BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following Week 5 action, the 2026 Gulf South Conference Football Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions recognized Valdosta State's Shawn Paschall (offensive), Jayden Bethea (defensive), and Bentley Ware-Roberson (freshman), in addition to Delta State's Price Nixon (special teams).
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Shawn Paschall, RB, So., Valdosta State

• Helped the Blazers to a decisive 56-0 win over Erskine.
• Had 94 rushing yards on eight carries with three touchdowns.
• Longest carry of the game went for 74 yards.
• Did not record any loss yardage in the performance.
• This is the second time named GSC Offensive Player of the Week this season and first time since Week 3.

 Other nominees: Nick Clark, Delta State; Luther Richesson, West Alabama
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jayden Bethea, ILB, Sr., Valdosta State

• Led the Blazer defense as Valdosta State tallied a 56-0 win over Erskine.
• Registered a team-leading 10 total tackles, including to solo stops,
• His stat line also included 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and an interception which he returned for 19 yards.
• Anchored the defense to their first shutout since November 2, 2024.

 Other nominees: Tavian Moore, Delta State; Jamil Peterson, West Alabama
 
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Price Nixon, P/K, Gr., Delta State

• Accounted for 11 points in the Statesmen's 23-0 win over against Shorter.
• Finished 3-for-3 in field goal attempts, converting from 26, 28 and 46 yards;
• Made two extra-point kicks.

 Other nominees: Adrian Gonzalez, Valdosta State; Elijah Guyton, West Alabama
 
FRESHMAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Bentley Ware-Roberson, DB, Valdosta State

• Helped Valdosta State to a 56-0 win against Erskine.
• Recorded an interception and one pass breakup in his season debut.
• Helped the Blazer defense notched their first shutout since November 2, 2024.

 Other nominees: Leandro DeCarvalho, Delta State; Eoin Walsh, West Alabama
 
2026 GSC Football Weekly Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK3 (Sept. 21): Shawn Paschall, RB, Valdosta State
WK4 (Sept. 28): Luther Richesson, QB, West Alabama
WK5 (Oct. 5): Shawn Paschall, RB, Valdosta State
 
Defensive Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Anthony Oatis, DE, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Legend Doggett, CB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Joseph Harper, LB, West Alabama
WK3 (Sept. 21): Julius Pascal, LB, Valdosta State
WK4 (Sept. 28): Jalin Herbert, DL, West Alabama
WK5 (Oct. 5): Jayden Bethea, LB, Valdosta State
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Lucas Edenfield, P, Valdosta State
WK1 (Sept. 7): Eoin Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Eoin Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
WK3 (Sept. 21): Jordan McKnight, DB, Delta State
WK4 (Sept 28): Eoin Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
WK5 (Oct. 5): Price Nixon, K/P, Delta State
 
Freshman Player of the Week
WK0 (Aug. 31): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama
WK1 (Sept. 7): Dakarai Shanks, RB, West Alabama
WK2 (Sept. 14): Jabari McMillan, DB, Valdosta State
WK3 (Sept. 14): Jabari McMillan, DB, Valdosta State
WK4 (Sept 28): Eoin Walsh, K/P, West Alabama
WK5 (Oct. 5): Bentley Ware-Roberson, DB, Valdosta State