1956 Awards

1956 Awards

Most Valuable Player - LB Scotty Williams WOR
The Vote was close once again to decide the league’s MVP. For the first time, a defensive player will take home the award as Scotty Williams won out the vote. Williams put on his usual show in Worcester’s defence, yes, MVP calibre seasons are normal for Williams. He is such a dominant force on the league’s top team and defence. Leading the league in tackles and forced fumbles, Williams was the last guy you’d want to run into in the open field. Another fantastic season from Williams earns him this honour. 

Playoff MVP - QB Jean Matieau OTT
Matieau came alive in the playoffs once again. He put up 6 touchdowns and 392 Passing Yards in the playoffs leading the Royals to their 3rd straight title. Any demons he had back during his early years have been erased as the pressure no longer fazes him. 

Offensive Player of the Year - QB Riley Kiernan WOR
Kiernan came off of a down year in the 1955 season, and he shot to the top with a great season this year. Leading the Athletics to a 9-1 finish and topping Jean Matieau in passing touchdowns were just some of the highlights from an excellent season from Worcester’s starting QB. 

Defensive Player of the Year - LB Aengus Lynch ON
Aengus Lynch managed to put together a top-notch season despite missing 2 games. He finished 2nd in tackles and forced fumbles this season only behind MVP Scotty Williams. Lynch was a major part of the Tigers' success in the second half of the season. A well-deserved award for Lynch.

Special Teams Player of the Year - K Thomas McFadden - LI
Once again, Thomas McFadden takes home the special teams player of the year award. McFadden has made his mark on the franchise and the league. He is the last remaining Hartford Hawk from the team’s first season and he has continued to dominate in the kicking game over that time. 

Rookie of the Year  - RB Clifford Russell ON
The 1956 draft class was a much weaker class than normal, but it still provided a pair of top tier running backs. It was the 3rd overall pick that had a greater opportunity and ran with it. Russell took over the Tigers’ starting job midway through the season and was a big part of getting them into the playoffs. Russell should be an excellent player in Ontario for the foreseeable future. 

Coach of the Year - Emil Riddle WOR
Riddle takes home his second Coach of the Year award after leading the Athletics to a team-best 9-1 record. Another fantastic season for Riddle in Worcester with plenty more sure to come. 

Breakout Player of the Year - RB Marcus Devonshire WOR
Devonshire officially took over the starting role in Worcester 2 years ago. He dealt with injuries over the last season, but he broke through with a fantastic year this season. He put up 15 touchdowns (2nd in the league) and the 3rd most Rushing Yards. He is a great player and will likely be a key part of the Athletics success moving forward. 

1957 NAAF All-Stars
Offence:
QB Riley Kiernan WOR (1)
RB Arthur Conner BUF (3)
OL Bruce Wesley LI (1)
OL Cliff Strautzenberger WOR (2)
OL Aaron Spears OTT (1)
OL Casey York BUF (7)
OL Andrew Furrson BOS (8)
WR Christian Venegas WOR (2)
WR Chester Bennett OTT (1)
WR Peter Brooks PRO (6)
TE Jervonte Howell OTT (3)

Defence:
DL Sean Bowen BUF (7)
DL Dee Floyd ON (1)
DL Olaf Viktorsson OTT (3)
DL Calias McDonough PRO (1)
LB Scotty Williams WOR (5)
LB Aengus Lynch ON (3)
LB Elijah Goldwater LI (1)
DB Lee Wolfe PRO (8)
DB Alexander Bradley WOR (3)
DB Quentin Xavier MTL (1)
S Shawn Jensen WOR (3)

Special Teams:
K Thomas McFadden LI (5)

39th McCallister Cup Host - Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA
Historic Richardson Stadium will be the host of the 39th McCallister Cup bringing the game back to Boston for the first time since 1949. It will be the 3rd straight host from the New England area, however, it has been 6 years since a New England Division team has won.