AFL honors Rush players Alfonzo, Martin

Chicago Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo and defensive back Chris Martin have been named the Arena Football League's Ironman of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, for their performances in the team's 63-56 win over Milwaukee Saturday.

The victory moved the Rush (8-3) ahead of Milwaukee (7-4) and into sole possession of first place in the AFL's Midwest Division.

With the Rush short on receivers due to injury, Alfonzo played the entire game on offense, catching seven passes for 97 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown. He also played the entire second half on defense, intercepting a Chris Greisen pass in the end zone and returning it 54-yards for a game-winning touchdown with just 43 seconds remaining. It was Alfonzo's league-leading third interception return for a touchdown this season.

Martin led all players with 10 tackles and added an interception and two passes broken up.

His interception came at the Rush 5-yard line with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter and Chicago trailing 42-35. Five plays later, Rush quarterback J.J. Raterink connected with Travis LaTendresse on an 18-yard TD pass to tie the game at 42-42, bringing the Rush all the way back from a 21-point first half deficit.

The Rush remains home on Saturday to host the Orlando Predators and former Rush star wide receiver Bobby Sippio. Kickoff at Allstate Arena is set for 7 p.m., and the first 5,000 fans who enter the arena will receive a 2010 Chicago Rush team poster courtesy.