Catawba’s Dennis, Newberry’s McIlwain, Blackmon Named Football Players Of The Week
ROCK HILL, S.C. -- The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week have been announced for the week ending Oct. 18, 2008. Catawba quarterback Patrick Dennis was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week, while Newberry defensive back Kamaal McIlwain was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week. Newberry kicker Britt Blackmon was named the SAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Dennis, a 6-1, 175-pound sophomore from Durham, N.C., threw for a career-high 357 yards and two score in a 37-35 win over Tusculum. The Cedar Ridge High School graduate completed 19-of-27 passes with no interceptions to up his QB rating to 171.8. Dennis' touchdown tosses both came in the third quarter, covering 36 and 51 yards to erase a 21-16 halftime deficit.
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Patrick Dennis |
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Kamaal McIlwain |
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Britt Blackmon |
McIlwain, a 5-10, 175-pound sophomore from Fort Mill, S.C., recorded 94 total yards in defensive returns, including a touchdown in Newberry's 32-21 win over 15th-ranked Wingate. Prior to halftime, teammate Andre Moyd intercepted a pass at the NC 25 and returned it to the WU 35, where he lateraled the ball to McIlwain who got inside the Wingate one yard line to set up a touchdown. In the third quarter, he scooped up a fumble and returned it 60 yards for a TD to give NC its largest lead of the night at 19-7. The Indian Land High School product added three tackles and a pass break-up in the victory. This marks the second time this season McIlwain has earned SAC Player of the Week honors, but first on defense. He was named the SAC Special Team's Player of the Week two weeks ago.
Blackmon, a 5-10, 200-pound sophomore from Kershaw, S.C., accounted for eight points in Newberry's home win over previously unbeaten Wingate. The Andrew Jackson High School graduate connected on two of his three field goal attempts (33, 34), while adding a pair of extra points in the win.
The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week are selected by a vote of the league's sports information directors.