Valor Today
August 5, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson huddles up with his offense
(Washington Valor)
TODAY'S STORYLINES:
Valor eliminated from playoffs with 48-41 loss to Soul
The Washington Valor (7-5, 0-2), were defeated by the Philadelphia Soul (7-5, 2-0), 48-41, Sunday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. With the loss, Washington falls, 117-74, in aggregate scoring in the two-game semifinal series. Philadelphia advances to take on the Albany Empire (10-2, 2-0) in ArenaBowl 32. Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson threw for 363 yards and scored five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) and was named Offensive Player of the Game.
"I'll remember the way they fought, no matter what happened throughout the season," Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell said postgame. "All but two of our games this year were decided by single digits. This team fights and that's the biggest thing. Last year, it came on at the end, but this year, we fought all season."
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER | OFF. PLAYER OF THE GAME | DEF. PLAYER OF THE GAME
Soul WR Darius Prince | Valor QB Arvell Nelson | Soul DB Torez Jones
Six receptions, 93 receiving yards and three TDs | 23-42 passing, 363 passing yards and five total TDs | 6.5 total tackles (five solo) and one INT
Valor set numerous franchise records in 2019
The Valor close the 2019 season with seven wins, more than the team registered in its first two seasons combined. Washington's offense averaged 44.8 points per game, the highest in franchise history while Nelson set a number of single-season franchise records in 2019: completions (240), attempts (412), passing yards (2,980), passing touchdowns (54), rushing attempts (75), rushing yards (226) and rushing touchdowns (19).
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Valor honor local youth football coaches
Earlier this season, the Valor honored five youth football coaches from the D.C. metropolitan region who use sports to uplift and empower youth in the community with the first-ever Washington Valor Community Coach Award.
This season, the Valor worked with Positive Choices Inc. in support of their 17th annual youth football clinic, hosted by D.C. Parks and Recreation. In addition to recognizing the five coaches, the Valor donated 1,000 tickets to Positive Choices Inc. coaches, youth and loved ones for the final home game of the season.
Washington Valor Community Coach Award winners:
Shaquon Wells - Kentland Columbia Park Dolphins
Brandon Dow - H.D. Woodson Football Team
Gerald Gaskins - Watkins Hornets Football Team
Dante Ownes - Kingman Boys and Girls Club
Mike Wilson - District Heights Boys and Girls Club
Images from this story
 Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson prepares to take a snap against the Philadelphia Soul |
 Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson huddles up with his offense |
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Arena Football League Stories from August 5, 2019
- Albany Empire, Valley Cats Offer Ticket Package for ArenaBowl - Albany Empire
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
- Romain Wins Defensive Back of the Year - Philadelphia Soul
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