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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

McPherson headlines AFL Players of the Week

May 18, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – Indiana Firebirds rookie quarterback ADRIAN MC PHERSON, Chicago Rush offensive/defensive lineman JOHN MOYER and San Jose SaberCats wide receiver/linebacker BARRY WAGNER have been named Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player, ADT Defensive Player and U.S. Army Ironman of the Week, respectively, for Week 15 of the 2004 season.

McPherson (6-3, 189, Florida State), who is in his rookie season, earned Offensive Player of the Week honors by leading the Indiana Firebirds (8-7) to a 59-56 victory over the AFLWA No. 4-ranked Colorado Crush (9-5) on Sunday. McPherson threw a career-high eight touchdown passes, including a game-winning 21-yard strike to ANDY MC CULLOUGH with 55 seconds left. McPherson, who is a candidate Rookie of the Year honors, completed 15-of-24 passes for 266 yards and also ran for 19 yards on five carries. Indiana saw five different receivers catch touchdown passes and McPherson did not throw an interception for the ninth game this season. This marks first time that the former Seminole has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Moyer (6-3, 265, Eastern Illinois), who is in his sixth season, helped lead the Chicago Rush (10-4) to a playoff-clinching 45-41 victory over the Dallas Desperados (6-8) on Sunday. Moyer, a 2003 All-Arena performer, recorded 2.5 total tackles (including 1.5 tackles for loss), one pass breakup, one interception and his AFL-leading eighth sack of the season. This marks the fourth time that the former Panther has earned an AFL weekly honor and second time this season (Week 3).

Wagner (6-3, 225, Alabama A&M) led the San Jose SaberCats (10-4) in all facets during their 44-35 loss to the Las Vegas Gladiators (7-7) on Sunday. The 12-year veteran recorded five receptions for 49 yards and added five rushes for seven yards and two touchdowns on offense, while adding an 18-yard kickoff return on special teams. On defense, Wagner tallied 7.5 total tackles and two interceptions, including a 50-yard touchdown return. This marks the AFL-record 38th time that the six-time Ironman of the Year has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Chicago's Keith Gispert, Carolina's Rickey Foggie, Columbus' Ryan Vena, Detroit's Thabiti Davis, Indiana's Anthony Hines, Las Vegas' Marcus Nash, Los Angeles' Chris Jackson, New Orleans' Aaron Bailey and Orlando's Joe Hamilton.

ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Tony Plantin, Columbus' Jamarr Ward, Indiana's Delvin Hughley, Los Angeles' Greg Hopkins, New Orleans' Monty Montgomery, Orlando's Kenny McEntyre, Philadelphia's DeAuntae Brown and San Jose's Barry Wagner.

U.S. Army Ironman of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Orshawante Bryant, Carolina's D.J. Humphreys, Chicago's Jamie McGourty, Columbus' Cornelius White, Indiana's Jordan Younger, Las Vegas' Coco Blalock, New Orleans' Dan Curran, New York's Josh White and Orlando's Cory Fleming.

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