SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played Oct. 3. Western Carolina’s Detrez Newsome was named the Offensive Player of the Week, while his teammate Logan Howard garnered Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Wofford’s Drake Michaelson was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, So., RB/KR, Raeford, N.C.
Detrez Newsome was responsible for 237 all-purpose yards in Western Carolina’s 33-21 win over Presbyterian on Saturday. The sophomore rushed 25 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns, marking the third straight week he has rushed for at least 100 yards. The Raeford, N.C., native added three kick returns for 48 yards against the Blue Hose. Newsome currently leads the SoCon in rushing (119.8 ypg) and all-purpose yards (195.0 ypg) and is tied for third in scoring (7.5 ppg).
Other Nominees: Triston Luke (Furman), John Russ (Mercer) and Lorenzo Long (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Drake Michaelson, Wofford, Sr., LB, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Drake Michaelson turned in a strong all-around performance for the Wofford defense as the Terriers earned a 34-33 overtime win at Mercer on Saturday. Michaelson recorded 11 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. He returned a fumble 31 yards on Mercer’s second drive of the game and was credited with a forced fumble in the fourth quarter. Michaelson also recorded a pass break-up in the win.
Other Nominees: Trey Robinson (Furman), Trip Patterson (Mercer) and Daniel Riddle (Western Carolina).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Logan Howard, Western Carolina, Fr., PK, Kernersville, N.C.
Freshman Logan Howard accounted for nine of WCU’s 31 points against Presbyterian. Howard booted a pair of field goals in the rainy and windy conditions Saturday afternoon. The Kernersville, N.C., native booted a season-long 46-yard field goal early in the second quarter to give the Catamounts a 10-7 lead and connected from 45 yards out to push the WCU advantage to 20-14 in the third quarter. Howard also made all three of his extra-point attempts in the win.
Other Nominees: Danny LaMontagne (Furman) and David Marvin (Wofford).