Wildcard Games' Top Players Awarded
May 27, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â New York Dragons quarterback AARON GARCIA, Arizona Rattlers fullback/linebacker FRANK TRENTADUE and Georgia Force wide receiver/linebacker JARRICK HILLERY have been named Offensive Player, ADT Defensive Player and Ironman of the Week, respectively, for Wild Card Round of the 2003 postseason.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Garcia (6-1, 195, Sacramento State), in his ninth AFL season, led New York (9-8) by connecting on 25-of-34 (73.5 percent) passes for 291 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in the Dragons' 48-45 Wild Card victory over the Chicago Rush (8-9) on Sunday. The former Hornet and 2003 Offensive Player of the Year candidate rushed for a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 45 before IAN HOWFIELD kicked the game-winning, 30-yard field goal as time expired. This marks the ninth time Garcia has earned an AFL weekly honor.
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Trentadue (6-1, 260, Elmhurst College), who is in rookie season, led Arizona (11-6) on the defensive side of the ball in the Rattlers' 69-26, Wild Card victory over the Las Vegas Gladiators (8-9) on Sunday. The former Bluejay recorded 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown on his way to earning Ironman of the Game honors. Trentadue finished the regular season with 7.5 total tackles in eight games. This marks the first time that Trentadue has earned an AFL weekly honor.
IRONMAN OF THE WEEK
Hillery (6-0, 200, Tennessee State), who is in his fourth AFL season, led Georgia (9-8) with his two-way performance by hauling in nine receptions for 109 yards and three touchdowns in the Force's, 49-45 Wild Card victory against the Dallas Desperados (10-7) on Saturday. On his way to Ironman of the Game honors, the former Tiger added 2.0 total tackles and a forced fumble while on defense. This marks the second time Hillery has earned an AFL weekly honor.
Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Orshawante Bryant, Detroit's Andy Kelly, Georgia's Leon Murray and New York's Ian Howfield.
ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates include: Arizona's Ricky Parker, Georgia's Scotty Lindsey and New York's Donvetis Franklin.
Ironman of the Week candidates included: Arizona's Frank Trentadue, Chicago' s Jamie McGourty, Dallas' Will Pettis and Grand Rapids' Ricky Ross.
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