GLADIATORS DEFENSIVE BACK JOE POWELL NAMED AFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – The Arena Football League has announced that Jacksonville’s Joe Hills, Cleveland’s Joe Powell, and Arizona’s Rod Windsor have been named as the Under Armour Offensive Player, Riddell Defensive Player and AFL Playmaker of the Week for Week 2, respectively. In addition to these awards, the AFL has awarded Tampa Bay’s Philip Barnett the Cutters Catch of the Week, while the AFL Highlight of the Week was awarded to Orlando’s Kent Richardson. Those clips can be found by following the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).

UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Hills (6’4, 220, Tennessee State) had another standout performance in the Sharks’ 59-41 road victory against the Philadelphia Soul. The fifth-year veteran hauled in nine receptions for 154 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Jacksonville receivers and earn Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game honors. Hills currently leads the AFL in receiving yards (305), No. 3 in receptions (18) and tied for No. 2 in touchdown receptions (6).

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Powell (6’2, 205 Globe Tech) continued his great start to the season by tallying 7.0 total tackles, two interceptions and two pass breakups in the Gladiators’ 41-29 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm. Powell’s 52-yard interception in the closing seconds prevented the Storm from a last-second win and sealed the victory for Cleveland. He also leads the AFL with four interceptions on the young season.

J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK: Windsor (6’2, 215, Western New Mexico) helped get the Arizona Rattlers off to a 2-0 start and led the way with 13 catches for 151 yards and four touchdowns during the team’s 69-28 victory over the Los Angeles KISS. The five-year veteran leads the AFL in receptions (20) and receiving touchdowns (8), while he’s No. 2 in receiving yards (237).

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK: Barnett (6’0, 215, Toledo) caught seven passes for 69 yards and recorded one touchdown, in the Storm’s 41-29 loss to the Cleveland Gladiators. He made a spectacular one-handed grab on a Cleveland on-side kick in the fourth quarter giving him the “Catch of the Week.”
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: Richardson (6’0, 205, West Virginia) recorded five solo tackles in last week’s win against Tampa Bay, added another solo tackle in Saturday night’s thrilling win against Portland. His game clinching-interception with 7 seconds left in the game, helped give his team get the 53-50 victory and start the season 2-0.
Under Armour Offensive Player candidates included: Arizona’s Nick Davila, Cleveland’s Dennis Havrilla, Jacksonville’s Joe Hills and Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins

Riddell Defensive Player candidates included: Arizona’s Allen Chapman, Jacksonville’s Greg Reid, Orlando’s Kent Richardson,

J. Lewis Small Playmaker candidates included: Cleveland’s Thyron Lewis, Jacksonville’s Tiger Jones, Los Angeles’ Donovan Morgan and Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins

ABOUT THE AFL
The Arena Football League enters its 29th Season in 2016. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network nationally broadcast AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl on ESPN. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League, follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).