Massachusetts Pirates: Players Get Some Postseason Awards

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As the Massachusetts Pirates get ready for the trip to Henderson, NV, and a date with the Northern Arizona Rattlers, the team received more good news in the form of a couple of players being named to postseason award teams. Offensive lineman Jordan Branch and defensive end Guy Thomas were honored by making the second-team IFL All-Offense and second team All-Rookie teams.

Branch received a double honor this week, as he was named to both teams. His journey to the Massachusetts Pirates began after finishing his college career at the University of Maryland. He then joined the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. After failing to make either the roster or practice squad, Branch turned his attention to the indoor game and signed with the Pirates. He had an immediate impact on an offensive line that was one of the best in the IFL. The line ranked third in the league in least sacks allowed with 11. He also was responsible for helping the Pirates to establish a running game that led the way for running back Jimmy Robinson to have a thousand-yard season (1107) and score 31 TDs on the ground.

The Pirates had the best-rushing defense in the league this summer. They led the league in yards allowed with just 57.6 per game. DE Guy Thomas was a part of that reason. He made second-team All-Rookie in his first season in the IFL. He was third in the league in tackles for loss with 14 solo, 5 assists, and 59 total yards in losses for an average of 16.5 in 13 games. The average loss per game was at 1.27 yards. He also registered 4.5 sacks on the season. On the year, Thomas was in on 57 total tackles, averaging 4.4 a game.

The selections of these players and the rest of the postseason teams were made by the coaches of the IFL.