The Georgia Force are headed to Arena Bowl XIX in Las Vegas next weekend. The Force held on to beat the Orlando Predators 60-58 in Philips Arena this afternoon. It’s the Force’s first trip to the Arena Bowl, thanks to some stellar defensive plays – two safeties in the second half. The win is also a bit bittsweet for some Atlantans, since Predators QB Joe Hamilton was a favorite of Yellowjackets fans a few years back.

Still, this is really cool. Just last year The Force were playing their games at the Arena at Gwinnett. Now, with Arthur Blank at the ownership helm, they’re back in Philips Arena and one win away from a championship. Heck, they won 9 games in Philips this year – the same number that the Hawks (9-32 @ home) did.

This has just been a magical season. New ownership. New coach Doug Plank. New star Chris Jackson. And AFL Rookie of the year, Troy Bergeron. Philips Arena was rockin’ so the national media will have to wait until MLB playoffs to decry the lack of excitement amongst Atlanta sports fans.

GO FORCE!