Thunder Duo Named to All-Arena Defensive Squad

Published on August 13, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Portland Thunder News Release


PORTLAND, ORE. - Eighteen players earned 2014 First and Second Team All-Arena Defense honors, the AFL Office announced today.

A pair of rookies from the Portland Thunder headlined the squad, with Varmah Sonie taking home first-team honors at defensive back and Jack linebacker Bryce Peila earning a second-team nod.

"Rookies rarely make All-Arena teams, so to have two guys earn that honor in the same year is really special," said Head Coach Matthew Sauk. "Both of them were guys that came in on workouts with us, had to earn camp invites, and worked incredibly hard throughout the year to achieve this. I'm excited for both Varmah and Bryce; they're without a doubt in my mind the best at their positions."

Sonie led all AFL rookies with nine interceptions and 25 passes broken up, leading the Thunder with three forced fumbles and 86.0 tackles.

Western Oregon's own Bryce Peila picked off eight passes of his own and recovered five fumbles, finishing third on the team with 64.5 tackles.

FIRST TEAM ALL-ARENA DEFENSE

SECOND TEAM ALL-ARENA DEFENSE

DE James Ruffin, Spokane

DE Ted Jennings, Philadelphia

NG Jason Stewart, San Jose

MLB Beau Bell, Los Angeles

JLB Tanner Varner, Orlando

DB Marquis Floyd, Arizona

DB Varmah Sonie, Portland

DB Marrio Norman, Cleveland

KR Terrance Sanders, Spokane

DE Cliff Dukes, Arizona

DE Mike Lewis, Iowa

NG Willie McGinnis, Cleveland

MLB Francis Maka, San Jose

JLB Bryce Peila, Portland

DB Cameron McGlenn, New Orleans

DB Kelvin Rodgers, San Antonio

DB Rayshaun Kizer, Philadelphia

KR Larry Beavers, New Orleans

With the 2014 Thunder season in the books, it's time to get ready for 2015! Fans can register early for the Thunder Loyalty Program and get more exciting Thunder football for 2015 through 2017 by visiting _bit.ly/ThunderRenewalPacket_. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).

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Arena Football League Stories from August 13, 2014


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