Bethune-Cookman University linebacker Stephen Sparrow Jr. and quarterback Tyler Jefferson earned Southwestern Athletic Conference weekly awards for their performances against Jackson State, the conference office announced Monday evening. Sparrow was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week, while Jefferson received Newcomer of the Week honors. The awards gave Bethune-Cookman football six SWAC weekly honors this season.
Sparrow recorded a team-high 11 tackles against Jackson State, including two tackles for loss and one sack. The graduate student also forced a fumble and broke up a pass. His defensive performance helped Bethune-Cookman hold Jackson State to 0.9 yards per carry.
Jefferson totaled 113 yards and three touchdowns, including a 19-yard game-winning touchdown with 34 seconds remaining. The redshirt junior transfer also carried 19 times for 85 yards and finished as Bethune-Cookman’s second-leading rusher. His production earned him the SWAC Newcomer of the Week award.
Bethune-Cookman football was scheduled to travel to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on Saturday to face the Golden Lions while seeking its third consecutive win. The upcoming game follows a performance that produced conference recognition on both sides of the football. Sparrow’s defensive disruption and Jefferson’s late-game production represented the latest individual honors for the Wildcats.
FSB Take
Bethune-Cookman’s six SWAC weekly awards this season show that the program has received recognition from multiple contributors. The latest honors specifically connect defensive control with a decisive offensive finish against Jackson State. That combination gives Bethune-Cookman two performance areas to carry into its scheduled matchup with the Golden Lions.
Source: Original report