On the eve of Arena Bowl XXIX, the American Conference champion Philadelphia Soul were honored for their standout performances that have landed them in the championship game at the Arena Bowl media day.
Philadelphia head coach Clint Dolezel led his team to a share of the league’s best record at 15-3, tied with of course the Arizona Rattlers.
It was only fitting then that Dolezel and Kevin Guy from Arizona split the voting for coach of the year for the first time in league history.
For Dolezel, this was the second straight time he has won the award.
The Soul’s defensive back Tracy Belton also recognized for his outstanding season, receiving the season’s Riddell Defensive Player of the Year award.
His resume for the 2016 campaign included nine interceptions (a league high), 90 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and 20 pass-breakups.
Former soul great Donovan “Captain” Morgan also earned the league’s first commissioner award, after a season with the L.A. Kiss where he put up 1,426 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The key man standing in Philly’s way of a championship Friday night, Nick Davila, was awarded the league’s Most Valuable Player for the third time as the Arizona Rattlers’ quarterback.
For much of the season, it was a three-way hunt between Davila, Dan Raudabaugh and Randy Hippeard for the MVP race, but Davila clearly ran away as the favorite in the second half of the season.
While the Rattlers’ leader earned the league’s top player award, the Soul will be hoping that defense really does win championships with their awarded performances on the other side of the ball.
No comments:
Post a Comment