AMERICAN SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Games: September 16, 2023
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Tucker Bridwell, QB, So., Howard Payne
Howard Payne sophomore quarterback
Tucker Bridwell (Pampa, Texas) was 29 of 33 passing for 376 yards and five touchdowns. His 29 of 33 passing broke the HPU record for passing percentage in a game previously held by Thomas Head with 86.3% (19 of 22) back in 2012 versus Wayland Baptist. The margin of victory, 85-0, for the Yellow Jackets was the largest in the modern era for Howard Payne and also broke the ASC record by a point (Previous was Mary Hardin-Baylor vs. Albright with 84 on Sept. 8, 2018). HPU did defeat Tarleton State University 127-0 in 1912. The 85 points were six away from tying an ASC game record done by Hardin-Simmons (Nov. 2, 2019) and Mary Hardin-Baylor (Sept. 8, 2018).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Elijah Dillard, LB, Fr., Howard Payne
Howard Payne freshman linebacker
Elijah Dillard (Carrollton, Texas) recorded two tackles, forced a fumble, and grabbed an interception. He had one-of-three interceptions and was part of HPU’s defense that allowed just 94 yards of total offense (70 rushing, 24 passing). The Yellow Jackets improved to 3-0 with the shutout and record-setting margin of victory mentioned above. Howard Payne has held opponents to 13 points this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Carlos Arreola, K, Fr., Sul Ross State
Sul Ross State freshman kicker
Carlos Arreola (El Paso, Texas) made two field goals from 46 and 33 yards out. His 46-yard field goal was a season-high. Arreola had six kickoffs for 301 yards along with two touchbacks. He was three-for-three on point after attempts and had one tackle.
OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
Offensive
Sul Ross State junior running back
Rodd Hudson III (North Little Rock, Ark.) tallied his first 100-yard game in a 27-7 victory over Wayland Baptist. Hudson III finished with 103 yards on 27 carries, with a 15-yard run being longest rush and a catch for 13 yards.
Texas Lutheran senior running back
Jacob Forton (Spring Branch, Texas) scored two touchdowns to account for both scores in a 27-14 setback to Ave Maria. He had 19 rush attempts for 67 yards and the longest was 14.
Mary Hardin-Baylor sophomore quarterback
Isaac Phe (Pasadena, Calif.) completed 15 passes for 192 yards and scored both UMHB touchdowns, one in the air and one on the ground.
Defensive
East Texas Baptist junior linebacker
Joey Verret (Houston, Texas) posted 10 tackles against No. 23 UW-Oshkosh with four solo and six assisted.
Sul Ross State senior linebacker
Jade Rios (San Antonio, Texas) led the Lobos defense with nine tackles, posting two solo tackles and seven assisted tackles. His effort was part of a defense that allowed an early touchdown and 7-0 deficit but would hold Wayland Baptist off the board the rest of the game.
Mary Hardin-Baylor sophomore defensive end
Myles Terry (Conroe, Texas) posted a team-high nine tackles with six assisted and three solo and added a pass breakup that limited No. 4 UW-Whitewater to 17 points.
Special Teams
Howard Payne freshman kicker
Michael Fields (Longview, Texas) was a five-for-five in extra point attempts and had five kickoffs for 282 yards, a 56.4 avg. He connected on 17-yard field goal and was part of an offense that scored 47 first quarter points and was seven-of-seven in red zone chances.
Mary Hardin-Baylor junior wide receiver
Matthew Jackson (Dallas, Texas) returned three kickoffs for 75 yards and longest went for 29 yards. His lone punt return attempt went for 14 yards.