Texas State Sweeps Southland Football Players of the Week Awards
FRISCO, Texas - Texas State made it a clean sweep of the Southland Conference players of the week awards this week after its 27-24 come-from-behind upset victory at Stephen F. Austin. Quarterback Tim Hawkins was named the offensive player of the week, while linebacker Joplo Bartu and wide receiver Da'Marcus Griggs were named the defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively, the league office announced Monday.
Offensive Player of the Week: Tim Hawkins, Texas State
Hawkins made his second start of the season as Texas State's quarterback at third-ranked Stephen F. Austin. The sophomore from Corpus Christi, Texas (Carroll), led the Bobcats in rushing with 121 yards and completed 18-of-25 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the Bobcats upset of the Lumberjacks. All three of his touchdowns were scored in the final 9:21 of the game and helped Texas State overcome a 24-0 fourth-quarter deficit.
Honorable Mention: Paul Harris, Northwestern State; Terrence Bobo, Central Arkansas; Andre Anderson, McNeese State.
Defensive Player of the Week: Joplo Bartu, Texas State
Bartu tied for the team lead in tackles with 11, including three solo stops. The sophomore from Hockley, Texas (Waller), recorded a quarterback sack for a loss of eight yards and forced a fumble at Texas State's 34-yard line with 3:36 left in the game before Texas State's game-winning touchdown drive. It was the only quarterback sack by the Bobcats in the game.
Honorable Mention: Desmund Lighten, McNeese State; Jestin Love, Central Arkansas; Wade Williams, Northwestern State; Nathan Clophus, Southeastern Louisiana.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Da'Marcus Griggs, Texas State
Griggs returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to pull Texas State to within 24-21 with 6:21 remaining in the game. It was the first time this season the senior from Bay City, Texas (Bay City), returned a punt for a touchdown. Griggs, playing in his first season as the Bobcats' punt returner, also had a 19-yard return in the first quarter. This is his first season as a punt returner and he ranks 12th in the Football Championship Subdivision, averaging 14.3 yards per return. He has 19 returns for 272 yards.
Honorable Mention: Patrick Dolan, Nicholls; Seth Sebastian, Southeastern Louisiana.
Each school's sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his own player. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.