The Jacksonville Sharks (13-1) remain in the top spot of the Week 16 Coaches’ Poll for the ninth consecutive week, following their 66-41 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm (6-8). Jacksonville earned its 13th consecutive victory and passed the 2002 San Jose SaberCats for the AFL single-season win streak record.
Sharks wide receiver Jeff Hughley led the team with 13 receptions for 210-yards and six touchdowns in the win over Tampa Bay. The Sharks will face the San Jose SaberCats (5-9) on Saturday, July 1 at 10:30 p.m. EST. Jacksonville has already locked up home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs.
The Arizona Rattlers (13-2) recorded five first place votes and remained in second place following their tight, 55-54, win over the Philadelphia Soul (5-10). Arizona quarterback Nick Davila completed a one-yard touchdown pass to John Booker with six seconds remaining to give the Rattlers the narrow one-point victory. Arizona notched six consecutive victories and holds a two and a half game lead over the Chicago Rush (10-4) in the National Conference. The Rattlers face the Spokane Shock (7-7) at home on Saturday, July 2 at 8:05 p.m. EST.
The Rush jumped back into the third spot of the Poll after a 58-48 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers (3-11). Chicago has won five of their last six games. The Rush face the Utah Blaze (7-7) on Friday, July 1 at 8:30 p.m. EST. With a win, the Rush will secure a playoff spot.
The Georgia Force (9-6) moved to fourth place in the Poll following their impressive road victory, 64-34, over the Orlando Predators (8-6). Force quarterback Brett Elliot shined in the victory, throwing for 320-yards and five touchdowns. The Force currently hold the third spot of the American Conference playoff race. Georgia has a bye in Week 17 and will host Chicago in Week 18.
The Dallas Vigilantes (8-5) remained in the fifth spot of the Poll for the third consecutive week, following a 55-48 win over the Tulsa Talons (6-8). The team has won three straight games and sits one game behind the Rush for the Central Division lead. The Vigilantes face the Philadelphia Soul on Saturday, July 2 at 8:30 p.m. EST at home.
The Orlando Predators (8-6) moved to sixth in the Poll after their home loss to the Georgia Force, 34-64. The Predators have lost three straight games. The team looks to get back on track against the Pittsburgh Power (8-6) on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday.” Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST. The Cleveland Gladiators (8-6) remained at seven in the Poll following their 82-21 victory over the SaberCats. The Gladiators face the Milwaukee Mustangs on Saturday, July 2 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Spokane Shock (7-7) entered the Coaches’ Poll after their 75-54 victory over the New Orleans VooDoo (2-12). The Shock won three consecutive games and are tied with Utah for the remaining playoff spot in the National Conference. Because Spokane lost earlier this season to Utah, the Blaze currently hold the fourth seed. Spokane looks to win their fourth straight game against the second-ranked Rattlers on Saturday night.
