Coach Brian Bohannon said coaches awarded the Owls’ first player-recognition awards Monday based on the team’s performance in the first game against East Tennessee State.
Bohannon said the awards given were offensive, defensive and special-teams player of the game as well as two new team awards. Bohannon said additional awards may appear as the season progresses, but currently there are only five awards given.
Bohannon said quarterback Trey White was named the offensive player of the game for his leadership in the Owls 56-16 win over East Tennessee State.
White said although he’s honored by the recognition, this week’s offensive award needs to be dedicated to the entire offense.
“I can’t be successful without (the offense),” White said. “I’m really proud of the guys. It took all 11 guys to score all those touchdowns and move the ball the way we did.”
Bohannon said the defensive player of the game was awarded to defensive lineman Mason Harris.
“(Harris) put a lot of pressure on the quarterback,” Bohannon said. “He was in the face of the quarterback when Nick (Perrotta) had his interception for a touchdown, which I think changed the course of the game with that single play.”
Because of the interception returned for a touchdown against East Tennessee State and his work ethic, defensive lineman Perrotta said he was chosen for a new award Monday: the “blue collar” award.
Bohannon said the “blue collar” award, represented by a thermos, is given to the player who works every day with a “great attitude” and a willingness to improve.
“It’s the first time we’ve given it out as a team,” Perrotta said. “What we’re going to do is take some pellets from the turf field (we visit), and we’re going to put them in the thermos. Then next away trip, we’re going to take a piece of their field and put it in there and kind of keep (the tradition) going.”
For special-teams player of the week, Bohannon said Jace White showed productivity and dedication as a starter of three of the four special teams and as a defensive back.
Bohannon said the Owls’ second unique team award is the “knock-down” award intended to “get guys on the grass.” This week, Bohannon said the award in the shape of an oversized belt was awarded to offensive lineman Chiaza Nwadike for his eight dominant blocks against East Tennessee State.
Perrotta said he enjoys the awards because they encourage “intrinsic motivation” for the team to compete and make each other better on and off the field.
About the Author
