YSUsports.com - Football: Brad Samsa, Lenny Wicks, Ben Nowicki Named HBK Players of the Game

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Sept. 2, 2008

Football: Brad Samsa, Lenny Wicks, Ben Nowicki Named HBK Players of the Game

Youngstown – Senior center Brad Samsa, junior cornerback Lenny Wicks and junior punter Ben Nowicki were named the Hill Barth & King Players of the Game for their performances against Ohio State, the coaching staff announced on Tuesday.

Samsa made just his second career start at center for the Penguins last Saturday against the Buckeyes. His last start at center came against Western Kentucky in 2005. Samsa was named the recipient of the Wachovia Leadership Award.

Wicks had a team-high nine tackles, including seven solo stops on Saturday against Ohio State. He also had a tackle for loss. Wicks was awarded the Wash On Wheels/Derek Pixley Hit of the Week for his stick on OSU's Dane Sanzenbacher in the third quarter. Wicks' hit was shown on Monday night during ESPN's College Gameday broadcast during a highlight video set to Metallica's "Wherever I May Roam".
Nowicki had a solid game punting seven times for an average of 42.4 yards per boot. He had two punts of 50 yards against Ohio State. Last year, Nowicki averaged 34.7 yards per punt versus the Buckeyes and had one punt partially blocked.

Sophomore Eric Rodemoyer was named the Jim Zdelar Offensive Lineman of the Game. Rodemoyer, who transferred to YSU from West Virginia, was making his first career start for the Penguins at left guard.

Another newcomer, Crispin Fernandez, was named the Jermaine Hopkins Defensive Lineman of the Game. Fernandez, a junior defensive tackle, joined the program this year after transferring from Bakersfield Community College. Against OSU he was credited with three total tackles.

Earning scout team awards for their efforts during the week were redshirt freshman quarterback Paul Corsaro (offense), senior cornerback Tom Krupko (defense) and senior free safety Tony Kavouras (special teams). All three saw action in the game on Saturday.

In the national polls, the Penguins dropped two spots in each from 12th to 14th. Overall, six Valley Football teams are ranked in the top 21. This week's opponent, South Dakota State, is ranked 21st in both polls following a season-opening 44-17 loss at Iowa State.

YSU practiced on Monday afternoon and will continue preparations today for Saturday's Missouri Valley Football Conference opener at South Dakota State. Kickoff at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium is set for 7 p.m. Eastern time. The Guins last played at South Dakota State was in September 1974.