Nov. 17, 2008

JACKSON, Miss. - Jackson State defensive end Marcus Benard and running back Darius Bolela have been named Southwestern Athletic Conference Defensive and Newcomer of the Week coming off JSU's big win over Alabama A&M.

Benard, a 6-4, 260 pound senior from Ypsilanti, MI, finished with a game-high 17 tackles and five sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown in JSU's 37-21 win over Alabama A&M in Saturday's game. In a decisive play in the game he recovered a fumble in the third quarter and returned it 12 yards for a touchdown that gave the Tigers the lead for good.

Bolela, a 6-0, 205 pound freshman from Jackson, MS, led JSU's offensive efforts with 147 yards and a touchdown on only 11 rushes in JSU's division-title clinching win over the Bulldogs. He scored on a two-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter in posting the first 100-yard rushing game of his collegiate career.

Other notable performances: RB Luther Edwards rushed for 79 yards on 11 carries and two TDs vs. Alabama A&M last Saturday.

Jackson State will return to action Saturday, Nov. 22 to face Alcorn State for the Capital City Classic. Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm.