Brigade Today
July 31, 2018 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Baltimore Brigade News Release
Brigade fall, 69-55 to Valor in ArenaBowl XXXI
The Washington Valor defeated the Baltimore Brigade, 69-55, to win ArenaBowl XXXI Saturday night at Royal Farms Arena, clinching the first championship in franchise history. Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson scored eight total touchdowns, including an ArenaBowl-record five rushing touchdowns, to earn the game's Most Valuable Player award.
"I am really proud of how our team played this season," Brigade Head Coach Omarr Smith said after the game. "I am proud of our guys...I give credit to Washington - they played their tails off."
Brigade quarterback Randy Hippeard threw for 288 yards and five touchdowns, three of which went to wideout Brandon Collins.
Smith named AFL Coach of the Year
The Arena Football League announced last week that Baltimore Brigade Head Coach Omarr Smith has been named the 2018 Marcum-Moss Head Coach of the Year. The award is named after AFL Hall of Fame coaches Time Marcum and Perry Moss. Smith becomes the second coach in league history to win both Head Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year in the same career.
"Over the course of his entire AFL career, both as a player and a coach, Omarr has proven himself to be a winner and a championship caliber leader," said Roger Mody, Managing Partner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment's Arena Football League teams. "Omarr is one of the hardest workers in the AFL and one of the best representations of everything that makes this league special. He is incredibly deserving of this honor."
Lewis named AFL Kicker of the Year
The Arena Football League announced today that Brigade kicker Mark Lewis has been named the 2018 Kicker of the Year, becoming the AFL's fifth two-time winner of the award. Lewis, playing in his 14th AFL season and first season with Baltimore, led the league in field goals made (5), attempted (6) and percentage (.830) and tied for the league lead in extra points made (78), attempted (83) and percentage (.940). In Baltimore's two postseason games, Lewis has converted 13-of-14 (.929) extra points and 1-of-2 (.500) field goals - leading the league in each category.
10 Brigade players named to AFL All-Arena teams
The AFL announced on Tuesday selections for the 2018 All-Arena First and Second Teams, which include 10 Brigade players in 11 positions. Six Brigade players were named First Team All-Arena, highlighted by kick returner Brandon Thompkins and kicker Mark Lewis, each making their fourth All-Arena appearance.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from July 31, 2018
- Brigade Today - Baltimore Brigade
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
- Valor to Host Fan Rally Celebrating ArenaBowl XXXI Championship - Washington Valor
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
