Newberry’s Stepp, Mars Hill’s Chavous, Cromer named Football Players of the Week

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The South Atlantic Conference has announced its Football Players of the Week. Earning honors for the week ending on September 30 are Newberry quarterback Josh Stepp, Mars Hill defensive tackle Charles Chavous and MHC punter Chris Cromer. Stepp was named Offensive Player of the Week, Chavous Defensive Player of the Week and Cromer was tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week.

Stepp, a 6-1 senior from Pelion, S.C., passed for 256 yards and three touchdowns to lead Newberry to a 32-18 win over sixth-ranked Carson-Newman College. Stepp, who earns this award for the second time this season, went 21-for-25, while also rushing for 86 yards on 11 carries. Stepp completed passes to six different receivers, while becoming the program's all-time leading passer on the Indians opening possession. Stepp leads the country in passing efficiency, throwing for 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Chavous, a 6-1, 260-pound junior from Jackson, S.C., recorded four tackles, a sack and deflected a pair of passes in Mars Hill's 25-7 home win over No. 15 Catawba College. Chavous' pass deflections led to a pair of interceptions. The first pass break-up was picked off and returned for a 24-yard touchdown. The second came late in the fourth quarter that led to a field goal that sealed the victory.

Cromer, a 5-9, 205-pound senior from Asheville, N.C., averaged 40.5 yards per punt in Mars Hill's win over the Catawba Indians. Cromer had three punts downed inside the 20-yard line, including one at the Catawba one-yard line, which later resulted in a safety. His other two punts were fair catches, including one that covered 53 yards.

The SAC Football Players of the Week are selected by a vote of the league's sports information directors.

Pictured, from left: Josh Stepp, Charles Chavous, and Chris Cromer.