The Arizona Rattlers (3-0) remain atop the latest AFL Coaches’ Poll following a 63-38 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks (1-2) in Week 4. The back-to-back defending ArenaBowl champions received 13 first place votes to top the Poll for the fourth consecutive week. The Rattlers will face a familiar foe in Week 5 as they travel to the SAP Center for a matchup with their greatest rival, the San Jose SaberCats (2-2). Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. EST Saturday on ESPN3.
The Spokane Shock (2-1) returned to form against San Jose last week, handling the SaberCats on the road, 73-62. The win propelled the Pacific Division-leading Shock up three spots to No. 2 in this week’s Poll. Meanwhile, San Jose fell two spots to No. 4 this week after the loss. San Jose will look to rebound against the Rattlers in Week 5, in a matchup where the home team has won each of the last four games in the series. The Shock will host the Portland Thunder (0-3) in their second home game of the season this Saturday at 10:00 p.m. EST. Both games will be carried by ESPN3.
Coming in at No. 3 in this week’s Poll are the Tampa Bay Storm, who improved to 3-1 on the year following a 63-49 victory over the Philadelphia Soul (0-3) in Week 4. The Storm will roll into Jacksonville this week for a South Division meeting with the Jacksonville Sharks. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST Friday on ESPN3.
The Pittsburgh Power (2-1) celebrated their largest margin of victory in franchise history last week, finishing off the San Antonio Talons (0-4), 70-17. Despite the record-setting 53-point win, the Power dropped two spots in the Poll to No. 5 this week. Pittsburgh will look to make a statement this Friday, as they host the New Orleans VooDoo (1-2) on CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. EST on Friday.