L.A.'s Tony Graziani named AFL 'Offensive Player of the Week'
April 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Quarterback Tony Graziani of the Los Angeles Avengers has been named the Arena Football League's "Offensive Player of the Week" for his outstanding performance in Sunday's thrilling 64-63 victory over the Orlando Predators.
Graziani passed for six touchdowns, including the game-winner with no time remaining, and rushed for another as the Avengers improved to 7-2 on the season. He completed 19-of-31 for 319 yards and threw one interception.
So far this season, Graziani is 181-of-290 (62.4 percent) for 2,444 yards and 52 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
Graziani earned the same "Offensive Player of the Week" recognition in Week 1, following his "perfect game" performance versus the Las Vegas Gladiators. In that contest, he earned the highest possible passer rating of 158.3 after completing 18-of-23 for 288 yards and seven touchdowns.
This marks the 14th time in the last 23 weeks of competition that an Avenger player has been honored with an AFL weekly or monthly award.
The AFL also named Las Vegas defensive specialist Jeroid Johnson the "Defensive Player of the Week" and Indiana Firebirds wide receiver/defensive back Evan Hlavacek the "Ironman of the Week."
Johnson led Las Vegas to a 46-41 victory over the Georgia Force with 7.5 tackles and two interceptions, including one in the closing minute to seal the win.
Hlavacek caught four passes for 82 yards and three touchdowns in Indian's 62-55 victory over the Dallas Desperados. He also recorded 138 kickoff return yards (including a 56-yard touchdown return), two tackles and finished with 230 all-purpose yards.
The Avengers play the Carolina Cobras on Friday, April 4, at STAPLES Center. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will not be televised.
For ticket information, please call 1-888-AVENGERS or log on to www.laavengers.com.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 1, 2003
- Buffalo Destroyers Game Notes - Buffalo Destroyers
- Detroit Fury Game Notes - Detroit Fury
- Hlavacek Named Ironman of the Week - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- San Jose SaberCats Game Notes - San Jose SaberCats
- Grand Rapids Rampage Game Notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Georgia Force Game Notes - Georgia Force
- L.A.'s Tony Graziani named AFL 'Offensive Player of the Week' - Los Angeles Avengers
- AFL and NBC Pay Tribute to Military Forces and Families at Desperados Game - AFL I
- Chicago Rush Game Notes - Chicago Rush
- AFL Honor Players of the Week - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
