ORLANDO'S PAXTON DELAURENT, VEGAS' JOE FOUCHA, AND SAN DIEGO'S ERNESTO LACAYO EARN WEEK 20 PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
The Indoor Football League is proud to announce the Players of the Week for Week 20 of the 2026 season. Orlando Pirates quarterback Paxton DeLaurent has been named Offensive Player of the Week, Vegas Knight Hawks defensive back Joe Foucha has earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, and San Diego Strike Force kicker Ernesto Lacayo has been selected as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Paxton DeLaurent, QB, Orlando Pirates
With the final playoff berth on the line, DeLaurent delivered one of the most prolific performances of the 2026 season. The veteran quarterback completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 244 yards and six touchdowns while adding 24 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. His nine total touchdowns powered Orlando to a win-and-in victory, securing the Pirates' spot in the 2026 IFL Playoffs. It marks DeLaurent's second Offensive Player of the Week honor this season.
Joe Foucha, DB, Vegas Knight Hawks
Returning to the lineup after missing time with an injury, Foucha made an immediate impact in the Knight Hawks' secondary. The defensive back recorded two interceptions while forcing and recovering a fumble, helping Vegas control the game on the defensive side of the ball. He also added a tackle as the defending champions closed out the regular season with another dominant performance heading into the playoffs.
Ernesto Lacayo, K, San Diego Strike Force
Lacayo continued his outstanding season by accounting for 16 points in San Diego's Week 20 victory. The veteran kicker was perfect on all three field goal attempts and all three extra points while adding two deuces, consistently flipping field position and extending drives with his powerful leg. His all-around special teams performance helped the Strike Force finish the regular season on top of the IFL standings and earn the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.
The 2026 IFL Playoffs kick off this Saturday, with eight teams beginning their pursuit of the IFL Championship.
Originally published by the Indoor Football League. Imported as a draft for editorial review.