Monday, November 12, 2018
by Cody Bush, PFL Media Relations

CHICAGO – San Diego quarterback Anthony Lawrence and Drake safety Will Warner were recognized as the STATS FCS National Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, Monday.

Lawrence, of La Mesa, California, tied a PFL record with seven touchdown throws as San Diego clinched the 2018 PFL title with a 56-52 victory against Davidson, Saturday. He secured the PFL-clinching victory with 1:43 left in the game when he found Michael Bandy for a 20-yard touchdown just 55 seconds after Davidson had taken the lead. Lawrence also set a PFL record with 556 passing yards, breaking the record set by Toreros alumnus Mason Mills in 2012. That passing performance also catapulted him to 12,017 career passing yards, breaking the PFL record and making him the 13th FCS quarterback to surpass 12,000 career passing yards. He completed 24-of-36 passes in the high-scoring affair and also led Bandy to set a PFL record with 324 receiving yards. 

Pella, Iowa native Warner tied a PFL record with three interceptions, including two in the final 3:46 to help Drake upend Marist, 13-10, in PFL action, Saturday. His second interception of the day was key in the victory, with his 28-yard return setting up the Bulldogs offense at the Marist 12-yard line and the ensuing drive ended with a go-ahead field goal. On the next Marist drive, he intercepted his third pass of the day and allowed Drake to kneel out the game for a win. Warner’s first pick came at the start of the second quarter and his 24-yard return set up the Bulldogs at the Marist 30-yard line. He also posted six tackles (three solo) and had a half-tackle for loss and finished with 62 yards on his three interception returns. Warner is the fourth FCS defender to record three interceptions in a game this season. 

In addition, Dayton running back Tucker Yinger, San Diego wide receiver Michael Bandy, San Diego kick returner Michael Armstead and Jacksonville running back Garrett Nicolas were honorable mention selections to the player of the week awards.

Lawrence and Warner become the fourth and fifth PFL athletes recognized as STATS FCS National Players of the Week. Butler's Pace Temple (Sept. 3), Dayton's Jack Cook (Oct. 15) and Armstead (Oct. 29) were previously recognized by the news organization.