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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Bailey, Cohen, Samuels Win Awards

July 30, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


Carolina Cobras OS AARON BAILEY, Orlando Predators OL/DL BJ COHEN, and Tampa Bay Storm WR/DB LAWRENCE SAMUELS have been named the Arena Football League's Offensive Player, ‘ADT' Defensive Player, and Ironman of the Week, respectively, for their performances during the First Round of the 2002 postseason.

Bailey (5-10, 190, Louisville), a second-year AFL standout, led the Cobras (7-8) by hauling in 10 receptions for 172 yards, and six touchdowns in their 72-64 victory over the defending champion Grand Rapids Rampage. Bailey tied the First-Round record for touchdowns (6) and now shares that record with former Tampa Bay and current New Jersey OS JAMES BOWDEN, who originally set the mark in 2000. The former Cardinal also set team marks for playoff receiving yards (172) and points scored (36) on his way to earning Co-MVP honors (QB JOHN FITZGERALD) in the victory. This marks the first time that Bailey has received a league weekly honor in his AFL career. During the 2002 regular season, Bailey led the Cobras in receptions (89), receiving yards (1,102), scoring (118), and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (18).

Cohen (6-2, 260, Marshall), a three-year AFL offensive and defensive lineman, earned the weekly award by recording a First-Round record-setting three sacks and three forced fumbles to help lift the Predators (8-7) to a 32-27 victory over the Buffalo Destroyers. The former member of the Thundering Herd recorded 15.0 tackles, two interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and six receptions during the regular season. This award marks the first time in his career that Cohen has garnered league-wide weekly recognition.

Samuels (6-2, 200, Livingston), an eight-year AFL veteran, led the Storm (7-8) by hauling in five receptions for 61 yards, and a touchdown in their 66-41 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers. Defensively, Samuels tallied three solo tackles, an assist, and recorded an interception – which sealed Ironman of the Game honors. The former All-Arena performer led the Storm in receptions (69), receiving yards (771), and fumble recoveries (3) during the regular season. This is the fourth time that Samuels has earned league-wide Ironman weekly honors in his career.

Other candidates for Offensive Player of the Week included: Carolina's John Fitzgerald, Dallas' Andy Kelly and Andy McCullough, Orlando's Jay Gruden, and Tampa Bay's Shane Stafford.

Other candidates for 'ADT' Defensive Player of the Week included: Carolina' s Kevin Gaines, Dallas' Tim Denton, Orlando's Ernest Allen, and Tampa Bay's Antonio "T.T." Toliver.

Other candidates for Ironman of the Week included: Carolina's Cory Fleming, Dallas' Kareem Larrimore, and Orlando's Junior Lord.

REGULAR SEASON WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS

Week, Offensive, 'ADT' Defensive, Ironman
Week 1, Chris Jackson (Los Angeles), Ron Carpenter (Georgia), Gary Compton (Indiana)
Week 2, Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Bob McMillen (San Jose), Mike Furrey (New York)
Week 3, Lamont Cooper (Buffalo), Andre Bowden (Carolina), Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles)
Week 4, Chris Horn (Arizona), Sam Hernandez (San Jose), Lawrence Samuels (Tampa Bay)
Week 5, Sedrick Robinson (New Jersey), Chris Snyder (Indiana), Mike Furrey (New York)
Week 6, Chris Jackson (Los Angeles), Donvetis Franklin (New York), Chad Dukes (Los Angeles)
Week 7, Clint Dolezel (Grand Rapids), Hassan Shamsid-Deen (Dallas), Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles)
Week 8, Andy Kelly (Dallas), Hassan Shamsid-Deen (Dallas), Barry Wagner (San Jose)
Week 9, Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles), Dwaine Carpenter (Buffalo), Darryl Hammond (Georgia)
Week 10, Fred McNair (Buffalo), Joe Jacobs (San Jose), Greg Hopkins (Los Angeles)
Week 11, Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Evan Hlavacek (Indiana), Dameon Porter (Chicago)
Week 12, Sherdrick Bonner (Arizona), Ron Carpenter (Georgia), Barry Wagner (San Jose)
Week 13, Sedrick Robinson (New Jersey), Cecil Doggette (Arizona), Dameon Porter (Chicago)
Week 14, Leroy Thompson (Indiana), John Williams (Tampa Bay), Willis Marshall (Grand Rapids)

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‘BUILT FORD TOUGH' MAN OF THE YEAR TEAM NOMINEES

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Capturing the essence of blue-collar football, unsung heroes who do the small things to help their teams get the extra yard, make the big block, or provide a game-winning tackle, the AFL and Ford Division Trucks will present the 2002 ‘Built Ford Tough' Man of Year award during the week of ArenaBowl XVI. The winner of the award will drive off in a new F-350 Super Duty and receive a ‘Built Ford Tough' plaque commemorating his achievement.

During the regular season, the ‘Built Ford Tough' Player of the Game award – which recognizes players who demonstrate toughness, determination and reliability, not necessarily statistical performance – was presented to up to five deserving players from each of the 16 teams following each game, determined by the teams' coaching staffs. Individuals with the most weekly award nominations from each team were submitted for consideration in the final end-of-season ‘Built Ford Tough' Man of the Year award.

The nominees, listed by team, are:

Arizona: Chris Horn
Buffalo: Corey Johnson
Carolina: Cory Fleming
Chicago: John Moyer
Dallas: Tom Briggs
Detroit: Kelvin Kinney
Georgia: Travis Reece
Grand Rapids: Israel Raybon
Indiana: Leroy Thompson
Los Angeles: Greg Hopkins
New Jersey: Mike Horacek
New York: Donvetis Franklin
Orlando: Ernest Allen
San Jose: Clevan Thomas
Tampa Bay: Lawrence Samuels
Toronto: Charlie Davidson

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 30, 2002


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