Central Missouri’s LaVance Taylor was named the MIAA Football Offensive Athlete of the Week after a record breaking performance. Central Oklahoma’s Cody Jones won the defensive award and Fort Hays State’s Drew O’Brien won on special teams.
MIAA Offensive Athlete of the Week
LaVance Taylor, RB, Central Missouri
Taylor had a record-setting day as Central Missouri beat #19 Emporia State 50-31, amassing nearly 400 yards of all-purpose yards and scoring six touchdowns. He rushed for 288 yards and four touchdowns on 23 carries for a 12.5 yards per carry average. He had three receptions for eight yards and a touchdown and had a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He set four single-game school records and tied a career-record in the process. His 288 rushing yards are the most in a single-game in school history, as were his six touchdowns and 36 points scored. His 394 all-purpose yards were also a single-game UCM record. His kickoff return for a touchdown was the third of his career, tying the UCM career record. The 5-11 senior running back is a native of Raytown, Mo. where he competed at Raytown High School.
MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week
Cody Jones, DB, Central Oklahoma
Jones came up with two big interceptions during UCO’s 26-17 upset of Missouri Western. The junior cornerback returned the first one 41 yards to the MWSU four-yard-line late in the first half to set up a short UCO field goal that got the Bronchos within 14-10 at halftime and he sealed the win with a 42-yard touchdown return on the final play of the game. Jones added three unassisted tackles, including one for a four-yard loss, and broke up another pass. The 5-11 junior defensive back is a native of Bakersfield, Calif. where he competed at Highland High School and Bakersfield College.
MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week
Drew O’ Brien, K, Fort Hays State
O’ Brien was a perfect 2-of-2 on field goal attempts in a 48-13 win at Northeastern State. He connected from 41 yards and 38 yards in the second quarter, pushing the FHSU lead to 10-6 and then 13-6. He also had three punts go for an average of 44.7 yards, two that went 50 or more yards with 53 as his best effort. He also averaged 60.8 yards on kickoffs. The 6-0 kicker/punter is a native of Hays, Kan. where he competed at TMP-Marian High School.
— MIAA Press Release —