BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has named Zach Pendleton (Jackson State), Isaiah Crowell (Alabama State), Derrick Billups (Alabama State), Darcy Williamson (Jackson State) and Davon Jones (Mississippi Valley State) its football players of the week for September 9.
Pendleton and Crowell were named Co-Offensive Players of the Week, Billups landed defensive honors, Williamson was selected the week’s top specialist and Jones was handed the newcomer award.
Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Isaiah Crowell
Alabama State
JR • • RB • •5-11 • 190 • Columbus, Ga.
Despite Alabama State’s 30-23 conference loss to Jackson State in the W.C. Gorden Classic, Crowell tied a career-high with 18 carries while setting two career records. He rushed for 179 yards, the most since his arrival to ASU and his 84-yard run in the first quarter was also a career-high.
He caught two passes for another nine yards. He averaged 9.9 yards per carry during the game and now has 272 yards rushing on 29 carries over the first two contests of the season.
Zach Pendleton
Jackson State
SR • WR • •6-3 • 190 • Jackson, Miss.
Pendleton finished with six receptions for a game-high 177 yards and two touchdowns in Jackson State’s 30-23 conference win over Alabama State. He was named the W.C. Gorden Classic Offensive MVP
Defensive Player of the Week
Derrick Billups
Alabama State
JR •• DT • •6-3 • 308 • Carrollton, Ala.
Billups spotlighted the Hornets defense with a career night in Alabama State’s 23-7 conference loss at Jackson State. He set a career-high in tackles with 12 (4 solo, 8 assists). He also recorded a sack, forced two fumbles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up.
Specialist of the Week
Darcy Williamson
Jackson State
R-FR • •P •• 5-11 • 180 • Victoria, Australia
Williamson recorded eight punts for 335 yards (41.9 yds/punt) with a career long of 81 yards in Jackson State’s 30-23 conference victory over Alabama State. He landed five punts inside the 20 while registering five kickoffs for 263 yds (52.6 avg).
Newcomer of the Week
Davon Jones
Mississippi Valley State
JR • DB • 6-3 • 207 • Phoenix, Ariz.
Jones finished with a pair of interceptions and six tackles despite Mississippi Valley State dropping a 24-14 loss to Delta State.