Anthony Abenoja (Pittsburg State), Michael Elliot (Truman) and John Brown (Pittsburg State) have been named MIAA Football Student-Athletes of the Week for the week of Nov. 5 as selected by a conference SID panel.
MIAA Offensive Athlete of the Week
Anthony Abenoja, QB, Pittsburg State
Making his first collegiate start, Abenoja established a new Pittsburg State single game passing record. He was 26 of 36 on the night throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns. He helped lead the #1 Gorillas to a 41-20 victory on the road at Northeastern State to open the season. He threw an eight yards touchdown pass to John Brown that capped off a 12-play, 87-yards drive on the opening series of the season. The 6-3 sophomore quarterback is a native of Overland Park, Kan. where he competed at Blue Valley High School.
Others nominated: Tyler Eckenrode, ESU; Khiry Draine, LU; Ben Gomez, LWU; Michael Hill, MWSU.
MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week
Michael Elliot, DB, Truman
Michael Elliot returned to the field after a year off due to injury and made an immediate impact. The former first team all-conference defensive back thwarted three SBU drives with interceptions in the fourth quarter. The three picks helped preserve the Bulldogs 24-14 victory on the road at Southwest Baptist. With the Bulldogs up 21-14, Elliot grabbed his first interception on the second play of the final quarter at the Truman 35 and returned it to midfield. After Truman got the insurance field goal Elliot picked off a pass to stop an SBU six play drive that had moved into Truman territory. His final pick came with two minutes to play as SBU had the ball on the Truman goal line. The 5-11 senior defensive back is a native of Cypress, Texas where he attended Cy-Fair High School.
Others nominated: Yomi Alli, MWSU; Darryl Blackmon, LU; Joe Day, LWU; Brandon Dixon, NWMSU; Kevin Gaddis, ESU; Jahmill Taylor, WU.
MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week
John Brown, KR/PR, Pittsburg State
Brown compiled a game high 270 all-purpose yards as he helped #1 Pittsburg State pick up a 41-20 win at Northeastern State. He averaged 29.0 yards per return on three punts and one returned for a touchdown that was called back due to penalty. He averaged 21.5 yards per return on two kickoffs in the game. He also caught a game-high nine passes for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 5-11 junior wide receiver is a native of Homestead, Fla. and played football at Coffeyville Community College and Homestead High School.
Others nominated: Taylor Anderson, MWSU; Aaron Hummert, WU; Eli Kuhns, ESU; Neal James, LWU; Keke Paul, FHSU; Eric Phillips, TSU.
— MIAA Press Release —