LAS VEGAS (AFLWA) – Colorado offensive specialist Damian Harrell caught four touchdown passes, including the game-winning 11-yarder, to lead the defending champion Crush to victory over the Chicago Rush, and was named the Arena Football League Writers Association Player of the Week.

Harrell finished with seven catches for 111 yards in the Crush's 65-56 season-opening victory. His final touchdown catch occurred with 1 second left to break the tie at 56. A safety on the ensuing kickoff resulted in the final points.

"The way I separate myself from the rest of the league is going up and making those plays," Harrell told the Denver Post. "When they call my number, that's what I want to do."

Harrell certainly has separated himself from the rest of the league. He was named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year last season after catching 122 passes for 1,486 yards with 41 touchdowns, and was the preseason choice for this year's honor.

The AFLWA, founded at the start of the 2004 season, is a national organization made up of media members who cover the Arena Football League. Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the AFLWA's founder and executive director.