DeJuan Alfonzo named AFL Ironman of the Week
May 24, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Chicago Rush WR/LB DeJuan Alfonzo has been named AFL Ironman of the Week for his performance in Sunday's 55-47 Wild Card playoff win in Nashville, the Arena Football League announced.
Just three days after being named to the AFL's All-Ironman team, Rush WR/LB DeJuan Alfonzo showed why the honor was justified. When Rush WR/LB Etu Molden was injured on the game's first play from scrimmage, Alfonzo was asked to play every snap on offense and defense for the rest of the game - an amazing 91 of 92 plays. Alfonzo responded by recording six tackles and one pass broken up on defense; catching four passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns on offense; and serving as the holder as kicker Dan Frantz converted all seven of his extra point attempts and two of his three field goal attempts.
"It truly was an Ironman performance," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "I am sure that when Etu went out of the first play many people thought we would be in trouble. But 'Zo really stepped up and did a great job. He made plays in all areas of the game and was the guy who was the most vocal in rallying the guys on the field and on the bench."
Alfonzo finished the regular season with 20 receptions for 213 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. On defense he added 50 tackles, a safety, two passes broken up and two fumble recoveries - including one that he returned for a team-record 46-yard touchdown. He also returned two onside kickoffs for touchdowns, scored three two-point conversions and served as the team's main holder on extra points and field goals.
Chicago's playoff run continues this Sunday, May 28, when the Rush travels to Denver to take on John Elway's defending ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush in an American Conference semifinal. The Crush defeated Chicago 49-43 in overtime in the American Conference final to earn the right to play in ArenaBowl XIX. The game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. central time, will be broadcast in Chicago on NBC 5 and heard on WCKG, 105.9 FM.
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