This season some of the PFFL’s superstars like Cornell Mack and Chris Sullivan have turned in performances that warrant consideration for PLAYER OF THE YEAR honors. While some of the usual suspects will definitely be in the running to take home one of our three prestigious awards, there are a few underdogs that have elevated themselves into the discussion. Here are the players that I believe are most deserving of winning OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, and IRONMAN OF THE YEAR.

• Jordan Fowler, Quarterback, BILLY GOATZ: First things first: the BILLY GOATZ finished with a 9-1 record to win the STEEL EAST division. Fowler has been the focal point of an offense that led the league points, scoring 32 per game. This season Fowler has completed 81.7 percent of his passes for 44 touchdowns to just four interceptions. As a result of throwing for 44 TDs, Fowler is now tied with Jason Scott and Chris Sullivan for the single-season passing TD record. Perhaps the greatest indicator of Fowler’s greatness this season was the fact that he was never sacked. No player has played the quarterback position better than Fowler this year; therefore, he deserves strong consideration for OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.
   
• Rick Douglas, Wide Receiver, BILLY GOATZ: Making the All-Star team again this season will not be an unfamiliar honor for Rick Douglas. Season after season he puts up All Star-caliber performances. What makes the Spring 2016 season so special is the fact that he led the league in touchdowns receptions with 19. His 48 catches rank him among the top performers in the PFFL. While an argument can be made that Douglas’s spectacular season is a product of his quarterback’s big year, I would contend that Fowler’s impressive season would not have been possible without the contributions of Douglas.

• David Cash, Rusher, DARKWINGS: For the better part of his first couple of seasons with the PFFL, David Cash has flown under the radar mostly because the ‘WINGS have underperformed over the course of their tenure with the league. Contrarily the WINGS have put together an impressive 6-3 season this year. Cash has been a monster on defense for the WINGS. He has collected 21 tackles, two sacks, four picks, and one defensive touchdown. He is as vital to his team as any other defensive players are to their teams.
   
• James Fletcher, Defensive Back, BLUNT FORCE: James Fletcher might be the most unappreciated player on BLUNT FORCE. After All-Star QB Steve Chockla went down with a season-ending injury BLUNT FORCE could have folded up the proverbial tent and shifted their focus from this season to next season. Aside from All-Star WR Jeremy Molinaro, BLUNT FORCE needed a catalyst on the defensive side of the ball to generate pressure on opposing teams. Fletcher stepped up to the plate and became that player. The scrappy defender finished the season with 41 tackles, one sack, and three picks.

• Josh Linton, Wide Receiver, PUCK U: Josh has emerged as one of the best two-way players in the league. His consistent performance on both sides of the ball has contributed mightily to PUCK U’s 7-3 record. Offensively, Linton’s sure hands have netted him 39 receptions and 10 TDs. On defense Linton delivered 33 tackles, six picks, and one defensive touchdown.
   
• Mike Miller, Wide Receiver, STEELTOWN: Mike Miller is quite possibly the most physically intimidating yet humble players that we have in our league. Despite his uncanny resemblance to a prime Mike Tyson, Miller actually plays with a lot of finesse. With the great Chris Sullivan as his QB Miller caught 51 passes and and 13 TDs. Defensively, Miller collectd 35 tackles and one interception.