Valor Today
May 28, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson passes against the Columbus Destroyers
(Washington Valor)
Valor score as time expires to beat Columbus, 29-27
The Washington Valor (3-2) defeated the Columbus Destroyers (0-5), 29-27, Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The Valor scored twice in the final 16 seconds - a safety that cut the lead to four and a nine-yard, game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Arvell Nelson to wide receiver Douglas McNeil III as time expired. Washington has now won three consecutive games after starting the season 0-2.
"We just kept fighting and didn't quit," Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell said after the game. "We had opportunities late in the game and we took advantage of them. To get the first road win of the season is big. We have some things we can learn from this one. We have to cut back on some penalties. If we clean up on some of the sloppiness, we will be in good shape going forward."
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OFF. PLAYER OF THE GAME DEF. PLAYER OF THE GAME
Valor QB Arvell Nelson Destroyers WR Fabian Guerra Valor LB Alvin Ray Jackson
18-35 passing, 214 passing yards, two passing TDs and one rushing TD Five receptions, 47 receiving yards and two TDs Five total tackles (four solo) and an interception returned for a TD
Nelson tosses 200th touchdown
Nelson threw for 214 yards a pair of scores against the Destroyers. His first marked the 200th passing touchdown of his career, coming with 4:26 remaining in the third quarter on a seven-yard pass to McNeil III. Nelson becomes the fourth active AFL quarterback with 200 career passing touchdowns, joining Albany's Tommy Grady (810), Philadelphia's Dan Raudabaugh (757) and Atlantic City's Randy Hippeard (401).
Valor players take part in Playworks DC's flag football event
Last week, Valor players Jared Dangerfield, Jadar Johnson, Deveric Gallington and Leon Mackey Jr. participated in Playworks DC's Flag Football Extravaganza at Folger Park, speaking to local students about leadership and teamwork, hosting a Q&A session and leading small groups in a skills and drills session.
Valor take on Empire this Saturday in Albany
The Valor are back in action this Saturday, June 1, taking on the Albany Empire at 3:30 p.m. at Times Union Center in the second of three consecutive road games. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Washington and ESPN3. The Valor return to Capital One Arena on Saturday, June 15, hosting the Albany Empire at 7 p.m.
POSITION SPOTLIGHT: DEFENSIVE LINE
James Atoe - #90 - DL
Atoe has started each game at nose guard for the Valor this year, playing in his third season with the team. Atoe played in each game in 2018, including ArenaBowl XXXI, after making his debut with the team during the final games of the 2017 season. A graduate of the University of Washington, Atoe played each game of his senior season, earning and invite to Seattle Seahawks training camp.
Zack Bullock - #52 - DL
After spending the entire 2017 season on IR with the Valor, Bullock appeared in five games for Washington in 2018. In Game 2 of Washington semifinal series against Albany last season, Bullock registered a career-high five total tackles, helping the Valor clinch a berth in ArenaBowl XXXI. As a senior at South Florida, Bullock started all but one game during his senior season.
Roderick Henderson - #94 - DL
Henderson is playing in his second season with the Valor after appearing in three game for Washington in 2018. Henderson grew up in Montgomery Alabama, where he played all four years at Carver Montgomery High School before enrolling at Alabama State.
Leon Mackey Jr. - #35 - DL
Mackey, who had not appeared in the AFL since 2016, joins the Valor for the third season of his indoor football career. Mackey Jr.'s pro career includes two seasons with the AFL's Arizona Rattlers (2014, 2016) and one season with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. In two seasons at Texas Tech, Mackey Jr. totaled 34 tackles in 22 games.
Trenton Thompson - #78 - DL
Thompson, an AFL rookie, joined the Valor on May 9 after appearing in one game with the AAF's Arizona Hotshots. Prior to his brief stint in the AAF, Thompson made a training camp appearance with the Cleveland Browns. In three seasons at the University of Georgia, Thompson recorded 127 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.
GAME INFORMATION:
Next game: at Albany Empire (Sat., June 1 at 3:30 p.m. at Times Union Center)
Next home game: vs. Albany Empire (Sat., June 15 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 Reggie Gray |
 Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson passes against the Columbus Destroyers |
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