- By: Will Proctor,
- in Uncategorized
The LA KISS look to feed off the excitement of the opening day crowd and start the season off with a win as they host the Jacksonville Sharks for their first game of the 2016 season. Jacksonville comes into the Honda Center seeking a victory after their ArenaBowl XXVIII defeat.
The LA KISS front office has been busy this offseason acquiring all-arena talent from throughout the league. One of the key players added to the roster is Amarri Jackson. Throughout Jackson’s AFL career, he has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the league, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and at least 20 touchdowns in four of his first five years. Last season Jackson assumed the role of primary kick returner for the Cleveland Gladiators. He thrived in this role; he ranked third in the league with 1,532 kick return yards. Expect Jackson to continue to be a dual threat in 2016.
Another key player to watch tonight is Nathan Stanley. This is the third-year quarterback’s first chance to build chemistry with Donovan “Captain” Morgan and the rest of the LA KISS receiving corps. After leading the SaberCats to the National Conference finals as a rookie in 2014, Stanley assumed the backup quarterback role for San Jose last season. Nevertheless, he still racked up over 700 passing yards, throwing 20 touchdowns and zero interceptions in 9 appearances. “Captain” Morgan, in addition to leading the LA KISS in practically every receiving category, is in the top 10 of the all-time AFL record book in both receiving yards and touchdowns. It is pivotal that Stanley and Morgan build a rapport and become one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in the league.
The Jacksonville Sharks currently hold a 2-0 lead in the all-time series against the LA KISS. However, both games have been tightly contested featuring huge hits and exciting plays. When the teams met last season, the game went down to the wire. The LA KISS were down six points and driving into Jacksonville territory in the fourth quarter, but were unable to put the ball in the end zone as time expired. Now is the time for the LA KISS to get over the hump and pick up the franchise’s first win against the Sharks.
Every fan in attendance will witness history, as it is the first time LA KISS owners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will be performing at a game! Be loud and show every LA KISS player that the LA KISS Corps are the best fans in the league.
The new LA KISS era begins now.