BELTON, Texas- It is the middle of the week, and as we look ahead to Saturday’s first-round playoff matchup, we first want to recognize some of the most outstanding performances from last Saturday’s 77-3 win at McMurry, with our Players of the Week presented by Sacrifice Training.
Back in action after missing two games was quarterback Kyle King, who was voted as our Offensive Player of the Week. King completed 9-of-17 passes, throwing for 154 yards. He tallied three touchdowns through the air and added 13 rushing yards in the regular season finale. The Milano, Texas native still ranks second amongst D-III quarterbacks in passing efficiency, 207.27. King earned 63 percent of the vote.
Defensive lineman Josh Patteson tallied a season-high four tackles in the victory, three of which were solo tackles, on his way to our Defensive Player of the Week honor. Patteson was in the McMurry backfield multiple times, playing a key role in both the pass rush and run defense. The sophomore finished with 3.5 tackles for loss, which set McMurry back a total of 17 yards, and also posted 2.0 sacks. The native of Port Neches, Texas earned 57 percent of the vote.
For the third time in the last four weeks, our Special Teams Player of the Week honor goes to KJ Miller. The senior punt returner posted four punt returns for 141 yards, 79 of which came on a phenomenal sprint upfield that ended in UMHB’s first touchdown of the game. It marked Miller’s second punt return touchdown of the season, and he now leads the nation in punt return yardage (548).
Men’s Basketball Player of the Week: Josiah Johnson
Johnson opened his junior season by scoring 71 points over four contests, including two exhibitions against D-I opponents. He shot 11-of-18 from the field in the season-opening 100-80 win over Southwestern, converting on five three-point attempts, scoring 34 points in the process. The Big Sandy, Texas native scored 18 points in exhibition losses to Stephen F. Austin and UT-Arlington before tallying 22 in Tuesday’s 92-87 victory over Huston-Tillotson. Johnson contributed defensively with 12 steals, and added 16 rebounds.
