AFL AWARDS WEEK 1 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2020) – The Arena Football League has announced that Orlando’s Randy Hippeard, Arizona’s Damien Borel and Luis Vazquez, and Philadelphia’s Shaun Kauleinamoku have been named as the Under Armour Offensive Player, Riddell Co-Defensive Players and AFL Playmaker of the Week for Week 1, respectively. In addition to these awards, the AFL has awarded Los Angeles KISS WR Donovan Morgan the Cutters Catch of the Week, while the AFL Highlight of the Week was awarded to Cleveland’s Joe Powell. Those clips can be found by following the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).

UNDER ARMOUR OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Hippeard (6’3, 215, Virginia-Wise) completed 20-of-30 passes for 241 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in the Predators’ 76-25 victory over the rival Tampa Bay Storm this past weekend at the Amalie Arena. The third-year quarterback is coming off a season in 2015 where he passed for 2,997 yards, 61 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

RIDDELL CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Borel (6’4, 300, Butte C.C.) and Vasquez (6’3, 265, Arizona State) each recorded 2.0 total sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Vazquez’ recovery was for a touchdown in the Rattlers’ 80-28 opening weekend victory over the Portland Steel at the Moda Center. Arizona defense had a total of 27 points off turnovers, while recording six sacks two interceptions.

J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK: Kauleinamoku (5’10, 190, Western Oregon) tallied seven receptions for 95 yards and three touchdowns in the Soul’s 69-41 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators this past weekend at the Quicken Loans Arena. The native of Hawaii enters his second season with Philadelphia after posting 70 receptions for 1,035 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2015.

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK: Morgan (6’3, 215, Pearl River C.C.) continues to add to his outstanding AFL career as his first touchdown of the evening – an 11-yard score from QB Nathan Stanley in the first quarter – gave him 250 for his career and the “Catch of the Week”. The six-year veteran receiver added two more and currently sits tied with former AFL star Mike Horacek in the No. 8 spot with 252 touchdowns. The KISS defeated the Jacksonville Sharks, 64-39.

AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: Powell (6’2, 205, Globe Tech) got off to a great start, including two interception returns for touchdown in his 2016 debut. His second pick came after he made a spectacular catch and returned it 45 yards for the score in the third quarter of Friday’s loss 69-41 loss to Philadelphia.

Under Armour Offensive Player candidates included: Arizona’s Nick Davila, Philadelphia’s Dan Raudabaugh and Los Angeles’ Nathan Stanley.

Riddell Defensive Player candidates included: Philadelphia’s Dwayne Hollis, Jacksonville’s Chris Smith, Orlando’s Paul Stephens and Los Angeles’ Rayshaun Kizer.

J. Lewis Small Playmaker candidates included: Arizona’s Rod Windsor, Orlando’s Greg Carr, Los Angeles’ Donovan Morgan, and Jacksonville’s Derrick Ross.

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).