Story courtesy of the CAA
Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Athletics
CAA Football's Week Five Player of the Week honorees are featured below.
Offensive Player of the Week: Andy Vailas, QB, New Hampshire
Following a scoreless Wildcat first half, Vailas broke it open after intermission to tally three touchdowns during a 34-0 second-half run that led to No. 20 New Hampshire's 34-14 victory over No. 8 Delaware and the snapping of the Blue Hens' seven-game win streak. The sophomore equaled a career high with 23 completions on 36 attempts for 315 passing yards and two scores in the air, while also tacking on a 1-yard touchdown run in the third-quarter as part of his 14-carry, 36- yard rushing effort.
Defensive Player of the Week: Dontra Peters, CB, New Hampshire
Peters picks up his third career league weekly award on the heels of his two interceptions in the Wildcats' win over the top-10 Hens on Saturday. The senior captain and converted running back came away with the two picks during a decisive 34-0 run that turned a 7-0 deficit into a 34-7 lead. Peters' three-tackle tally also included his first career half-sack, which led to a loss of four yards.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Mark Hamilton, PK/P, Villanova
Hamilton had in an all-around stellar showing in Villanova's 35-14 victory on the road at Maine. In addition to converting all five of his PATs, the junior finished the afternoon with seven punts that included two inside the 20-yard line, a long of 63 yards and another pair that surpassed the 50-yard mark. Hamilton's 59-yarder came when the Wildcats were forced to punt from their own end zone, with the punt ultimately forcing the Black Bears to take over at their own 25-yard line.
Rookie of the Week: Luke Rhodes, LB, William and Mary
Rhodes tied for a team-high eight tackles, including five solo stops, in the Tribe's 35-3 triumph over Georgia State on Saturday. The rookie also recorded a pass breakup to help a dominant William and Mary defense hold the Panthers to just three points and 249 total yards.