PIFL Names Rookies of the Year
Published on July 13, 2015 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) News Release
PIFL Rookies of the Year
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NASHVILLE, TN (July 13, 2015) - Voted upon by opposing coaches and league officials, the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) is proud to announce the 2015 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Casey Kacz (Lions)
Becoming the full-time starter after game two, QB Casey Kacz (6'2 205, Buffalo St.) led the Columbus Lions to their best regular season finish season (8-3) since 2011 in the process winning the franchise's second overall championship. Kacz ignited Columbus to the number one scoring offense (55.5 points/game) completing over 58% of his passes for 2,361 yards and 52 touchdowns.
After some mid-season struggles, Kacz hit his stride during the Lions post-season run by not throwing a single interception and combing to complete 42 of 57 passes for 514 passes with 13 TD's including a record nine touchdown throws in their opening playoff win over Lehigh.
Honorable Mention: WR Robert Holland (Raiders), QB Mason Espinosa (Explosion)
Previous Winners: WR Roger Jackson (2014), WR Tom Gilson (2013), and WR London Crawford (2012).
Defensive Rookie of the Year: DB Joe Powell (Steelhawks)
Ending the season with a PIFL-high ten interceptions, DB Joe Powell (6'2 190, Globe Tech) led the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks back to the post-season for the second consecutive season. Guiding the Hawks to a league-best +23 turnover margin, Powell had five games in which he had multiple interceptions including a game-high three in their May 17th win over Alabama while also earning a nod on the 2015 All-PIFL 1st Team.
With the top overall scoring defense, Lehigh combined to hold opponents to just 42.5 points/game with Powell and company creating a league-high 34 turnovers. Joe concluded his rookie campaign leading the Steelhawks in tackles with 52.5 and in their lone playoff game he showed his versatility catching seven passes for 98 yards and one touchdown.
Honorable Mention: DB Brandon Sparrow (Raiders), LB Douglas Rippy (Venom)
Previous Winners: DL Devin Jones (2014), LB Jake Trantin (2013), and DB Ginikachi Ibe (2012).
Stay tuned to www.proifl.com throughout the week for the announcement of all the 2015 PIFL Individual Awards including the Offensive and Defensive MVP as well as the recipient of the Coach of the Year.
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