D2Football.com Players of the Week - Week 0

September 3rd, 2024 7:00am

D2Football.com is pleased to announce the players of the week for week zero of the 2024 season. 

Offense

David Wright

Quarterback

Clark Atlanta

Clark Atlanta earned the program’s first victory since October, 2022 with an upset of Fort Valley State this past Saturday afternoon. The Panthers out-dueled wht Wildcats by a final of 45-22. David Wright, a transfer quarterback from fellow SIAC school Allen University, completed 23 and 31 pass attempts for 423 yards, with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. David Wright is a junior from Tampa, Florida. 

Defense

Justus Breston

Defensive Back

Mary

UMary produced only one offensive scoring drive in their season opener against NAIA member Jamestown, but the defense accounted for enough points to walk away with the win. Defensive back Justus Breston was the difference-maker with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. On the final play of the first quarter, Breston snared an errant pass and returned it 25 yards for Mary’s first TD of the season. He added his second pick-six and Mary’s second TD of the game midway through the second quarter. Breston also added a pass breakup and a solo tackle. The Marauders would go on to win by a final of 23-7, with 16 defensive points. Justus Breston is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia.

Special Teams

Austin Schmitt

Place Kicker

Pittsburg State

Austin Schmitt was instrumental in helping Pittsburg State build a lead over visiting Ferris State in the Gorillas’s 19-3 victory. In tight defensive battle, the Gorillas frequently found themselves in scoring position but the Bulldog defense was able force them into field goal attempts. Schmitt converted four of those opportunities into 12 total points. He tied a school record with four field goals made in the contest, from distances of 33, 22, 36 and 36 yards. Austin Schmitt is a sophomore from Grain Valley, Missouri.