Round 1 AFL Playoff Matchups

Going into first round of the AFL playoffs, the National Conference bracket is intriguing.

The theme in the National Conference playoffs is experience. Both of the matchups in the National Conference are Division foes that have seen each other twice during the regular season.

Spokane Shock/Arizona Rattlers

The #1 Rattlers and #4 Shock meet on July 29. The series was split 1-1 during the regular season, with the home team victorious in both games. With Arizona at 16-2 and looking like the favorite heading into the playoffs, the Shock have a difficult task in front of them.  Spokane will have to beat a Rattlers squad that went 8-1 at home and currently on a nine game winning streak. However, because the Shock are beginning to gather momentum, along with key additions from players like Markee White, Raul Vijil and Greg Orton, the Rattlers can expect a battle. The Shock defeated Arizona in Week 8, 70-69 in Spokane behind strong performances from quarterback Kyle Rowley and receivers Vijil and Orton. Besides their loss in Week 20, the Shock are also heading into the postseason with a bit of momentum themselves. Spokane has won five out of their last seven games and seem to have developed a winning swagger. The recent additions from key players during their 2010 ArenaBowl title run will definitely help the team handle the pressures that go along with playoffs and potentially the winning formula.

The Rattlers playmaking defense, along with their nearly unstoppable offense, has made them practically impossible to beat this season. The Shock got a taste of the Rattlers attack in Week 17, where they were defeated 46-68 in Arizona. Interceptions from Arizona’s Virgil Gray, Marquis Floyd and Jason Geathers provided more than enough defensive stops, as quarterback Nick Davila went nearly perfect completing 23-of-29 passes for 291-yards and nine touchdowns. Davila is one of the frontrunners for Offensive Player of the Year Award this season because of his incredible precision and ability to put points on the board. He finished the year leading the League in pass efficiency (127.7) and touchdown passes (117) and ranked second in completion percentage (70.8). If the Shock want to defeat the Rattlers in the first round of the playoffs, they must focus on disrupting and frustrating Davila’s timing. Davila has been comfortable all season and been given ample time to read defenses and get the ball to his playmakers in good situations. Due to the recent CBA agreement in the NFL, important players such as Rod Windsor will be expected to report to training camp. While Windsor has been the main target for Davila this season, other receivers are available and have proven that they can be reliable targets as well. Receivers Chris Jackson and Kerry Reed are extremely capable of stepping in and providing big plays for the Rattlers offense.

Because mistakes are seldom for the Rattlers, the Shock will need to focus on forcing early stops and put Davila into an uncomfortable rhythm in front of his home crowd. This season, the Rattlers have not been put in that situation. The Rattlers currently lead the League in turnover margin because of the team’s defensive playmaking ability, along with the precise quarterback play of Davila. However, Keefe, Rowley and the Shock are the defending ArenaBowl champions and understand what it takes to win. We will see who will get the “W” between the old champs and the favorites heading into the First Round.

Dallas Vigilantes/Chicago Rush

The #2 Chicago Rush and #3 Dallas Vigilantes will meet for the third time this season in the First Round of the AFL playoffs. Both of the regular season matchups were taken by the Rush, with strong performances from standout wide receiver Reggie Gray. In both matchups, the Vigilantes did not prove that they could keep up with the Rush for a full four quarters. Whether it was JJ Raterink or Russ Michna, Chicago was too much for the Vigilantes squad.  However, even with the Vigilantes struggles against the Rush this season, they are capable of lighting up the scoreboard. The Vigilantes rank fourth in the League in scoring offense per game (58.9 points) and total offense per game (313.9 yards) as well. Dallas quarterback Dan Raudabaugh has been very effective this season, putting up 90 passing touchdowns and 4,741 passing yards in only his first full season in the AFL.

During Week 11 of the 2011 season, Michna and the Rush secured a 69-57 victory at home. The game was relatively close throughout, but late key plays proved to be the difference maker. The second meeting was Week 19 in Dallas for the Central Division Championship. The Vigilantes looked as if they were in the driver seat heading into halftime with a 37-21 lead. However, a strong defensive performance from Chicago held Dallas to only seven points in the second half. Raterink and the Rush offense continued to put up points as they scored 32 points in the second half and won the game 53-44.

The Rush will also go into the First Round playoff matchup with new additions to their lineup. Defensive back Vic Hall returns from injury to the Rush defense, after recording 15 interceptions in only 13 games played this season. Hall has been a major playmaker for the Rush this season, leading the League in tackles per game with 8.4. Hall notched 12.5 tackles and an interception in the Week 11 meeting against Dallas.

The Vigilantes also flaunts key additions to their roster going into the playoffs. Dallas center Greg Ryan returns to the team, which will help even the inexperience of Raudabaugh. The Vigilantes will also look to the experience of Head Coach Clint Dolezel. During his playing career, Dolezel captured an ArenaBowl Championship and is ranked second on the All-Time touchdown list behind Aaron Garcia. Dolezel has had a major impact on the development of Raudabaugh throughout the season and should help the Dallas team focus and know what to expect in the playoffs. The Vigilantes are going to need big performances from receivers Anthony Jones, Matt Fields and DeAndrew Rubin. All three receivers have reached over 1,000 receiving yards this season and know how to be effective in this League. Along with the running game from Derrick Ross, the Vigilantes have a number of weapons that are capable of big plays. In the two matchups this season, the Rush have been able to key on a few targets and minimize their effectiveness.

The game is going to come down to which team can make a few key stops. Both teams have showed this season that they are capable of putting up points. The defenses for both squads have proved throughout the season they are capable of making stops but have featured some lackluster performances. The Vigilantes will need a big performance from defensive lineman Dusty Bear, who has been very effective with 11 sacks this season. The Rush, on the other hand, have had an excellent defense all season and was a big reason for the two wins they have over Dallas. Chicago Head Coach Bob McMillen also has experience in this League and understands the difficulties that go along with the playoffs. McMillen is one of only two players that have won ArenaBowl title’s with three different teams. The Rush will be extremely difficult to beat at home where they have gone 7-2 this season, developing chemistry amongst the new quarterback, Raterink, and the weapons on the offensive side for Chicago.

The game should come down to which team can be more effective in all three phases. The team that can make stops, while also executing on the offensive side of the ball and special teams will be the one heading to the National Conference Championship.

Week 19 AFL Coaches' Poll

TULSA, OKLA. –The Arizona Rattlers (15-2) remained in the top spot of Week 19 Coaches’ Poll for the third consecutive week, receiving 16 first place votes following their bye in Week 19. The Rattlers have won eight straight games, with their last loss coming from the Chicago Rush (13-4) in Week 10. The Rattlers have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and are set to meet the Spokane Shock (9-8) at home in the First Round on Friday, July 29 at 10:00 p.m. EST. The Rattlers are on the road for the final time this season to face the Dallas Vigilantes (11-6) in Week 20 on Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m. EST.
The Jacksonville Sharks (13-4) earned one first place vote and remained in second place despite their 48-49 overtime loss to the Kansas City Command (6-11). The Sharks have lost three straight games, but still hold home-field advantage throughout the American Conference playoffs. The Sharks will either face the Georgia Force or Orlando Predators in the First Round of the playoffs on NFL Network on Friday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. EST. The Sharks host Spokane this Friday for “Arena Football Friday” on NFL Network at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Chicago remained in the third spot of the Poll following their 53-44 victory over the Dallas Vigilantes. The win secured Chicago the Central Division title and the number two seed in the playoffs. Rush quarterback JJ Raterink completed 19-of-29 for 294- yards and six touchdowns in the game. The Rush have won eight out of their last nine games this season. Chicago hosts the Milwaukee Mustangs (6-11) in Week 20 on Saturday, July 23 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Vigilantes stayed in the fourth spot of the Poll after losing to the Rush in Week 19. The Vigilantes locked up the third spot in the National Conference and head to Chicago to face the Rush in the First Round of the playoffs. Dallas will first host the Arizona Rattlers in the final regular season game at 8:30 p.m. EST on Saturday night.
The Georgia Force (10-7) moved up one spot in the Poll following a 58-40 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm (6-11). The Force own the third spot in the American Conference playoffs, due to the head-to-head point differential tiebreaker over the Orlando Predators (10-7). The Force head to Iowa (5-12) to face the Barnstormers in Week 20 on July 23 at 8:05 p.m. EST. Georgia will clinch the third seed with a win over Iowa. 
The Cleveland Gladiators (10-7) moved to sixth in the Poll after their home victory over the Pittsburgh Power (8-9), 67-55. The Gladiators clinched the East Division title and the number two seed in the American Conference. Cleveland will host a First Round home playoff game against either the Predators or Force on Sunday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m. EST. The Gladiators host the Utah Blaze in Week 20 on Friday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, the Predators dropped two spots in the Poll following their 85-49 road victory over the Tulsa Talons (7-10) last week. Orlando will host the New Orleans VooDoo (3-14) in Week 20 on Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Spokane Shock (8-8) remained at No. 8 in the Poll, following their 63-61 thrilling victory over the San Jose SaberCats (7-10). The team has won five out of their last six games.
WEEK 19 COACHES’ POLL

RK	Team (1st place votes)	W-L	Pts	Last Week
1	Arizona Rattlers (16)	15-2	169	1
2	Jacksonville Sharks (1)	13-4	144	2
3	Chicago Rush (1)	13-4	142	3
4	Dallas Vigilantes	11-6	111	4
5	Georgia Force	10-7	96	6
6	Cleveland Gladiators	10-7	94	7
7	Orlando Predators	10-7	92	5
8	Spokane Shock	9-8	55	8
9	San Jose SaberCats	7-10	35	9
10	Pittsburgh Power	8-9	24	10

Cleveland Gladiators Head Coach Steve Thonn Interview

For this edition of Beyond the Wall, AFL communications sat down with Cleveland Gladiators Head Coach Steve Thonn. Thonn has been involved with the Arena Football League for over 20 seasons. Thonn has five years of playing experience in the AFL, playing with both the Chicago Bruisers and Albany Firebirds. Thonn started his coaching career in Houston and made stops in Dallas, Georgia and Grand Rapids. He became the head coach of the Cleveland Gladiators in late 2009 and finished the 2010 season at 7-9. This season, Thonn and the Gladiators and 9-7 and one win away from an East Division title. The Gladiators face the Pittsburgh Power on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday”.
Editor: This is your second season with Cleveland. How have you liked your time there? What brought you there in 2010? 
Steve Thonn: I really do enjoy my time here in Cleveland. I love being here. The city is great and the fans have been great as well. We really get great support so I really enjoy being here. I got a call from Jim Ferraro in November 2009 and the team was looking for a coach back then. So I came out here in December and interviewed with Jim and they offered me the job and I took it. The process was pretty quick back then.
ED: This is a big game against Pittsburgh. How have the preparations been coming along? What is it going to take to get a victory at home?
ST: The preparations have been going very well. We got that last game out of our system early in the week. We watched film and made some corrections. The attitude has been very upbeat and we have been playing a lot better at home. Our guys are anxious to get back home and play in front of the home crowd.
ED: How much does it help playing at home? What has the crowd been like this season in the “Q”?
ST: The crowd has been great. They have been into it and very loud this season. They have supported us very well and I think that our guys, around halfway through the season, really liked playing at home. I think we have a pretty big advantage when we are at home.
ED: You attended Wheaton College, where you played football, basketball and baseball. What was your experience like playing all of those sports? Which one did you enjoy the most?
ST: I actually went to college to play basketball. That was kind of my first love. I knew I had to go to a small school to keep playing. I went to play basketball and I did play baseball as well. But I really began to miss football. I didn’t think I was going to miss it as much. So in my second year, I ended up playing football again. I actually liked playing all three sports because it kept me going all the time. Plus, I didn’t have to work out for the other sports. I just got to play and had a lot of fun doing it. I was very busy but I think it helped me stay organized and use my time better because I was so active with all of the sports. I actually probably like basketball the most.  But I probably had the most success at football. We had a new coach come in the last two years and we were throwing 40 to 45 times a game, so it was a blast those last two seasons.
ED:  You then went to the AFL and played with the Chicago Bruisers and Albany Firebirds. What was that experience like? Was it difficult getting accustom to arena style?
ST: It was different but it was a change for everybody because the League was just starting. We didn’t have 10-year veterans who had already been playing arena ball. It was new to everybody. We were all learning at the same time and were on the same learning curve. It took a while to change, but as a receiver I also thought that it was a bit easier to adjust. Back then there was no zone defense, so it was only man-to-man. The routes were a lot easier and the game was a lot of fun. My experience was great with those teams. I thought that if I could just play this game for two or three years, that would be great because it was so fun. I figured I would move on with my life after that though. 22 years later, I am still here. Albany was also a lot of fun. I went up to Albany, not really sure if I wanted to keep playing. I ended up having a great experience out there. Mike Hohensee was actually my offensive coordinator during my time in Albany. It was a great experience because they love the game out there.
ED: How has the League changed since you were playing?
ST: The game has evolved a little bit. All of the rules are basically the same, but the schemes have changed a bit. The football X’s and O’s have changed, with a lot more screens and things that you didn’t see in the beginning of Arena Football. Other than that, I think just popularity has gone way up. Back then, no one knew anything because the League had just started. You were really just trying to sell the game of Arena Football back then. Now, everyone pretty much knows Arena Football. They might not know all of the rules, but I think the overall popularity is way bigger now.
ED: You then became the Head Coach of Houston. When did you decide you wanted to be a coach? What was your first head coaching experience like?
ST: I knew I wanted to coach right away. I really felt that I would be a High School basketball coach for the rest of my life. Arena Football just opened the doors though. When I got done playing, I knew it was good decision to get out because I was getting hurt and just knew it was time to stop. I knew I really wanted to coach. A lot of opportunities opened up in Arena Football. I got offered a job in Albany, and then I went to Connecticut and just kept getting job offers from there. I figured that I had to pursue Arena Football a lot more then High School or college basketball. I kept moving along and eventually got the head job in Houston in 1997. I have stayed with it ever since.
ED: You then went to Dallas and introduced Will Pettis to the League. What was that experience like? When did you know he was going to be that good?
ST:   I went to Dallas in 2003 and it was the team’s second season in existence. It was great. Having a quarterback like Jim Kubiak was awesome. I had a lot of fun working with Jim. It was his first season as the backup quarterback. It was fun having him take over and he was such a student of the game and was a lot fun working with him. We also had great receivers and Will came in as a rookie that season. They had some veterans on their team, but you could tell that Will was a pretty special player on offense and defense. Back then you were going both ways, so we had to find out pretty quick how we were going to get the ball to Will Pettis.
ED: You then became the offensive coordinator for the Georgia Force and reached the ArenaBowl during your time there. What was that time like?
ST: Georgia Force was just flat out fun. The Force is a great organization. The Falcons and Arthur Blank took care of us very well down there. It was just a great experience. We ended up going to the ArenaBowl, but we didn’t win it. That season was a lot of fun because we had a lot of good players. The overall experience was very positive.
ED: Then you became the Head Coach of Grand Rapids. You guys scored 956 points, which was second in the League. What was that season like?
ST: It was a little different because we were kind of like an expansion team. It took a while to get all of the pieces in place. We kept making changes and putting in different lineups. Once we got set up with James McPherson at quarterback and the same group of receivers, we got on a roll. We scored a lot of points and had some crazy games where a lot of things went right. At the end of the season, the playoffs really started with three games to go. If we didn’t win, we weren’t going to get into the playoffs. We won three-in-a-row and won two playoff games, so getting that hot at the end of the season was one of the best and fun times I have ever had as a coach.  
ED: Your team became the first team in AFL history to post four +80 point games in a season and scored the second most points in a single game (92). How were you guys so effective on offense?
ST: I think that it was a couple of things. First of all, you have to get lucky. We had everything go our way, kind of like the game against San Jose this season. It’s not always just offense though. You are getting balls off the bar; you’re getting turnovers, and pretty much everything. The offense was also playing very well in those games which helped. You also have to get as many possessions as you can. Usually there are about 11 or 12 possessions in a game, but we were getting around 13 or 14 possessions because the games were getting so crazy. We were having a lot of opportunities to score. I think the guys took it as a challenge because once we got it; they wanted to keep doing it. I think we knew that if we got on a role, we could keep it going and get 80 points again. They all had that mentality going into it.
ED: You have been known as an offensive coach because of your success. How have you been able to be so successful on offense in the arena game?
ST: I have had good quarterbacks all the way through my coaching career. I had Clint Dolezel, Jim Kubiak, Matt Nagy, Chris Greisen and Jim McPherson who were all very good. Usually you can find a good group of receivers in this game. I just try to take bits and pieces and steal stuff from different coaches. I will look at other team’s film and if I like it, I will incorporate into what I do. I think it’s a little bit of having good players, taking bits and pieces from other people’s schemes and putting it all into my scheme. It has worked for me. Not so much this season, but it has worked for me throughout my tenure. There is no real magic to that type of offensive success. I think the biggest thing is that you have to keep attacking and never hold back. It is a lot easier in the arena game because the defense is so limited on what they can do. You don’t have to worry about 20 different blitzes and so many different coverages. Basically, the linebacker blitzes in this game. Everything within the X’s and O’s is a little bit easier in Arena Football.
ED: Last season you had a group of veterans on Cleveland (Ben Nelson, John Dutton, etc.). What has it been like this season with a rookie quarterback in Kurt Rocco?
ST: I don’t think it was difficult to teach him the game; it’s just that he got thrown into the fire right away. You take a Clint Dolezel who sat on the bench his two years in Milwaukee. Chris Greisen, who played in the NFL, sat on the bench for two years before playing in the AFL. James McPherson was able to learn from Greisen. Kurt Rocco has picked everything up very fast. He’s very smart and picked up the game extremely quick. He just got thrown into the fire so quick. A lot of other great quarterbacks had a chance to watch and learn for a season or two and practice. I think Kurt has done a great job and I know he has been up and down this season. Some people want to say that he has had some bad games, but if those people were thrown into the mix right away for the first time on an arena field, I think they would have suffered too. Overall, I have been happy with Kurt and I believe that he has become more consistent as the year has gone on. Last week, we didn’t protect for him at all, so you can’t put anything on Kurt for that game. I am expecting Kurt to finish off strong in these last two games. I think he can be a very good quarterback in this League for years to come.
ED: Living in Cleveland, what do you and your family like to do for fun?
ST: I just try to relax. When practice is over, you just try to get your mind off of football for a while. Sometimes you just can’t and watch more film. I usually just try to get my mind off of football and maybe try to do something in the afternoon. I do like watching TV so I am a bit of a couch potato. I like to play golf, watch movies and just try to relax.
ED: Thanks for joining us this afternoon and good luck against Pittsburgh tomorrow night!

Week 18 AFL Coaches' Poll

TULSA, OKLA. –The Arizona Rattlers (15-2) remain in the top spot of the Week 18 Coaches’ Poll, receiving 16 first place votes following their 68-34 victory over the Pittsburgh Power (8-8). Arizona earned its eighth consecutive victory with their last loss coming from the Chicago Rush (12-4) in Week 10. Veteran quarterback Nick Davila completed 22-of-35 passes for 214-yards and eight touchdowns in the win. The Rattlers have a bye this week before heading to Dallas (11-5) on Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m. EST.  
The Jacksonville Sharks (13-3) earned two first place votes and remained in second place following a narrow loss, 70-75, to the Dallas Vigilantes. Quarterback Aaron Garcia threw for 275-yards and seven touchdowns but recorded three interceptions, his single game high in 2011. The Sharks have lost back-to-back games after setting an AFL-record with 13 straight victories. Jacksonville will face the Kansas City Command (5-11) on Friday, July 15 at 8:30 p.m. EST.
Chicago remains in third place, following a 51-41 road victory over the Georgia Force (9-7). Linebacker Kelvin Morris earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after posting two interceptions, returning one 37-yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Morris also recorded a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first quarter. The Rush have an important Central Division matchup at Dallas on Saturday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m. EST. Chicago will secure the Central Division title with a victory over Dallas.
The Vigilantes settled in the fourth spot of the Poll after defeating second-ranked Jacksonville. The Vigilantes have won five consecutive games, their longest streak of the season. Their final two games will be at home.
The Orlando Predators (9-7) climbed to the fifth spot of the Poll after their 40-60 loss to the San Jose SaberCats (7-9). The Predators have lost four out of their last five games. Orlando can clinch a playoff berth with a win in Week 19 and a loss by Pittsburgh. Orlando will face the Tulsa Talons (7-9) on Saturday, July 16 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Georgia Force (9-7) moved to sixth in the Poll after their home loss to the Chicago Rush, 41-51. The Force currently holds the third spot in the American Conference playoffs. The team looks to bounce back against the Tampa Bay Storm (6-10) on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Cleveland Gladiators (9-7) also stayed put in the Poll following their 21-49 loss to the Philadelphia Soul (6-11). The Gladiators currently own a one-game lead over the Power in the East Division. The Gladiators host the Power in “Arena Football Friday” on NFL Network. Cleveland will secure the East Division with a win in Week 19.Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Spokane Shock (8-8) jumped up two spots in the Poll, following their 76-49 win over the Utah Blaze (7-9). The team has won four out of their last five games. San Jose moved to No. 9 in the Poll after a home victory over the Orlando Predators on Saturday night. The two teams meet in Week 19 in an important West Division matchup. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 p.m. EST.    
WEEK 18 COACHES’ POLL

RK	Team (1st place votes)	W-L	Pts	Last Week
1	Arizona Rattlers (16)	15-2	169	1
2	Jacksonville Sharks (2)	13-3	152	2
3	Chicago Rush	12-4	134	3
4	Dallas Vigilantes	11-5	125	4
5	Orlando Predators	9-7	93	6
6	Georgia Force	9-7	90	5
7	Cleveland Gladiators	9-7	79	7
8	Spokane Shock	8-8	48	10
9	San Jose SaberCats	7-9	43	--
10	Pittsburgh Power	8-8	33	8

AFL Ironman of the Year Award Race

The JLS Ironman Award in the Arena Football League is very unique.  The Award celebrates the player who can be the most beneficial and explosive at multiple positions on the field throughout a full season. Because the Ironman trophy celebrates the player who can be valuable on multiple sides of the ball, the award tends to represent the player who is the ultimate team competitor. The player is utilized in many different areas and showcases game changing abilities wherever they are on the field.   
Due to limited roster space and inevitable injuries, many players have the ability to showcase their talents at multiple positions.  Whether it is a hard hitting linebacker who can also run the football or a defensive back who is electrifying in the return game, these multi talented players are all extremely crucial to their teams success. Their capability to be “utility players” allows teams to worry less about player personnel and injury issues and focus more on other important concerns.
“On every team, with tight roster space and injury issues, the Ironman Award is very crucial to teams’ success. You have to have a couple of guys that do more than one thing. These guys are so important because they can create smooth transitions when a team has injuries and other player problems,” Orlando Predator Head Coach Pat O’Hara said.
With the new 18-game schedule, injuries are expected. AFL coaches and General Managers must create numerous plans to showcase the best possible 24-man roster each week. The tight roster space allows quick linebackers to be useful fullbacks and wide receivers and cornerbacks to be explosive playmakers in the return game. Last season, recently retired Chicago Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo won the Ironman Award after playing all 16 games at a number of different positions. Alfonzo posted four rushing and two receiving touchdowns, while helping the Chicago defense as a Jack linebacker with 72 tackles and four interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.
Like Alfonzo, linebackers who can also be effective in the running game are a common place to find worthy applicants for the award. Orlando linebacker Marlon Moye-Moore is showcasing his football talents this season with three rushing touchdowns, while also playing a key defensive role with 63 tackles and seven interceptions. Moore has played in all 15 games this season and is a big reason why Orlando is in the mix for one of the two wildcard spots in the American Conference.
“Marlon is the type of person that is a tremendous leader on this team. He is a team captain and his value to our team is on a lot of different levels. Defensively, he is probably the best Jack in the League and constantly makes plays. He is extremely athletic in coverage and is very physical in tackling. He’s our long snapper on extra points and field goals and is on all of our special team’s coverages. And when we occasionally put him in at fullback, he has a knack for the end zone. He has been tremendous for us and his health has been huge,” O’Hara said.
Another linebacker who is utilized across the field is Chicago’s Johnie Kirton.  Kirton has made his presence felt at a number of positions throughout the season. He has led Chicago’s ground attack, compiling 330-yards and 13 touchdowns. He has also made an impact on defense, posting 16 tackles and two tackles for loss.
While a linebacker took home the award in 2010, the cornerback and wide receiver position also traditionally features worthy candidates. Dallas Desperado WR/DB Will Pettis won the Ironman Award in 2007 and 2008 after using his versatility in all three facets of the game.
This season, a number of cornerback and wide receiver contenders can potentially win the Ironman Award. New Orleans wide receiver PJ Berry and Georgia wide receiver CJ Johnson are two players that have been major threats in a number of different areas on the field. Berry has been an explosive and dynamic weapon for the VooDoo this season, leading the League in all-purpose yards with 2,984. He also leads the League with 1,611 kickoff return yards and five return touchdowns, while also sitting in a tie for third in the League in receptions with 133. Berry is a consistent threat for New Orleans and must always be accounted for by opposing teams.
“Berry definitely feeds our team because any time he gets to take it off the net on a kickoff, he has a chance to score. He is an extremely important asset to our team because one big kickoff return can change the momentum of the game. He just has the ability to make a big play, whether on offense or on special teams. Teams definitely have to plan and prepare around his playmaking abilities,” New Orleans VooDoo quarterback D Bryant said.
Georgia’s CJ Johnson is also an explosive menace on the field, consistently shredding opposing defenses and special teams units. Johnson currently ranks second in the AFL in kickoff return yards with 1,560 and has recorded five kickoff return touchdowns. He has also totaled 98 receptions, 1,171 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on offense. Johnson’s dynamic speed and quickness has helped Georgia reach the top of the offensive and special team statistical categories this season.
Two cornerbacks who have excelled this season in a number of statistical categories are Arizona’s Virgil Gray and Spokane’s Terrance Sanders. Both players have led their respective defenses, while also being exciting talents in the return game. Gray not only has dominated defensively with 74.5 tackles, nine interceptions and 25 pass breakups, but also ranks fourth in the League in kickoff return yards (1,318) and is tied for the League lead with five kickoff return touchdowns. Spokane Shock cornerback Terrance Sanders has also been a weapon in the 2011 season. Sanders leads the Shock with five interceptions and nine pass breakups this season. He also sits fifth in the AFL in kickoff return yards (1,257) and fourth in return touchdowns (4).  Sanders has been enormously dependable for the Shock and always has the ability to make the big play.
“Terrance has been a playmaker since he stepped in this League. He had one season where he had eight interceptions and eight kickoff return touchdowns. He has helped the Shock out so much this season. He has definitely stepped up with all of the injuries. He is just a playmaker on special teams, as well as in the defensive backfield. We call him a ball hawk,” Spokane Shock defensive back Ruschard Dodd-Masters said.
While the wide receivers and cornerbacks listed above have excelled in special teams this season, others use a combination of offense and defense to shine. Pittsburgh’s wide receiver/linebacker Lonnell DeWalt and Kansas City’s wide receiver/linebacker Brady Chavez are two perfect examples of the total package on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. DeWalt has been a consistently reliable option at both receiver and linebacker this season, catching 17 touchdowns passes and 373 yards while also leading the team with four interceptions. Chavez has also been a dominant force, recording 515 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, while also adding 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles this season.
Because the JLS Ironman Award is given to the player who is most effective and consistent throughout the entire season, the race for the award will get tighter in these final weeks. While there may be Ironman favorites going into the last three weeks, other players have posted notable numbers and still hold a decent chance. Receivers like Soul’s Keith Stokes, Blaze’s Alvance Robinson and Rush’s Reggie Gray are three players that have been very successful in the receiving game and special teams. Other cornerbacks like Rush’s Jason Simpson and SaberCat’s Mervin Brookins have been crucial to their team’s defensive and return game success.
The race for the JLS Ironman Award is beginning to get very interesting. The final five weeks of the season should give us a clearer view of who the toughest and most explosive players are throughout the AFL.  

Week 17 AFL Coaches' Poll

TULSA, OKLA. –After nine consecutive weeks ranked first in the Coaches’ Poll, the Jacksonville Sharks (13-2) fell out of the top spot. The Sharks lost their second game of the season to the San Jose SaberCats (6-9), 70-83, on Friday night. Going into the game, the Sharks had won an AFL-record 13 consecutive games. San Jose quarterback Mark Grieb earned Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 401 yards and nine touchdowns against the Sharks. Jacksonville heads home to face the Dallas Vigilantes (10-5) on Saturday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Arizona Rattlers (14-2) jumped into first place following a 68-46 home victory over the Spokane Shock (7-8). Arizona earned its seventh consecutive victory and clinched the West Division title. Arizona quarterback Nick Davila was nearly perfect as he completed 23-of-29 passes for 291 yards and nine touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him a bid for National Guard MVP of the Week. Davila and the Rattlers travel to Pittsburgh (8-7) on Sunday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The remainder of Arizona games will be played on the road.
The Chicago Rush (11-4) remained in the third spot, following their 59-35 home victory over the Utah Blaze (7-8). The Rush have won six out of their last seven games and secured a playoff spot. Chicago faces the Georgia Force (9-6) in Week 18 on Saturday, July 9 at 7:35 p.m. EST.
The Dallas Vigilantes (10-5) moved to fourth place in the Poll following their impressive home victory, 58-41, over the Philadelphia Soul (5-11). Vigilantes’ fullback Derrick Ross scampered for 26-yards and three touchdowns, helping Dallas earn their fourth straight victory. The Vigilantes will head to Jacksonville to play the second-ranked Sharks on Saturday night.
The Force dropped one spot, following a Week 17 bye. The Force is currently tied with the Orlando Predators (9-6) in the South Division, but own the tiebreaker due to head-to-head point differential. The Force now hosts the Rush in Week 18.
The Orlando Predators (8-6) remained sixth in the Poll after their home victory over the Pittsburgh Power, 62-54. The Predators hold the fourth and final spot in the American Conference playoffs. The team looks to keep the momentum up against the SaberCats on Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 p.m. EST. The Cleveland Gladiators (8-6) also stayed put in the Poll following their 62-58 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs (4-11). The Gladiators currently own a one-game lead over the Power in the East Division. The Gladiators travel to face the Philadelphia Soul in “Arena Football Friday” on NFL Network. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.
The Blaze stayed in the ninth spot of the Poll, following their 35-59 loss to third-ranked Chicago. Spokane stayed at No. 10 in the Poll after a road loss to the Arizona Rattlers on Saturday night. The Blaze currently own the tiebreaker in the playoff race due to their Week 6 victory over Spokane, 69-62. The two teams meet in Week 18 for the first ever outdoor AFL game in the Joe Albi Classic. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at 9:00 p.m. EST.  
WEEK 17 COACHES’ POLL

RK	Team (1st place votes)	W-L	Pts	Last Week
1	Arizona Rattlers (12)	14-2	165	2
2	Jacksonville Sharks (6)	13-2	156	1
3	Chicago Rush	11-4	124	3
4	Dallas Vigilantes	10-5	114	5
5	Georgia Force	9-6	103	4
6	Orlando Predators	9-6	94	6
7	Cleveland Gladiators	9-6	81	7
8	Pittsburgh Power	8-7	54	8
9	Utah Blaze	7-8	36	9
10	Spokane Shock	7-8	27	10