LSC FOOTBALL
Midwestern State remains atop the Lone Star Conference standings as the only unbeaten team at 5-0 in league play and 6-0 overall.
This week’s schedule includes four Lone Star Conference games with Midwestern State at UT Permian Basin, Texas A&M-Commerce at West Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Kingsville at Eastern New Mexico, and Western New Mexico at Angelo State. Tarleton State hosts Western Oregon in a non-conference contest.
LSC football teams are 36-31 overall this season. The squads are 4-3 combined versus the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and Great Northwest Athletic Conference teams, which are also in NCAA Super Regional Four.
LSC schedule and results available here: http://www.lonestarconference.org/calendar.aspx?path=football
LSC FOOTBALL ON ESPN3
The Lone Star Conference game between Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville on October 21 was featured as part of the 2017 NCAA Division II Football Showcase schedule. The Texans prevailed 41-34 over the Javelinas.
The first 18 games of the football showcase are predetermined matchups. Four additional flex games — highlighting crucial matchups — will be finalized later in the football season and played in November.
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multiscreen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices through the ESPN app. The network is currently available nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSIVE
Luis Perez, Texas A&M University-Commerce, SR, QB, Chula Vista, Calif., Otay Ranch HS/Southwestern JC
Perez led the No. 10 Lions to a 34-20 victory over Angelo State with 373 yards passing, completing 34-of-46 attempts with four touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed touchdown passes of 49, 11, 7, and 33 yards. He had four touchdown passes for his sixth straight game - the only QB in Division II to do that this season. He has also went for over 300 yards for the fifth straight game and 10th time in his career. He moved up to fourth all-time at A&M-Commerce in passing yards at 5,585 - only 370 away from tying the school record. The Lions now rank fifth nationally in passing offense and Perez leads the LSC in completion percentage, passing efficiency, passing touchdowns, and point responsibility. He ranks second in the league in passing yardage."
DEFENSIVE
Drew Bolin, Midwestern State University, JR, LB, Keller, Texas, Keller Central HS
Bolin led a true defensive team effort as No. 5 Midwestern State held West Texas A&M to 228 yards of total offense in a 45-3 Homecoming win Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. The junior from Keller tied for team-honors with four tackles including a sack and was in on another tackle for loss. The Mustangs limited the Buffs 19 yards in the second half as WT managed just 49 plays for the whole game. The 228 yards were the fewest an MSU defense allowed since the Mustangs limited Truman State to 171 yards on Sept. 5, 2015.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Collin Grady, Western New Mexico, JR, K, Glendora, Calif., Glendora
Grady continues to be clutch for the Mustangs on special teams this year as he hit the game-winning 27-yard field goal to give WNMU the 20-17 victory over the Skyhawks. Earlier in the game he connected on a 40-yard field goal to get the Mustangs on the board in the third quarter. He added three punts for an average of 45.3 yards, drilling one 58 yards. Grady made both of his extra point attempts and also added a 54-yard average on five kickoffs.
WEEKLY AWARDS
Offensive
S-4 D'Angelo Bowie, Western New Mexico
S-11 Jordan Thomas, Texas A&M-Kingsville
S-18 Luiz Perez, Texas A&M-Commerce
S-25 Xavier Turner, Tarleton State
O-2 Layton Rabb, Midwestern State
O-9 Layton Rabb, Midwestern State (2)
O-16 Luis Perez, Texas A&M-Commerce (2)
O-23 Luis Perez, Texas A&M-Commerce (3)
Defensive
S-4 Chris Smith, Texas A&M-Commerce
S-11 Daelin Young, West Texas A&M
S-18 EJ Speed, Tarleton State
S-25 Yusef Sterling-Lowe, Texas A&M-Commerce
O-2 Brad Hardin, Eastern New Mexico
O-9 Dominic Barry, Western New Mexico
O-16 Kevin Hayes, Midwestern State
O-23 Drew Bolin, Midwestern State
Special Teams
S-4 Bailey Hale, Eastern New Mexico
S-11 Alex Schrag, West Texas A&M
S-18 Sergio Sroka, Tarleton State
S-25 Kristov Martinez, Texas A&M-Commerce
O-2 Ron Reid, Tarleton State
O-9 Collin Grady, Western New Mexico
O-16 Connor Flanigan, Angelo State
O-23 Collin Grady, Western New Mexico (2)