Hamilton Enjoying Pause in Action

By Gary Klein

March 5, 2004 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

A bye week probably arrived at the right time for the Avengers.

There’s no question it came at a perfect time for kicker Remy Hamilton.

Less than 15 hours after Monday night’s 53-52 overtime loss to the Georgia Force at Staples Center, Hamilton’s wife, Heather, delivered the couple’s first child, a boy named Tate.

The Avengers are not scheduled to play again until March 14 at Grand Rapids, giving Hamilton an opportunity for bonding time with his son.

“It’s been tough to get any sleep at night,” said Hamilton, who is in his third season with the Avengers. “But so far it’s been great.”

The Avengers hoped to be feeling good about their situation entering the bye week, and victories at Arizona and Las Vegas to start the season put them on track.

But consecutive home losses to San Jose and Georgia have left them at 2-2.

The loss to Georgia on a two-point conversion pass in overtime was particularly unsettling for a franchise hoping to make its first appearance in the ArenaBowl.

Hamilton, though, has been one bright spot, making six of nine field-goal attempts and 28 of 29 extra-point kicks.

His missed field-goal attempts were from 55, 56 and 60 yards.

Hamilton, in his seventh season, needs four field goals to become the fifth player in league history to kick 100.

“I’m hitting the ball really well and I’m confident,” he said. “If I can keep this up, I would really be happy.”

The time off is expected to help the Avengers be at full strength against Grand Rapids, the first of three consecutive road games.

Offensive specialist Chris Jackson, who missed the Georgia game because of a sprained knee ligament, will probably return along with defensive specialist Damen Wheeler (hamstring) and lineman Jeremy Staat (knee).

Defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson, acquired in a three-way trade early last week, did not play against Georgia because of a leg injury.

He is expected to make his Avenger debut against Grand Rapids.

“The time off should give everyone a chance to heal up,” fullback Lonnie Ford said after the Georgia loss. “There’s no reason for us to get down.

“We just have to come back next week and get back to work.”

After traveling to Grand Rapids, the Avengers play at Dallas and San Jose.