U Sports POTW [PLAYOFFS]: Joseph, Betts, DiFonte named

Western running back Cedrick Joseph, Laval defensive lineman Mathieu Betts and Calgary kicker Niko DiFonte are the U SPORTS Football Players of the Week, for the period ending November 14, 2017

In his second straight standout playoff performance to earn him U SPORTS Offensive Player of the Week honours, Western’s Cedric Joseph continued his offensive onslaught in the 110^th Yates Cup against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The Mustangs running back racked up 250 yards rushing on 21 carries, to go along with three touchdowns. His three majors on the day gave the Montreal, Que., native an astounding seven touchdowns over Western’s two playoff games after scoring four times in the team’s semifinal win over Guelph.

Joseph’s first score, a 12-yard run in the first quarter, put the Mustangs up 10-0 early on. His second major, an impressive 31-yard rush, came in the midst of an offensively-charged second quarter, while his third and final score pushed Western’s lead to 34 in the third quarter. For his efforts, Joseph was named the winner of the Dalt White Trophy as Yates Cup MVP.

Defensive end Mathieu Betts earned the game’s MVP honours in the Dunsmore Cup final after having been in the middle of the action for plays that made the difference in the Rouge et Or’s 25-22 win over the Carabins. Betts picked up a pair of sacks including a critical one on a second down play in the fourth quarter at midfield. He forced a fumble that was then recovered by the Rouge et Or in the opening quarter that allowed Glen Constantin’s squad to take back the lead for good at 10-8. Off the stats sheet, Betts put constant pressure on Carabins quarterback Samuel Caron who was then forced to prematurely release the ball on several of his throws.

What a day it was for Dinos second-year kicker DiFonte, who went 6-for-8 on field goals, and 3-for-3 on extra points. While the first five field goals played a role in Calgary’s 44-43 win over UBC, it was DiFonte’s final kick that made all the difference in the world.

DiFonte’s U SPORTS record 59-yard boot as time expired not only gave Calgary the Hardy Cup, it also handed the Dinos a piece of viral video gold, making its way to every Canadian network, and even ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Simply put, it was 59 yards of Hardy Cup magic that won’t soon be forgotten.

Offensive nominees:

• CW: Hunter Karl, receiver, Calgary
• OUA: Cedric Joseph, running back, Western (winner)
• RSEQ: Hugo Richard, quarterback, Laval
• AUS: Cam Davidson, running back, Acadia

Defensive nominees:

• CW: Boston Rowe, linebacker, Calgary
• OUA: Fraser Sopik, linebacker, Western
• RSEQ: Mathieu Betts, defensive lineman, Laval (winner)
• AUS: Rory Kelly, defensive back, Acadia

Special teams nominees:

• CW: Niko DiFonte, kicker, Calgary (winner)
• OUA: Mike Sananes, defensive back, Western
• RSEQ: David Côté, kicker, Laval
• AUS: Eugene McMinns, receiver, Acadia

 

Source: U Sports