1954 NAAF Award Nominations
MVP
DL Sean Bowen BUF
The leader in many defensive categories this season, Bowen was a force in his first season with the Blue Wings. While he missed a game this season he still led in Sacks and Forced Fumbles. Bowen’s presence helped Buffalo to their first division title in the NAAF.
RB Élisée Marchal MTL
Looking for his 4th MVP, Marchal once again was the centerpiece of the Rouge offense. Leading the league in Rushing Touchdowns with 18 for the 5th time in league history and the second year in a row. Marchal is the best player in Montreal and continues to help lift the team into the playoffs and keep them in the hunt year after year.
WR Allen Atkins OTT
While Matieau will be looked at as a major part of the Royals' success this season, Atkins’ place on the team was shown its importance when the WR was out for a couple of games this season. In those games, Ottawa struggled and lost both, however with Atkins, they were a tough group to stop. Atkins also still tied for the league lead in Receiving Touchdowns despite missing the two games. Atkins has been overshadowed so much in his career despite being one of the most consistent players in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year
RB Élisée Marchal MTL - 18 Rushing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Rushing Yards, 1 POTW
QB Jean Matieau OTT - 26 Passing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Passing Yards, 2 POTW
Matieau was still a force on the field leading the league in passing TDs and Yards
WR Allen Atkins OTT - 13 Receiving Touchdowns (T-1st), 1st in Receiving Yards
QB Riley Kiernan WOR - 23 Passing Touchdowns (2nd), 2nd in Passing Yards
Kiernan had a breakthrough season after only throwing 7 TDs last season he spiked to 23 this season.
Defensive Player of the Year
DL Sean Bowen BUF - 5 Forced Fumbles (1st), 14 Sacks (1st), 1 POTW
LB Aengus Lynch ON - 4 Forced Fumbles (2nd), Led the league in Tackles, 1 POTW
Lynch came into his own as a true centerpiece for the Tigers this season and was a major factor on defense this season.
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT - 3 Forced Fumbles (3rd), 9 Sacks (2nd), 1 POTW
Viktorsson was a star on Ottawa’s defense this season in only his second season in the league. Overall a force on the line and many expect the 2nd round pick to continue the upward climb.
DB Alexander Bradley WOR - 6 Interceptions (1st), 2nd in the league in Knockdowns, 1 POTW
Bradley took over the game at times during his rookie season. Being the first guy not named Lee Wolfe to lead the way in interceptions in a long time. Bradley has earned much respect in his first year.
Special Teams Player of the Year
K Johnnie Berg BOS - 19 Field Goals (2nd), 21 Extra Points (4th)
Berg’s first year as the starting kicker in Boston was a successful one. Finishing second in field goals and keeping pace in extras made.
K Donald Brewer BUF - 22 Field Goals (1st), 24 Extra Points (3rd)
Brewer struggled early in his career in Buffalo, and many were waiting for Buffalo to move on from him, but they stuck it out and he has now topped the league in field goals and finished 3rd in extras.
K Bernard Barnett PRO - 16 Field Goals (3rd), 19 Extra Points (5th)
Barnett kept Providence in several games this season and was his usual self putting up 16 field goals.
Rookie of the Year
WR Darrel Duke LI - 3 Receiving Touchdowns
Duke didn’t have a spectacular season but still managed to get into the endzone a few times on a very rough Hawks team.
DL Vernon Spears LI - 1st in tackles (Rookies)
Spears didn’t get much spotlight, but he still played well on the line for the Hawks and led in tackles among rookies in his first season.
DB Alexander Bradley - 6 Interceptions (1st), 2nd in Knockdowns, 1 POTW
Bradley was easily the most dominant of rookies this season and made an impact at the top of the league.
Coach of the Year
Bobby Hooper BUF - Record: 7-2-1
After being robbed of the playoffs last season Hooper helped get his team back to the top this season with their first 7 win season in the NAAF.
Lewis Gallegos ON - Record: 5-5
In his first season at the helm in Kitchener, Gallegos was able to get the Tigers the closest they have been to the playoffs, and the team is excited for what he can bring for the next few years.
Emil Riddle WOR - Record: 5-5
After a combined 5 wins over their first 3 seasons, the Athletics brought Riddle on board, and quickly the coach turned the team into a competitive force that was also inches from their first playoff berth.
Breakout Player of the Year
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT - 3 Forced Fumbles (3rd), 9 Sacks (2nd), 1 POTW
Viktorsson, as mentioned before, was a force for Ottawa, and going into his third season, expect him to only get better.
QB Riley Kiernan WOR - 23 Passing Touchdowns (2nd), 2nd in Passing Yards
Kiernan’s third season showed that he was going to be a staple in the league for a long time as one of the best QB’s. Riddle helped Kiernan boost his confidence and get the Athletics moving forward.
WR Christian Venegas WOR - 13 Receiving Touchdowns (T-1st), 4th Receiving Yards
Venegas will likely be overshadowed by his QB, but you can’t deny the third-round pick has been a huge steal. Venegas was able to tie the league lead in Receiving Touchdowns with Atkins and was right in the mix for the Receiving yards leader.
1955 McCallister Cup Host
Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA - Capacity: 45,265
Once again the legendary stadium makes another bid to host the big game. The same argument applies from the last two seasons, the storied stadium has hosted many games and to see a neutral site game here could be special for the teams involved.
Long Island Stadium - Hempstead, NY - Capacity: 40,450
With the opportunity to grow the sport around the Long Island area, it would be a hard miss if the league passes upon bringing the championship to the Island. The league’s 4th largest stadium would bring a great atmosphere and the city might be perfect to host extra festivities.
Worcester Stadium - Worcester, MA - Capacity: 38,600
Worcester Stadium makes its third bid and is hoping to stake a claim at the hosting duties for their 2-year-old stadium. A pretty central location, especially for the New England teams, and once again would help to grow the sport in a weaker market.
Long Island Rebrand
It was rumoured that the team would get an overall this offseason and Owner/GM Wayne Tillman has confirmed that it would be happening this season but wanted feedback from the fanbase to see what direction they would take the team. They can vote to have the team stay as the Hawks, return to the Raiders, or suggest a possible new name. The "Hawks" name would maintain the new team’s identity and would continue to establish the brand in the city, however, a transition away may not be a bad idea with the lack of success that has come with the name. “Raiders” has been a long time name of the Long Island team and many fans will likely be more attracted to a familiar face in the city. A new option may remake the team altogether with some excitement but still might not grab the same fanbase as the Raiders or those tied to the Hawks.
MVP
DL Sean Bowen BUF
The leader in many defensive categories this season, Bowen was a force in his first season with the Blue Wings. While he missed a game this season he still led in Sacks and Forced Fumbles. Bowen’s presence helped Buffalo to their first division title in the NAAF.
RB Élisée Marchal MTL
Looking for his 4th MVP, Marchal once again was the centerpiece of the Rouge offense. Leading the league in Rushing Touchdowns with 18 for the 5th time in league history and the second year in a row. Marchal is the best player in Montreal and continues to help lift the team into the playoffs and keep them in the hunt year after year.
WR Allen Atkins OTT
While Matieau will be looked at as a major part of the Royals' success this season, Atkins’ place on the team was shown its importance when the WR was out for a couple of games this season. In those games, Ottawa struggled and lost both, however with Atkins, they were a tough group to stop. Atkins also still tied for the league lead in Receiving Touchdowns despite missing the two games. Atkins has been overshadowed so much in his career despite being one of the most consistent players in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year
RB Élisée Marchal MTL - 18 Rushing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Rushing Yards, 1 POTW
QB Jean Matieau OTT - 26 Passing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Passing Yards, 2 POTW
Matieau was still a force on the field leading the league in passing TDs and Yards
WR Allen Atkins OTT - 13 Receiving Touchdowns (T-1st), 1st in Receiving Yards
QB Riley Kiernan WOR - 23 Passing Touchdowns (2nd), 2nd in Passing Yards
Kiernan had a breakthrough season after only throwing 7 TDs last season he spiked to 23 this season.
Defensive Player of the Year
DL Sean Bowen BUF - 5 Forced Fumbles (1st), 14 Sacks (1st), 1 POTW
LB Aengus Lynch ON - 4 Forced Fumbles (2nd), Led the league in Tackles, 1 POTW
Lynch came into his own as a true centerpiece for the Tigers this season and was a major factor on defense this season.
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT - 3 Forced Fumbles (3rd), 9 Sacks (2nd), 1 POTW
Viktorsson was a star on Ottawa’s defense this season in only his second season in the league. Overall a force on the line and many expect the 2nd round pick to continue the upward climb.
DB Alexander Bradley WOR - 6 Interceptions (1st), 2nd in the league in Knockdowns, 1 POTW
Bradley took over the game at times during his rookie season. Being the first guy not named Lee Wolfe to lead the way in interceptions in a long time. Bradley has earned much respect in his first year.
Special Teams Player of the Year
K Johnnie Berg BOS - 19 Field Goals (2nd), 21 Extra Points (4th)
Berg’s first year as the starting kicker in Boston was a successful one. Finishing second in field goals and keeping pace in extras made.
K Donald Brewer BUF - 22 Field Goals (1st), 24 Extra Points (3rd)
Brewer struggled early in his career in Buffalo, and many were waiting for Buffalo to move on from him, but they stuck it out and he has now topped the league in field goals and finished 3rd in extras.
K Bernard Barnett PRO - 16 Field Goals (3rd), 19 Extra Points (5th)
Barnett kept Providence in several games this season and was his usual self putting up 16 field goals.
Rookie of the Year
WR Darrel Duke LI - 3 Receiving Touchdowns
Duke didn’t have a spectacular season but still managed to get into the endzone a few times on a very rough Hawks team.
DL Vernon Spears LI - 1st in tackles (Rookies)
Spears didn’t get much spotlight, but he still played well on the line for the Hawks and led in tackles among rookies in his first season.
DB Alexander Bradley - 6 Interceptions (1st), 2nd in Knockdowns, 1 POTW
Bradley was easily the most dominant of rookies this season and made an impact at the top of the league.
Coach of the Year
Bobby Hooper BUF - Record: 7-2-1
After being robbed of the playoffs last season Hooper helped get his team back to the top this season with their first 7 win season in the NAAF.
Lewis Gallegos ON - Record: 5-5
In his first season at the helm in Kitchener, Gallegos was able to get the Tigers the closest they have been to the playoffs, and the team is excited for what he can bring for the next few years.
Emil Riddle WOR - Record: 5-5
After a combined 5 wins over their first 3 seasons, the Athletics brought Riddle on board, and quickly the coach turned the team into a competitive force that was also inches from their first playoff berth.
Breakout Player of the Year
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT - 3 Forced Fumbles (3rd), 9 Sacks (2nd), 1 POTW
Viktorsson, as mentioned before, was a force for Ottawa, and going into his third season, expect him to only get better.
QB Riley Kiernan WOR - 23 Passing Touchdowns (2nd), 2nd in Passing Yards
Kiernan’s third season showed that he was going to be a staple in the league for a long time as one of the best QB’s. Riddle helped Kiernan boost his confidence and get the Athletics moving forward.
WR Christian Venegas WOR - 13 Receiving Touchdowns (T-1st), 4th Receiving Yards
Venegas will likely be overshadowed by his QB, but you can’t deny the third-round pick has been a huge steal. Venegas was able to tie the league lead in Receiving Touchdowns with Atkins and was right in the mix for the Receiving yards leader.
1955 McCallister Cup Host
Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA - Capacity: 45,265
Once again the legendary stadium makes another bid to host the big game. The same argument applies from the last two seasons, the storied stadium has hosted many games and to see a neutral site game here could be special for the teams involved.
Long Island Stadium - Hempstead, NY - Capacity: 40,450
With the opportunity to grow the sport around the Long Island area, it would be a hard miss if the league passes upon bringing the championship to the Island. The league’s 4th largest stadium would bring a great atmosphere and the city might be perfect to host extra festivities.
Worcester Stadium - Worcester, MA - Capacity: 38,600
Worcester Stadium makes its third bid and is hoping to stake a claim at the hosting duties for their 2-year-old stadium. A pretty central location, especially for the New England teams, and once again would help to grow the sport in a weaker market.
Long Island Rebrand
It was rumoured that the team would get an overall this offseason and Owner/GM Wayne Tillman has confirmed that it would be happening this season but wanted feedback from the fanbase to see what direction they would take the team. They can vote to have the team stay as the Hawks, return to the Raiders, or suggest a possible new name. The "Hawks" name would maintain the new team’s identity and would continue to establish the brand in the city, however, a transition away may not be a bad idea with the lack of success that has come with the name. “Raiders” has been a long time name of the Long Island team and many fans will likely be more attracted to a familiar face in the city. A new option may remake the team altogether with some excitement but still might not grab the same fanbase as the Raiders or those tied to the Hawks.
Most Valuable Player - WR Allen Atkins OTT
Another close vote between Atkins and Bowen, but Atkins will finally take home some more hardware, after being a constant runner-up in the first 6 seasons of the NAAF. There’s no denying the WR is the best to ever play and he made his importance this season with the impact he made in an injury-shortened season. He was still able to tie the league lead in receiving touchdowns, and lead in receiving yards. To make another point Ottawa was 0-2 without Atkins and with playoffs included 8-2 with him. He clearly is valuable to the Royals.
Playoff MVP - WR Allen Atkins OTT
Atkins was a huge piece in the Royals success and was able to score 5 touchdowns just two playoff games. Without the superstar Ottawa might have been going home early once again.
Offensive Player of the Year - QB Jean Matieau OTT
Ottawa takes another award home, but you can’t deny the abilities of Jean Matieau who has led the league in passing stats for the past 3 seasons. Nothing changed this year and with another strong season under his belt, Matieau is quickly solidifying himself as a true superstar.
Defensive Player of the Year - DL Sean Bowen BUF
Bowen was the clear winner in the DPOTY vote, earning 75% of the votes. Bowen was traded to the Blue Wings this offseason and quickly made a huge impact. Without having to carry the defense on his back, Bowen was able to get more comfortable and make bigger plays and be an even bigger monster on the field. A great year for a great defender who will only keep Buffalo in contention.
Special Teams Player of the Year - K Donald Brewer BUF
Brewer had a slow start to his career in Buffalo, but after a couple years of improvement, he has earned the honour of STPOTY. Brewer was on point for every kick this season leading the way in field goals and 3rd in extra points. The Blue Wings have to thank Brewer for a lot of the points they scored this season.
Rookie of the Year - DB Alexander Bradley WOR
There was really no challenge for the rookie of the year award. The second overall pick made an immediate impact on the field leading the league in interceptions in his first season. The interceptions earned him a DPOTY nomination as well. Bradley is one of the most talented rookies to come out of the draft and many expect him to continue his success into the future.
Coach of the Year - Emil Riddle WOR
The first-year NAAF coach was quickly a great addition for the Athletics who went from a 2-8 to 5-5 and narrowly missing the playoffs. Riddle was able to get the Athletics moving in the right direction and they are already looking like a top contender next season.
Breakout Player of the Year - QB Riley Kiernan WOR
Kiernan had some years to get better, but as soon as Kiernan got going he made a huge impact. He had 23 passing touchdowns, which was 2nd to Matieau. Kiernan looks to be a top tier QB for the next few years and the perfect leader for the Athletics.
s
1954 All-Stars
Offense:
QB Jean Matieau OTT (2)
RB Élisée Marchal MTL (6)
OL Andrew Furrson BOS (5)
OL Casey York BUF (5)
OL Eugésippe Chalifoux MTL (2)
OL Cliff Strautzenberger WOR (1)
OL James Knowles OTT (6)
WR Allen Atkins OTT (6)
WR Christian Venegas WOR (1)
WR Peter Brooks PRO (4)
TE Jervonte Howell OTT (1)
Defense:
DL Sean Bowen BUF (5)
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT (1)
DL Zakary Turbide MTL (1)
DL Craig Newman BOS (2)
LB Scotty Williams WOR (3)
LB Aengus Lynch ON (1)
LB Rusty McVee MTL (1)
DB Alexander Bradley WOR (1)
DB Lee Wolfe PRO (6)
DB Lester Murphy BOS (3)
S Shawn Jensen WOR (1)
Special Teams:
K Donald Brewer BUF (1)
1955 McCallister Cup Host - Long Island Stadium - Hempstead, NY
Long Island will enter their second season in the NAAF as the host for the championship game. The move makes sense for the league to grow the market in the Big Apple. The stadium is only a few years old which will make for a great location for the McCallister Cup.
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