SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played
Sept. 12. Mercer quarterback John Russ was named the Offensive Player of the Week, while Samford’s Justin Cooper earned the Defensive Player of the Week award. VMI’s Dillon Christopher was tabbed as the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: John Russ, Mercer, Jr., QB, Buford, Ga.
Mercer quarterback John Russ accounted for five touchdowns in the first half as Mercer rolled to a 57-14 victory over Stetson on Saturday. Russ completed 16-of-19 passes for 336 yards and four touchdowns. The junior signal-caller carried five times for nine yards and added a touchdown as the Bears scored a program-record 51 points in the first half. Russ guided Mercer on eight scoring drives in the first half before being lifted at halftime.
Other Nominees: Michael Eubank (Samford), Derrick Craine (Chattanooga), Detrez Newsome (Western Carolina) and Will Gay (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Justin Cooper, Samford, Sr., LB, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Samford’s Justin Cooper finished with five tackles and an interception as Samford topped Florida A&M, 58-21, Saturday. Late in the second quarter, the junior stepped in front of a Carson Royal pass and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 38-14 lead. Pierce anchored a Samford defense that gave up just 14 points and forced five turnovers by the Rattlers.
Other Nominees: Mitchell Jeter (The Citadel), Stephen Houzah (Mercer), Tony Richardson (VMI), Daniel Riddle (Western Carolina) and Nick Ward (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dillon Christopher, VMI, Jr., PK, Newport News, Va.
Dillon Christopher kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired to lift VMI to a 43-40 win over Morehead State. Christopher’s kick capped a 12-play, 72-yard drive that took 2:46 and gave the Keydets the win. The junior made a 23-yard field goal midway through the third quarter to give VMI a 26-17 lead. Christopher connected on all three PAT attempts and kicked off seven times and recorded one touchback.
Other Nominees: Matt Shiel (Mercer), Anthony Pistelli (Samford), Henrique Ribeiro (Chattanooga), Ian Berryman (Western Carolina) and David Marvin (Wofford).