AFL Names Players of the Month
May 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â Arizona Rattlers quarterback SHERDRICK BONNER highlights a list of five April Players of the Month. Bonner captured Offensive Player of the Month recognition for guiding the Rattlers' record-setting offense during April. The Rattlers scored 82 points in consecutive games becoming the first team in history to put up 80-or-more points in back-to-back games.
The list of April winners include:
OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Sherdrick Bonner, QB, Arizona Rattlers
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Kenny McEntyre, DS, Orlando Predators
IRONMAN: Barry Wagner, WR/DB, San Jose SaberCats
ROOKIE: Will Pettis, WR/DB, Dallas Desperados
KICKER: Clay Rush, K, Indiana Firebirds
OFFENSIVE PLAYER ON THE MONTH
Bonner (6-4, 240, Cal State-Northridge), in his 10th AFL season, earned Offensive Player of the Month by leading the Rattlers to a perfect 4-0 record in April, including two near record-setting overtime victories over Los Angeles and Grand Rapids. Bonner completed 93-of-140 passes (66.4 percent) for 1,199 yards, 28 touchdowns and two interceptions for the month. He earned back-to-back Offensive Player of the Week honors (Week 11 and 12) and was not sacked in April. The former Matador averaged seven touchdowns in all four games. This marks the first time Bonner has earned an AFL monthly honor.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE MONTH
McEntyre (5-11, 180, Kansas State), who is in his sixth AFL season, is tied for the League lead in total tackles (77.0) while helping the Predators (9-4) finish 3-1 for the month of April. The former Wildcat and former two-time Defensive Player of the Year recorded 17.0 total tackles, one fumble recovery and five interceptions â including his record-tying ninth returned for a touchdown (tied with Los Angeles' GREG HOPKINS). McEntyre is tied for second in interceptions (8), passes defended (22) and is tied for third in pass breakups (14). This marks the first time that McEntyre has earned an AFL monthly honor.
IRONMAN OF THE MONTH
Wagner (6-3, 218, Alabama A&M), who is in his 12th AFL season, led San Jose (9-4) on both sides of the ball during in April. The former Bulldog became the first player in AFL history to record 100 career rushing touchdowns, effectively rushing for 36 yards and seven touchdowns on 14 carries. In April, he also collected 17 receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. With 21.5 total tackles this month, the six-time Ironman of the Year became the first player to reach 600.0 career tackles. Wagner's nine kickoffs for 174 yards (19.3 yard average) matched by four additional pass breakups and a solo interception (41, No. 3 all-time) on defense helped to keep the SaberCats' defense together during their 2-2 run in April. This marks the first time Wagner has earned a monthly honor.
ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Pettis (6-0, 195, Midwestern State) led the Desperados (6-4) from the wide receiver/defensive back position. The former Indian had 25 receptions for 311 yards and eight touchdowns. He added six carries for seven yards and two rushing touchdowns. In the return game, Pettis had eight returns for 157 yards. While on defense, he added 9.5 total tackles and an interception as the Desperados finished 3-1 in April. This marks the first time that Pettis has earned an AFL monthly award.
KICKER OF THE MONTH
Rush (6-3, 220, Missouri Western), who is in his fifth AFL season, earned Kicker of the Month for connecting on 24-of-26 on PATs and 6-for-10 on field-goals attempts for the Firebirds (5-8). His long for the month was 40 yards and he scored 42 points. This marks the second time that Rush has earned an AFL monthly honor. The former Griffon won Kicker of the Month honors in April of 2002.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 1, 2003
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- AFL Quick Hitters - AFL I
- San Jose's Wagner Tabbed Ironman of the Month - San Jose SaberCats
- AFL Must-See Matchups - AFL I
- Las Vegas Gladiators Sign OL/DL Hardy Mitchell - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Firebirds and Dura Builders to Honor Local Scholarship Winners - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rush Named Arena Football League's Kicker of the Month - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Firebirds' Fabulous Flames to Visit Troops at Fort Hood - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Gladiators Playoff Tickets on Sale May 3 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Carolina Cobras Game Notes - Carolina Cobras
- AFL Names Players of the Month - AFL I
- Desperados Pettis Named AFL Rookie of the Month for April - Dallas Desperados
- Storm to Face off with Dallas - AFL I
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