Pioneers Football Announces Team Award Winners
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team held its annual end of season banquet on Sunday, January 22. The Pioneers handed out individual awards, recognized those who received post-season honors, and thanked seniors for their contributions to the program.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team held its annual end of season banquet on Sunday, January 22. The Pioneers handed out individual awards, recognized those who received post-season honors, and thanked seniors for their contributions to the program.
Senior defensive lineman Justin Blazek was voted by teammates as the Most Valuable Player following a season that saw him earn several postseason awards including multiple All-American honors. Blazek totaled nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss to earn WIAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Senior wide receiver Ben Wilson was voted Offensive MVP after leading the team with 35 receptions for 413 yards and with a pair of touchdowns. He also collected the George Chryst Award, which is given annually to a senior who demonstrates leadership on and off the football field. Senior linebacker Sam Smith was named Defensive MVP after pacing the Pioneers with 83 tackles while grabbing two interceptions. Special Teams MVP went to senior kicker and punter Andrew Schweigert, who finished 8-of-12 on field goal attempts and averaged 38.0 yards per punt.
Sophomore running back Will Lawrence was named the Most Improved Offensive Player after leading the team in rushing with 502 yards and three total touchdowns. Senior defensive back Sean McMillan collected the Most Improved Defensive Player award with 29 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.
Senior defensive back Dayne Friday earned the Scholar-Athlete award, while freshman wide receiver Carter Olson was named Newcomer of the Year.
The Battle of the Trenches awards went to sophomore offensive lineman Cameron Joseph and senior defensive lineman Tyler Bacon. Joseph started all 10 games on the offensive line, while Bacon was named second team All-WIAC after recording five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
Freshman linebacker Samuel Crocker was chosen as Special Teams Scout Player of the Year. Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year went to freshman quarterback McKade Jelinek, and freshman defensive lineman Skylar Neff was named Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.