November 13, 2007
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.

PLEASE NOTE: The USA South All-Conference Football Teams will be released on Thursday, November 15.

Athletes of the Week

Football Offensive Player of the Week
          Mike Hill, Methodist - The senior running back from Angier, North Carolina scored two rushing touchdowns in a 27-20 win over USA South rival Shenandoah. Hill carried the ball 22 times for 177 yards, good for a 8.0 yard average. He also caught two passes for 23 yards in the win. Hill's two touchdowns gave him 40 for his career which is a new school record. Hill finishes his career with Methodist career rushing yardage, attempts and touchdown records. Also Nominated: Tunde Ogyn, Christopher Newport; Teron Bush, N.C. Wesleyan; Rommel Hightower, Maryville.

Football Defensive Player of the Week
          Jay Kirland, Christopher Newport - The Woodbridge, Virginia sophomore linebacker led the Captains in total tackles in a 34-23 win over USA South foe Ferrum. Kirland accounted for ten total tackles, including a co-team-high four solo takedowns. Kirland also intercepted two Panther passes, one coming at the end of the first half and the other occurring towards the end of the second half. Also nominated: Brian Leary, Methodist; Dustin Locke, Maryville; J.J. Jordan, Ferrum; Griffin McConaghy, Averett.

Football Special Teams Player of the Week
          Calvin Taylor, Maryville - The Lakeland, Florida defensive end blocked two kicks in a 43-6 win over USA South foe Averett. Taylor's first block came as Averett was attempting a short field goal early in the second half. His second block came on a point after touchdown in the fourth quarter. On kick coverage, Taylor tallied three tackles to go along with a pass breakup on defense.

Rookies of the Week

Football Offensive Rookie of the Week
          Raphael Amey, Shenandoah - The freshman wide receiver from Bealton, Virginia tallied his second consecutive 100-yard receiving game in a 27-20 loss to USA South foe Methodist. Amey caught seven passes for 149 yards, becoming the first-ever Shenandoah receiver to have back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. Amey also carried the ball once for 21 yards. With his performance, Amey broke the school record for single-season receiving yards. Also Nominated: Antonio Harris, N.C. Wesleyan.

Football Defensive Rookie of the Week
          Blake Campbell, Shenandoah - The freshman defensive end from Powhatan, Virginia recorded ten tackles in a 27-20 loss to USA South rival Methodist. Campbell contributed six solo tackles and four assisted takedowns. He also tallied one tackle for a loss of eight yards and forced a fumble. Also Nominated: Zack Leonard, Ferrum.

For more information, please contact the USA South Sports Information Director Mike Christie at
(910) 630-7326 or sid@usasouth.net

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