Power's Berry Renamed Ironman of the Week
By Matt Popchock
The Pittsburgh Power may be grounded after dropping their fourth game in six tries, but the one they call "Superman" has certainly taken flight.
Wide receiver/kick returner P.J. Berry, for the third week in a row, has been named the Ironman of the Week by the Arena Football League. In a 51-48 road loss to his former team, the New Orleans VooDoo, last Friday, he led all individuals in all-purpose yardage with 44 receiving and a touchdown on four catches, plus 242 yards on nine kick returns, including an end-to-end jaunt for his second special teams TD of the year.
Berry also threw a five-yard touchdown pass to fellow Pittsburgh newcomer Randy Hymes on a gadget play late in the second quarter.
Despite the Power's early-season struggles, the 29-year-old Virginia State product has been every bit the impact player the second-year franchise and its fans hoped he would after being named the AFL Ironman of the Year. Entering this weekend Berry leads the AFL with 853 kick return yards, averaging over 21 per attempt. Last year with the VooDoo he set a league single-season record with 3,708 all-purpose yards, and he currently has 1,278 to go with seven total TD's.
He and his mates will try to get back on track Saturday night at 7:30 when the Power host the East Division rival Cleveland Gladiators at CONSOL Energy Center.
(Follow the Power on Twitter @AFLPittsburgh.)
(Follow me on Twitter @mpopchock.)
