Meyer and Goosby earn weekly honors

Tuesday May 26, 2015

 Charles and Geathers also awarded for weekend’s highlights

CHICAGO – San Jose SaberCats quarterback Erik Meyer has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Philadelphia Soul fullback/linebacker Joe Goosby has been awarded Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 9 of the 2015 Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. The Cutters Catch of the Week has been awarded to Spokane Shock wide receiver Samuel Charles, while the AFL Highlight of the Week has been awarded to Orlando Predators defensive end Jeremy Geathers.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Meyer (6-2, 215, Eastern Washington) enjoyed the best statistical game of his SaberCats career last week, completing 30-of-42 passes for 406 yards and nine touchdowns in San Jose’s 70-58 win over the Cleveland Gladiators. The former League MVP has recorded a triple-digit passer rating in each of his last four games played.

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK / J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK
Goosby (6-1, 235, Tulane) was a true Ironman in Week 9, excelling in all three phases of the game in Philadelphia’s 71-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm. The fifth-year pro scored three offensive touchdowns filling in at fullback for the Soul, but also made his presence felt on defense and special teams, forcing two fumbles, securing a six-yard pick-six, and blocking a PAT try and returning it for a score.

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK
Charles (6-3, 210, Edward Waters College) made his first career touchdown reception a memorable one, going over the walls in the back corner of the end zone for a five-yard score in Spokane’s 63-56 victory over the Las Vegas Outlaws in Week 9. Charles finished the game with two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. He will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch.

AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Geathers (6-3, 255, UNLV) made a tide-turning defensive play early in the first quarter of Orlando’s 69-43 win over the Portland Thunder in Week 9. On the first snap of the Thunder’s second offensive drive, Geathers worked his way into the backfield to strip the ball out of the hands of quarterback Darron Thomas. The veteran pass rusher was then able to scoop up the ball and rumble 22 yards for a Predators touchdown.

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Jacksonville’s Tommy Grady, Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins, Philadelphia’s Joe Goosby, and Spokane’s Warren Smith.

Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Jacksonville’s Greg Reid, Las Vegas’ Eddie Moten, Orlando’s Jeremy Geathers, and San Jose’s Ken Fontenette.

J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Jacksonville’s Anthony Jones, Orlando’s Brandon Thompkins, San Jose’s Reggie Gray, and Spokane’s Anthony Amos.

The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include Philadelphia Soul fullback/linebacker Joe Goosby, San Jose SaberCats wide receiver Reggie Gray, and Spokane Shock quarterback Warren Smith. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 27. The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 28.

About the AFL
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 will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2015 season. This season will also be the first with Scott C. Butera leading the way as Commissioner. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVIII Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.