ursus arctos horribilis
September 7th, 2021, 01:08 PM
TICKETSMARTER WAC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK ANNOUNCED
Stephen F. Austin’s Trae Self, Sam Houston’s Trevor Williams and SFA’s Max Quick have been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for August 30 through September 5.
Self, a senior quarterback from Richland, Texas, led the Lumberjacks to the victory in the WAC’s first conference football tilt since 2012. He completed 18-of-26 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown and also racked up 47 yards on 11 rushing attempts. His 157.8 efficiency rating was a best among all WAC signal callers in week one.
Williams, a junior linebacker from College Station, Texas, turned in the play of the game in the top-ranked Bearkats’ 42-16 win at Northern Arizona. In the third quarter, he picked up his first career interception and ran it 75 yards into the endzone for the pick six. He also helped hold NAU to just 91 rushing yards with four tackles on the night.
Quick, a redshirt junior punter from Lufkin, Texas, helped out the SFA defense by pinning Tarleton deep all game, punting the ball four times for 193 times for an average of 48.3 yards. His long was 61-yards as he recorded one touchback and one punt downed inside the 20.
Other offensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Kobe Clark brought in six catches for 89 yards with a touchdown in the Wildcats’ season-opening loss at SMU … Lamar quarterback Jalen Dummett threw for 124 yards with two touchdowns in a 47-3 blowout win over North Armerican … Sam Houston’s Ramon Jefferson averaged 13.0 yards per carry and scored once as the top-ranked Bearkats earned a 42-16 win on the road at Northern Arizona … Tarleton’s Tariq Bitson brought in seven catches for 127 yards as the Texans dropped a hard-fought game at SFA.
Other defensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Hunter Kier had four solo tackles and tied for the lead with six total stops in ACU’s loss at SMU on Saturday … Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson was credited with a career-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, in a 19-7 loss to Sacramento State … Lamar’s Seth Johnson picked up an interception in the Cardinals’ 47-3 win over North American … Stephen F. Austin’s Amad Murray had four tackles in a win over Tarleton, including 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss … Tarleton’s Ronnell Wilson led the Texans with 11 tackles, including one tackle-for-loss, in a 20-10 loss at Stephen F. Austin.
Other special teams nominees: Abilene Christian’s Blair Zepeda hit a 47-yard field goal in his only attempt against SMU on Saturday … Dixie State’s Raleigh Phillips punted six times for an average of 37.8 yards, putting three punts down inside the 20 … Tarleton’s Adrian Guzman made a 36-yard field goal to go with an extra point made in the Texans’ 20-10 loss at Stephen F. Austin
KICKING OFF
After an exciting week one, there is a full schedule for the WAC this week. Lamar will be the first to kickoff, making the trip to San Antonio to take on UTSA in the Alamodome while Stephen F. Austin heads to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech out of the Big 12. Sam Houston will play in front of the Bearkat faithful for the first time since bringing home the national championship when they host Southeast Missouri. Abilene Christian and Tarleton will also make their home debuts, hosting Louisiana College and Fort Lewis respectively. Finally, Dixie State hosts in-state foe and 10th-ranked Weber State in a Saturday Night matchup.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
One week into the season, Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (42.0), touchdowns scored (6), total offense (560.0), rushing offense (285.0), pass offense (275.0) and first downs (24). Stephen F. Austin is the leader in total defense (327.0), scoring defense (10.0), rushing defense (70.0), pass efficiency (157.8), field goals (2) and kickoff return (46.2). Dixie State has the lead in pass defense (193.0).
Individually, SHSU’s Ramon Jefferson is the leading rusher (143.0) while teammate Eric Schmid is the leader in total offense (303.0) and passing average (275.0) and Noah Smith has the lead in scoring (12.0). SFA’s Trae Self is tops in pass efficency (157.85) and TAR’s Tariq Bitson has the lead in receptions (7.00) and receiving yards (127.0). SFA’s Max Quick has the top punting average (48.25) and teammate Chris Campos leads the league in field goals (2). SHSU’s Jequez Ezzard has the top punt return average (11.67) while TAR’s Kaylon Horton has the top kick return average (3.00).
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
After one week of play, Sam Houston remains the top team in the two major FCS polls, ranking first in both the STATS Perform Top 25 and AFCA Coaches’ Top 25. The Bearkats are also third in the College Sports Madness Top 25 and fourth in the Athlon Sports Top 25. Stephen F. Austin is among those receiving votes in both the STATS and AFCA polls.
GUESS WHO’S BACK?
It’s a new era as football returns for the WAC for the first time since 2012, this time at the Football Championship Subdivision. Led by defending FCS national champion Sam Houston, the new incarnation of WAC football will also include Abilene Christian, Dixie State, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin and Tarleton. In 50 years at the FBS level, the WAC was home to the consensus 1984 national champion (Brigham Young), the winner of the 1990 Heisman Trophy (Ty Detmer, QB, Brigham Young) and the first pick of the 2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, QB, Fresno State).
PRESEASON HONORS
Fresh off winning the tophy, Sam Houston had a pair of players pick up Preseason All-America honors, earning a spot on the Athlon Preseason All-America team. Defensive lineman Jahari Kay and teammate Jequez Ezzard (punt returner) earned the recognition.
Seven WAC football players were recognized on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams. Kay, Ezzard and Sam Houston defensive back Zyon McCollum earned first team honors. Sam Houston Quarterback Eric Schmid was joined by teammate Joseph Wallace and SFA receiver Xavier Gipson on the second team. SHSU offensive lineman Colby Thomas was a third team selection.
IN THE RUNNING
Sam Houston quarterback Eric Schmid and wide receiver/returner Jequez Ezzard are among 35 players named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which is presented to the top offensive player nationally in collegie football’s Division I championship subdivision.
On the other side of the ball, SHSU’s Jahari Kay and Zyon McCollum are on the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player nationally in FCS.
PLAYING THE BEST
Not looking to shy away from anyone, Dixie State has one of the toughest schedules in FCS, taking on four non-conference opponents that played in last spring’s FCS tournament, in addition to traveling to WAC-foe Sam Houston. The four members of the AQ7 will also take on Jacksonville State, who represented the Ohio Valley Conference in the FCS playoffs.
Non-Conference Games Against 2020 FCS Playoff Teams
Sep. 11 - Weber State at Dixie State
Oct. 2 - Dixie State at South Dakota State
Oct. 9 - Stephen F. Austin at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Oct. 23 - Jacksonville State at Sam Houston (AQ7)
Oct. 30 - Dixie State at Delaware
Nov. 6 - Abilene Christian at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Nov. 13 - Jacksonville State at Lamar (AQ7)
Nov. 20 - Missouri State at Dixie State
WAC FOOTBALL ON ESPN
As part of an expanded multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement announced on Aug. 24, all home football games in the WAC for the next four years will reside on ESPN platforms. In addition, all home men’s and women’s basketball, as well as other select events, will be housed on ESPN digital platforms.
COACHES SELECT SAM HOUSTON, SCHMID, KAY AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With college football returning to the Western Athletic Conference for the first time since 2012, defending national champion Sam Houston is the favorite to win the 2021 WAC title while Bearkats quarterback Eric Schmid and defensive lineman Jahari Kay were selected WAC Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, in a vote of the league’s six head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
Schmid led the Preseason All-WAC Offense and is joined by teammates Ramon Jefferson, Jequez Ezzard, Isaac Schley, Eleasah Anderson, Prince Pines and Colby Thomas. Stephen F. Austin was represented by Xavier Gipson and Zach Ingram while Tarleton earned honors from Tariq Bitson and Zachary Perry. Dixie State running back Quali Conley earned the final offensive spot.
On defense, Kay was joined by teammates Trace Mascorro, Joseph Wallace, Quentin Brown, Trevor Williams, Zyon McCollum and Jaylen Thomas. SFA’s Brandon Thompson Jr. and Brevin Randle were recognized, as was Tarleton duo Ronnell Wilson and Devin Hafford. Lamar’s Anthony Ruffin represented the Cardinals in the preseason awards.
On special teams, Sam Houston kicker Seth Morgan and punter Matt McRobert were recognized and Ezzard earned the spot reserved for kick returner.
Sam Houston earned all five possible first place votes to earn 20 points. Stephen F. Austin earned the final first place votes and 16 points to earn second place. Tarleton is picked third with 11 points, followed by Lamar and Abilene Christian. Dixie State, who will be eligible for all individual awards, will not be playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts.
SAM HOUSTON PICKED TO WIN AQ7
After lifting the NCAA FCS National Championship trophy in May, the Sam Houston Bearkats are expected to return to the postseason as AQ7 champions as voted on by the seven head coaches of the alliance, which made up on four institutions from the Western Athletic Conference and three from the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The Bearkats earned all seven first place votes to score a perfect 49 points. Central Arkansas was picked second with 40 points, followed closely by Jacksonville State in third with 37 points. Stephen F. Austin is fourth with 27 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Abilene Christian and Lamar.
COMING SOON
The WAC will expand yet again on July 1, 2022 as Southern Utah University joins the party. The Thunderbirds are currently members of the Big Sky Conference and will make the switch in all sports.
Chris Thompson
Assistant Commissioner - Media Relations
Stephen F. Austin’s Trae Self, Sam Houston’s Trevor Williams and SFA’s Max Quick have been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for August 30 through September 5.
Self, a senior quarterback from Richland, Texas, led the Lumberjacks to the victory in the WAC’s first conference football tilt since 2012. He completed 18-of-26 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown and also racked up 47 yards on 11 rushing attempts. His 157.8 efficiency rating was a best among all WAC signal callers in week one.
Williams, a junior linebacker from College Station, Texas, turned in the play of the game in the top-ranked Bearkats’ 42-16 win at Northern Arizona. In the third quarter, he picked up his first career interception and ran it 75 yards into the endzone for the pick six. He also helped hold NAU to just 91 rushing yards with four tackles on the night.
Quick, a redshirt junior punter from Lufkin, Texas, helped out the SFA defense by pinning Tarleton deep all game, punting the ball four times for 193 times for an average of 48.3 yards. His long was 61-yards as he recorded one touchback and one punt downed inside the 20.
Other offensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Kobe Clark brought in six catches for 89 yards with a touchdown in the Wildcats’ season-opening loss at SMU … Lamar quarterback Jalen Dummett threw for 124 yards with two touchdowns in a 47-3 blowout win over North Armerican … Sam Houston’s Ramon Jefferson averaged 13.0 yards per carry and scored once as the top-ranked Bearkats earned a 42-16 win on the road at Northern Arizona … Tarleton’s Tariq Bitson brought in seven catches for 127 yards as the Texans dropped a hard-fought game at SFA.
Other defensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Hunter Kier had four solo tackles and tied for the lead with six total stops in ACU’s loss at SMU on Saturday … Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson was credited with a career-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, in a 19-7 loss to Sacramento State … Lamar’s Seth Johnson picked up an interception in the Cardinals’ 47-3 win over North American … Stephen F. Austin’s Amad Murray had four tackles in a win over Tarleton, including 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss … Tarleton’s Ronnell Wilson led the Texans with 11 tackles, including one tackle-for-loss, in a 20-10 loss at Stephen F. Austin.
Other special teams nominees: Abilene Christian’s Blair Zepeda hit a 47-yard field goal in his only attempt against SMU on Saturday … Dixie State’s Raleigh Phillips punted six times for an average of 37.8 yards, putting three punts down inside the 20 … Tarleton’s Adrian Guzman made a 36-yard field goal to go with an extra point made in the Texans’ 20-10 loss at Stephen F. Austin
KICKING OFF
After an exciting week one, there is a full schedule for the WAC this week. Lamar will be the first to kickoff, making the trip to San Antonio to take on UTSA in the Alamodome while Stephen F. Austin heads to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech out of the Big 12. Sam Houston will play in front of the Bearkat faithful for the first time since bringing home the national championship when they host Southeast Missouri. Abilene Christian and Tarleton will also make their home debuts, hosting Louisiana College and Fort Lewis respectively. Finally, Dixie State hosts in-state foe and 10th-ranked Weber State in a Saturday Night matchup.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
One week into the season, Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (42.0), touchdowns scored (6), total offense (560.0), rushing offense (285.0), pass offense (275.0) and first downs (24). Stephen F. Austin is the leader in total defense (327.0), scoring defense (10.0), rushing defense (70.0), pass efficiency (157.8), field goals (2) and kickoff return (46.2). Dixie State has the lead in pass defense (193.0).
Individually, SHSU’s Ramon Jefferson is the leading rusher (143.0) while teammate Eric Schmid is the leader in total offense (303.0) and passing average (275.0) and Noah Smith has the lead in scoring (12.0). SFA’s Trae Self is tops in pass efficency (157.85) and TAR’s Tariq Bitson has the lead in receptions (7.00) and receiving yards (127.0). SFA’s Max Quick has the top punting average (48.25) and teammate Chris Campos leads the league in field goals (2). SHSU’s Jequez Ezzard has the top punt return average (11.67) while TAR’s Kaylon Horton has the top kick return average (3.00).
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
After one week of play, Sam Houston remains the top team in the two major FCS polls, ranking first in both the STATS Perform Top 25 and AFCA Coaches’ Top 25. The Bearkats are also third in the College Sports Madness Top 25 and fourth in the Athlon Sports Top 25. Stephen F. Austin is among those receiving votes in both the STATS and AFCA polls.
GUESS WHO’S BACK?
It’s a new era as football returns for the WAC for the first time since 2012, this time at the Football Championship Subdivision. Led by defending FCS national champion Sam Houston, the new incarnation of WAC football will also include Abilene Christian, Dixie State, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin and Tarleton. In 50 years at the FBS level, the WAC was home to the consensus 1984 national champion (Brigham Young), the winner of the 1990 Heisman Trophy (Ty Detmer, QB, Brigham Young) and the first pick of the 2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, QB, Fresno State).
PRESEASON HONORS
Fresh off winning the tophy, Sam Houston had a pair of players pick up Preseason All-America honors, earning a spot on the Athlon Preseason All-America team. Defensive lineman Jahari Kay and teammate Jequez Ezzard (punt returner) earned the recognition.
Seven WAC football players were recognized on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams. Kay, Ezzard and Sam Houston defensive back Zyon McCollum earned first team honors. Sam Houston Quarterback Eric Schmid was joined by teammate Joseph Wallace and SFA receiver Xavier Gipson on the second team. SHSU offensive lineman Colby Thomas was a third team selection.
IN THE RUNNING
Sam Houston quarterback Eric Schmid and wide receiver/returner Jequez Ezzard are among 35 players named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which is presented to the top offensive player nationally in collegie football’s Division I championship subdivision.
On the other side of the ball, SHSU’s Jahari Kay and Zyon McCollum are on the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player nationally in FCS.
PLAYING THE BEST
Not looking to shy away from anyone, Dixie State has one of the toughest schedules in FCS, taking on four non-conference opponents that played in last spring’s FCS tournament, in addition to traveling to WAC-foe Sam Houston. The four members of the AQ7 will also take on Jacksonville State, who represented the Ohio Valley Conference in the FCS playoffs.
Non-Conference Games Against 2020 FCS Playoff Teams
Sep. 11 - Weber State at Dixie State
Oct. 2 - Dixie State at South Dakota State
Oct. 9 - Stephen F. Austin at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Oct. 23 - Jacksonville State at Sam Houston (AQ7)
Oct. 30 - Dixie State at Delaware
Nov. 6 - Abilene Christian at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Nov. 13 - Jacksonville State at Lamar (AQ7)
Nov. 20 - Missouri State at Dixie State
WAC FOOTBALL ON ESPN
As part of an expanded multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement announced on Aug. 24, all home football games in the WAC for the next four years will reside on ESPN platforms. In addition, all home men’s and women’s basketball, as well as other select events, will be housed on ESPN digital platforms.
COACHES SELECT SAM HOUSTON, SCHMID, KAY AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With college football returning to the Western Athletic Conference for the first time since 2012, defending national champion Sam Houston is the favorite to win the 2021 WAC title while Bearkats quarterback Eric Schmid and defensive lineman Jahari Kay were selected WAC Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, in a vote of the league’s six head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
Schmid led the Preseason All-WAC Offense and is joined by teammates Ramon Jefferson, Jequez Ezzard, Isaac Schley, Eleasah Anderson, Prince Pines and Colby Thomas. Stephen F. Austin was represented by Xavier Gipson and Zach Ingram while Tarleton earned honors from Tariq Bitson and Zachary Perry. Dixie State running back Quali Conley earned the final offensive spot.
On defense, Kay was joined by teammates Trace Mascorro, Joseph Wallace, Quentin Brown, Trevor Williams, Zyon McCollum and Jaylen Thomas. SFA’s Brandon Thompson Jr. and Brevin Randle were recognized, as was Tarleton duo Ronnell Wilson and Devin Hafford. Lamar’s Anthony Ruffin represented the Cardinals in the preseason awards.
On special teams, Sam Houston kicker Seth Morgan and punter Matt McRobert were recognized and Ezzard earned the spot reserved for kick returner.
Sam Houston earned all five possible first place votes to earn 20 points. Stephen F. Austin earned the final first place votes and 16 points to earn second place. Tarleton is picked third with 11 points, followed by Lamar and Abilene Christian. Dixie State, who will be eligible for all individual awards, will not be playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts.
SAM HOUSTON PICKED TO WIN AQ7
After lifting the NCAA FCS National Championship trophy in May, the Sam Houston Bearkats are expected to return to the postseason as AQ7 champions as voted on by the seven head coaches of the alliance, which made up on four institutions from the Western Athletic Conference and three from the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The Bearkats earned all seven first place votes to score a perfect 49 points. Central Arkansas was picked second with 40 points, followed closely by Jacksonville State in third with 37 points. Stephen F. Austin is fourth with 27 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Abilene Christian and Lamar.
COMING SOON
The WAC will expand yet again on July 1, 2022 as Southern Utah University joins the party. The Thunderbirds are currently members of the Big Sky Conference and will make the switch in all sports.
Chris Thompson
Assistant Commissioner - Media Relations