October 22, 2007

Bernard Payton, Ronell Lee Named MSFA Mideast Players Of The Week

Senior running back Bernard Payton of Pomona, California and sophomore defensive lineman Ronell Lee of Cleveland, Ohio (Collinwood H.S.), both members of the Malone College football team, have each been recognized for their outstanding play in last Saturday’s 21-7 win at NAIA #22 Urbana University.  Payton was named the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League Offensive Player of the Week while Lee collected MSFA Mideast Defensive Player of the Week accolades after both athletes played critical roles in Saturday’s victory.
 
Payton posted his fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance in Saturday’s game as he finished the day with 119 yards on 30 carries.  He also led the squad with nine pass receptions for 40 yards and scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving).  Payton has now racked up a total of 19 TD’s on the season which ties a Pioneer single-season record (running back Norris Petty also scored 19 touchdowns during the 1998 season).  Through eight contests this year, Payton leads the 16-team MSFA in rushing yards (993), all-purpose yards (1438) and points scored (116).
 
Lee helped the Pioneers limit Urbana to just five net rushing yards and 148 total yards of offense in Saturday’s victory.  The 6’2” defensive lineman posted eight total tackles in the contest with one sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry.  In eight games, Lee has tallied 62 total tackles with a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked punt.
 
Saturday’s triumph extended Malone’s winning streak to six games and improved the squad’s overall record to 7-1 (4-0 MSFA Mideast).  The NAIA #12 Pioneers will next travel to NAIA #6 Saint Xavier (IL) University on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. CDT contest (2:00 p.m. EDT).
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