BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State’s Micheal Jefferson, Mississippi Valley State’s Tracy Thompkins, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Josh Piwniczka and Harry Ballard III were all named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Players of the Week in week two of the season for their outstanding play the league announced on Monday.
Offensive
Alabama State
19 – Michael Jefferson (6-3, WR, 194, So., Mobile, Ala.)
Jefferson had a career day for Alabama State in a 38-31 victory over Tuskegee Saturday night. He grabbed five receptions for 174 yards, including three touchdowns. The sophomore caught touchdown passes of 19, 43 and the game-winning 82-yard reception in the fourth quarter. For his efforts, Jefferson was rewarded with a helmet sticker on College Football Live.
Defensive
Mississippi Valley State
1 – Tracy Thompkins (5-9, DB, 180, Sr., Miami, Fla.)
For the second time in his Valley career, Thompkins reached 15 tackles, which included 13 solo tackles and two assists against Lamar. The total was a game high between the two teams. The defensive back leads the SWAC with 27 tackles on the year.
Specialist
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
47- Josh Piwniczka (5-10, K, 200, R-Fr., San Tan Valley, Az.)
Scored career-high 10 points making all eight scoring kicks in win over Alabama A&M. He was 7-7 on PATs made his only field goal attempt from 30 yards, and executed a surprise on-side kick in the win.
Newcomer
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
1 – Harry Ballard III (6-3, WR, 205, R-Jr., St. Louis, Mo.)
Had career highs in receptions (five), receiving yards (140) and touchdowns (three) in win over Alabama A&M…had touchdown receptions of 59, 49, and 24 yards.
Courtesy: SWAC
