YOUNGSTOWN — Senior wide receiver turned tailback Ferlando Williams, sophomore free safety

November 26, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

YSU's Ferlando Williams

YOUNGSTOWN — Senior wide receiver turned tailback Ferlando Williams, sophomore free safety Andre Elliott and redshirt freshman long snapper Nate Schkurko were named the Hill Barth and King players of the game for their performances in Youngstown State’s season-ending, 31-28 victory at Western Illinois.

Williams was named the offensive player of the game after making his first career start at tailback. Williams had a career-high 26 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 50 yards.

Elliott earned the defensive player of the game nod. He played all 71 snaps on defense against the Leathernecks and was credited with six total tackles and a forced fumble.

Schkurko was named the special teams player of the game. He has been the Penguins’ long snapper for the final four games after Mike Barlak suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Senior tight end Derrick Bush was named the Jim Zdelar offensive lineman of the game. Bush caught two key passes in the contest. He caught a 9-yard score in the first quarter for his fourth career touchdown reception. His second grab came in the fourth quarter when he hauled in a diving 30-yarder on a 2nd-and-14 play.

Junior linebacker Roshon Simons was selected as the Jermaine Hopkins defensive lineman of the game. Simons was credited with six solo tackles and had a fumble recovery that set up a second quarter touchdown.

Earning scout team honors were freshman cornerback Bryan Gaiters (offense), freshman linebacker Bryan Whitaker (defense) and freshman safety Vinnie Patella (special teams).

Williams was selected as the Haines Family player of the game by the radio broadcast crew.

Senior cornerback De’Angelo Wilson was the recipient of the Wachovia Leadership Award. Wilson’s interception with 25 seconds remaining helped seal the’ victory. It was his fifth interception of the season and second interception in the final minute that helped preserve a victory.