CIAA Week Nine: Players Of The Week

Rudy Johnson threw for four touchdowns in a win over Shaw on Saturday. (Garrett Garms/WSSU photo)

Co-Offensive Players of The Week
Rudy Johnson, Winston-Salem State 

Johnson was the catalyst for Winston-Salem State against Shaw. He started out on fire, throwing three touchdowns in the first-half, completing 10 of his first 13 passes and helping WSSU to a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter. He struggled for the much of the remainder of the game, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Shaw’s Darnell Evans to put WSSU behind 24-21 in the fourth quarter. But Johnson came up big when his team needed him, going a perfect 8-for-8 in a nine-play, 81 yard drive in which he tossed the game-winning touchdown to freshman Chase Powell. Johnson finished 22 of 32 passing for four touchdowns and 208 yards. He also led the Rams with 71 rushing yards.

Jordan Anderson, Virginia State

Anderson continued to show that he has just as good of a case for the conference’s best running back as Shaw’s Marquise Grizzle does. Anderson finished with 160 yards and three touchdowns, as Virginia State blanked Chowan 28-0 on Saturday. One of those touchdowns came on a 73-yard run, his second longest of the season. Anderson now leads the conference with 18 rushing touchdowns.

Co-Defensive Players of The Week
Darnell Evans, Shaw

Evans was responsible for three turnovers on Saturday, forcing a fumble and picking off two Rudy Johnson passes. Evans returned his second interception 88-yards for a go-ahead score to put Shaw ahead 24-21 midway through the fourth quarter.

Rookie of The Week
Chase Powell, Winston-Salem State 

The freshman from Upper Marlboro, MD continues to be the Rams most consistent receiver. Powell caught seven passes for 92 yards on Saturday, including two touchdowns. His second touchdown proved to be the game-winner for WSSU.