AFL Names Players of the Week
Published on June 8, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
TULSA - Orlando wide receiver JOSH BUSH, Arizona wide receiver JJ MCKELVEY and Iowa defensive back TANNER VARNER have been named the JLS Ironman, Russell Athletic Offensive Player and Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 10 of 2010. In addition to these three awards, the AFL is also highlighting the player who makes the best catch of the week, the playmaker of the week, and the highlight of the week. The Cutters Catch of the Week Award for Week 10 goes to Milwaukee wide receiver TIGER JONES, while Cleveland's defensive lineman TIM CHEATWOOD has been named the Playmaker of the Week. The Highlight of the Week award has gone to Jacksonville's quarterback AARON GARCIA.
JLS IRONMAN OF THE WEEK
Bush (5-9, 165, Western Michigan) helped Orlando bring the first home loss to Tulsa this season by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns. Bush showed the Talons he was ready to win after returning the first kickoff for a touchdown. The second touchdown return came late in the fourth quarter when the game could still go both ways. These two critical touchdowns sealed the victory for Orlando 57-54.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
McKelvey (6-4, 225, Clemson) showed he was a true veteran in this League when he lead the Rattlers to a win over top-ranked Milwaukee. With his season high 14 receptions for 186 yards and five touchdowns, McKevley caught more than half of the touchdown passes thrown by QB Nick Davila. Three of his touchdowns were in the fourth quarter, keeping the Rattlers alive and sending the game into overtime.
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Varner (6-0, 200, Northern Iowa), kept the Barnstormers in the game against the Vipers with his tackles and key interceptions. Varner had an incredible 15 unassisted tackles and three assisted tackles in the Alabama game, pushing him to No. 1 in tackles per game with 9.6. In the second half, Varner caught two interceptions, leading to touchdowns by Iowa's offense. Iowa put up a good fight thanks to Varner, but ultimately lost to the Vipers 44-45.
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Jones (5-11, 195, Louisville) shocked the Rattler's crowd and made an incredible catch for Milwaukee, falling into the crowd while retaining posession of the ball. It would not be enough for a win against Arizona, but kept Milwaukee in the game. Jones ended the night with seven receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns.
NIFTY PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
Cheatwood (6-4, 270, Ohio State) was an offensive powerhouse for Cleveland with the convincing win against Utah. The defensive lineman recovered an AFL-record three fumbles. One fumble Cheatwood returned for an 11-yard touchdown in the final seconds of the third quarter to increase the lead. Cheatwood also accounted for one unassisted tackle. Cleveland would go on to win 75-39.
SPALDING HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Garcia (6-1, 195, Sacramento State) had a record-breaking night with a sweet victory over top-ranked Chicago. After 16 seasons in the AFL, Garcia broke a new passing record as the new all-time leader in touchdown passes. With the third touchdown in the third quarter, Garcia scored his 932nd career total touchdown. Garcia ended the game with completing 24-of-37 passes with 304 yards and seven touchdowns.
JLS Ironman of the Week candidates included: Utah's Brandon Hampton, Chicago's Chris Martin, Tampa Bay's DeAndrew Rubin, Iowa's Tanner Varner, Arizona's Johnie Kirton and Dallas' Kenny Henderson.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland's Ben Nelson, Jacksonville's Dallas Baker, Tampa Bay's Hank Edwards, Orlando's Nick Hill, Alabama's Kevin Eakin and Bossier-Shreveport's James Jordan.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland's Tim Cheatwood, Chicago's Joe Peters, Tampa Bay's Tim McGill, Tulsa's Chris Royal, Dallas' Duke Pettijohn and Arizona's Brandon Freeman.
Arena Football League Stories from June 8, 2010
- Rattlers WR JJ McElvey Garners League Honor - Arizona Rattlers
- Blaze's Home Arena Changes Name - Utah Blaze
- Blaze Sign Former Hofstra Lineman - Utah Blaze
- Tim Cheatwood Named Playmaker of the Game - Cleveland Gladiators
- AFL Names Players of the Week - AFL
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