Football Players of the Week: Week 7

10/18/2021 10:00:00 AM

Following Week 7, the Gulf South Conference Football Offensive, Defensive, Special Teams and Freshman of the Week were announced on Oct. 18. Below are the honorees:

Co-Offensive Player of the Week: Brian Saunds, WR – Valdosta State & Terrill Cole, WR – West Georgia
Saunds had a season-high nine catches for 168 yards and a touchdown, helping No. 4/3 Valdosta to a 42-17 victory at No. 10/10 West Alabama. The graduate student hauled in five catches for 144 yards, including a 59-yard pass for the score to give VSU a 28-17 lead in the second after it trailed 14-0 early.
This was Saunds' fifth game of over 100 yards for his career and second-most receptions for his career.

Cole had seven catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, as No. 13/15 West Georgia knocked off top-ranked West Florida, 30-26, on the road. The freshman wideout racked up 55 yards receiving in the first quarter alone, though it was a 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth that provided the Wolves enough breathing room tor record the victory.

Other Nominees: DeAnte' Smith-Moore, MC; Martin Tyriq, UWA; Ka'Ron Ashley, UWF; Termell Withrow, DSU; Martin Matthew, NGU

Defensive Player of the Week: Matt Miller, S – West Georgia
Miller recorded three tackles, a pass break-up, and a scoop and score the 30-26 road win for No. 13/15 West Georgia over top-ranked West Florida. The senior safety recovered a fumble in the third quarter before running it back 34-yards for a touchdown, which gave the Wolves a 24-23 advantage.

Other Nominees: Jaylan Woods, MC; Taurus Dotson, VSU; Josh Hatcher, UWA; Tim Williams Jr., DSU; Ethan Alexander, NGU; Shea Campbell, UWF

Special Teams Player of the Week: Omar Cervantes, K – West Georgia
Cervantes was 3-for-3 on extra points attempts and 1-for-1 in field goals to help No. 13/15 West Georgia down No. 1/1 West Florida, 30-26. The junior converted a 36-yarder in the second quarter to give UWG a 10-0 lead midway throught. He also finished the game with two touchbacks as he averaged 62.7 yards on seven kickoffs.

Other Nominees: Estin Thiele, VSU; Trey Sullivan, UWA; Griffin Cerra, UWF; Myles Prosser, NGU

Freshman Player of the Week: Colin Karhu, K – North Greenville
Karhu helped North Greenville to a 42-34 double-overtime victory against Delta State, as the first-year kicker was 4-for-4 in extra point attempts and 2-for-2 in field goals. In the second quarter, the first-year kicker punched in a 26-yarder, before legging a 49-yarder to trim the Crusader to 14-13 just before the half.

Other Nominee: none