Story courtesy of the Western Athletic Conference
Associated Press Photo
DENVER – Texas State quarterback Shaun Rutherford, linebacker Joplo Bartu and placekicker Will Johnson were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.
Rutherford, a senior from Bay City, Texas (Blinn College), rushed for a career-high 138 yards on 17 carries and completed 8-of-17 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown in Texas State’s 66-28 win over New Mexico State. The 138 rushing yards were the most by a Bobcat all season.
Bartu, a senior from Waller, Texas (Waller HS), made a career-high 17 tackles (12 solo), including eight tackles for a loss of 34 yards (4 sacks), in the win over New Mexico State. He also forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown to give the Bobcats a lead they would never relinquish. Bartu came into the game with a total of four tackles for loss on the season.
Johnson, a sophomore from Bryan, Texas (Rudder HS), matched a career-high with 12 points in the game against New Mexico State. Johnson broke a school-record with a 54-yard field goal in the third quarter and made a career-high nine extra points in the game.