MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Sophomores Justin Broussard and Nik Kelly of Southwestern University and senior Kyle Crawford of Austin College have been named to the D3football.com National Team of the Week for their performance this past weekend.
Broussard, a sophomore defensive end from Beaumont, Texas, was a force in the backfield for the Pirates as he recorded two sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Equally impressive, the sophomore forced three fumbles and was the second leading tackler for Southwestern with 10 tackles. Broussard's three forced fumbles are already tops in the conference through only one week while his two sacks propelled him to third in the SCAC
His teammate, Kelly, a sophomore corner back from Houston, Texas, had a pair of interceptions as well as also recovering a fumble for Southwestern as he earned national defensive honors from The Dream Bowl earlier this week. Kelly finished with five tackles, three of them solo tackles in his first official collegiate start. He is currently tied for the conference lead in interceptions along with Jai Boatman of Trinity and Drake Dowling of Texas Lutheran.
The Pirate defense forced seven Lobo turnovers on the afternoon to pick up their win since 1950, defeating Sul Ross State 27-20 to open the season.
Crawford, a senior tight end from Rockwall, Texas, was virtually unstoppable in the passing game, hauling in six passes for 153 yards for an average of 25.5 yards-per-catch. Crawford also pulled down a 58-yard touchdown in the loss to the Tigers. Through the first two weeks of the season, Crawford leads the SCAC in receptions and yards and is second in the SCAC in yards per catch.
He is the second 'Roo to earn the honor in 2014 as senior defensive end Tre Stewart was named to the first week's team a week ago. For Southwestern, Broussard and Kelly are the first Pirates to ever earn the award.
Broussard, Kelly, and the Pirates will head to Marshall, Texas to take on East Texas Baptist on Saturday while Crawford and the 'Roos return home to take on Occidental.
All three players named to D3football.com Team of the Week were featured in SCAC 360 - Football Report. Check out some of their highlights this past weekend.
