Presbyterian’s Thomas, Mars Hill’s Jones Receive Honors as Football National Players of Week

Presbyterian College's Antwan Thomas and Mars Hill College's Antione Jones have received national attention for their performances last week. Thomas has been named D2Football.com's National Defensive Co-Player of the Week, while Jones received the National Offensive Co-Player of the Week.

One day after the D2Football.com announcement, Jones added to his accolades as he was named a Don Hansen Football Gazette national offensive player of the week.

Thomas, a 5-10, 192-pound redshirt freshman from Hawkinsville, Ga., led No. 23 Presbyterian to a 37-3 victory over the No. 11 Carson-Newman College on the road this past Saturday. Thomas helped lead the PC defense that held the Eagles out of the end zone for the first time since 1996. Thomas led the Blue Hose defense with a career day by tallying 12 total stops, including seven solo hits, four tackles for loss (-17), two sacks (-14), one interception, and recovered two fumbles, one that he returned 20 yards for a touchdown.

Thomas leads the Blue Hose in total tackles (51) and tackles for loss (11.0) this season.

Thomas shares this award with Darryl Wilson of Concord College.

Earlier this week, Thomas was named the South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Mars Hill College running back Antione Jones, (Orlando, FL) has been named the D2Football.com national offensive co-player of the week for his performance against Lenoir-Rhyne College last Saturday. MHC defeated the Bears 33-21.

Jones, a 5-9, 190-pound senior from Orlando, Fla., rushed for a school and Moretz Stadium (L-R's home stadium) best 322 yards on 33 carries in leading Mars Hill to a 33-21 win over Lenoir-Rhyne.

Jones' yardage was also the second-best single-game mark in league history (L-R's Leonard Davis holds the mark with 344 yards against Gardner-Webb in 1993). MHC's previous single-game rushing record was 252 yards in 2000. Jones averaged 9.8 yards per rush and caught three passes for 10 yards.

He also had a 20-yard kickoff return. Jones was also selected as the SAC Player of the week on Monday. This marks the second time in three weeks that Jones has been named SAC Player of the Week.

MHC will host SAC rival Wingate University on Saturday in the Lions' annual Hall of Fame Game. The Lions will also recognize the 1985 SAC Championship football team on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.