Three Virginia Union University football players have earned CIAA Player of the Week honors after VUU's 45-40 upset win against #2 Valdosta State University, the CIAA announced on Monday, September 12.
Jada Byers was named CIAA Offensive Back of the Week,
Ephraim Moore was named CIAA Defensive Back of the Week and
Brady Myers was named CIAA Special Teams Player of the Week.
Jada Byers, a sophomore majoring in Social Work, set a new Virginia Union and CIAA single-game rushing record with 319 yards in the upset road win over No. 3 Valdosta State, 45-40. The sophomore had 32 carries for three touchdowns and added another receiving touchdown on three receptions for 23 yards. In the second half, the Hammonton, NJ native rushed for touchdowns on three consecutive drives to flip a 27-24 deficit into a commanding 45-27 lead. He also earned his second straight Player of the Week honors.
Ephraim Moore, an Odenton, Md., native who is majoring in Mass Communications, recorded a game-high 14 tackles, including seven solo stops against Valdosta State. The junior also logged two pass deflections in the 45-40 win over the number-three ranked team in the country. His 14 total tackles are the second-most through two weeks of CIAA action.
In the 45-40 win,
Brady Myers, who is majoring in Mass Communications, converted all six of his extra points and made his only field goal attempt from 39 yards out. The Orlando, FL native's field goal came with 29 seconds left in the first half to give the Panthers a 24-20 lead entering intermission. The freshman's nine total points came on the road in front of a hostile crowd with a reported attendance of 4,001 people.
"After a great team win, I am proud to see some of our guys receive individual awards," said VUU Head Football Coach Dr.
Alvin Parker. "All three of these guys stepped up and played awesome games this past Saturday. Ephraim played every snap on defense, while Brady stayed perfect on the season, and Jada put up national recognition numbers. I look forward to all three student-athletes continued success".
Virginia Union will meet Livingstone College at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, at Willie Lanier Field in Hovey Stadium. The game is designated Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night.
