Soul's Richardson, Jones Win Weekly Awards
Published on April 17, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (April 17, 2012) - The Arena Football League has announced that Soul defensive back Kent Richardson (6'0, 197, West Virginia) has been named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and wide receiver Tiger Jones (5'11, 195, Louisville) has earned Cutter's Catch of the Week honors for their performances in the Soul's 61-55 victory over the San Jose SaberCats on Saturday, April 14.
"Kent's been improving as the season has progressed," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "He had a very impressive performance, getting the better of a league-leading passer three times. Hopefully he continues to improve and get even better."
Richardson also caught a few passes on his way to becoming the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, however, he was not the intended receiver. Richardson intercepted San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb on three consecutive possessions, which all led to scoring drives for the Soul, including two of Jones' three fourth quarter touchdown receptions. Richardson returned each of the receptions for a total of 37 yards.
Richardson's performance against San Jose vaulted him atop team and league standings. He now sits at No. 1 in the Arena Football League in interceptions (5), No. 2 in interception return yards (84), No. 4 in passes defended (9), and No. 2 on the Soul for total tackles (24.0).
"Tiger really brings his best effort every week. He's had to step up with Donovan out of the lineup and we're very pleased with what he's done," said Soul head coach Doug Plank. "He's a very reliable and potent offensive weapon for us and that's what we expected out of him when he signed with us."
Jones earned the weekly honor while the Soul were trailing the San Jose SaberCats 7-0 heading into the second quarter. Jones put Philadelphia on the board and helped ignite the team with an eight-yard touchdown reception from QB Dan Raudabaugh. Jones fell over the end zone wall without losing possession, securing the Soul's first points on the day. It was the first of four touchdowns for Jones in the game as the Soul defeated the SaberCats, 61-55.
Jones is no stranger to earning Cutter's Catch of the Week honors, as he did so with a similar catch in the Soul's home opener on April 1 against the Cleveland Gladiators. During this award-winning play, Jones caught a 22-yard touchdown reception at the start of the third quarter. Stretching out for the ball, he tumbled head first over the back wall of the end zone and held onto the ball to complete the catch and the touchdown.
While Richardson leapfrogged the competition, Jones has been a model of consistency for the Soul offense. Jones currently resides at No. 2 in the League in receiving yards (598), No. 3 in receiving yards per game (119.6), and No. 5 for receiving touchdowns (13). His numbers have him atop the Soul receiving corps, leading in receiving yards, receptions (38), receiving touchdowns, yards per game, and tied with FB Derrick Ross in scoring (78).
This nationally televised game will be featured on the NFL Network's "NET10 Arena Football Fridays" broadcast and can also be heard on 950 ESPN Radio, with play-by-play announcer Matt Martucci and color commentator Barrett Brooks.
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