Barnstormers' Raterink and Thomas Earn Weekly Awards
June 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
Des Moines, Iowa - Iowa QB J.J. Raterink has been awarded the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while WR Marco Thomas has won the Cutters Catch of the week award for week 13. Raterink (6-2, 210, Wyoming) completed 31-of-37 passes for 371 yards and nine touchdowns in Iowa's 70-62 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators in Week 13, finishing with a completion percentage of 83.8 and a QB Rating of 148.03. All figures represent season-highs. In addition, he accounted for a 10th touchdown on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter. Raterink was also interception-free in the game and has thrown just six interceptions in the 2012 season, a League-low among starting quarterbacks.
Meanwhile Thomas, (6-0,190, Western Illinois) made an exceptional touchdown catch in the Barnstormers matchup against the Gladiators in Week 13. His momentum took him over the boards, but Thomas maintained possession for six points. Thomas has caught a touchdown pass in six consecutive games. This is the second time this season Thomas has earned Cutters Catch of the Week honors. He won the award in Week 1 for his game-winning overtime grab against Spokane. Thomas will receive a Cutters shirt and hat for his efforts.
In other Barnstormers news, Head Coach & Director of Football Operations Mike Hohensee announced that veteran DL Charrod Taylor has been assigned to the team's active roster. Taylor (6-3, 280, Georgia Southern) has spent the past two seasons as an Assistant Coach at Hartline University in St. Paul, MN. Taylor has Arena Football experience, having played with the Colorado Crush in 2008, where he recorded 23 tackles and 2 sacks. In other team transactions on Tuesday, LB John Mohring was placed on injured reserve, while WR Anthony Nelson has been reassigned.
The Barnstormers now hit the road for two crucial road games. First up is a Saturday night contest against the Arizona Rattlers on June 9th. This is followed by a June 16th contest in San Antonio against the Talons. Iowa returns home on Saturday, June 30th when the Pittsburgh Power come to town for the Barnstormers 4th annual Military Night presented by allied. Kickoff is set for 7:05pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, by calling the Barnstormers at 515.633.2255 online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com .
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