Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Soul earn three honors for Week 1 performance

Three Philadelphia Soul  players have been honored by the Arena Football League for their performances in the Soul’s 58-52 overtime victory at the Pittsburgh Power (0-1) this past Friday.

Those receiving honors are: wide receiver Donovan Morgan (6-3, 225, Pearl River C.C.) earning ‘Russell Athletic Player of the Week’; defensive back Mike Brown (5-10, 185, Charleston Southern), earning ‘Spalding Highlight of the Week’; and defensive back Tanner Varner (6-0, 200, Northern Iowa), earning ‘Cutters Catch of the Week.'

“We are truly honored to be recognized as the stand-out performances of the week,” said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee.  “All three – Donovan, Mike and Tanner – were outstanding, but I am sure each one of them would tell you that the ‘W’ for the team was the most important aspect of the evening.”

Morgan finished with a team-record-tying 14 receptions for 189 yards, five touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown (tying another team record with six total touchdowns) in his debut game with the franchise.  Morgan, who is a third-year AFL veteran, was a First Team All-Arena performer in 2010 with the Tulsa Talons and was the AFL’s Rookie of the Year with the Chicago Rush in 2008.

Varner recorded two interceptions in the end zone against Power’s quarterback Bernard Morris.  One, which he grabbed after it bounced off two walls of the end zone, was the award winning catch.  He also added six total tackles and two pass break-ups.  Varner was an All-Arena performer last season with the Iowa Barnstormers where he led the AFL with 129.5 total tackles, 113 solo tackles, and added eight interceptions.

Mike Brown created the ‘Highlight of the Week’ when he intercepted Morris in overtime and returned it 15 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

The Soul will travel to Chicago to face the Rush this Friday, March 18, where Soul Head Coach Mike Hohensee will be coaching against the team that he led for nine seasons (2001-08, ’10).

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