D\'Orazio named Arena Football League\'s Offensive Player of the Week
February 22, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release
COLUMBUS, OH â Columbus Destroyers quarterback Matt D'Orazio has been named the Arena Football League's Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts during last week's 52-39 victory over the Chicago Rush, it was announced on ESPNews at 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. This marks the first time that D'Orazio has garnered a weekly honor.
"I know these awards are given to individuals, but to me it's a team award," said D'Orazio. "Nobody can do it by themselves. Our offense, defense, special teams and our coaches all did their part to contribute to our win on Saturday. It's great that the Columbus Destroyers were recognized this week and I believe it's only a sign of things to come."
D'Orazio (6-4, 230, Otterbein) led the Destroyers (1-2) to their first win of the season Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 17,171 at Nationwide Arena. D'Orazio, making his first AFL start, completed 26-of-33 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns in the contest. He also rushed for a game-high 27 yards and a score before being named Offensive Player of the Game. His 78.8 completion percentage was the highest single-game completion rate in franchise history.
Dallas Desperados wide receiver/defensive back Will Pettis and Georgia Force defensive specialist Kevin Gaines were also honored as they were named U.S. Army Ironman and ADT Defensive Player of the Week, respectively.
D'Orazio and the rest of the Destroyers return to the field this Sunday, February 27 when the team travels to Grand Rapids to face the Rampage at Van Andel Arena. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. Following two consecutive road games, Columbus returns home to host the Las Vegas Gladiators on Saturday, March 12 at Nationwide Arena. Prior to the game, members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will be on hand to sign autographs prior to a special on-field performance at halftime of the game.
Individual game tickets for Destroyers home games are on sale at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster ticket centers, by phone at (614) 431-3600, as well as on-line at www.ColumbusDestroyers.com and ticketmaster.com. For information on season tickets, call (614) 246-HITS (4487).
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 22, 2005
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- Columbus Destroyers game notes - Columbus Destroyers
- Bishop named AFLWA Player of the Week - Grand Rapids Rampage
- D'Orazio named Arena Football League's Offensive Player of the Week - Columbus Destroyers
- Force's Kevin Gaines named AFL's Defensive Player of the Week - Georgia Force
- Philadelphia Soul game notes - Philadelphia Soul
- Will Pettis Named U.S. Army Ironman of the Week - Dallas Desperados
- AFL names players of the week - AFL I
- New Orleans VooDoo game notes - New Orleans VooDoo
- New York Dragons game notes - New York Dragons
- Arizona Rattlers game notes - Arizona Rattlers
- Las Vegas Gladiators game notes - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Georgia Force game notes - Georgia Force
- Tampa Bay Storm game notes - Tampa Bay Storm
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