AFL names semifinal round players of the week
June 15, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â San Jose SaberCats quarterback MARK GRIEB, Arizona Rattlers defensive specialist KELVIN HUNTER and San Jose SaberCats wide receiver/defensive back BARRY WAGNER have been named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player, ADT Defensive Player and U.S. Army Ironman of the Week, respectively, for the Semifinal Round of the 2004 season.
Grieb (6-3, 208, UC Davis), who is in his seventh AFL season and sixth with San Jose, earned Offensive Player of the Week honors by leading the No. 2-seeded SaberCats (13-5) to a 49-35 victory over the No. 3-seeded Chicago Rush (12-6) on Saturday. Grieb, who had previously gone 0-3 as a starter in semifinal games, won his first semifinal after completing 27-of-40 passes for 273 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Grieb also rushed for seven yards and a score. This marks the fourth time that the former Aggie has earned an AFL weekly honor, and third this season (Weeks 6 and 13).
Hunter (5-9, 175, Arizona), who is in his fourth AFL season, earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for his coverage against the No. 5 seeded Colorado Crush (12-6) on Sunday. His team-high six pass breakups for Arizona (13-5) came at key moments in the game to secure a 45-41 victory over the Crush. Hunter also recorded 5.0 total tackles in the semifinal game that earned the Rattlers their third consecutive ArenaBowl berth. This marks the first time that the former Wildcat has earned an AFL weekly honor.
Wagner (6-3, 225, Alabama A&M), who is in his 13th AFL season, aided San Jose on both sides of the ball to prevail over the Rush, 49-35, on Saturday. On defense, the 13-year veteran tallied 5.5 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. On offense, Wagner registered one rushing touchdown and 40 receiving yards and a touchdown in addition to two kickoff returns for 15 yards. This marks the AFL-record 39th time that the six-time Ironman of the Year has earned an AFL weekly honor and second this season (Week 15). The SaberCats now head to Phoenix to face the Rattlers for ArenaBowl XVIII, their first ArenaBowl appearance since they won against Arizona at home in 2002.
Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Siaha Burley, Colorado's Damian Harrell and San Jose's James Hundon.
ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Ricky Parker, Chicago's James Baron and San Jose's Rashied Davis.
U.S. Army Ironman of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Hunkie Cooper, Chicago's Etu Molden and Colorado's Willis Marshall.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 15, 2004
- McEntyre is AFL Defensive Player of Year - Orlando Predators
- SaberCats' Wagner, Grieb collect weekly awards - San Jose SaberCats
- Orlando's Kenny McEntyre named ADT Defensive Player of the Year - AFL I
- Todd Merkow departs Los Angeles Avengers - Los Angeles Avengers
- Rush names 2004 team award winners - Chicago Rush
- AFL names semifinal round players of the week - AFL I
- Georgia Force lineman Adrine signs with Atlanta Falcons - Georgia Force
- Cobras Kicker Rob Bironas Joins Pittsburgh Steelers - Carolina Cobras
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