BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four different programs are represented in this week’s Southwestern Athletic Conference honors with Prairie View A&M claiming two of the awards. Panthers’ Jerome Howard (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation) and Damond Jackson (New Orleans, La./Landry-Walker) were named defensive athlete and newcomer of the week, respectively. Sharing newcomer honors with Jackson is Mississippi Valley State’s Joshua Rice (Starkville, Miss./Starkville). The offensive student-athlete of the week is Willie Quinn (Miami, Fla./Miami-Jackson) from Southern, and Alcorn State’s Haiden McCraney (Jackson, Miss./Madison-Ridgeland Academy) claimed specialist of the week.
Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Willie Quinn (Southern)
Quinn’s 79-yard touchdown reception helped jump start the Southern offense as they overcame a 20-point third quarter deficit to stun Alabama A&M 35-34 Saturday. He hauled in seven catches for 132 yards and one touchdown. Quinn’s 28-yard punt return helped setup the game-winning drive for the Jaguars.
Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week: Jerome Howard (Prairie View A&M)
Howard tallied a game-high 15 tackles with two sacks and four tackles for a loss in the Panthers 34-24 win Saturday against Alabama State.
Specialist of the Week: Haiden McCraney (Alcorn State) McCraney punted the ball five times for an average of 41.4 yards per punt. His longest on the day was 59 yards and he placed two inside the 20-yard line.
Co-Newcomers of the Week: Joshua Rice (Mississippi Valley State) and Damond Jackson (Prairie View A&M) Rice, the nephew of Mississippi Valley great Jerry Rice, caught the game-winning 36-yard touchdown with under two minutes to play in the Delta Devils 27-23 upset of Jackson State. The win marked the first time in nearly 20 years Mississippi Valley defeated the Tigers. He finished with career-highs of five catches and 91 yards. The touchdown was the first of his career. Jackson earned 12 tackles, a tackle for a loss and had two pass breakups in Prairie View’s 34-24 win over Alabama State.
Saturday, October 25
SWAC Football
Magic City Classic
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State – 2:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Birmingham, Ala.
Saturday, November 6
SWAC Football
Mississippi Valley vs. Grambling State – 6:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Lorman, Miss.
SWAC Women’s Volleyball
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State – 7 p.m. (SWAC Digital Network)
Huntsville, Ala.
