Evans, Hatcher, Warley and Bolen Receive Weekly Honors

SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, Oct. 25. Samford running back Chris Evans was named Offensive Player of the Week, Samford defensive lineman Patrick Hatcher was selected Defensive Player of the Week, Western Carolina running back Quan Warley was tabbed Freshman of the Week and Georgia Southern place kicker Patrick Bolen was voted as the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week were selected by the league’s sports information directors.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Chris Evans, Samford, So., RB

The SoCon’s leading rusher this season, Evans topped the 100-yard mark for the fourth straight time Saturday while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Evans totaled 174 yards on 28 carries, including touchdown runs in the first and third quarters, as Samford defeated The Citadel, 28-10, for its first home SoCon victory.

Other Nominees: Ben Widmyer (Wofford), Raja Andrews (Georgia Southern), Armanti Edwards (Appalachian State) and Quan Warley (Western Carolina).

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Patrick Hatcher, Samford, So., DL

Hatcher was instrumental in Samford’s win over The Citadel by recording three sacks and five tackles for loss ? a single-game high in the SoCon in 2008. In addition, the sophomore notched eight tackles, including seven solo stops, and two quarterback hurries on the day.

Other Nominees: Dakota Walker (Georgia Southern), Adrian McLeod (Western Carolina), Pierre Banks (Appalachian State) and Matt Norcia (Wofford).

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Quan Warley, Western Carolina, Fr., RB

Warley led the Catamounts with 102 yards rushing and a touchdown on Saturday in WCU’s overtime loss to Georgia Southern. Warley also caught four passes for a career-high 50 yards.

Other Nominees: Tersoo Uhaa (Furman), Adam Urbano (Georgia Southern), Riley Hawkins (Samford), Kendall Bratcher (Wofford) and Ed Gainey (Appalachian State).

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Patrick Bolen, Georgia Southern, Sr., PK

Bolen put three of his five kickoffs through the end zone for touchbacks at Western Carolina Saturday, and the senior also successfully executed the Eagles’ first onside kick of the season as GSU recorded its largest comeback win in school history.