Tony Graziani was nearly perfect, throwing for seven touchdowns and running for another as the Avengers opened their 2003 Arena Football League season with a 60-48 victory over the Las Vegas Gladiators on Sunday at Staples Center.

Five of Graziani's TDs went to Chris Jackson, as the record crowd of 14,827 got its money's worth in a game that wasn't decided until the fourth quarter.

"Having a year under my belt really helps," said Graziani, who was 18 for 23 with no turnovers. I know exactly where (Jackson) is going to be every play. We have a good thing going."

Jackson, who scored four times in the first half and consistently beat Las Vegas defenders, echoed his quarterback's thoughts.

"It's good to have a veteran quarterback like `Graz' who knows when to look for me," Jackson, who played basketball at UC Riverside, said.

Avengers coach Ed Hodgkiss said he was pleased with his team's offense, but wants more.

"We got stopped a couple times in the first half, but overall I'm pleased," Hodgkiss said. "We still have a ways to go."

The Avengers looked like they would run away and hide in the first half, bolting to a 34-20 lead, but Las Vegas, which played last season in New Jersey, came back with three touchdowns in the third quarter to make the score 48-41 Los Angeles.

Gladiators quarterback Jay McDonagh found Mike Horacek in the end zone from 5 yards to cut the score to 54-48 in the fourth quarter, but a failed onside kick and a 3-yard touchdown plunge by Graziani provided the final score.

McDonagh connected on 36 of 61 passes for five touchdowns, but was intercepted three times by the Avengers. Horacek caught 11 passes for 97 yards and four touchdowns for Las Vegas.

Newly acquired Siaha Burley had 95 total yards for the Avengers and caught a touchdown, while Greg Hopkins had four receptions for 44 yards and an interception on defense.

Graziani said it was great to see Staples packed and he hopes the town gets on the bandwagon.

"LA loves winners," Graziani said. "Anytime you can win in front of 14,000 people, its a pretty big thing."

Jackson, the Avengers' career-leading scorer with 74 touchdowns, is aware of his place in Staples Center. After Kobe Bryant scored 42 points to lead the Lakers on Saturday, Jackson was asked where his 30-point effort matched up on Sunday.

"It don't matter if I score 100," Jackson said. "I won't get the kinda game (Bryant's) got."

Las Vegas 713217--48

Los Angeles 14201412--60

First Quarter

LA -- Jackson 31 pass from Graziani (Hamilton kick)

LV -- Horacek 17 pass from McDonagh (Videtich kick)

LA -- Jackson 21 pass from Graziani (Hamilton kick)

Second Quarter

LA -- Vavao 1 run (Hamilton kick)

LV -- Horacek 8 pass from McDonagh (kick failed)

LA -- Burley 8 pass from Graziani (Hamilton kick)

LV -- Horacek 4 pass from McDonagh (Videtich kick)

LA -- Jackson 6 pass from Graziani (kick failed)

Third Quarter

LV -- S. Robinson 4 run (Videtich kick)

LA -- Jackson 45 pass from Graziani (Hamilton kick)

LV -- McDonagh 5 run (Videtich kick)

LA -- Plantin 17 pass from Graziani (Hamilton kick)

LV -- Williams 8 pass from McDonagh (Videtich kick)

Fourth Quarter

LA -- Hopkins 9 pass from Graziani (kick failed)

LV -- Horacek 5 pass from McDonagh (Videtich kick)

LA -- Graziani 3 run (pass failed)