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Turner, Harper And Johnson Earn Week 6 Honors

May 5, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


CHICAGO - Rio Grande Valley defensive back CRAIG TURNER, Arkansas wide receiver ROD HARPER and Bossier-Shreveport linebacker DUSTIN JOHNSON have been named the JLS Ironman, Russell Athletic Offensive Player and Aaron's Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 6 of 2009, the af2's 10th anniversary season. In addition to these three awards, the af2 is also highlighting the player who makes the best catch and the best hit of the week. The Big Game Catch of the Week Award for Week 6 goes to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wide receiver RICH MUSINSKI and the NiFTy Hit of the Week is awarded to Florida defensive back DEMETRIUS HODGES.

JLS IRONMAN OF THE WEEK

Turner (5-9, 195, Southern Illinois), in his rookie af2 season, had a stellar all-around effort for Rio Grande Valley (4-1) in the team's Week 6, road win at division rival Oklahoma City, 74-73. The Southern Illinois alum was a factor in all three phases of the game (offense, defense and special teams) to help the Dorados hand the Yard Dawgz their first loss of the season. Turner had two rushing touchdowns (game-high) on offense and 5.5 total tackles on defense. He was also special on special teams, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns (58, 54). Turner finished with an af2 season-high 271 kick return yards on eight total returns. This is the first Ironman of the Week Award of Turner's career and his second weekly league honor of the year. He earned the NiFTy Hit of the Week for Week 4. Turner currently leads the af2 in kick return average (30.8). He also leads the Dorados in tackles (35.5).

RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Harper (6-1, 205, Murray State), in his first af2 season, continued his stellar play for Arkansas in the team's Week 6 road game at Bossier-Shreveport. Despite the result (69-61 loss), the Murray State alum had a record-setting night for the Twisters, catching an af2 single-game best 22 passes for 251 yards and six touchdowns. Harper's receiving yard total, which set an Arkansas single-game record, ranks as the fourth-highest single game total in league history. His six receiving scores also tied a Twisters single-game record. This is the first weekly league honor of Harper's career. He currently leads the league in total touchdowns (22) and receiving touchdowns (22). Harper also ranks second in the af2 in receptions (68) and receiving yards per game (155.6) and third overall in receiving yards (778). The Twisters are currently in second place in the Southwest Division at 4-2.

AARON'S DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Johnson (5-11, 190, Salisbury) was a major player on defense in Bossier-Shreveport's, 69-61, Week 6 home win against Arkansas. The veteran defender, in his third af2 campaign, accumulated 4.5 total tackles and two pass breakups to help the BattleWings earn their second win of the season. Johnson also intercepted two Kyle Rowley passes, both of which went for touchdowns. His first return touchdown was a 47-yarder early in the first quarter to spot Bossier-Shreveport a 14-0 lead. His second was a 14-yard return early in the third quarter as the BattleWings built a 42-14 advantage. This is the first af2 weekly award of Johnson's career. He currently leads Bossier-Shreveport (2-3) in fumble recoveries (3) and is tied for second in interceptions (3).

THE BIG GAME CATCH OF THE WEEK

Musinski (6-0, 205, William & Mary), a second-year af2 player, is the Week 6 recipient of The Big Game Catch of the Week Award. Musinski's catch was a 15-yard, one-handed touchdown grab early in the first quarter of the Pioneers' 53-50 home win Friday against East Division rival Manchester. The William & Mary alum finished with five catches on the night for 58 yards as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton improved to 5-1 overall, two games ahead of the Wolves in the East Division standings. Musinski currently leads the Pioneers in receiving touchdowns (12) and is tied for the team lead in scoring (72). He also ranks second on the squad in receptions (34) and receiving yards (495).

NIFTY HIT OF THE WEEK

Hodges (5-9, 195, East Carolina), in his first af2 season, is the fifth recipient of the NiFTy Hit of the Week Award, a new weekly honor that highlights the player who makes the best hit or tackle of the week. Hodges' hit came in the second quarter on Friday night in Florida's 66-48 home win against Corpus Christi. On a second-and-goal play from the Firecats' 10-yard line, Sharks QB Gary Cooper threw a quick screen to Nathan Fricke in the right flat. Hodges, covering Jonathan Graham, read the play right away and reacted by breaking off Graham to engage Fricke just as he caught the ball. Hodges' hit popped the ball loose and sent Fricke right off his feet onto his back. The Sharks recovered the fumble. Hodges finished with a game-high 12 tackles. The East Carolina alum leads the club in tackles (34.5) and is tied for the team lead in pass breakups (4).



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