1962 NAAF Award Nominations

1962 NAAF Award Nominations

MVP
LB Scotty Williams LOU
Williams’ first season with the Thunder was a fantastic one. While there are many players that deserve a level of credit for the success Louisville had this season, but with Williams coming into the team and once again taking the league lead in tackles and forced fumbles, there is no denying how much of an impact one of the best players in league history makes. He also added even more leadership with the team that has helped keep their eyes on the price. 

QB Jean Matieau OTT
The Royals had missed the playoffs last season in what was their worst since Matieau had taken over as the starting quarterback. However, this season, they were able to bounce back with a great 5-1 start. The main reason comes from the veteran QB who once again found himself tied at the top of the league in passing touchdowns this season, which is quite impressive at the age of 36. His leadership and play helped Ottawa return to the playoffs. 

DB Neville Falkner PRO
Falkner made a huge impact in just his second season in the NAAF. He tied the league lead in interceptions with 6 and then had a pair of those taken back for touchdowns. He helped the Gold Stars back to the top of the division-leading the way for a defence that made a lot of noise this season. 

Offensive Player of the Year
WR Zachariah Pembroke BUF - 11 Receiving Touchdowns (1st), 4th in Receiving Yards
His first year with the Blue Wings was quite successful, skyrocketing to the top of the league in receiving touchdowns
RB Clifford Russell LDN - 14 Rushing Touchdowns (1st), 2nd in Rushing Yards
Russell had a strong year being the main source of offence for the Tigers this season. It likely would have been a better season if not for a late-season injury.
RB Rodney Clark LOU - 12 Rushing Touchdowns (T-2nd), 4th in Rushing Yards
Clark had a strong year for the Thunder being their main source of offence this season.
QB Jean Matieau OTT - 21 Passing Touchdowns (T-1st), 1st in Passing Yards
A strong year for the 36-year-old veteran who continues to do his best.

Defensive Player of the Year
LB Brent Harper BOS - 6 Forced Fumbles (2nd), 2nd in Tackles
Harper was an anchor in the defence for Boston as usual and makes another attempt at being the league’s best defensive player
LB Scotty Williams LOU - 7 Forced Fumbles (1st), 1st in Tackles
The MVP candidate certainly is a front-runner for DPOY with the stats he put up this season.
S Johnny Berger LOU - 6 Interceptions (T-1st), 1 Defensive Touchdown
Johnny Berger was slightly overshadowed by Williams this season, but he had an important role in the Thunder secondary coming up with many interceptions. 
DB Neville Falkner PRO - 6 Interceptions (T-1st), 2 Defensive Touchdowns
Falkner just keeps on showing that he’s likely one of the best players to ever come out of the draft. 

Special Teams Player of the Year
K Johnnie Berg BOS - 28 Field Goals (T-1st), 26 Extra Points, 1 Single, 111 Points
Berg only had one blemish on their strong season with a bad miss resulting in a single, a great year for the Independents’ kicker
K Nimrod Handsworth LDN - 28 Field Goals (T-1st), 27 Extra Points, 111 Points
Handsworth continues to show that he might be one of the best kickers in league history as he continues to put up massive numbers each season.
K Maurice Lafayette OTT - 21 Field Goals (4th), 29 Extra Points, 93 Points
Lafayette was a ways back from the front runners, but he still had a strong season for the Royals. 

Rookie of the Year
LB Orion Carter BUF - 1 Forced Fumble, 1st in Rookie Tackles
Orion Carter made a strong impact in the Blue Wings front 7 in his first season leading the way in tackles for rookies this season 
OL Jean-Baptiste Desjardins IND - Ummm...something something OL stats...look he's really good I swear
Desjardins made a huge impact for the Victors this season. With the greater stability on the line, the team could actually move the ball and had their best season.
DL Pat Butler ATH - 3 Forced Fumbles, 3rd in Rookie Tackles
Butler had a difficult task of being a leader on The Athletics this season as a rookie. He managed to rise to the job and ended up coming up with 3 forced fumbles. 

Coach of the Year
HC Roy Aguirre LDN - Record: 10-2
Aguirre had the difficult task of managing an injury-riddled season, and despite missing almost their entire LB core, they still managed to win the West Division.
HC Emil Riddle LOU - Record: 9-3
Riddle deserves a lot of credit for keeping the Thunder on track this season. The 2-time winner managed to bring the Thunder back to 9-3.
HC Harry Meadows PRO - Record: 8-4
Meadows managed to get the Gold Stars defence at the top of their game this season a led the team back to the top of the East Division

Breakout Player of the Year
WR Zachariah Pembroke BUF - 11 Receiving Touchdowns (1st), 4th in Receiving Yards 
Pembroke got to shine in Buffalo after leaving The Athletics, shooting to the top in receiving touchdowns this season.
WR Ed Edwards IND - 7 Receiving Touchdowns (T-4th), 2nd in Receiving Yards
Edwards certainly didn’t make as much noise while playing on the Victors, but he managed to shoot up to 2nd in the league in receiving yards and be a major weapon for the Victors’ offence.
DL Hubert Tessier MTL - 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Defensive Touchdown
Tessier had a great breakout season leading the way for the Montreal D-line that helped the team recover from a slow start

45th McCallister Cup Host
Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA - Capacity: 45,265 - Last Host: 1957
Richardson Stadium remains the classic home for the game with Boston being the largest market in the NAAF. Boston continues to be on the league’s radar as a place to host the big game each year.
Mount Royal Stadium - Montreal, QC - Capacity: 46,500 - Last Host: 1959
It hasn’t been very long since Montreal last hosted, but the atmosphere that Mount Royal Stadium provides is just too hard to pass up. Montreal remains a nice place to continue to host the big game.
Long Island Stadium - Hempstead, NY - Capacity: 40,450 - Last Host: 1955
Long Island has been looking to host the game for some time now. The Raiders stadium has been a strong home building and could be a great opportunity to host another championship game.