CIAA Football Players and Coach of the Week - Week 7

CIAA Football Players of the Week- Week Seven

October 13, 2008

Offensive Lineman of the Week: Geno Barnett, Johnson C. Smith University

Position:  LG  Height:  6-4  Weight:  300  Class:  Fr.  Hometown:  Spring Lake, N.C. 
Comments:  Geno went up against arguably the best defensive line in the conference and helped his team to 275 yards of total offense en route to a 19-13 win over Saint Augustine's. 

Receiver of the Week: Dexter Manley, Elizabeth City State University

Position:  WR  Height:  6-3  Weight:  190  Class:  Jr  Hometown:  Chesapeake, VA 
Comments:  Manley caught three passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. The scores went for 29 yards, 88 yards (career high) and 9 yards in the Vikings' 29-28 come from behind victory over Bowie State University at the Bulldogs' 2008 Homecoming. 

Offensive Back of the Week: CJ Westler, Chowan University

Position:  QB  Height:  5'10'  Weight:  190  Class:  JR  Hometown:  Marion, OH 
Comments:  CJ Westler continued his air attack with 205 yards on 17-35 completions, two TD's, and one interception. His longest strike was when he connected with Eddie Coard on a 24 yard strike in the 2nd quarter. He also rushed for a touchdown and became Chowan's season record holder for TD passes in a season with his two TD tosses. 

Defensive Lineman of the Week: Greg Palmer, Chowan University

Position:  DE  Height:  6'1'  Weight:  220  Class:  Jr  Hometown:  Belhaven, NC 
Comments:  Greg Palmer played a tough game at defensive end, tallying seven tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry. The junior got a defensive score when he picked up a fumbled ball and ran it in for a 27 yard fumble return touchdown. 

Linebacker of the Week:  Billy Graham, Johnson C. Smith University

Position:  LB  Height:  6-1  Weight:  200  Class:  Sr.  Hometown:  Greensboro, N.C. 
Comments:  Graham had a career high 12 total tackles (6 solo, 6 assisted), one for a loss of three yards, and a forced fumble. Graham also recorded a safety which put the Golden Bulls within one and the eventual win over Saint Augustine's. 

Defensive Back of the Week: Niles Rainey, Virginia Union University

Position:  DB  Height:  5-10  Weight:  175  Class:  SR  Hometown:  College Park, GA 
Comments:  Rainey scored 2 touchdowns in a 68-6 victory over Lincoln (Pa.). Rainey recovered a fumble and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown. In addition, he reeled in an interception, which he returned 39 yards for a touchdown. He also logged 2 tackles. 

Rookie of the Week: Calvin Cunningham, Elizabeth City State University

Position:  DE  Height:  6-1  Weight:  265  Class:  Fr  Hometown:  Winston-Salem, NC 
Comments:  Cunningham had his best day in a Viking uniform with 8 tackles (1 solo, 7 assisted) a half a sack for a loss of four yards and two tackles of 20 yards in the Vikings' 29-28 win over Bowie State at the Bulldogs' 2008 Homecoming 

Specialty Player of the Week: Daniel Mendez, Elizabeth City State University

Position:  P/K  Height:  5-11  Weight:  190  Class:  Jr  Hometown:  Riverside, CA 
Comments:  Mendez had 6 punts for 185 yards including four inside the 20-yard line and zero touchbacks. He was 3-for-3 in extra point attempts, had 4 kickoffs for 219 yards and successfully kicked an onside kick which the Vikings recovered to set up the game winning drive. 

Coach of the Week: Tim Place, Chowan University

Comments:  Coach Place led the Chowan Hawks to their first-ever CIAA win and only their second win against a DII opponent since making the transition in 2005. The Hawks won with a balanced attack over Livingstone with a season high 211 yards rushing and 205 yards of passing. 

Notes of Interest: Brothers Royce and Lamar Little scored touchdowns in the Panthers' victory over Lincoln (PA), 68-6.