Philadelphia Soul announce team awards
June 3, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA â The Philadelphia Soul announced their team awards for the 2005 season today. Quarterback Tony Graziani was named "Most Valuable Player" after a solid first-year campaign with the squad.
In addition, wide receiver/linebacker Sean Scott, offensive/defensive lineman Dwayne Missouri and WR/LB Marcus Knight earned "Ironman of the Year," "Lineman of the Year" and "Coaches' Award" honors, respectively. The awards were each voted on by Soul players with the exception of the "Coaches' Award" â which was selected by Philadelphia's coaching staff.
Graziani, in his fifth season in the Arena Football League, completed 328 of 555 passes for 4,262 yards and a QB rating of 111.7. The former Oregon Duck also tossed 90 touchdown passes with just 15 interceptions.
Scott, a Philadelphia native and graduate of Millersville University, followed up a brilliant rookie campaign last year with a strong sophomore season to earn the team's "Ironman of the Year." After winning Team MVP in 2004, Scott put up even better numbers this season. He caught 71 passes for 798 yards and hauled in 22 touchdown catches, second best on the team. In addition to rushing for two more scores, he also returned a missed field goal for a touchdown. Scott's defense was superb as well. His 42.5 tackles were fourth most on the Soul and he recorded his first career interception, which he returned for a touchdown. Scott also forced four fumbles, recovered two, and added two pass breakups.
Missouri earned the "Lineman of the Year" award on the merits of his hard-nosed offensive line play and dominating defensive presence. The third-year veteran totaled 16.5 tackles, including 14 solo take-downs. His sacks total doubled from 2.5 in 2004 to a career and team-high five this year. He also led the team in forced fumbles with five while adding five pass deflections, four more than his tally from a year ago.
Knight, a former Oakland Raider and Tampa Bay Buccaneer, was picked up by the Soul as a free agent this past offseason. A four-year wideout at the University of Michigan, Knight was an accomplished offensive player. However, he had not played defense since his high school days, and it took him until the sixth game of the season before he made his AFL debut. Upon his insertion into the lineup, Knight quickly earned the respect of Soul opponents with his impressive two-way play. He won the AFL's Ironman of the Month award for March. Knight finished the season with 64 receptions for 886 yards and 23 touchdowns. He recorded 22.5 tackles, 18 of which were solo. He also recorded two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries (led the team). However, Knight's on-field play was just one reason he earned the "Coaches' Award." The honor is given to the player who excels not only on the field but also in the community. Since his arrival, Knight has been very active in the Philadelphia area. Some of his community appearances this year included speaking to students at Archbishop Carroll High School, speaking at a Community Education Partners event, and an appearance at the Maxwell Club Award Dinner. He also helped run a Cozen PAL (Police Athletic League) clinic for kids.
The Arena Football League playoffs continue this weekend with a berth to ArenaBowl XIX at stake. The Georgia Force host the Orlando Predators this Saturday, June 4, while the Colorado Crush host the Chicago Rush on Sunday, June 5. Both games kick off at 3pm and can be seen live on NBC.
Deposits are now being taken for 2006 Soul season tickets. Call (888) PHIL-AFL or log on to www.philadelphiasoul.com for more information.
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