Walker, UCM Duo Earn MIAA Weekly Honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State's James Walker and Central Missouri teammates Randy Shepherd and Bobby Guillory have been named MIAA Football Student-Athletes of the Week for the week of Sept. 19 as selected by a conference SID panel.
 
MIAA OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
James Walker, RB, Fort Hays State
Walker had a hand in almost half of Fort Hays State's 495 yards of total offense in the Tigers' 41-31 win against Truman. The junior from Pacoima, Calif., rushed for 200 yards on 36 carries and had three receptions for 46 yards, giving him a total of 246 all-purpose yards. Walker was the first Tiger to rush for 200 yards in a game since Jordan Hickel ran for the same exact amount against New Mexico Highlands in 2005. Walker has rushed for at least 100 yards in two of Fort Hays State's four games this season. His effort vaulted him to third in the MIAA in rushing yards per game (93.0). Walker became the 13th individual in Fort Hays State history to rush for 200 yards in a game.

Others nominated: Collin Howard, MSSU; Thomas Hodges, MWSU; Brian Miller, UNO; Blake Bolles, NWMSU.

MIAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Randy Shepherd, FS, Central Missouri
Shepherd helped Central Missouri hold Pittsburg State to its lowest point total in a Mule win since 1940 in the series. The senior from Kansas City, Kan., sacked PSU quarterback John McCoy in the first quarter, forcing a fumble, before picking it up and returning it 12 yards to the PSU 23. The Mules scored on the ensuing drive to make it 14-0. Shepherd also sealed the game in the fourth quarter, picking off a Jeff Smith pass with Central Missouri up 23-14 with 2:57 left. The Mules ran out the clock from there. Shepherd finished with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a recovered fumble, an interception, and a pass break-up in Central Missouri's first win in the series since 2005 and seventh overall.

Others nominated: Justin Cowper, MSSU; Matt Ajuoga, UNO.
 
MIAA SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Bobby Guillory, WR/KR, Central Missouri
Guillory returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in Central Missouri's 23-14 victory over Pittsburg State. It was the Mules' first opening kickoff for a TD in a game since current San Francisco 49er Delanie Walker did it against Lincoln in 2005. Guillory also made it 14-0 on an 18-yard touchdown reception, the first of his career. The senior from Vallejo, Calif., added three rushes for 27 yards and four receptions for 58 yards. Guillory finished the game with 182 all-purpose yards.

Others nominated: C.J. Lovett, FHSU; Brad Beckwith, MWSU.