SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for all games played Oct. 29. Western Carolina’s Detrez Newsome was named the Offensive Player of the Week, while ETSU’s Paul Hunter earned the Defensive Player of the Week award. Wofford’s David Howerton 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: Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Jr., RB, Raeford, N.C.
Junior Detrez Newsome set a school record with 277 rushing yards as Western Carolina fell to Chattanooga on Saturday afternoon (38-25). Newsome carried 16 times, including a 95-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that tied the school record for longest touchdown run. Earlier in the game, he scored on a 75-yard run. His 277 yards set a E.J. Whitmire / Bob Waters Field record for most rushing yards, erasing the mark set by Marshall’s Ron Darby in 1988 (262).
Other Nominees: Cam Jackson (The Citadel), Reese Hannon (Furman), Marquise Irvin (Mercer), Devlin Hodges (Samford), Richardre Bagley (Chattanooga) and Lorenzo Long (Wofford).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Paul Hunter, ETSU, Jr., DB, Denton, Texas
ETSU’s Paul Hunter tied his career high with 11 tackles in ETSU’s 45-10 loss at The Citadel. Hunter recorded five solo stops in the loss. The junior recovered two fumbles and returned them for a combined 21 yards in defeat.
Other Nominees: Dee Delaney (The Citadel), Tyler Ward (Mercer), Jamerson Blount (Samford), Vantrel McMillan (Chattanooga), Kendall White (Western Carolina) and Jaleel Green (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: David Howerton, Wofford, Sr., QB, Asheville, N.C.
With the Terriers holding a 14-7 early in the third quarter, reserve quarterback David Howerton blocked a Tyler Zielenske punt and recovered it in the end zone for a Wofford touchdown to give the Terriers a 21-7 advantage. It was the first career touchdown for the senior, who has contributed on special teams the last two seasons.
Other Nominees: DeAndre Schoultz (The Citadel), Reece Everett (Samford), C.J. Board (Chattanooga) and Ian Berryman (Western Carolina).