Oct. 29, 2002

 

                        Mulerider Quarterback Honored By Gulf South Conference

 

            Magnolia, Ark.-Southern Arkansas University quarterback Damian Melancon has been honored by the Gulf South Conference as Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against Ouachita Baptist University last Saturday at Arkadelphia. Melancon, a red-shirt freshman from Hester, La., came off the bench in the first quarter to lead the Muleriders to a four-overtime 50-47 win over the Tigers to keep SAU’s post-season playoff hopes alive.

            Melancon, relieving an injured Ted Williams in the first quarter, threw for four touchdowns for a new school record in a single game. He passed for 290 yards, completing 16 of 22 pass attempts, and rushed for 109 yards on 23 carries for 399 total yards of offense, which also set a new school record.

            Melancon shared the GSC honor with wide receiver Kyle Henderson of West Alabama, who caught 15 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns against unbeaten Valdosta’s heralded defense that forced VSU to come from behind to win 43-31.

            Melancon teamed with wide receiver Nik Lewis for much of SAU’s offensive production against the Tigers. Lewis hauled in three touchdown catches to give him 10 for the season, a new school record. He also caught eight passes for 172 yards to give him 864 yards for the year, another new school record. His three end zone receptions tied the school record. Lewis is a junior from Jacksboro, Tex.

            Melancon was the first SAU player to be named the GSC Player of the Week this season.

            SAU meets Arkansas-Monticello here Saturday in a crucial GSC contest.