Valor Today
Published on May 6, 2019 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
Washington Valor wide receiver Dezmon Epps heads upfield vs. the Albany Empire
(Washington Valor)
TODAY'S STORYLINES:
Valor take on Atlantic City this Saturday in home opener
The Valor will raise their ArenaBowl XXXI championship banner in a pregame ceremony prior to the team's home opener this Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena against the Atlantic City Blackjacks. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive miniature replica banners (below), presented by Capital One, and will have an exclusive look at the moment the team received their championship rings.
Nelson scores four times as Valor fall, 36-27, in Albany
The Valor (0-2) fell, 36-27, to the Albany Empire (2-0) Saturday night at Times Union Center in Albany, New York. Led by quarterback Arvell Nelson's four total touchdowns (one passing, three rushing), the Valor outgained Albany 258-252 in total yards in the loss.
"The defense came out early and got three stops tonight." Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell said. "Normally, that's enough to win in this league. We just didn't put enough points on the board as a team. We have to change some things in terms of how we operate in the red zone and keep momentum in our hands going forward."
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OFF. PLAYER OF THE GAME DEF. PLAYER OF THE GAME
Empire QB Tommy Grady Empire WR Malachi Jones Empire LB Terence Moore
19-31 passing, 246 yards and five touchdowns Six receptions, 119 yards and two touchdowns 5.5 total tackles (five solo) and one interception
Nelson eyes history in Week 3
After a 391-passing-yard performance in Week 1 and a 250-yard performance in Week 2, Nelson sits just eight yards shy of 10,000 for his career.
Epps continues to display big play threat
Valor wide receiver Dezmon Epps leads the AFL in receiving yards (292) and receiving touchdowns (5). Four of his five receiving touchdowns this season have been 30+ yards and all five have been 20+ yards. Epps's 168.5 all-purpose yards per game also lead the league.
Valor offense among league's best through two weeks
Offensive yards per game:
330.0 - Washington Valor
245.5 - Albany Empire
239.0 - Baltimore Brigade
Passing yards per game:
320.5 - Arvell Nelson (Washington)
238.0 - Tommy Grady (Albany)
235.0 - Shane Boyd (Baltimore)
Total touchdowns scored:
12 - Arvell Nelson (Washington)
10 - Shane Boyd (Baltimore)
9 - Two players
Receiving yards per game
146.0 - Dezmon Epps (Washington)
106.5 - Malachi Jones (Albany)
99.4 Milton Williams
Week 1 receiving touchdowns:
5 - Dezmon Epps (Washington)
4 - Two players
3 - Seven players
POSITION SPOTLIGHT: OFFENSIVE LINE
Will Corbin - #44 - OL
Corbin is playing in his third AFL season, all with the Valor. In 2018, Corbin appeared in nine games, splitting time at fullback and offensive line. Corbin made 13 appearances in 2017, leading the team in rushing yards (119) and rushing touchdowns (3). After a collegiate career at Appalachian State that included 20 starts at right tackle, Corbin participated in 2015 training camps with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Devonte Danzey - #53 - OL
Spent his rookie 2018 season with the Valor, winning ArenaBowl XXXI. In college, Danzey was named Third Team Preseason All-SEC entering his senior season at Auburn and saw time at both guard and center. After his time at Auburn, Danzey spent a portion of the 2017 season with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders.
Deveric Gallington - #66 - OL
Gallington is playing in his fourth AFL season and first with the Valor. In 2016, Gallington started 14 games for the Portland Steel after a two-year stint playing offensive and defensive line for the Spokane Shock. Gallington receiving a training camp invite with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 after an accomplished career at Texas Tech.
Anthony Parker - #72 - OL
Parker's eight-year AFL career includes the last three seasons in Washington, highlighted by an ArenaBowl title (2018) and a First Team All-Arena season (2017). Parker's previous AFL stops include the Milwaukee, Iowa, LA and Tampa Bay.
Kasimili Uitalia - #71 - OL
Playing in his rookie season, Uitalia joins the Valor by way of the IFL's Nebraska Danger (2015-17) and Western Michigan University, where he recorded an 18-game starting streak.
GAME INFORMATION:
Home Opener: vs. Atlantic City Blackjacks (Sat., May 11 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena)
TICKETS:
Full season ticket memberships are currently on sale for the 2019 season and start as low as $15 per game. For additional information about joining the Gridiron 365 full season ticket membership club, as well as other group and all-inclusive ticket packages, please call the Valor Ticket Sales office at 202-661-5005 or e-mail ticketsales@washvalor.com.
Images from this story
 Washington Valor wide receiver Dezmon Epps heads upfield vs. the Albany Empire |
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