Sept. 23, 2008

Football: Kamryn Keys, De'Angelo Wilson, Brandian Ross Named HBK Players of the Game

    Youngstown – Redshirt freshman Kamryn Keys, senior cornerback De'Angelo Wilson and sophomore safety Brandian Ross were named the Hill Barth & King Players of the Game for their performances in the victory over second-ranked North Dakota State, the coaching staff announced on Tuesday.

    Keys was named the HBK Offensive Player of the Game following the first 100-yard rushing game of his career. Keys rushed for 146 yards on 21 carries and scored his first career touchdown against the Bison. Entering the game, Keys had rushed for

    He had 97 yards rushing in the second half on 14 attempts. He is the first freshman to rush for more than 100 yards in a game for the Guins since Adrian Brown in November 1996.

    Wilson was named the HBK Defensive Player of the Game following his two interception performance. Wilson was named the MVFC Defensive Player of the Week and was tabbed the College Sporting News National All-Star on defense as well.

    Wilson’s interception in the end zone with 22 seconds remaining helped seal the Penguins’ victory. Wilson had two interceptions in the contest, his first he returned 26 yards to set up the Penguins’ first touchdown of the game (10-0). In the second quarter, Wilson blocked the second career field goal of his career. He finished with three total tackles. Entering the game, Wilson had two career interceptions at YSU.
    Ross was named the HBK Special Teams Player of the Game for his excellent coverage on kicks during the game. Ross, who had nine total tackles in the game and his second career interception, had three special teams stops in the game.
    Senior tight end Derrick Bush was named the Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the Game while junior defensive tackle Crispin Fernandez was selected as the Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Game. Fernandez played 66 snaps during the game earning a grade of 89 percent.

    Earning scout team honors for their performances during the week were redshirt center Andy Colegrove (offense), junior linebacker Draye Ersery (defense) and redshirt freshman linebacker Michael Kreatsoulas (special teams).

    Junior offensive lineman Brian Mellott was the recipient of the W.O.W./Derek Pixley Hit of the Game while senior offensive tackle Tyler Booth received the Wachovia Leadership Award.
    Senior offensive guard Nhemie Theodore was selected as the Haines Family Player of the Game by the YSU radio broadcast crew.

    The victory over NDSU did not seem to influence pollsters across the nation. YSU moved up from 24th to 23rd in the FCS Coaches Poll, and remained on the outside looking in at the Sports Network Poll coming in two spots shy of returning to the Top 25.

    The Penguins' opponent Liberty, is ranked 25th in the Sports Network Poll and is off to its best start since 1997. The Flames have won eight straight overall dating back to last year.

    Kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium is set for 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1YSU. The game will be carried live in Youngstown on 570 WKBN.
    Also, the postgame B.J. Alan Phantom Fireworks show, which previously scheduled for opening night, will be held following the contest.