BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference announced its first football weekly award winners for the 2023 season, following Week 1 action. Valdosta State junior quarterback Sammy Edwards earned GSC Offensive Player of the Week honors and West Alabama senior defensive back Artavious Washington received GSC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Mississippi College sophomore kicker Ben Pledger was named GSC Special Teams Player of the Week, while West Georgia redshirt-freshman defensive back Michael Merriweather was chosen as GSC Freshman of the Week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sammy Edwards, Jr., QB, Valdosta State
Edwards had a strong starting debut for the Blazers in a 63-10 victory over Point (Ga.) to open the 2023 season, as he accounted for five touchdowns and 420 of the Blazers’ 647 total yards of offense. The junior quarterback threw for a career-high 347 yards and completed 21-of-31 (67.7%) passes including four touchdowns and two interceptions. Edwards was also a threat on the ground leading Valdosta State in rushing with eight carries for 73 yards and a score.
Other nominees: Peewee Jarrett (West Florida); Patrick Shegog (Delta State); Wesley Kennedy (West Georgia); Marcus Williams (Mississippi College)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Artavious Washington, Sr., DB, West Alabama
Washington tallied two interceptions, a pass breakup and three tackles in the Tigers’ season opener against No. 5/6 Angelo State. The senior’s first quarter interception was returned 38 yards and allowed UWA to score in the next play. He then stopped an ASU-drive late just before half as he notched his second INT in the end zone.
Other nominees: Keondre Williams (West Georgia); Adrian Hill (Delta State); John McMullen (West Florida); Terrell Dudley (Valdosta State)
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ben Pledger, So., K, Mississippi College
Pledger provided the margin of victory in the Choctaws’ 17-14 season opening win against Kaiser (No. 2 NAIA). The sophomore kicker was 1-1 in field goal attempts including a game-deciding 46-yarder, while also tallying four kickoffs for 226 and one touchback
Other nominees: Nick Herber (Delta State); Reilly Mason (West Georgia); Colin Karhu (North Greenville); McCall Bennett (Valdosta State)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Michael Merriweather, R-Fr., DB, West Georgia
In his collegiate debut, Merriweather made an impact with four tackles and interception, as the Wolves defeated regional rival Limestone, 21-19, in a Thursday night season opener.
Other nominees: none
2023 GSC FOOTBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Sammy Edwards, Valdosta State
Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Artavious Washington, West Alabama
Special Teams Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Ben Pledger, Mississippi College
Freshman Player of the Week
Sept. 4: Michael Merriweather, West Georgia