FOOTBALL YSU's Florida players do well

By Pete Mollica
Four Floridians were named players of the week for their efforts in the 24-17 victory over Florida Atlantic.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- There must be something about playing in front of hometown fans that brings out the best in Youngstown State football players from Florida.
Four Floridians were named players of the week for their efforts in the Penguins' 24-17 victory over Florida Atlantic.
Leading the way, and being honored for the third time this season, was senior defensive tackle Guy Mazard, a Miami native, who was named the MVR Club's defensive player of the game.
Freshman defensive back Mike Andrews, a native of Oldsmar, Fla., was named the MVR's special teams player of the game, and Lake Wales, Fla. native Norris Kennedy was named the Haines Family player of the game, selected by the radio broadcasters.
Scout teamer
The fourth award winner was freshman defensive back Tyler Morton of Palm Harbor, Fla., who earned the Scout Team defensive player of the week award.
Senior tailback P.J. Mays took his fourth MVR Club's offensive player of the game honor, while junior guard Will Sanders was named the Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the game and senior linebacker Brandon Byers took the Jermaine Hopkins defensive lineman of the game honors.
The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Mazard finished the game with 41/2 tackles, including four solo hits, and one of those was a sack. He also recovered a fumble and put constant pressure on Florida Atlantic quarterback Jared Allen.
Andrews, who is a member of the Penguins' ranger punt-block team, scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the first half.
Mays finished with 130 yards on 27 carries and scored two touchdowns. He has seven touchdowns and 748 yards rushing this season.
Byers finished with 21/2 tackles, including a quarterback sack. Sanders and Kennedy helped the YSU offense to 225 yards rushing.
Senior linebacker Jon Tekac came up with the Wash-on-Wheels Derrick Pixley hit of the week.