Oct. 23, 2007

Football: Williams, Terry, Palmer Earn HBK Awards for Efforts Against Illinois State

    Youngstown – Junior wide receiver Ferlando Williams, senior linebacker James Terry and junior placekicker Brian Palmer were named the Hill Barth & King Players of the Game for their performances against Illinois State, the coaching staff announced on Tuesday.

    For the third time this season Williams was selected as the HBK Offensive Player of the Game. Williams had eight rushes for 56 yards and caught five passes for 71 yards against the Redbirds.

    For the second time this year Terry was tabbed the HBK Defensive Player of the Game. Terry was credited with eight solo tackles, had two tackles for losses, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. He was on the field for all 81 ISU offensive plays.

    Palmer, the Gateway's Special Teams Player of the Week, was the HBK Special Teams Player of the Game. Palmer converted field goals from 37, 40 and 41 yards during the game. It was the second consecutive week he booted three field goals in a game.

    Junior tight end Derrick Bush was chosen as the Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the Game for the second consecutive week and the third time in the last four games. Bush played a season-high 68 snaps against the Redbirds. He caught four passes for 29 yards, including a long of 17.

    Sophomore linebacker Rashon Simons was tabbed the Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Game. Simons was credited with six tackles, including three solos. He played on 79 snaps in the contest.

    Earning scout team awards for their efforts during the week were freshman tight end Andy Colegrove (offense), junior cornerback Tom Krupko (defense) and freshman linebacker Adam House (special teams).

    Senior strong safety Vince Gliatta earned the Derek Pixley/W.O.W. Hit of the Game for his sack of Redbird quarterback Luke Drone.

    Simons was named the Haines Family Player of the Game by the YSU radio broadcast crew.

    Williams is the 2007 recipient of the Football Alumni's Difference Maker Award. The Football Alumni selects a player during the annual Homecoming Game who's efforts made a key impact for the Penguins.

    Senior defensive end Blake Halverson was this week's recipient of the Wachovia Leadership Award. 

    YSU faces a tall task this Saturday when they travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to take No. 1 Northern Iowa. The contest is the Gateway's Television Game of the Week and will be shown live in Youngstown on WFMJ TV 21. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Eastern time.