Newberry’s Stepp, Mills, Lenoir-Rhyne’s Thompson named SAC 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 October 28 are Newberry quarterback Josh Stepp, Newberry defensive back Derrell Mills and Lenoir-Rhyne kicker Phillip Thompson. Stepp was named Offensive Player of the Week, Mills Defensive Player of the Week and Thompson was tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week.

Stepp, a 6-1 senior from Pelion, S.C., completed 20-of-35 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns as No. 15 Newberry remained undefeated in beating Tusculum 27-23. Stepp, who earns this honor for a third time this year, tossed two touchdown passes on the afternoon to improve his passing efficiency rating to a NCAA-best 174.11.

Mills, a 5-11 sophomore free safety from Gray Court, S.C., had a career day leading the Indians with 16 total tackles and most importantly of all, caused and returned a fumble 40 yards for the game-winning touchdown with just 39 seconds remaining in the win at Tusculum. Mills registered eight solo stops and also added an interception.

Thompson, a 5-11 freshman from Oakwood, Ga., connected on all four extra points and made a 37-yard field in Lenoir-Rhyne's 31-7 win over Mars Hill as the Bears recorded its first league win of the season.

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

Pictured, from left: Josh Stepp, Derrell Mills