Dawson and Wilde Honored by the OAC

Austintown, Ohio - September 8, 2009 - The Heidelberg University football team took home two of Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Week accolades for the week of September 8, 2009. Garnering Defensive Player of the Week honors was senior Justin Dawson (Westminster, Calif. / Golden West JC), while freshman Matt Wilde (Norwalk, Ohio / Norwalk St. Paul) was tabbed the Special Team’s Player of the Week. 
 
Dawson and Wilde provided extra support to Heidelberg’s scoring output in a 42-26 victory in its season opener at Westminster College on Saturday.
 
A linebacker, Dawson recovered a fumble that was forced by fellow linebacker Sam Driscoll (University Heights, Ohio / St. Ignatius) and returned it 60 yards for Heidelberg’s first touchdown of the game. It was Dawson’s first fumble recovery for a touchdown at the Berg. Aside from his TD, Dawson tallied eight tackles, including six solo stops.
 
In his first collegiate game, Wilde proved to be an asset on special teams. He added a special team’s touchdown to the scoreboard for the Berg with an 85-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter. For the day, Wilde picked up 114 kick return yards in three returns.
 
Heidelberg faces a week off before opening Ohio Athletic Conference action at Capital University Sept. 19. Kick off with the Crusaders is slated for 1:30 p.m.