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Defensive Back, Larry Preston
is this year's "Defensive MVP".
In perusing the Orlando
Rage defensive statistics the name "Larry Preston"
won't particularly stand out. And the fact that he
doesn't stand out is EXACTLY why Larry is unique.
Larry has been with the
Rage since before the Rage was actually the "Rage". In
the early years the current Rage were the "Orlando
Starz" of the United Football League. Over the roughly
10 seasons, Larry has been a constant and
irreplaceable part of the Rage defensive backfield.
This fact has not gone unnoticed as opposing teams
gameplan AWAY from Larry's side of the field.
Also, given the youth and
inexperience in the Rage Defensive Backfield, Larry is
a de facto "coach on the field" assisting with
calls and adjustments. Larry has been a constant and
integral fixture in the Rage defense and, as in years
past, he continues to excel.
LARRY PRESTON, Defensive
MVP of 2012 |
In 2012 the Orlando Rage offense
amassed almost 400 points and ended up just shy of
5,000 total yards (4,970), 1,500 more yards than the
next closest competitor.
Also the Rage had the
league-leading rusher in Levi Raines (1,272 yds), the
leading passer, Kyle Israel (2,310 yds and Pass Eff.
Rating of 141.1), and Nakeem Pittman (33 rec, 10 tds
and 25.1 yard avg per reception), and other offensive
weapons.
The glory always seems to go to the
lower jersey numbers; 5, 7, 12, etc. But without the
"ugly numbers" there'd be no scoring.
This season's "Offensive MVP" goes
to the Orlando Rage Offensive line.
Anchored by C Ty Abney and flanked
by Chip Babley, Clif Nichols, Dwight Gifford, Shawn Clingan, John Altomare, Larry Califar, Scott Gearhardt,
Adam Lanagham, and Robert Morgan the Rage ran and
passed their way to the post season.
CONGRATULATIONS to the "Big and
Uglies" for their often overlooked efforts! |
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Jerrel McCoy
came to the Rage as a rookie this season at a time when
the defensive backfield was in turmoil. The Rage were
searching for a new Defensive Coordinator and a
defensive backs coach. The Rage were also looking to
replace several defensive backs who "graduated" to the
ranks of the Pros and college. Jerrel immediately
stood out.
Since first
taking the practice field in November, Jerrel has worked
himself from being identified by the players and staff
as "number 24" to Jerrel the "REAL" McCoy.
In his rookie
season Jerrel has accounted for 27 solo tackles,
countless assists, 15 pass break ups and one "pick six".
After a big play Jerrel acts like the professional that
he is-he goes back to the huddle to prepare for the next
play.
What's more,
Jerrel works for Orange County Public Schools as a
classroom instructor to middle schoolers.
It's his quiet
leadership and solid performance that make him ORLANDO
RAGE DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. |
With a deep history of running backs
with names of Raines, Slater, Rivers, Thomas, Scott,
Boston and Cummings, it's difficult to be noticed in the
Orlando Rage backfield. This season a new name appeared;
Lovelace.
Sheldon Lovelace came to the Rage
officially as a "Rookie" to the league, but not as a
first-timer in amateur football. Despite his experience
early in the season Sheldon didn't get many carries.
With Levi Raines suffering a mid
season injury and Rashad Cummings signing a professional
contract, Sheldon found his chance. And he took it!
Sheldon managed three games with over 100 yards total
rushing and against the X Men garnered 211 yards. Also
he managed six touchdowns on the season.
Rage Running Backs coach Jose Bonilla
commented that Sheldon was "the best kept secret" of the
first half of the season.
Sheldon's work-ethic and
contributions make him ORLANDO RAGE OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF
THE YEAR. |
ORLANDO
RAGE FOOTBALL
