	Dallas Desperados [1]	5-2	69	t4
6.	Tampa Bay Storm [1]	4-2	53	6
7.	Colorado Crush	4-2	49	8
8.	Los Angeles Avengers	4-2	24	7
Others receiving votes: Chicago Rush 5, Las Vegas Gladiators 1, San Jose SaberCats 1.

The AFLWA, founded at the start of the 2004 season, is a national organization made up of media members who cover the Arena Football League. Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the AFLWA's founder and executive director.

2005 AFLWA Rankings (No 1. team):
• Preseason (San Jose) • Feb. 1 (Tampa Bay) • Feb. 8 (Tampa Bay) • Feb. 15 (Orlando) • Feb. 22 (New Orleans) • March 1 (New Orleans)	• March 8 (New Orleans) • March 15 (New York) • March 22 (Georgia) • March 29 (Georgia) • April 5 (Colorado) • April 12 (Colorado)	• April 19 (Georgia) • April 26 (Orlando/San Jose) • May 3 (Georgia) • May 10 (Georgia) • May 17 (Georgia) • May 24 (Georgia)