Chicago, IL - 07/01/09 - The Spokane Shock have maintained the No. 1 ranking of the Weekly Coaches Poll for the 16th straight week, the arenafootball2 (af2) league office announced today. Spokane collected all of the possible 384 points and 24-of-25 first place votes coming off the club’s 61-28 home win in Week 14 over Oklahoma City. Spokane’s 16-week stay at the top is the longest run at No. 1 since the inception of the coaches poll in 2004. The Shock, who have won all 12 of their games this season, play at No. 7 Iowa this Saturday, July 4. Three of Spokane’s final four opponents are currently ranked in the Top-10 (Iowa, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Boise).
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton jumped one spot to No. 2 after the team’s 62-47 victory over Mahoning Valley. Tennessee Valley also improved one spot to No. 3, propelled by a 55-39 home win over Tulsa. The Talons dropped to No. 4 on the heels of that loss, a two-place drop from last week’s poll. The Vipers halted Tulsa’s 10-game win streak. Rounding out the Top-5 is Boise. The Burn held firm at No. 5 for the second consecutive week after the team’s 55-19 road win against Central Valley.
Each week during the season af2 coaches will vote for the Top 16 teams in the league by ranking them one through 16 on a ballot. Teams ranked first receive 16 points with the point value decreasing by one for each place below first, meaning a team ranked 16th would receive one point. Total points will determine the Top 16 list. In the event of a tie in total points, the team with the greater number of first-place votes will be ranked higher. The af2 Coaches Poll will be announced every Wednesday during the regular season. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team and the poll results have no bearing on postseason qualification. The complete Top 16 is listed below. The number in parentheses indicates the number of first place votes the team received.
Week 14 Top 16
RANK |
TEAM |
PTS |
1 |
Spokane |
384 (24) |
2 |
W-B/Scranton |
348 (1) |
3 |
Tennessee Valley |
329 |
4 |
Tulsa |
320 |
5 |
Boise |
297 |
6 |
Arkansas |
270 |
7 |
Iowa |
243 |
8 |
Kentucky |
197 |
9 |
South Georgia |
185 |
9 |
Green Bay |
185 |
11 |
Oklahoma City |
141 |
12 |
Bossier-Shreveport |
137 |
13 |
Florida |
104 |
14 |
Rio Grande Valley |
103 |
15 |
Albany |
67 |
16 |
Manchester |
65 |
About af2
In Week 15 of its 10th anniversary season with a 25-team membership, af2 serves as a vehicle to bring Arena Football to small-to-midsize cities and as a developmental league with an unmatched history of sending players, coaches and officials to major professional football leagues each year. Log on to www.af2.com for more information.
Spokane, WA - 06/30/09 - (Photo by Shock photographer Brandon Hansen) The arenafootball2 league office announced today that LB Kevin McCullough’s third quarter interception earned the af2’s Big Game Catch of the week.
With the Shock clinging to a 35-28 lead in the third quarter, Shock rookie DL Frank Morton tipped an Oklahoma City pass at the line of scrimmage and McCullough made a diving effort to come up with the interception. Five plays later, Shock QB Nick Davila scored on a one-yard run to extend Spokane’s lead to 14 points.
“We knew that our defense was going to be able to come up with a big play like that because they have been doing it all year long,” Head Coach Adam Shackleford said. “Kevin made a great catch and I’m happy he was recognized for his efforts.”
Currently, McCullough is tied with Sergio Gilliam for the team lead in interceptions with eight. He is second on the team in tackles (48) – including two sacks – with six pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries.
The Shock travel to Iowa this weekend to play the Barnstormers on Independence Day, July 4th. The next home game will be on July 11th as the top-ranked Shock host the second-ranked Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pioneers. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting TicketsWest.
Chicago, IL - 06/30/09 - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wide receiver/linebacker LARRY KENDRICK, Green Bay quarterback GINO GUIDUGLI and Kentucky defensive back QUINTON GRIFFIN have been named the JLS Ironman, Russell Athletic Offensive Player and Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for Week 14 of 2009, the af2’s 10th anniversary season. In addition to these three awards, the af2 is also highlighting the player who makes the best catch and the best hit of the week. The Big Game Catch of the Week Award for Week 14 goes to Spokane linebacker KEVIN MCCULLOUGH and the NiFTy Hit of the Week is awarded to Mahoning Valley wide receiver/defensive back JERMAINE MOYE.
JLS IRONMAN OF THE WEEK
Kendrick (6-0, 215, Mississippi), in his third af2 season, had a stellar all-around showing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s, 62-47, Week 14 road win on the road against Mahoning Valley. Kendrick was a factor on defense, special teams and offense to help the Pioneers improve to 11-2 overall and sweep the season series from the Thunder (3-0). On offense, the Ole Miss alum caught four passes for 39 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side, Kendrick recorded two solo tackles and one interception. He also returned seven kickoffs for 137 yards (19.6 yards per return; Long of 41) to finish with 181 all-purpose yards. This is the first weekly league honor of the season for Kendrick and the fifth of his career. He owns four ironman awards and one defensive honor. He currently leads the Pioneers in kick return yards (783) and is tied for the team lead in fumble recoveries (3). He also ranks second on the squad in interceptions with five, three of which he has returned for touchdowns. Kendrick’s presence has been a big reason behind the team’s success in recent years as the Pioneers have won the East Division crown in each of his three seasons with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Guidugli (6-4, 225, Cincinnati) earned his second Offensive Player of the Week this season thanks to his impressive performance in Green Bay’s, 86-42, Week 14 road win at in-state and Midwest Division rival Milwaukee. Guidugli set a new team single-game record for pass completion percentage against the Iron’s No.1-ranked defense. The Cincinnati alum, in his second af2 season, finished the game with just three incomplete passes in 25 attempts (22-of-25; 88 percent) and had 290 yards with 5 TDs and no interceptions. He also had a career-high tying three rushing TDs to help the Blizzard set a new team record for most points scored in a game (86). Guidugli currently has 3,118 yards passing and 47 TDs (14 INTs) in 12 games played. He is just 482 yards shy of breaking Johnny Turman’s team record for most passing yards in a season (3,599 – 2005). Green Bay is currently just a half game behind Iowa in the Midwest Division at 8-5.
AARON’S DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Griffin (5-9, 188, Samford), in his debut af2 season, was a menace on defense for Kentucky in the team’s, 58-37, road win at Corpus Christi. Griffin had two interceptions against the Sharks, both of which he returned for touchdowns (54, 40), to help the Horsemen improve to 8-5. The rookie from Samford also added 5.5 tackles in the game. Griffin is currently tied for third on the squad in interceptions with four and ranks fourth in tackles with 34.5. This is the first weekly league honor of his career.
THE BIG GAME CATCH OF THE WEEK
McCullough (6-2, 255, Cincinnati), in his second af2 season, is the Week 14 recipient of The Big Game Catch of the Week Award. The linebacker from Cincinnati came up with a diving interception early in the third quarter of Spokane’s Week 14 home victory against Oklahoma City. With Spokane ahead by seven points (35-28), McCullough’s pick halted the Yard Dawgz’ potential game-tying drive and gave the ball back to the Shock offense. Spokane scored on the next possession to go up 14 points. That turnover was the turning point in the contest as the Shock outscored Oklahoma City 33-0 in the second half en route to a comfortable 61-28 victory. McCullough also added five total tackles in the contest. He is currently tied for the team lead in interceptions with eight. He also ranks second on the No. 1-ranked Shock with 48 total tackles. Spokane is the only remaining undefeated team in the af2 at 12-0.
NIFTY HIT OF THE WEEK
Moye (6-2, 210, California-PA), in his first af2 season, has been awarded the NiFTy Hit of the Week, a new weekly honor that highlights the player who makes the best hit or tackle of the week. The rookie wide receiver/defensive back was blocking downfield when he squared up against Pioneers DB Chris Royal on a pass play late in the fourth quarter. Royal didn’t see Moye coming across the field. Moye’s crushing hit sent Royal and his headgear flying. The big block allowed Thunder WR C.J. Brewer to score on a 33-yard pass from QB Brad Roach. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton eventually won the contest, 62-47. Moye finished with six catches for 69 yards on offense and registered one tackle on defense. He has 20 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns in four games played with Mahoning Valley (1-12).
JLS Ironman of the Week candidates included:
Florida’s James McCoy, Mahoning Valley’s Quorey Payne, Spokane’s Harrison Nikolao, Green Bay’s Nate Forse, Albany’s Alvin Ray Jackson, Amarillo’s Duvaughn Flagler, Tulsa’s Jeff Hughley, Boise’s Terrance Sanders, Arkansas’ Eric Ware, Kentucky’s Lonnell Dewalt, Stockton’s Brandon Horace and Quad City’s Brian Jackson.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included:
Florida’s James Panui, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s J.J. Outlaw, Spokane’s Nick Davila, Albany’s Stephen Wasil, Iowa’s Brian Villanueva, Tennessee Valley’s Larry Shipp, Boise’s Taylor Tharp, Arkansas’ Aaron Fairooz, Kentucky’s Justin Rascati, Tri-Cities’ Brandon Copeland and Manchester’s Steven Savoy.
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Week candidates included:
Florida’s Anthony Hailstock, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Micheaux Robinson, Spokane’s Sergio Gilliam, Green Bay’s Shadrach Okoebor, Albany’s Kenneth Williams, Iowa’s Charles Johnson, Tennessee Valley’s Demetrius Derico, Boise’s Tremaine Tyler, Rio Grande Valley’s Dahnel Singfield, Tri-Cities’ Chris Hemphill and Manchester’s Bryan Robinson.
The Big Game Catch of the Week candidates included:
Iowa’s Errick McCown, Tennessee Valley’s Michael Johnson, Boise’s Jerard Rabb, Arkansas’ Aaron Fairooz, Kentucky’s Lonnell Dewalt, Tri-Cities’ Brandon Copeland, Quad City’s DeMarcus Robinson, South Georgia’s Ivory McCann, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s J.J. Outlaw, Milwaukee’s Antoine Burns and Albany’s Adam Bednarik.
NiFTy Hit of the Week candidates included:
Florida’s Demetrius Hodges, Milwaukee’s Quartez Vickerson, Albany’s Rob Wright, Iowa’s Charles Johnson, Tulsa’s LaRico Stevenson, Boise’s Levi Madarieta, Arkansas’ Jerry Turner, Kentucky’s J.T. Haskins, Tri-Cities’ Terry Curtis and Quad City’s Prentis Stokes.
About J. Lewis Small Company
J. Lewis Small Company (JLS) manufactures high school class rings, college and university class rings, championship rings, and recognition awards to serve the independent salesforce and jewelry industries. Founded in 1915, JLS's highly qualified staff produces a product regarded as one of the best in the industry. Log on to www.jlewissmall.com for more information.
About Russell Athletic
For more than 100 years, Russell Athletic has supplied America’s athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of team uniforms at the high school, college, and professional level. Russell Athletic activewear and college licensed products are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores, retail chains, and college bookstores. For more information, log onto www.russellathletic.com.
About Aaron’s
Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk and publicly traded since 1982, Aaron’s, a division of Aaron Rents, Inc. (NYSE: RNT), based in Atlanta, currently has more than 1,560 Company-operated and franchised stores in the United States and Canada for the sale of residential and office furniture, accessories, consumer electronics and household appliances. The Company also manufactures furniture and bedding at 12 facilities in five states. Employing approximately 10,000 employees, as the standard bearer of integrity, honesty and fairness, the Company strives in its mission to provide the highest level of service, a large selection of name brand products and the guaranteed lowest price.
About The Big Game
From our humble beginnings over a decade ago, The Big Game quickly grew to become the leading producer of quality sports commemoratives for professional, college and high school sports teams. Since then, our impressive client roster has grown to include Fortune 500 corporations, politicians, movie stars, musicians - even American presidents! Today, our quality merchandise is proudly displayed in the trophy cases of thousands of athletes, sports collectors and fans across the United States. The Big Game uses special patented and proprietary techniques to provide attractive, durable products at a competitive cost regardless of quantity - all at our factory in historic Frisco, Texas. Our craftsmanship, attention to detail and creativity is good old American know-how at its finest. So whether you need to recognize your top 500 performers or a top 10 team, we're confident you'll find a Big Game commemorative that's just right for you. For more information, log onto www.thebiggameusa.com.
About Network Foundation Technologies, LLC
Network Foundation Technologies, LLC (NFT: pronounced 'NiFTy') is a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with the online broadcasting of large, live events to worldwide audiences. NFT's patented technology overcomes the scalability and cost bottlenecks associated with online broadcasting, enabling the company to bring large-scale, advertiser-supported, television-style broadcasting to the Internet for the very first time. Please visit NiFTyTV.com for more information.
Spokane, WA - 06/26/09 - (Photo by Shock photographer Brandon Hansen) The Spokane Shock won their 12th straight game tonight with a 61-28 victory (game stats) over the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (7-6). With a 12-0 record, the Shock are off to their best start in franchise history.
Much of the credit for tonight’s victory goes to the defense that created three turnovers and held Oklahoma City’s offense to their second lowest point total of the season (28).
Coming into tonight’s game, the Yard Dawgz offense was averaging 51 points per contest but against Spokane’s defense Oklahoma City struggled. For the first time this season, QB Robert Kent did not throw a passing touchdown and he threw a season-high three interceptions.
In the first half, Oklahoma City relied on their rushing attack, which lead the league coming into tonight’s game, and accounted for four touchdowns. The Yard Dawgz All-time leading receiver Al Hunt drew first blood on a one–yard touchdown early in the first quarter.
Spokane quickly fired back with a four-yard touchdown to WR Raul Vijil. The Shock and the Yard Dawgz continued to exchange points and ended the first half deadlocked at 28 apiece.
But in the second half, Spokane’s defense put a stop to the Yard Dawgz offense not allowing a single point. This was the first time in 13 games Oklahoma City did not score a point in the second half.
“They (Oklahoma City) came out hard in the first half and we had to match their intensity but we knew our defense was going to get some stops eventually,” Spokane’s QB Nick Davila explained. “We knew our defense was going to come around; they have been playing hard all year.”
Davila, who played three-and-a-half quarters tonight, completed 80 percent of his passes for 172 yards with three touchdown passes.
For the second week in a row, WR Markee White had a break-out night and tied Vijil for the team-lead in touchdowns (2). White also added 43 yards to his season total of 341 reception yardage in seven games.
“We played as a team. We came out and we were focused,” Vijil said after the game. “We’re going on the road next week and we are excited about that.”
Next week, on July 4th, the Shock travel to Iowa to take on the Barnstormers, who were ranked eighth in the latest edition of the Coaches Poll, 105.7 THE PEAK will carry the action with Larry Weir and Paul Sorensen starting at 4:30 PM.
NOTES: Head Coach Adam Shackleford left immediately after the game to join his wife for the birth of their second child.
JLS Ironman of the Game: SPOKANE – Harrison Nikoloa
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE – Sergio Gilliam
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: SPOKANE – Nick Davila
The Big Game Catch of the Game: SPOKANE – McCullough’s 3rd QTR INT
Attendance: 10,026
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Yard Dawgz.......... 14 14 0 0 - 28
Spokane Shock....... 6 22 20 13 - 61