Firecats' Campbell and Benton Capture Weekly League Honors
Published on July 8, 2008 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
Estero, FL- Florida Firecats defensive back Carlos Campbell has been named ADT Defensive Player of the Week for his stalwart effort against the Daytona Beach ThunderBirds last Thursday in Daytona Beach. Meanwhile, Firecats wide receiver Magic Benton was honored with the Cutters Catch of the Week for a fourth quarter touchdown reception that helped the âCats hold off the ThunderBirds, 41-35.
Campbell (5-11, 195, Notre Dame) made a number of big plays to help Florida defeat its in-state rivals. He finished the game with 5.5 total tackles (3 solo, 5 asst.), including half a tackle for a loss, one pass break-up and a career-high three interceptions (63 INT return yards).
All three of his interceptions came at key moments in the game. With Daytona Beach driving inside the Firecats 10 yard line in the second quarter and looking to take a two touchdown lead, Campbell intercepted an errant pass after it bounced off the crossbar. Later in the quarter, Campbell intercepted a pass at his own goal line and returned the ball 45 yards, setting up the Firecats go-ahead score. Then with just 5 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the âCats clinging to a 6 point lead, Campbell recorded his third pick of the night off Daytona Beach QB Steven Moffett at the ThunderBirds 20 yard line. He returned that interception 19 yards to the Daytona Beach one-yard line, setting up a much-needed insurance touchdown.
"Carlos really single-handedly took control of the game," Firecats Head Coach Kevin Bouis said. "He was the difference maker with the three interceptions."
This is the first weekly af2 award of Campbell's career. He currently leads Florida in interceptions with six and ranks fourth in total tackles with 33.5.
Benton (6-0, 200, Miami) is the Week 15 recipient of the Cutters Catch of the Week Award, a weekly honor that emerged in 2006 to highlight the player who makes the best catch in the af2. Benton's catch was a 30 yard touchdown reception that gave the Firecats the lead for good with 7:05 to play in the fourth quarter. The veteran playmaker stretched out to catch Chris Wallace's pass nearly in stride.
"Magic's touchdown catch was big to solidify the game," Bouis said. "He was wide open and just had to make sure he came down with it to put us in the lead for good."
Benton finished the night with 8 catches for 91 yards and the one touchdown. He is the af2's all-time leader in receptions (606), receiving yards (8,068) and receiving touchdowns (170). Benton also ranks second all-time in points (1,050) and total touchdowns (172).
The Firecats return to Germain Arena on Saturday, July 19th to face the Tennessee Valley Vipers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., EDT. Call (239) 390-CATS (2287) today to reserve your seats! Visit the team online at www.FloridaFirecats.com.
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- Firecats' Campbell and Benton Capture Weekly League Honors - Florida Firecats
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