OurSports Central announces AFL Players of the Week
by Fran Stuchbury
March 31, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul quarterback Matt D'Orazio, Chicago Rush defensive lineman John Moyer and Grand Rapids Rampage defensive back Chris Martin were named the OurSports Central Arena Football League Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for week five of the AFL season.
D'Orazio was 25-of-35 (71%) for 296 yards seven touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and no interceptions in the Soul's 59-51 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm.
Moyer had three tackles, two for sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception in the Rush's 59-35 victory over the Arizona Rattlers.
Martin returned eight kicks for 245 yards, (30.6 avg.) and three touchdowns (55, 54 and 57-yards) in the Rampage's 84-59 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers.
Other players considered for Offensive honors were Grand Rapids QB James MacPherson, Georgia WR Tiger Jones, Los Angeles WR Kevin Ingram, Utah QB Joe Germaine and New Orleans QB Danny Wimprine.
Others considered for the Defensive award were New Orleans DB Lin J-Shell, Grand Rapids LB Leif Murphy, Dallas DL Colston Weatherington, Philadelphia DL Anthony Dunn and Grand Rapids DB Ahmad Hawkins.
Other players considered for Special Teams honors included San Jose's A. J. Haglund (3-3 on field goals, 5-5 on extra points, one net recovery and one special teams tackle) Orlando's John Vaughn (32-yard game winning field goal vs. Columbus) Grand Rapids Brian Gowins (12-12 on extra points) Chicago Dan Frantz (8-8 on extra points and a 32-yard field goal) Arizona's Kevin Nickerson (seven returns for 142 yards).
Previous winners:
Week One - Philadelphia's Tony Graziani (offensive), Los Angeles' Damen Wheeler (defensive) Philadelphia's Mike Brown (special teams)
Week Two - New Orleans Danny Wimprine (offensive) Philadelphia's Mike Brown (defensive) Tampa Bay's Sedrick Robinson (special teams)
Week Three - Georgia's Troy Bergeron (offensive), New Orleans Michale Spicer (defensive), San Jose's A.J. Haglund (special teams)
Week Four - Grand Rapids James MacPherson (offensive), New Orleans Calvin Spears (defensive), Wendall Williams (special teams)
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.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 31, 2008
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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.
