Oct. 21, 2008

Football: Fernandez, Wilson, Horne Named HBK Players of the Game

    Youngstown – Junior defensive end Crispin Fernandez, senior punt returner/cornerback De'Angelo Wilson and senior kick returner/wide receiver Da'Michael Horne were named the Hill Barth & King Players of the Game for their performances against Southern Illinois, the coaching staff announced on Tuesday. There was no offensive winner.
    Fernandez was named the HBK Defensive Player of the Game for the first time this season. He was credited with 61 snaps played for the game by the coaching staff. Fernandez also had five total tackles, including three solos. He had two tackles for losses, including a sack for a 10-yard loss and was credited with two hurries.
    Wilson and Horne both shared HBK Special Teams Player of the Game honors. Wilson returned five punts for for 57 yards, including a long of 27. He moved into second place in school history in career return yards with 439. His 11.2 per return average also ranks second. Horne had five kickoff returns for 103 yards, including a lone of 27 yards against the Salukis.
    Sophomore linebacker Na'eem Outler was named the Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Week. Outler played a high of 54 snaps among the linebackers. He intercepted his first career pass to end a SIU drive in the end zone late in the third quarter to keep the Guins in the game. He had two tackles in the game.

    Earning scout-team awards for their performances during the week were sophomore offensive lineman Kyle Brown (offense), freshman defensive end Noah Taylor (defense) and freshman running back Gary Thornton (special teams).
    Fernandez was named the Haines Family Player of the Game by the YSU broadcast crew.
    Senior strong safety Tony Kavouras is this week's recipient of the Wachovia Leadership Award.

    The Penguins entertain fourth-ranked Northern Iowa this Saturday at 4 p.m. The contest is YSU's Homecoming Game.