The Indoor Football League is proud to announce the Players of the Week for week thirteen of the 2023 XV season. Arizona Quarterback, Drew Powell, is the Offensive Player of the Week. Tucson Defensive Lineman, Melik Owens, earns Defensive Player of the Week. Special Teams Player of the Week goes to Bryce Crawford, Kicker for the Frisco Fighters.
Drew Powell – OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Back-to-Back. Powell taking back-to-back Offensive Player of the Week nods is a snapshot of the Rattlers season. Simply, they had some struggles early but right now, they are rolling. After dealing with a litany of injuries (including Powell) early on, they are now healthy and are playing to their potential. Powell, the reigning IFL MVP, is playing as well as he ever has. This past week he faced a massive challenge in the Bay Area Panthers, who sat atop the Western Conference and were equally as hot, having won three in a row. Powell met the challenge whole-heartedly. He completed 17 of his 22 passing attempts for 230 yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, there were key moments where he would not be denied. He racked up 78 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Powell threw down a nine-touchdown performance to take down the Western Conference leaders, 70-63.
Melik Owens – DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tucson has been up and down throughout the year, floating around the middle of the packed Western Conference. In order to keep solid playoff contention, a win was very much needed this past week. Melik Owens made sure things got off to the start they wanted. As Duke City started the first drive of the game on offense, Owens flipped the script in just over three minutes. On the Gladiators fourth play of the game, Owens sacked quarterback, Charles McCullum, forcing a fumble on the play which was recovered in the end zone for a Sugar Skulls touchdown. Add that to the rest of his impressive night and Owens ended with six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one block.
Bryce Crawford – SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
There was a battle in Sioux Falls. Frisco needed every second (literally) to take down the Storm. It was a tight game throughout, which eventually saw Frisco up by 14 with under nine minutes to play. Sioux Falls then tore off 14 unanswered to tie the game at 51 with :39 left. Frisco should have felt confident in this situation. They had :39 seconds to set up the game winning field goal. The reason they should feel confident? Because Bryce Crawford is their kicker. He’s been great all year and was equally great that night. Bryce had already made a deuce and had gone 8/8 on PATs. They methodically drove down the field to set up a 21-yard field goal with :02 seconds on the clock. Crawford split the uprights for the 54-51 win. Crawford scored 13 points on the night.
As the 2023 IFL Playoffs approach, the consequences grow. Week 14 features six games. Five on Saturday and one on Sunday. Get all the details at www.GoIFL.com.