Firecats WR/DB Brent Burnside Named ADT Defensive Player of the Week
Published on August 16, 2006 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
ESTERO, Fl "" Florida Firecats WR/DB Brent Burnside (Missouri Western) was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Week today by the af2. Brent finished 2nd on the team with 4.5 tackles but made an even bigger statement by picking off 2 Steve Bellisari passes, his 2nd coming with just 31 seconds left in regulation to thwart a Manchester comeback and advanced the Firecats to their 3rd straight American Conference Championship game.
Burnside was called upon to fill the spot usually occupied by Defensive Specialist Quincy Sorrell, who was injured on the Manchester Wolves 1st offensive play from scrimmage when he and teammate WR/DB Levy Brown collided on the play. Sorrell did not return to the field until the 2nd half and saw action in a limited role.
"He's a playoff kind of guy," Firecats Head Coach Kevin Bouis said of Brent Burnside. "With Q going down he had to play almost the entire game on both sides of the ball and he stepped up. That's what you've gotta have in the playoffs. He just makes plays."
Burnside also did more than his share on offense, catching 6 passes for 60 yards and a touchdown that also earned him the Cutters Catch of the Game award.
This is the 1st Defensive Player of the Week award for Burnside in his career, but not the 1st time he has been recognized for stellar play. He was named Ironman of the 2004 Arena Cup Championship game and also received the game's MVP award.
Following their 40-39 playoff win over the Manchester Wolves, the Firecats will host the Green Bay Blizzard Saturday August 19th at Germain Arena, the winner will advance to face the National Conference Champion in the Arena Cup, which is being held in San Juan Puerto Rico.
Tickets for the American Conference Championship game are on sale now. Call 390-CATS (2287) to purchase tickets. The Firecats are 4-1 at home all-time in the post season and 16-3 at home the last 2 years combined including the playoffs.
Games can be heard each week on 98.9FM WGUF and online at www.ABC-7.com and www.NBC-2.com. The game will also be video streamed online at www.af2.com and www.af2tv.com.
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