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Samuels named ADT Defensive Player of the Week

March 2, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA, FL -- Tampa Bay Storm wide receiver/linebacker Lawrence Samuels was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Week by the Arena Football League, it was announced Tuesday.

Samuels played a huge role the Storm's 40-37 victory over the Philadelphia Soul Sunday afternoon. He finished the game with two solo tackles and one assisted tackle. He also picked off a pass and recovered a fumble with 20 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory for the Storm and allow Tampa Bay to snap its two-game losing streak.

The Storm defense collected only two second half stops, and in both Samuels played a role. In the third quarter Samuels picked off Philadelphia quarterback Nick Browder after the pass was batted into the air by FB/LB David White. The interception was the first by a Storm player this season. The Storm went on to score on a four-yard touchdown run by Freddie Solomon, a touchdown that put Tampa Bay on top 40-24.

The Soul would eventually cut the Tampa Bay lead to 40-37 and had the ball on the Tampa Bay 12-yard line, driving for the game-winning score. On fourth down Browder fumbled the snap from center and Samuels scooped it up, sealing the victory for the Storm.

Samuels' impact was not only felt on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, Samuels was named Offensive Player of the Game and Ironman of the Game for his all-around efforts on Sunday. Samuels caught nine passes for a career-high 149 yards , including a 27-yard touchdown just ten seconds before halftime.

On the season Samuels leads the team with 25 catches for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively he has 6.5 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.

The league honor is the first received by a Storm player this season. It also marked the sixth time in his career that Samuels received an AFL weekly honor.

Along with Samuels, other players receiving league recognition for their play in Week 4 were Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel and Arizona WR/LB Hunkie Cooper. Dolezel was named the Baby Ruth Real Deal Offensive Player of the Week and Cooper was named the U.S. Army Ironman of the Week.

Samuels and the Storm return to action on Sunday, March 7, when they travel to New Orleans to take on the expansion VooDoo. The Storm (2-2) are looking for their first road win of the year, while the VooDoo (3-1) are looking to avenge their first loss of the season.

Sunday's game kicks off at a special time, 12:00 noon Eastern. The game can be seen in the Tampa Bay area on News Channel 8. The game can also be heard on 620-AM WDAE.

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