Post by Kasey on Apr 15, 2015 12:42:05 GMT -8
Photo courtesy Portland Tribune
This article was updated 4/16/14 at 10:15 p.m.
After seeing Bryce Peila's defensive performance against the Spokane Shock on April 9, it is not difficult to see why he was named AFL Most Valuable Player for week 3.
Peila, who also was named Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, won a close fan vote, beating out Las Vegas Outlaws quarterback J.J. Raterink and Orlando Predators wide receiver Brandon Thompkins.
The second-year defensive back scored two third-quarter touchdowns; the first on a 46 yard interception return and the second on a three yard fumble recovery. The scores came within a one-minute, 47 second span early in the quarter, and combined to gave the Thunder a 34-29 lead. The Thunder went on to win the game, 47-43.
Peila, a 6'1" and 205-pound DB (he played jack linebacker last season) who played at Western Oregon prior to joining the Thunder for their inaugural season last year, also had 2 tackles in the game.
For the season, Peila has recorded 10 tackles and 3 pass break ups. Last season he accumulated 64.2 tackles, 8 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries and 7 pass break ups. He was named to the AFL All Defensive Second Team. In a vote conducted by the league last season, he was voted the 37th best player in the AFL by players league-wide.
The Thunder travel to Arizona to face the Rattlers on April 18. The game, which is the first road match up for the Thunder this season, starts at 6 p.m.
- MKM
To comment on this thread and others on this forum, please login or register.