CPIFL Announces Players of the Week, Ira Autrey Honored for Bombers

Ira Autrey shown out if front of the pack as he returns a kick-off for a touchdown versus Bloomington.

Lawrence, KS. – With four weeks remaining in the CPIFL regular season eight of the nine teams in the league remain in contention for one of the four playoff spots. Fans are sure to be treated to great games down the stretch as teams fight for every inch as the playoffs loom. Three players had outstanding efforts in Week 11 and are being recognized as CPIFL Players of the Week.

Offensive Player of the Week: Johnny Bentley, Sioux City Bandits
Bentley broke the CPIFL single game record for rushing touchdowns as he rushed for six scores vs. Omaha in the Bandits’ 61-47 victory. Bentley rushed for 117 yards on 17 carries. He also added two receptions for 40 yards. Bentley is on pace to break his own CPIFL single season rushing record which he set last year with 708 yards. Bentley currently leads the league with 620 rushing yards through 9 games this year. The Bandits will look to stay atop the league standings as they welcome Bloomington to the Tyson Events Center on Saturday.

Defensive Player of the Week: Antonio Ficklin, Lincoln Haymakers
Ficklin was seeing his first action since April 12 as he returned from injury to make an immediate impact for the Haymakers in their 54-17 victory over the Kansas Koyotes. Ficklin recorded three tackles with two of them resulting in a loss for the Koyotes including two sacks. Ficklin is seventh in the league in sacks with five. The Haymakers will try to stay alive for a playoff berth as they host Omaha on Friday.

Special Teams Player of the Week: Ira Autrey, Salina Bombers
Autrey gave the Bombers a spark through his 22.2 yard average on his five kick returns in the Bombers’ 58-50 loss in Bloomington. Autrey brought the Bombers within seven points of the Edge at the end of the first half with a 48-yard return for a touchdown. Autrey is averaging 16.8 yards per kick return this season. In Week 12, Salina will look to keep their hold on the fourth spot in the standings as they travel to Oklahoma to face the Defenders.

Week 12 action in the CPIFL begins on Friday night with Omaha travelling to Lincoln. On Saturday Bloomington visits Sioux City, Oklahoma hosts Salina and Kansas travels to Wichita. Stay connected with the CPIFL all season by following us on Twitter @CPIFL and becoming a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/cpifl.