Southland Conference Announces Football Players of the Week
Southland Conference
FRISCO, Texas – Sam Houston State freshman wide receiver Nathan Stewart, fellow Bearkat junior defensive end P.J. Hall and redshirt junior placekicker Nik Grau of Abilene Christian earned Southland Conference Football Player of the Week honors, presented by UniversalCoin.com, the league office announced Monday. Stewart took offensive honors while Hall was named defensive player of the week and Grau was tabbed the top special teams player.
Offensive Player of the Week: Nathan Stewart, Sam Houston State
Sam Houston wide receiver Nathan Stewart broke the school record for receiving yards in a single game with 268 yard in a 56-43 win over McNeese on Saturday. He also broke the Southland Conference record, previously held by Ronald Bonner of Jacksonville State in 1997. Stewart recorded a career-high three touchdowns – one touchdown shy of the school record for touchdowns in a game. His 12 receptions left him one reception shy of the school’s single-game record. The freshman had touchdowns for 52 yards, 11 yards and 35 yards.
Honorable Mention: Julius Maracalin, Southeastern La.; Dallas Sealy, Abilene Christian; Chase Fourcade, Nicholls
Defensive Player of the Week: P.J. Hall, Sam Houston State
Sam Houston junior defensive end P.J. Hall tied the school record for single-game sacks, recording a career-best four in the Bearkats’ 56-43 win over McNeese. Hall ended the game with five tackles for loss for 26 yards. Hall forced a fumble in the third quarter off a sack. He also finished with seven total tackles for the game, all solo.
Honorable Mention: Tarrin Mitchell, Stephen F. Austin; Cardell Best, Central Arkansas; Sam Denmark, Abilene Christian; Allen Pittman, Nicholls
Special Teams Player of the Week: Nik Grau, Abilene Christian
Nik Grau tied a career-high with three field goals in the Wildcats’ come-from-behind 25-22 win over Northwestern State. Grau kicked field goals of 42, 30 and 41 yards to keep the Wildcats in the game until their offense could get untracked in the second half. Grau is now 11 for 12 on field goals in 2016 and 20 for 20 on point-after attempts.
Honorable Mention: Matt Cummins, Central Arkansas; Ivy Wall, Southeastern La.; Oscar Draguicevich, UIW
Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his own player. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.