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Finley, Jomes and Gibbs earn week two honors

April 11, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


CHICAGO - Bakersfield wide receiver/defensive back DERONN FINLEY, Memphis quarterback BRIAN JONES and Tennessee Valley offensive/defensive lineman RASHAD GIBBS have been named the U.S. Army Ironman, Schutt Offensive Player and ADT Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 2 of the 2006 season. In addition to these three awards, the recipient of the Cutters Catch of the Week Award goes to Manchester offensive specialist JAMAAL PERRY. The Catch of the Week is a new honor that highlights the player who makes the best catch of the week.

U.S. ARMY IRONMAN OF THE WEEK

Finley (5-9, 185, Idaho State), in his third af2 season, had a tremendous overall outing for the Bakersfield Blitz in their narrow, 45-49, Week 2 loss to Spokane on Sunday. He literally did everything he could to help the Blitz. On offense, the Idaho State alum had six catches for 53 yards and a game-high two touchdowns, and also amassed 110 kick return yards, including a 56-yard return for a touchdown. Finley added four tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception on the defensive side of the ball as well. This is the third Ironman of the Week honor of Finley's career.

SCHUTT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jones (6-2, 205, Toledo) commanded the Xplorers to a convincing 78-46 win against new South Division rival Florida in Week 2's showcase game between the winners of the last two ArenaCups. Jones led Memphis to the title in 2005, while the Firecats claimed the crown in 2004. Now in his third season with Memphis, Jones was responsible for all nine of the team's offensive touchdowns, throwing for seven and rushing for two. The former Rocket completed 24-of-32 passes for 279 yards and also led the team in rushing with 18 yards. This is the second Offensive Player of the Week Award of Jones' career and the first league honor for an Xplorer this season.

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Gibbs (6-5, 285, Elizabeth City St.) was a force up front this week for Tennessee Valley, helping the Vipers to a 58-50 road victory at South Georgia. The win was Tennessee Valley's first since returning to af2 play. Gibbs was the leader of a Viper defense that harassed South Georgia into six turnovers (3 fumbles, 3 INTs). The af2 rookie from Elizabeth City St. registered 4.5 total tackles against the Wildcats, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. Two of his sacks came in the South Georgia end zone, resulting in safeties for Tennessee Valley. This is the first weekly award of Gibbs' career.

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK

Manchester offensive specialist Jamaal Perry (5-9, 180, Hofstra), who is entering his second season in the af2, is the Week 2 recipient of the brand new Cutters Catch of the Week Award, a weekly honor that has emerged this year to highlight the player who makes the best catch of the week. Perry's catch was a 24-yard fourth quarter touchdown reception that bounced off his hands, hit the endzone wall, and dropped back into his open hands. The touchdown was just one of Perry's game-high 10 total catches on the night. Despite Perry's best efforts, the Wolves dropped their season opener at home, 48-34, on Friday against East Division rival Green Bay. Others receiving consideration this week included Albany's Manwel Talbert and Arkansas' Jon Schoonover.

U.S. Army Ironman of the Week candidates included: Green Bay's Robert Garth, South Georgia's Chris McKinney, Macon's Jamaal Garman, Arkansas' Lennie Johnson, Rio Grande Valley's Pierre Thomas, Birmingham's Bradley Chavez, Central Valley's Wes Borba and Memphis' Terrance Quattlebaum.

Schutt Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Green Bay's James MacPherson, Tennessee Valley's Roger Linn, Albany's Jim Jones, Arkansas' Walter Church, Rio Grande Valley's Josh Kellett, Birmingham's Kerry Wright, Central Valley's Scott Rislov, Oklahoma City's Al Hunt and Bakersfield's Michael Wall.

ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Green Bay's Ronnie Kaymore, Albany's Melvin Parris, Arkansas' Delenell Reid, Rio Grande Valley's Curtis Jeter, Birmingham's Jordan Brumbaugh, Central Valley's Daniel Jones, Memphis' Chris Eggleston, Oklahoma City's Oliver Fletcher and Bakersfield's Jerry Turner.



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