Nelson, Williams Earn Weekly SLC Honor
10/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 12, 2009
FRISCO, Texas - Junior linebacker Jabara Williams and sophomore punter Drew Nelson have been named Southland Conference Players of the Week for their efforts in Stephen F. Austin's 16-13 upset victory over No. 7 McNeese State announced league officials Monday afternoon. Williams was named defensive player of the week, while Nelson received special teams honors.
It marks the third time in his career Williams has received the honor, and the first time Nelson has earned the recognition. The special teams honor has become an almost weekly occurrence for SFA, marking the fourth time this season that a Lumberjack has received the award.
Williams led a stellar defensive effort to help shutdown one of the more explosive offenses in the nation. Williams tied for team-high honors with 15 tackles, including one for a loss. Williams is currently second on the squad with 36 tackles.
In a game that was billed as a showcase between two high-powered offenses, it can be argued that Nelson was the game's MVP. While SFA's defense shutout down the Cowboys' attack, it was Nelson that constantly forced McNeese State to drive the length of the field to score. Nelson averaged 38.6 yards per punt on seven punts, and downed three inside that 20-yard line, including two inside the five.
After being stopped on downs with 4:20 on the clocked SFA put the ball in Nelson's hands to flip the field. Nelson boomed a 36-yard punt which was killed on the one-yard line, forcing McNeese State once again to drive the length of the field to attempt a game-tying score. The Lumberjacks forced a turnover as time was running out to preserve the victory.
-SFA-
