Standout performers from AAF Week 6

The Orlando Apollos are no longer undefeated after being taken out by the Arizona Hotshots in AAF Week 6 thanks in large part to a strong showing by running back Jhurell Pressley.

Pressley was just one of a number of players who stepped up big for their respective teams this weekend. Salt Lake also got another stellar outing from one of the best pass rushers in the league, among other standouts from the action on Saturday and Sunday.

These were the biggest stars from AAF Week 6.

Trent Richardson, running back, Birmingham Iron

Forget about his abysmal average per carry, Richardson is a scoring machine for the Iron this year. Late in the first quarter Sunday night in Arizona, the former NFL first-round bust hauled in a pass from Luis Perez and pulled off a series of incredible moves to punch in the first passing score of the season for his quarterback.

Then, in the third quarter, Richardson powered his way into the end zone for a second time on a running play, showing off some nifty moves to evade defenders then plowing home for the score.

All told, Richardson touched the ball 23 times for 90 yards and the two scores, giving him 10 touchdowns in just six games.

Logan Woodside, quarterback, San Antonio Commanders

Thanks to a stellar showing by his defense, Woodside didn’t have to throw a ton on Sunday against Atlanta. Yet when he did take his shots, the quarterback was on target. His first touchdown to Mekale McCay was a precision throw in the red zone. Then later on, he threw a perfect pass to Evan Rodriguez.

All told, Woodside completed 17-of-23 passes for 164 yards with two touchdowns and one two-point conversion as San Antonio rolled, 37-6.

Jhurell Pressley, running back, Arizona Hotshots

Arizona scored two touchdowns in total on Saturday as they took down Orlando, 22-17. The man responsible for both of the scores was Pressley, who ran one in and caught a pass that he took home in the red zone.

Pressley’s rushing score was the one that sealed the win late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 66 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 touches.

Reece Horn, wide receiver, Memphis Express

Memphis lost big at home Saturday, but nobody can fault Horn for not bringing it big time for his team. The 26-year-old former University of Indianapolis star had previously been nothing more than a role player for the Express. That all changed against Salt Lake.

Horn was targeted 10 times by quarterback Brandon Silvers. He hauled eight of those passes in for a grand total of 129 yards, including a long of 31 yards.

Jalin Marshall, wide receiver, Orlando Apollos

Marshall nearly hit the 100-yard mark, catching six passes for 98 yards. His fourth-quarter touchdown showed off his tremendous route-running abilities and his quickness. It also gave Orlando the lead at the time.

This performance marked the best of the season for Marshall, who had accumulated a grand total of 64 yards through the air in his previous three games.

Dontez Ford, wide receiver, San Diego Fleet

How’s this for a night’s work? Ford caught passes of 40, 72, and 70 yards Sunday night against Birmingham.

His deep speed was so deadly and gave the Fleet a much-needed boost. Unfortunately, after catching his third deep pass of the night, Ford went down with an injury and was unable to return to the game.

Karter Schult, defensive end, Salt Lake Stallions

When it comes to racking up sacks, nobody in the AAF compares to Schult. He came into AAF Week 6 with five sacks under his belt through five games. On Saturday, he added two more.

Schult doesn’t just sack quarterbacks, either. He hits them, and then he hits them again.

Including the four quarterback hits he registered on Saturday, he has 18 quarterback hits on the season. Look out, NFL offensive tackles. This guy’s going to be coming your way soon.

Derron Smith, safety, San Antonio Commanders

For the second week in a row, Smith took an interception to the house. He picked off Aaron Murray midway through the fourth quarter Sunday, going 87 yards to the house.

This marks the third interception in the past two games for Smith, who has emerged as perhaps the best cover safety in the AAF. He also registered two passes defensed and had three solo tackles.

L’Damian Washington, wide receiver, Birmingham Iron

In a high-octane game that saw both teams lighting it up through the air, Washington stepped up with easily his biggest game of the season in AAF Week 6.

Coming into the game, he had caught 14 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown. Sunday night, he hauled in four passes for 128 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion.

Washington not only put up big-time numbers catching passes from Luis Perez, but his electric 83-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter set an AAF record.