D’Alesio, Hess named MVFC players of the week

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Quarterback Kurt Hess and safety Donald D’Alesio were named the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s players of the week after Youngstown State’s come-from-behind win over Southern Illinois Saturday.

Trailing 27-14 in the fourth quarter, Hess threw two touchdown passes in the final 10 minutes – the last one coming on fourth-and-goal from the 1 yard line with 1:50 remaining.

He also ran for a key first down on the final drive with the Penguins facing a fourth-and-6 from the SIU 27-yard line. His final stat line was 25 of 37 for 258 yards and four touchdowns.

After a lackluster first half, the YSU defense shut out the Salukis over the final 30 minutes to allow their offense to come back.

D’Alesio had a career-high 15 tackles and forced a fumble in the final minute of the game sealing a victory for the Penguins. The YSU defense limited Southern Illinois to 120 yards total yards in the second half.

The other two players honored were North Dakota State punter Ben LeCompte for his special teams play and Western Illinois freshman running back J.C. Baker.