CLARION FOOTBALL

DWAON WOODARD NAMED NATIONAL “DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK”

            Dwaon Wooard, a 5-10, 170-pound, senior, corner back at Clarion University, was named by D-2Football.com today as the NCAA Division II National “Defensive Player of the Week” for his efforts in Clarion’s 21-18 win over Cheyney last Saturday.

            In that game Woodard notched three interceptions and 5 break-ups in leading Clarion to victory. Woodard’s first interception was returned 54-yards for a touchdown to give the Golden Eagles a 7-0 lead. His third interception came with 4:51 left in the game and the Eagles holding on to a 21-18 lead. He intercepted at the Clarion 15 and returned it to the Clarion 29.

            On Cheyney’s final drive he had a break-up in the endzone with six seconds left, and had coverage on the final pass play in the endzone that was incomplete to end the game. Woodard also had 4 tackles in the game.

            “Dwaon has had a tremendous career here at Clarion and we’re excited that he has received this honor,” said first year head coach Jay Foster.

            In 2006 Woodard has 22 tackles and 4 interceptions to his credit. He leads the PSAC with 4 picks and was earlier this week named the PSAC-West “Defensive Player of the Week”. In his career Woodard now has 148 tackles, 10 interceptions 22 break-ups and 3 fumble recoveries. He also has 1 blocked kick in 2006 and 4 in 2005.

            Woodard, a Math major at Clarion, is the son of Pamella Ford of Erie. He attended Central High School and was an All-Metro choice.

            CLARION NOTES: Clarion is 1-5 this season and travels to IUP this Saturday for a 2pm start… Clarion has had three national players of the week this season… WR- Pierre Odom won the offensive award with his 246 yards in receptions against West Chester, and outside linebacker Kevin Rigby was the defensive winner last week with his 13 tackles, 2 fumbles caused, 1 recovered fumble and 1 interception performance two weeks ago against Slippery Rock … It is the first time that Clarion has had three national “Players of the Week”… This week’s D2Football.com Offensive Player of the Week was Scott Eyster of Delta State who completed 22 of 37 passes for 350 yards and 1 td.