AFL Announces Week 20 Award Winners Five players awarded for weekend's highlights

July 29,2014




AFL Communications
CHICAGO – Jacksonville Sharks quarterback R.J. Archer has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Pittsburgh Power defensive back Virgil Gray has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and San Jose Sabercats wide receiver Reggie Gray has been awarded J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 20 of the 2014 NET10 Wireless Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. The Cutters Catch of the Week has been awarded to San Jose’s Reggie Gray, while the AFL Highlight of the Week has been awarded to Orlando Predators wide receiver Larry Brackins.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Archer (6-2, 220, William & Mary) completed 25-of-36 passes for 318 yards and six touchdowns in Jacksonville’s 53-36 victory over the LA KISS in Week 20. The fourth-year pro led the AFL with eight 300-yard passing performances on the year.
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Gray (5-10, 185, Rhode Island) led the Power with seven tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions in Pittsburgh’s 64-34 victory over the Philadelphia Soul in Week 20. Gray now holds the single-season franchise record for interceptions with 11 in 2014.
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK / CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Gray (5-10, 185, Western Illinois) recorded 229 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in San Jose’s 72-43 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers in Week 20. As a receiver, Gray caught five balls for 62 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He added a fourth score on a 58-yard kickoff return touchdown with a minute left in the game as well. He will be awarded a timepiece crafted by J. Lewis Small for his efforts. “Big Play” also earned Cutters Catch of the Week honors for a spectacular diving touchdown grab in the second quarter of the game. He will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch.
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Brackins (6-5, 225, Pearl River CC) hauled in the game-winning touchdown pass with 42 seconds to play in Orlando’s 56-50 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in Week 20. After catching the ball at the 14-yard line, Brackins made multiple Rattlers miss on his run to the end zone. He finished the game with seven catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s Shane Austin, Orlando’s Bernard Morris, Pittsburgh’s Tommy Grady, San Antonio’s Matt Bassuener, San Jose’s Nathan Stanley and Spokane’s Rashaad Carter.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s Dominic Jones, Jacksonville’s Xavier Brewer, Orlando’s Tracy Belton, Portland’s Bryce Peila, San Antonio’s Kelvin Rodgers and San Jose’s Joe Sykes.
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Cleveland’s LaRoche Jackson, Jacksonville’s Jared McGriff-Culver, Orlando’s Larry Brackins, Pittsburgh’s Arvell Nelson, Portland’s Jamar Howard and San Antonio’s Clinton Solomon.
The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include Pittsburgh Power Jack linebacker Arvell Nelson, San Antonio Talons defensive back Kelvin Rodgers and San Jose Sabercats defensive end Joe Sykes. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 30. The winner will be announced on Thursday, July 31.