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Offensive Player of the Week
John Matthews (SAN)
Matthews, who was recently added to the final Walter Payton Award watch list, finished his collegiate career with a 13-reception, 161-yard performance in San Diego’s 28-20 upset victory of UC Davis, Saturday. He caught the game’s final touchdown, a 10-yard strike that was his 50th career touchdown. Matthews is only the third FCS receiver all-time to reach the 50-touchdown plateau, joining David Bell (58 TDs, New Hampshire) and Jerry Rice (50 TDs, Mississippi Valley State). With San Diego ahead, 21-20 in the fourth quarter, Matthews caught seven passes for 74 yards in the Toreros final scoring drive that game them a 28-21 cushion.
Defensive Player of the Week
Bryan Valdez (JAC)
Valdez intercepted a pair of passes as Jacksonville clinched its first PFL crown with a 19-14 victory against Dayton, Saturday. His first interception came in Jacksonville’s end zone in the first quarter, stopping a possible Dayton score in its tracks. Valdez found his second pick of the day at Jacksonville’s nine-yard line with 36 seconds remaining, sealing the Jacksonville victory.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Elliott Finkley (JAC)
Finkley’s 54-yard punt return in the fourth quarter put Jacksonville on the doorstep to victory in its 19-14 PFL clinching victory against Dayton, Saturday. With Jacksonville trailing 14-6, Finkley broke through for his third punt return touchdown this season, moving Jacksonville within two points, 14-12. Finkley returned four punts for 88 yards and a kickoff for eight yards.
Players of the Week