The Emirates American Football League [EAFL] handed out various individual and team awards in 17 different categories for the 2013-14 season, with Zavier Cobb headlining the list of honours.
Cobb received the EAFL League MVP for his performance as a Swiss army knife in the Dubai Barracudas offence.
The triple-threat Cobb finished the season as the EAFL’s leading rusher with 191 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries.
As a passer, Cobb ranked second with 388 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching five balls for 84 yards and a score.
What’s even more impressive is that Cobb changed his primary role midway through the season from running back and receiver to the most important position in the offence – quarterback.
Yet his ability to keep defences on their toes is what earned him the top honour at Friday night’s awards ceremony.
“The way we introduce the [MVP] award is that it’s the most dangerous man on the team, the guy you gameplan for, the guy that keeps you awake at night,” said Dustin Cherniawski, general manager of the EAFL.
“It’s the one who can single-handedly change the outcome of the game and that describes Zavier perfectly.”
Abu Dhabi Wildcats’ Ryan Michalenko took home the EAFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.
The “tackling machine”, as Cherniawski describes him, led the league by a wide margin with 34.5 tackles and two fumble recoveries, while also adding two interceptions.
The second closest player to Michalenko in tackles recorded 18.5.
Along with the individual honours, the seven teams distributed their own awards to their players in categories like Team Unsung Hero, Team Leadership Award and Team Most Improved Player.
Overall, Cherniawski views the past season as a success and is eyeing continued progress in the next campaign.
“This past season was a big improvement over our inaugural season,” he said.“The level of play was increased and the competitiveness. I think the sportsmanship as well.
"I think the guys know each other better now and the camaraderie is there. But more than anything, the teams and their legacies continue to develop and strengthen.
“We’re going to continue to grow. We’re expecting double-digit growth again next year as football continues to grow in popularity and awareness. I think Abu Dhabi is going to be another big growth market for us.”
The youth leagues, ranging from varsity to Pee Wee, have been a boost for increased awareness too.
“We do a great job of giving them a great experience and the word is getting out and people are signing up so we’re going to see some really great growth again in the youth league,” concluded Cherniawski.
Award winners
MVP: Zavier Cobb, Dubai Barracudas
EAFL Offensive Player of the Year: Andrej Tasic, Dubai Stallions
EAFL Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Michalenko, AD Wildcats
EAFL Special Teams Player of the Year: Chris Erickson, Dubai Stallions
EAFL Head Coach of the Year: Andre Sommersell, Dubai Stallions
EAFL Assistant Coach of the Year: Neil Bowles, Dubai Barracudas
