BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Delta State University senior
Brett Butler and junior
Andrew Jones were named Gulf South Conference Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week respectively after leading the top-ranked Statesmen football team to a 36-33 come-from-behind victory over No. 10 Valdosta State last Saturday at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
Brett Butler, a 6-foot, 185-pound safety, collects his first-ever accolade and is the second Statesmen defender to take home honors this season after DSU clipped No. 10 Valdosta State at home, 36-33. The senior notched six total tackles behind a team-high tying five solo stops, but he made his biggest contribution in pass coverage. The Modesto, CA native stepped in front of a VSU pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown with six seconds left in the third quarter. His TD was the Statesmen's only points of the quarter and closed the deficit to 27-23.
Andrew Jones, a 6-foot, 175-pound punter, recorded his first career laurel and is DSU's first Special Teams winner of 2011. The junior booted five punts for 240 yards and a 48.0 punt average, while also dropping two inside Valdosta State's 20-yard line. The Corinth, Miss., native did not stop there, playing a key part in Delta State's game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter when he executed a fourth-and-two fake punt by rushing five yards for a first down.
The duo will lead the Statesmen back into action on Saturday, Nov. 5 versus the University of West Alabama on Homecoming at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m.
