Austintown, OH - On Monday, the Ohio Athletic Conference tabbed two Heidelberg University football student-athletes as Players of the Week. Sophomore nose guard Ben Poirier (Canton, MI) was named Defensive Player of the Week and senior wide receiver C.J. Powell (Detroit, MI/Bishop Foley) was named Special Teams Player of the Week. On the season, Heidelberg has received half (six of 12) of the weekly awards issued by the conference.
Poirier received his first career Player of the Week award following a four sack performance in Heidelberg's 56-24 win against Marietta College. A disruptive force in the backfield all afternoon, Poirier recorded seven tackles for loss.
"Ben was everywhere," said head coach Mike Hallett. "He had four sacks, but it seemed like 12."
A 67-yard punt return in the first quarter earned Powell his first career OAC award. He grabbed a Marietta punt at the Heidelberg 33, darted between three Pioneer tacklers, broke to his left and found open room along the sideline. At the four yard line, Powell lunged for the pylon before being knocked down. His touchdown gave Heidelberg a 14-0 lead.
"Any time you can get a score on special teams, it really swings the momentum," said Hallett. "C.J. has been dangerous all year. It was nice to see him finally break one."
Heidelberg (4-0, 3-0) returns to action on Saturday at Capital University. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.