Rippy and Whittaker Take Week 7 Player of the Week Honors
May 5, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
NASHVILLE (May 4, 2015)-The Nashville Venom played a complete game on Sunday in their 63-35 victory over the Erie Explosion and two of their players were rewarded. LB Doug Rippy was named the Week 7 PIFL Defensive Player of the Week. The rookie out of Colorado recorded six sacks all coming in the first half. He also had a hurry in the end zone that should have been ruled a safety. He is Nashville's first defensive player to receive the award this season.
"The defensive line has really played well the last four games," said Rippy. "No such thing as an individual award for a team sport. The defensive line and secondary deserves a piece of this."
Kick returner Michael Whittaker was named the Week 7 Special Teams Player of the Week. The rookie out of Tennessee State University leaped to catch a kickoff and returned it 58 yards untouched for the first kick return TD in the PIFL this season. Whittaker almost ran another one back but was tripped up on a shoestring tackle. That return was for 43 yards. On defense, he recorded an interception to close the door on the day for the Erie offense. Like Rippy, Whittaker gave his teammates the bulk of the recognition.
"We practiced returns a lot this week," said Whittaker. "The guys gave me a seam and all I did was hit it. Any time you go the distance there has to be some key blocks. Those guys busted their tails and it paid off. This award is definitely a team one."
Two other Venom players have received player of the week honors this season. Kicker Christian Reed was named the special teams recipient in weeks three and six. WR Jordan Jolly ran away with the offensive award in week five. Jolly was given honorable mention honors this week.
"Those two guys deserved to get rewarded," said Venom head coach Billy Back. "They have worked hard all season. The whole defensive line was wreaking havoc the whole night. Doug made plays in the first half. We thought we could get a good return because they had a new kicker this week. Mike should've had two touchdowns but someone missed a block. This is great way to go into the bye week."
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 5, 2015
- Bane Named Player of the Week After Record-Setting Game - Richmond Raiders
- Rippy and Whittaker Take Week 7 Player of the Week Honors - Nashville Venom
- PIFL Names Players of the Week - PIFL
- Venom Defeats Erie - Nashville Venom
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