Kansas City, Mo. – Pittsburg State’s John Roderique has been named the MIAA Football Offensive Athletes of the Week. Nebraska-Kearney’s Tyke Kozeal has been named the Defensive Athlete of the Week with Washburn’s Bryce Chavis earning Special Teams Athlete of the Week honors.
MIAA Football Offensive Athlete of the Week
John Roderique, QB, Pittsburg State
Roderique passed for a career high 373 yards and a school record tying five touchdowns to lead Pittsburg State University to a 55-47 road win over Missouri Western State University Saturday (Oct. 15). Roderique completed 22 of 30 passes in the contest, averaging 18.7 yards per completion. He also rushed for 74 yards to compile a career-best 447 yards of total offense. The Gorillas piled up a season-high 659 yards of total offense, nearly doubling the season average allowed by the Griffons defense entering the contest (359.3 ypg). The 6-4 sophomore quarterback is a native of Webb City, Mo. where he competed at Webb City High School prior to redshirting one season at Sam Houston State.
MIAA Football Defensive Athlete of the Week
Tyke Kozeal, LB, Nebraska-Kearney
Kozeal helped end UNK’s 17-game losing streak by making 15 tackles (9 solo), recovering a fumble that led to a field goal and forcing a fumble. He also picked off a pass with 1:44 left and returned it 16 yards for a TD and a final score of 47-32. It marked UNKs six forced turnover of the game. Kozeal now has 541 career tackles, including an NCAA best 111 this year. The 6-0 senior linebacker is a native of Sargent, Neb. where he competed at Sargent High School.
MIAA Football Special Teams Athlete of the Week
Bryce Chavis, RS, Washburn
Returned a Fort Hays State punt 83-yards for a touchdown with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter to put the Ichabod’s up 30-14. He also added four receptions for 101 yards and a 67-yard touchdown catch which put the Ichabod’s up 20-0 with 13:27 to play in the first half. Overall he had 189 all-purpose yards averaging 41.5 yards per punt return on two returns. The 5-9 senior wide receiver and return specialist is a native of Riley, Kan. where he competed at Riley County High School prior to playing at Butler County Community College.
— MIAA Press Release —