Bailey named USA South Athlete of the Week
By Chuck Tidmore
Sports Information Assistant
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Huntingdon's Luke Bailey was named a USA South Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week on Monday.
The senior quarterback was named Football Offensive Player of the Week for the fifth time this season for his performance in Saturday's 42-14 win over Averett. With the win, the Hawks claimed their second straight USA South championship and earned a berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs.
The Fairview, Ala. native accounted for four touchdowns and 377 yards of total offense in the win. Bailey threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns on a 20-for-30 day. Bailey's first pass of the game went to Jamichael Bibb for a 66-yard touchdown. On the Hawks third possession, Bailey found Mark White for an eight-yard touchdown to put Huntingdon ahead 14-0.
On the ground, Bailey rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. On the season, Bailey has thrown for 2,751 yards and 31 touchdowns and has rushed for 636 yards for 11 touchdowns.
The USA South Champions, Huntingdon, will travel to Wheaton College for the first-round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Game time is set for noon on Saturday. More information regarding the first-round game can be found here.
Below is the complete list of Athletes of the Week.
FOOTBALL
Football Offensive Player of the Week
Luke Bailey, Huntingdon - The senior quarterback from Fairview, Alabama accounted for four four touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, and 377 total yards in a 42-14 victory over USA South rival Averett. Bailey was 20-for-30 passing for 301 yards for an average of 10.0 yards per attempt. On the ground, he carried the ball 11 times for 76 yards, good for an average of 6.9 yards per rush. Bailey's efforts helped the Hawks secure a share of the USA South's Championship. Also Nominated: Malik Adams, N.C. Wesleyan; Elijah Chenier, Maryville; Sean Bowman, Averett; Xavier Adams, Methodist; Connor Blair, LaGrange.
Football Offensive Rookie of the Week
Deandre Gillis, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman running back from Hampton, Virginia rushed for 91 yards in a 27-13 victory over USA South foe Ferrum. Gillis carried the ball 17 times for an average of 5.4 yards per rush. He also returned one kickoff for 18 yards. Also Nominated: Gianni Montgomery, Maryville.
Football Defensive Player of the Week
Michael Clemmons, N.C. Wesleyan - The Greenville, North Carolina senior linebacker collected seven total tackles, one for a loss of three yards, recovered one fumble and intercepted one pass in a 27-13 victory over USA South foe Ferrum. Clemmons recorded four solo tackles and three assisted takedowns while his interception was returned seven yards and set-up a Bishop field goal. Also Nominated: Ethan Williams, Maryville; A.J. Cheeks, Averett; Heath McCray, Huntingdon; Herbert Bridges, Greensboro.
Football Defensive Rookie of the Week
Keshawn Smith, Methodist - The freshman linebacker totaled six total tackles, an interception and a two-point conversion in a 43-26 win over USA South rival LaGrange. Smith recorded five solo tackles and one assisted takedown. His interception came in the second quarter to thwart a potential score. Finally, Smith scooped up a LaGrange fumble on a two-point conversion attempt and returned it 98 yards for two points for Methodist. Also Nominated: Jamal Ware, Maryville; Hunter Hinson, Averett; Brandon Williams, Huntingdon.
Football Special Teams Player of the Week
Ian Hobbs, Maryville - The Palm Coast, Florida sophomore place kicker tied a new program single-game record by scoring ten points in a 70-14 victory over USA South rival Greensboro. He also tied a USA South single-game record with successfully converting ten point after touchdowns. Also Nominated: Chris Richardson, N.C. Wesleyan.
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