SAC Announces Week One Football Awards

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman quarterback De'Andre Thomas, Newberry linebacker Edmond Robinson and Catawba kicker Chad Hollandsworth have been named the SAC football Players of the Week after helping guide their teams to season-opening victories.

Thomas threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns in Carson-Newman's dominant 55-28 win over Wayne St. on Thursday night. He became the first Eagles quarterback to throw for over 200 yards since 2009.

Thomas' passer efficiency rating of 357.9 broke Carson-Newman's all-time record. The sophomore – who completed 8-of-10 passes – threw touchdowns of 34 yards, 63 yards and 40 yards. He also added 32 rushing yards on eight carries.

Robinson recorded seven tackles on Saturday as Newberry outlasted Elizabeth City St., 35-32. Three of the linebacker's tackles came in the ECSU backfield, and he also added a pass breakup. His three tackles-for-loss were the most in the SAC in week one.

Robinson's performance was key in helping Newberry limit Elizabeth City St. to only 77 rushing yards as a team. ECSU was also just 2-of-12 on third downs.

Hollandsworth connected on what was ultimately the game-winning 47-yard field goal for Catawba on Saturday in a 10-9 victory over West Liberty. It was the longest made field goal in the conference during the opening weekend. Hollandsworth also made his only extra-point attempt.

The sophomore punted for the Indians as well, averaging 34 yards on nine kicks. One of his punts was downed inside the West Liberty 20.