BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference announced its football weekly award winners for Week 4 of the 2023 season. West Florida wide receiver John Jiles and Delta State quarterback Patrick Shegog were co-Offensive Players of the Week. Valdosta State defensive back Nick Jackson was named Defensive Player of the Week, while West Alabama punter Trey Sullivan picked up Special Teams Player of the Week honors. West Florida linebacker Ralph Ortiz earned Freshman of the Week accolades.
CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Patrick Shegog, Gr., QB, Delta State
Shegog had a noteworthy performance on Saturday as he contributed or was responsible for seven of eights touchdown in Delta State’s 56-20 win over Shorter. The graduate quarterback was a dual-threat completing 15-of-19 passes for 218 yards with five touchdown passes, while also leading the Statesmen’s ground attack with 138 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
John Jiles, Sr., WR, West Florida
Jiles hauled in a GSC-high 175 yards on eight catches with 2 TD in the Argonauts 49-21 over West Georgia. The senior wideout had four long plays of 23 or more yards, including a 64-yard catch and run. Jiles’ performance moved him to top of the GSC charts in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, while being just one of two players in the conference with multiple 100-yard receiving games this season.
Other nominees: Sammy Edwards (VSU); Bry Webb (UWA)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nick Jackson, Gr., DB, Valdosta State
Jackson was instrumental in the Valdosta State 28-3 win over North Greenville in its conference opener. The graduate defensive back finished with a team-high eight total tackles, including six solo stops, while also recording one pass breakup. The Blazers defensive, led by Jackson, stymied the Crusaders to just 221 passing yards and 112 rushing yards for the game, while holding NGU 0-for-3 in the red zone.
Other nominees: Davonta Jackson (UWA); Ralph Ortiz (UWF); Wydett Williams Jr. (DSU)
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Trey Sullivan, Sr., P, West Alabama
Sullivan had a standout performance West Alabama’s 10-7 victory over Mississippi College. The senior netted 197 punting yards on five attempts, including a long of 45. He also pinned the Choctaws inside their own 20-yard-line on three occasions. This is Sullivan’s second weekly award of the year.
Other nominees: Franklin Alfonso (DSU)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Ralph Ortiz, R-Fr., LB, West Florida
Ortiz put together a solid performance in West Florida’s 49-21 win over West Georgia in the Argos’ conference opener. The redshirt-rookie had three tackles, one tackle for loss, and a 27-yard which he returned for a touchdown.
Other nominees: Elijah Guyton (UWA)
2023 GSC FOOTBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Sammy Edwards, Valdosta State
Sept. 11: Peewee Jarrett, West Florida
Sept. 18: Sammy Edwards, Valdosta State
Sept. 25: Patrick Shegog, Delta State & John Jiles, West Florida
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Artavious Washington, West Alabama
Sept. 11: John McMullen, West Florida
Sept. 18: Trey Thomas, Shorter
Sept. 25: Nick Jackson, Valdosta State
Special Teams Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Ben Pledger, Mississippi College
Sept. 11: Trey Sullivan, West Alabama
Sept. 18: Colin Karhu, North Greenville
Sept. 25: Trey Sullivan, West Alabama
Freshman Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Michael Merriweather, West Georgia
Sept. 11: Joshua Brown, Shorter
Sept. 18: Cameran Brown, West Georgia
Sept. 25: Ralph Ortiz, West Florida