Holder, Parker Take Dragons' Team Awards

June 6, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release


WR/DB Will Holder and DS Billy Parker were named the Dragons' Ironman of the Year and Team MVP, respectively, at the team's end-of-season awards and break-up luncheon earlier this week. Each of the 33 members of the team, including active, injured reserve and practice squads players, voted on the awards.

"These two players meant a lot to us this season," said Dragons head coach Weylan Harding. "They were big contributors to the team and they stepped up for us this season. Both guys emerged as stars in this league. When your teammates vote for you, it says a lot about what you meant to the team. Billy and Will deserved it."

Added Holder: "I want to thank my teammates for this. I know there were a bunch of other guys on this team that deserve credit, too... Corey Johnson, 'Snowball' (Marcus Owen) and Chris Anthony just to name a few. There were a lot of Ironmen on this team."

Added Parker: "Playing on this team was a thrill and an honor. I can't say how much it means to me that my teammates voted me as the MVP. It's a complete surprise, but one that I will accept graciously and thank every teammate for everything this season."

Parker has also won a pair of league honors since the conclusion of the regular season. Last week the first-year pro out of William & Mary was named to the All-Arena and All-Rookie squads. On Tuesday, the AFL will announce the ADT Defensive Player of the Year, which Parker is likely to receive strong consideration for.

This season, Parker led the league in interceptions with ten, one shy of tying the AFL rookie record. He also finished with 90.0 tackles, which led all AFL rookies and was seventh overall in the league. His 21 passes defensed were also tops among rookies and ranked him third in the AFL.

Holder was the team's third-ranked receiver with 48 receptions for 596 yards and 11 touchdowns despite playing in just 12 games. He was the main cog in the Dragons' record-setting kick return unit by finishing third in the league in combined kick returns for touchdowns with five. Defensively, Holder finished with 18.0 tackles and four interceptions, including three in the last two weeks of the season.

Continue to check back to www.Newyorkdragons.com for more updates. Season ticket deposits for the 2006 season are currently being taken. Fans should call 1-866-AFL-TIXX for more information.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 6, 2005


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