2004 Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Finalist

Name: Lance Phillips
High School: Wellston
Position: Guard / Linebacker
Class: Senior
Height: 6'1
Weight: 240 lbs.

Season Stats (through 10 games):
162 tackles
32 tackles for loss
8 sacks
3 forced fumbles
3 fumble recoveries
1 TD
1 interception
2 blocked extra points
2 blocked punts

Why he will win: There is an old saying: defense wins championships. Lance is one of the best defensive players in Southeast Ohio . His numbers are amazing when you consider he draws double and sometime triple teams from his middle linebacker position. His presence on the field causes constant changes out of opposing offenses, whether it is through an audible, spread formations, or entirely new game plans. He is the senior anchor on a Wellston Golden Rocket team that has clinched its first ever playoff appearance with a 7-2 record this season. Oh by the way, Phillips also plays two ways as a punishing blocker from his guard position, in addition to handling the long-snapping and place-kicking duties (also served as punter for the first part of the season).

Why he won't win: He doesn't get the pretty offensive numbers, i.e. touchdowns, yards, etc. Actually, he doesn't have ANY offensive stats. Most viable player of the year candidates garner attention by putting up massive offensive numbers and leading their teams to big wins. Many feel one defensive player cannot make a significant impact on the scoreboard, let alone the stat sheet, and if the voters think along these lines, Lance will not be the Gridiron Glory Player of the Year.

Reporter: Alex Adeyanju