OurSports Central announces AFL Players of the Week
by Fran Stuchbury
March 4, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul quarterback Tony Graziani, Los Angeles Avengers defensive back Damen Wheeler and Philadelphia Soul defensive back Mike Brown were named the OurSports Central Arena Football League Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for week one of the AFL season.
Graziani finished 15 of 22 (68%) with no interceptions, 257 yards and a franchise record nine touchdowns in the Soul's 77-56 victory over the Orlando Predators.
Wheeler contributed one fumble recovery for a 15-yard touchdown return, one forced fumble, one interception for eight yards, and four pass break ups in L.A.'s 59-42 victory over the New Orleans VooDoo.
Brown returned seven kicks for 196 yards (a 28-yard average), took one of them 56 yards for a score and another for 50 yards in Philadelphia's victory over the Predators.
Other players considered for Offensive honors were Tampa Bay QB Brett Dietz, Arizona QB Lang Campbell, Dallas QB Clint Dolezel, Chicago QB Sherdrick Bonner and Arizona WR Kevin Nickerson.
Others considered for the Defensive award were Chicago LB DeJaun Alfonso, Cleveland DL Karon Riley, Philadelphia DB Eddie Moten and Tampa Bay DB Traco Rachal.
Other players considered for Special Teams honors included Columbus' Calvin Russell (eight kickoff returns for 232 yards and a 52-yard TD), San Jose's A.J Haglund, (field goals of 25 and 45 yards, 5-for-5 on extra points and one tackle), and New Orleans' Wendall Williams (seven returns for 195 yards with a 54-yard TD).
The OurSports Central Arena Football League Players of the Week are chosen by the staff of OurSports Central and AFL writers Fran Stuchbury and John Hahn.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
