SAC Announces Week Eight Football Award Winners
Carson-Newman quarterback De’Andre Thomas, Newberry linebacker Mike Hopkins and Tusculum kick returner Justin Houston have been selected as the SAC Football Players of the Week for games played on Oct. 26.
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman quarterback De'Andre Thomas, Newberry linebacker Mike Hopkins and Tusculum kick returner Justin Houston have been selected as the SAC Football Players of the Week for games played on Oct. 26.
SAC Football Offensive Player of the Week | De'Andre Thomas, Carson-Newman QB
Thomas led a potent Carson-Newman offensive attack in the Eagles' 47-26 non-conference win over North Greenville, posting 231 passing yards along with 46 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.
Thomas had his second 200-plus yard game of the season by completing 15-of-22 passes, including a touchdown. On the ground, the sophomore carried 16 times – three of which went for scores, marking a career-high.
With the performance, Thomas became the first Carson-Newman quarterback to post multiple 200-plus yard passing games in the Eagles' option attack since 2007. He leads the SAC in rushing touchdowns this season with 12 and is third in the conference with 664 rushing yards.
SAC Football Defensive Player of the Week | Mike Hopkins, Newberry LB
Hopkins play on the defensive side was pivotal for Newberry on Saturday as the Wolves upset No. 8 UNC Pembroke, 24-21. Hopkins' first big play came late in the second quarter when he sacked UNCP quarterback Luke Charles in the end zone for a safety that put Newberry up 11-7 at the break.
Then late in the fourth quarter, Hopkins forced a Pembroke fumble to give Newberry a short field on what would prove to be its game-winning drive.
Hopkins finished the game with six total tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He has 36 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss on the season.
SAC Special Teams Player of the Week | Justin Houston, Tusculum KR
Houston totaled 144 yards on four kick returns for Tusculum against Wingate, including a 99-yard touchdown on the game's opening kick. The score marked the longest kick return in TC history and the longest in the SAC this season.
Houston's average of 22.7 yards per kick return currently ranks sixth in the conference.