Austin, Harrell Earn Weekly Honors
May 5, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Cleveland Gladiators quarterback Shane Austin has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Tampa Bay Storm defensive back James Harrell has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 6 of the 2015 Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. The Cutters Catch of the Week has been awarded to Philadelphia Soul defensive back James Romain, while the AFL Highlight of the Week has been awarded to New Orleans VooDoo kicker Garrett Lindholm.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Austin (6-1, 200, Hawaii) enjoyed his best statistical game of the season in Week 6, passing for 364 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception in Cleveland's 56-55 overtime win over the Orlando Predators. He also eclipsed 7,000 passing yards and 150 passing touchdowns for his career in the game.
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK, J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK
Harrell (5-10, 195, Arkansas-Pine Bluff) collected four tackles, three pass breakups, an interception, a fumble recovery, and a net recovery for a touchdown in Tampa Bay's 63-28 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks in Week 6. The third-year defender is now tied for the League lead with four interceptions and ranks second in the AFL with six total takeaways.
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Romain (5-11, 170, Delaware State) came away with a highlight reel interception to halt a Thunder drive just before halftime of the Soul's 52-35 victory over Portland in Week 6. The third-year pro made a leaping attempt on the ball, performing a juggling act to haul in his fourth pick of the year and prevent a Portland Thunder score. In addition to the interception, he finished the game with four tackles, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch.
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Lindholm (5-8, 190, Tarleton State) connected on a season-long 41-yard game-winning field goal as time expired in New Orleans' 66-63 victory over the Spokane Shock last week. The former AFL Kicker of the Year leads the League with five field goal conversions on the year.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Las Vegas' Jomo Wilson, New Orleans' Roosevelt Falls, Philadelphia's Dan Raudabaugh, San Jose's Erik Meyer, and Tampa Bay's T.T. Toliver.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Las Vegas' Tanner Varner, New Orleans' Tracy Belton, Orlando's Emanuel Cook, Philadelphia's James Romain, and San Jose's Ken Fontenette.
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Cleveland's Collin Taylor, Las Vegas' Gerald Young, Philadelphia's Shaun Kauleinamoku, San Jose's Reggie Gray, and Spokane's Rashaad Carter.
The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include New Orleans VooDoo defensive back Tracy Belton, Philadelphia Soul defensive back James Romain and Philadelphia Soul defensive back James Harrell. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 6. The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 7.
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Arena Football League Stories from May 5, 2015
- Harrell Honored by Arena Football League - Tampa Bay Storm
- Austin, Harrell Earn Weekly Honors - AFL
- Shock host LA KISS Friday, May 8 - Spokane Shock
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