AFL Awards Week 1 Players of the Week
April 11, 2017 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Steel News Release
LAS VEGAS - The Arena Football League has announced that Washington's Mike Washington and Tampa Bay's Caesar Rayford have been named as the offensive and defensive players of the week for Week 1, respectively.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Washington (5'8", 180, Hawaii) was impressive in his debut with the Washington Valor (1-0) in their 51-38 victory over the Baltimore Brigade (0-1) and earned Playmaker of the Game honors. Now in his seventh season, he hauled in nine passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns, including the franchise's first-ever touchdown early in the first quarter. Only one week into the season, Washington is tied for second with nine receptions and fourth among all receivers averaging 12.4 yards per reception.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Rayford (6'7", 275, Washington) began the 2017 campaign with a notable stat line in Tampa Bay's (1-0) 46-40 win over the Cleveland Gladiators (0-1) earning Defensive Player of the Game honors. The former Husky, recorded 4.0 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and returned it for a four-yard touchdown. The interception return for touchdown was the first score of the game and only points of the first quarter. He is currently tied for second in the AFL with 1.5 sacks.
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Arena Football League Stories from April 11, 2017
- AFL Tuesday Practice Status Report: Week 2 - AFL
- Tampa Bay Storm (1-0) vs. Philadelphia Soul (0-0) Game - Tampa Bay Storm
- Storm's Rayford Honored by Arena Football League - Tampa Bay Storm
- AFL Awards Week 1 Players of the Week - Portland Steel
- Brigade Today - 4/10/17 - Baltimore Brigade
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