U Sports POTW (Playoffs): Merchant, Sopik, Bellefroid honoured

Western quarterback Chris Merchant and linebacker Fraser Sopik, along with Laval defensive lineman Marc-Antoine Bellefroid are the U SPORTS Football Players of the Week, for the period ending November 19, 2017

In a game that featured an impressive Western offence early and often, it was quarterback Chris Merchant who continued to stand out. Merchant, a kinesiology student, helped Western advance to the Vanier Cup with an 81-3 win over Acadia on Saturday in the Uteck Bowl. The Calgary, Alta., native was named Uteck Bowl MVP after completing 10 of 11 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. He was also a contributor to the Mustangs’ ground game, registering 54 yards on only six carries with two majors.

Fraser Sopik led the purple and white defence in the win, totalling eight tackles including two for a loss. Sopik continued his torrid play from the regular season and, most recently, the Yates Cup, to hold their AUS opposition to just three points on the day. Not only did Sopik prove to be a headache for Acadia on the scoreboard, but also on the stat sheet, as the OUA All-Star helped limit the Axemen to just 181 yards in the air and 33 yards rushing.

Marc-Antoine Bellefroid came up with a key fumble in the Rouge et Or’s Mitchell Bowl victory over Calgary. With Laval holding a slim 20-18 lead to start the fourth quarter, the third-year defensive lineman forced Calgary’s Deane Leonard to fumble the punt return, leading to a Gabriel Ouellet 42-yard touchdown that helped Laval advance to Saturday’s Vanier Cup against the Mustangs.

Offensive nominees:

  • OUA: Chris Merchant, quarterback, Western (winner)
  • RSEQ: Hugo Richard, quarterback, Laval

Defensive nominees:

  • OUA: Fraser Sopik, linebacker, Western (winner)
  • RSEQ: Mathieu Betts, defensive end, Laval

Special teams nominees:

  • OUA: Mike Sananes, defensive back, Western
  • RSEQ: Marc-Antoine Bellefroid, defensive lineman, Laval (winner)

Source: USports

Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.

Leave a Reply