Rush can clinch Central with win

The Chicago Rush (8-2) can clinch its second-consecutive Arena Football League Central Division title --- and fourth overall -- with a win tonight over the Los Angeles Avengers (4-7) at Allstate Arena.

With Cleveland's 50-44 win over the Colorado Crush (4-7) on Saturday in Denver, the Rush has control in the Central.

Since the Rush swept the season series from Colorado, a win tonight would give the Rush the division crown and a first-round playoff bye.

Tonight's game begins at 7 p.m. (ESPN2). The Rush will debut its new alternate uniform -- a black jersey with black pants and a silver helmet.

Last time: Tonight's game will be the first meeting between the teams since the divisional round of last season's American Conference playoffs. In that game, the Rush shut out the Avengers in the second half and cruised to a 52-20 win.

Streaking: The Rush is riding a four-game winning streak, including a 51-46 victory on May 5 at Tampa Bay, the last game before its bye week. Los Angeles (4-7) comes to Chicago on the heels of a 52-48 home loss to New York. The Avengers are 1-4 on the road this year.

The Conant kid: Rush quarterback Russ Michna is 5-0 as a starter. In the victory over Tampa, he completed 18 of 32 passes for 184 yards and 4 touchdowns. Michna also ran for 35 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Wide receiver Travis LaTendresse was Michna's favorite target, catching 9 passes for 98 yards and 3 touchdowns.