The National Arena League is now officially halfway through their third season. Who is up for awards such as MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year halfway through?
MVP – Luke Collis, Quarterback, Columbus Lions
Collis has been a very talented addition to the Lions, especially with the departure of two-time MVP runner up Mason Espinosa. Collis leads the league in many different categories, including total offense, passing yards, completions and is second in passing touchdowns. Should he continue to play this well, the Lions could make a serious run.
Offensive Player of the Year – Devin Wilson, wide reciever, Jacksonville Sharks
Devin Wilson has not lost a step since last season. He is the league leader with 12 touchdown receptions in five games. His quarterback Jonathan Bane will miss time, but don’t expect his productivity to drop. In fact, look for him to take a leadership role in Bane’s absence.
Defensive Player of the Year – Mike Green, Defensive Back, Carolina Cobras
Green was second on the Cobras during their championship run last season with seven interceptions. In the team’s six games this season, Green already has six interceptions. One of those went back for a touchdown. He is on pace to more than double his total from last season.
Rookie of the Year – Luke Collis, Quarterback, Columbus Lions
Not only is he dominating the stat sheet. He’s doing is as a rookie in the National Arena League.
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Chris Sanders-McCollum, Wide Receiver, Columbus Lions
Sanders-McCollum has been Collis’ top target over the Lions last four games so far. He has an astonishing 10 touchdowns in four games. If he keeps it up, he is on pace for 20 or more touchdown receptions by seasons end.
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Nick Woodman, Defensive Lineman, Jacksonville Sharks
The former Jersey Flight defensive lineman has been a huge part of Jacksonville’s star team. He has 18.5 total tackles in five games played, six of which are for losses, which leads the team. He also has forced four fumbles, which is the tops on the team.
Coach of the Year – Siaha Burley, Jacksonville Sharks
A championship and close to a second, Burley has the Sharks exactly where they should be – four wins in a row and atop the league. Jacksonville remains a favorite to win National Arena Bowl III, and all that starts with the man running the show.
