2011 IFL Player Awards Announced
June 23, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release
Richmond, VA: The Indoor Football League is proud to announce the year end player awards for the 2011 season. The Great Lakes Division Champion Green Bay Blizzard have two standout players that have received recognition: Special Teams Player of the Year BJ Hill and Defensive Rookie of the Year Arkeith Brown.
BJ Hill has been a big factor in all Blizzard games, whether he receives the ball or not on kickoffs. Hill has 6 total returns for touchdowns, 4 kickoffs and 2 missed field goal returns. His highlight game came in the Green Bay home opener, in which Hill returned two kicks and two missed field goals for scores vs. Bloomington on 3/18. After that game, teams opted to kick away from Hill, setting up the offense with great field position. BJ was also a difference maker on defense and offense, making him a threat to score every time he touched the ball. Defensively, Hill recorded 63 total tackles, seven interceptions (one returned for touchdown), 11 pass breakups, and one fumble returned for a touchdown. On offense, he ran the ball five times with two touchdowns and caught four passes.
In his first year playing indoor football, Arkeith Brown has been in the right place at the right time all year long. Brown has 12 interceptions on the year, tying him for first in the IFL, while also adding 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 67 total tackles. His 12 interceptions (14 game season) also ties a single season Blizzard record set by Rusty Midlam in the 2008 campaign (16 game season), and only falls one short of the career interception record of 13, also held by Midlam.
The 2011 Award recipients are listed as follows:
2011 IFL Most Valuable Player: Chris Dixon (QB, Sioux Falls Storm)
The IFL is proud to announce the 2011 M.V.P, Chris Dixon. Dixon is no stranger to success in the Indoor Football Game, coming off of a two time championship run, Dixon came to Sioux Falls looking to bring in a third. In the 2011 Regular Season alone, Dixon registered 2,856 passing yards and 74 touchdowns, 448 rushing yards for 21 touchdowns, for a total of 3,304 yards total and 95 touchdowns. A well deserved award Chris has led his team through a 13-1 season, and looks to push forward in the second round of the playoffs this weekend against the Beef.
Coach of the Year: Robert Fuller (Fairbanks Grizzlies)
Coming into his 9th year of coaching and first year as Head Coach of the Fairbanks Grizzlies, Fuller has performed above and beyond in 2011, leading his team to the top of the division and into the post season.
Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Dixon (QB, Sioux Falls Storm)
Also the IFL's 2011 M.V.P, Chris Dixon was named the 2011 Indoor Football League Offensive Player of the Year. With his exceptional statistics and game winning performances, Dixon has proven himself to be the top of the offensive game in the IFL.
Defensive Player of the Year: Antonio Ficklin (DL, Bloomington Extreme) Defensive Player of the Year Antonio Ficklin has made his mark on defense in the 2011 season. Registering 14.5 sacks on the season Ficklin has been a devastating pass rush to any team who was in the Extreme's path this season. A well deserved award, Ficklin as a DL has recorded 38 tackles, 4 forced fumbles and 2 safeties on the year as well.
Special Teams Player of the Year: B.J. Hill (KR, Green Bay Blizzard)
Hill broke out into the 2011 season on the return side of special teams. Crushing the competition, Hill has returned 34 kicks for 648 yards, and 4 touchdowns. B.J. has made his mark on the return game and will have teams thinking twice about kicking to him in the post season and future match ups.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Romandre Gibbs (RB, Fairbanks Grizzlies)
Romandre Gibbs has been a great addition to the Fairbanks team, leading them to another 10-4 record and playoff contention. Gibbs in his first year has placed himself at the top of the rushing game in the IFL. Romandre has recorded 858 yards rushing in the regular season alone and 15 touchdowns, not to mention reeling in the ball a total of 163 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Arkeith Brown (DB, Green Bay Blizzard)
Arkeith Brown has spent his 2011 season causing trouble for QB's around the IFL with a league leading 12 interceptions for 148 yards. In his first year in the IFL Arkeith has shown his tremendous talent and determination on defense, earning himself the top spot and the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Most Improved Player: David Knighton (QB, Colorado Ice)
The Most Improved Player Award is for the individual who improved their overall level of play from last season to this season. David Knighton of the Colorado ICE has earned this award performing in an amazing turnaround season from last year at 2-12. Knighton led the ICE through week eight undefeated and only allowing three losses on the season. Knighton improved as a player and a leader in his transition from 2010-11, registering over 2,000 yards and 38 touchdowns on the season and earning a spot as the 1 seed in the playoffs.
Adam Pringle Award: Robert Fuller (Fairbanks Grizzlies)
Every year the Adam Pringle Award is given to the recipient voted most dedicated to their community and who has proven to show the most outstanding service. Head Coach Robert Fuller has been recognized as the recipient of the Adam Pringle Award for his outstanding efforts this season off of the football field, and in the community.
• Discuss this story on the Indoor Football League message board...
Indoor Football League Stories from June 23, 2011
- 2011 IFL Player Awards Announced - Green Bay Blizzard
- Dixon Named M.V.P - Sioux Falls Storm
- Extreme's Ficklin Receives 2011 IFL Defensive Player of the Year Award - Bloomington Extreme
- 2011 IFL Player Awards Announced - IFL
- Three Playoff Game Previewed on This Week in the IFL - IFL
- Storm Set for Rematch with I-29 Rival - Sioux Falls Storm
- Express Carry Momentum into Green Bay for Second-Round Game - Reading Express
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
