Johnson, Bruno Earn SLC Weekly Honors
10/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
FRISCO, Texas - On the heels of its 27-17 victory over eighth-ranked Southeastern Louisiana Saturday, Stephen F. Austin had a pair of players recognized as Southland Conference Players of the Week. Senior running back Gus Johnson earned Offensive honors for the second time this season with junior punter Nick Bruno picking up the nod for Special Teams.
Johnson rushed for 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Lions, his sixth 100-yard-plus performance on the season. He notched the first two touchdowns of the game for the Lumberjacks, punching it in from seven and 13 yards to help SFA build a 17-0 halftime lead. Johnson also caught two passes for 25 yards, giving him 141 yards of total offense.
The senior from Gilmer continued to add to his SFA legacy as his two touchdowns gave him 18 rushing touchdowns on the year, setting a new single-season program record. Johnson also eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau, sitting at 1,102 yards on the year and becoming just the second player in Lumberjack football history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Bruno picked up the first SLC accolade of his career after his punting performance played a key role in helping SFA win the field position battle against Southeastern Louisiana. Bruno had four punts for 185 yards, averaging 46.2 yards per punt. He had a pair of 52-yarders with one punt downed at the Lion six-yard line while another just breached the goal line for a touchback.
The Rowlett native is averaging 40.1 yards per punt with three touchbacks and four 50-plus yard boots so far in 2014. Since conference play started, Bruno has been a key factor in helping SFA to a 3-1 start as he is averaging 45.1 yards per punt in conference play with three 52-yarders.
Johnson and Bruno were joined by McNeese State safety Brent Spikes, who was named the Defensive Player of the Week after notching three interceptions with a touchdown in the Cowboys' win over Incarnate Word. SFA safety Patrick Martin was an honorable mention selection after his 77-yard interception return in the fourth quarter helped sealed the victory for the `Jacks.
Johnson, Bruno and the rest of the Lumberjacks have their sights set for the 89th installment of the Battle of the Piney Woods, facing rival Sam Houston State Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff against the Bearkats is set for 3 p.m. as the rivalry tilt is the Southland TV Network Game of the Week.
-SFA-
