Valor Today
Published on June 3, 2019 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson passing against the Albany Empire
(Washington Valor)
Valor comeback falls short in 58-48 loss to Albany
The Washington Valor (3-3) were defeated by the Albany Empire (6-0), 58-48, Saturday afternoon at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson completed 20-41 passes for 287 yards and seven touchdowns, four of which went to wideout Douglas McNeil III. The loss snaps Washington's three-game winning streak.
After trailing by 25 points late in the third quarter, Washington scored three consecutive touchdowns to cut the lead to three points with just under five minutes left in the game, but were unable to overcome the remaining deficit.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OFF. PLAYER OF THE GAME DEF. PLAYER OF THE GAME
Empire QB Tommy Grady Empire WR Quentin Sims Empire DL Harold Brantley III
19-28 passing, 249 yards and seven touchdowns Six receptions, 89 yards and four touchdowns 4.5 total tackles (four solo), including one sack
Valor offense runs through Arvell Nelson
In Week 6's matchup against Albany, Nelson accounted for all seven of Washington's touchdowns scored and has now accounted for 34 of the team's 35 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Reggie Gray registered the only non-Nelson score of the season in Week 3 against Atlantic City, a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
McNeil III's performance sets 2019 receiving milestone
McNeil III caught all four of his Week-6 touchdowns in the second half, sparking Washington's comeback attempt against Albany. McNeil III is the only player this season and the first since July 16, 2018 to register four receiving touchdowns in one half (Aaron Wascha, PHI).
Jackson named Week 5's AFL Defensive Player of the Week
The AFL announced last Wednesday that Valor linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson was named Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Columbus Destroyers in Week 5. Jackson recorded five total tackles (four solo) and a pivotal interception, which he returned for a touchdown, on the first play of the second half. The score kickstarted a Valor comeback, leading to a 29-27 win. Jackson's second solo tackle of the game, which occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the second quarter, marked the 400th of his career.
Valor take on Soul this Sunday in Philadelphia
The Valor face their third consecutive road game this week, taking on the Philadelphia Soul on Sunday, June 9 at 4 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Washington and ESPN3. The Valor won the teams' first matchup, 53-46, on May 18. The Valor return to Capital One Arena on Saturday, June 15, hosting the Albany Empire at 7 p.m.
POSITION SPOTLIGHT: LINEBACKERS
Jimmy Gordon - #50 - LB
Gordon, playing in his fifth AFL season, spent 2017 and 2018 with Washington, totaling 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Gordon played 10 games for the Valor in 2018, including all three postseason games. Prior to joining the Valor, the University of Buffalo alumnus spent time with the AFL's Jacksonville Sharks and Tampa Bay Storm.
Alvin Ray Jackson - #17 - LB
Jackson, an eight-year AFL veteran, joined Washington during the 2018 season and started all three of the Valor's postseason games, including a three-tackle performance against Baltimore in ArenaBowl XXXI. This season, Jackson has hit career milestones of 500 total tackles and 400 solo tackles to go along with last week's Defensive Player of the Week award.
GAME INFORMTION:
Next game: at Philadelphia Soul (Sun., June 9 at 4 p.m. at Wells Fargo 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 after scoring a touchdown against the Albany Empire |
 Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson passing against the Albany Empire |
Arena Football League Stories from June 3, 2019
- Brigade Today / June 3, 2019 - Baltimore Brigade
- Week 6 Fantasy Recap - Philadelphia Soul
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
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