Post by fwp on Jul 18, 2009 7:14:14 GMT -5
www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_12848370
EL PASO -- The El Paso Generals' first 10 victories didn't draw much recognition from the Indoor Football League.
The last two wins made a much bigger impression.
Brian Brents was named the league's coach of the year for the IFL's best new franchise, head lining a big list of awards for the first-year Generals.
"I don't think it should be coach of the year. I think it should be coaching staff of the year," Brents said. "Coaches (Williams) McCarthy, (Gary) Patterson, (Billy) Avalos, those guys have done a great job, too.
"There are 19 (head) coaches across the country working their tails off all year long, taking time away from their families. It's a tough job.
"To get the award is an honor."
It was one of several for the Generals, who didn't even have a player of the week in the first 12 games of what turned into a 12-2 regular season that tied for the best record in the 19-team IFL.
El Paso put three players on the league's first team, released Wednesday, including receiver Deangelo Woodie, offensive lineman Jermaine Pruitt and defensive lineman Ron Elling ton, while quarterback Tommy Jones was second team.
Only Billings and Wichita had more players make the all-league team, as they each had two second teamers to go with three first teamers.
Woodie also was the league's special teams player of the week following El Paso's victory in Abilene in which he had a kick return for a score.
Last week, defensive lineman Jermaine Blakeley won El Paso's first award of the season when he was the league's defensive player of the week.
"All the sudden, 'Here we go,'" Brents said of the wave of awards. "Our guys like playing under the radar, sneaking up on people. We don't have flashy guys who have to be the No. 1 target, we just have average guys who play hard and win ball games."
Those players, though, were happy to see their coach recognized for the 12-2 record.
"It's a great honor, and I'm proud to have been part of that," Ellington said. "That will help all the players get better looks from other leagues."
Owner Albert Smith also was proud of Brents.
"Hiring Brian Brents was the best thing we've done," he said. "After we decided to bring a team to El Paso, after we brought the logo, Brian Brents was the best thing that ever happened here."
Bret Bloomquist may be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; 546-6359.
EL PASO -- The El Paso Generals' first 10 victories didn't draw much recognition from the Indoor Football League.
The last two wins made a much bigger impression.
Brian Brents was named the league's coach of the year for the IFL's best new franchise, head lining a big list of awards for the first-year Generals.
"I don't think it should be coach of the year. I think it should be coaching staff of the year," Brents said. "Coaches (Williams) McCarthy, (Gary) Patterson, (Billy) Avalos, those guys have done a great job, too.
"There are 19 (head) coaches across the country working their tails off all year long, taking time away from their families. It's a tough job.
"To get the award is an honor."
It was one of several for the Generals, who didn't even have a player of the week in the first 12 games of what turned into a 12-2 regular season that tied for the best record in the 19-team IFL.
El Paso put three players on the league's first team, released Wednesday, including receiver Deangelo Woodie, offensive lineman Jermaine Pruitt and defensive lineman Ron Elling ton, while quarterback Tommy Jones was second team.
Only Billings and Wichita had more players make the all-league team, as they each had two second teamers to go with three first teamers.
Woodie also was the league's special teams player of the week following El Paso's victory in Abilene in which he had a kick return for a score.
Last week, defensive lineman Jermaine Blakeley won El Paso's first award of the season when he was the league's defensive player of the week.
"All the sudden, 'Here we go,'" Brents said of the wave of awards. "Our guys like playing under the radar, sneaking up on people. We don't have flashy guys who have to be the No. 1 target, we just have average guys who play hard and win ball games."
Those players, though, were happy to see their coach recognized for the 12-2 record.
"It's a great honor, and I'm proud to have been part of that," Ellington said. "That will help all the players get better looks from other leagues."
Owner Albert Smith also was proud of Brents.
"Hiring Brian Brents was the best thing we've done," he said. "After we decided to bring a team to El Paso, after we brought the logo, Brian Brents was the best thing that ever happened here."
Bret Bloomquist may be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; 546-6359.