LAS VEGAS – The San Jose SaberCats (14-1) remained in the top spot of the AFL Media Poll for the eighth straight week following a 56-35 victory over the New Orleans VooDoo (2-12) in Week 16.
The two-time defending Pacific Division champions garnered 13-of-16 first place votes in the latest Media Poll after recording their 14th win of the year, the most in a single season by any SaberCats team in franchise history.
San Jose will continue on its quest to clinch home field advantage in the National Conference this weekend when they host the Portland Thunder (4-10). Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday night.
Earning three first place votes and coming in at No. 2 once again in the AFL Media Poll are the Arizona Rattlers (12-2), who recorded their eighth consecutive win with a 57-43 victory over the Las Vegas Outlaws (5-9) in Week 16. The three-time defending ArenaBowl champs square off with the Spokane Shock (4-10) this Friday. Kickoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
The East Division champion Philadelphia Soul (13-2), who came in at No. 3 in the latest AFL Media Poll, clinched the No. 1 seed in the American Conference last weekend with a 72-56 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators (7-8).
The Soul will look to keep their momentum rolling this Saturday when they travel to the Sunshine State for a matchup with the fifth-ranked Jacksonville Sharks (7-7), who suffered a road loss last week to the Portland Thunder. Kickoff for the Week 17 matchup is set for 7:00 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN3.
After dispatching of the rival Tampa Bay Storm (6-8) in the War on I-4 last week, the No. 4-ranked Orlando Predators (9-6) can lock up a playoff spot this weekend with a victory over the Cleveland Gladiators.
The two teams have split the season series so far, each coming away with wins in the other’s home arena. Kickoff for the rubber match is set for 6:00 p.m. ET Saturday on CBS Sports Network.