February 22, 2008

Five Malone Football Players To Compete In Second Annual Victory Sports Network Senior Football Classic

Five Malone College senior football players will compete in the second annual Victory Sports Network Senior Football Classic in Platte City, Missouri on Saturday, April 19.  Participating for the Pioneers are running back Bernard Payton of Pomona, California (Valley View H.S.), tight end LaRoi Johnson of Pittsburgh (Peabody H.S.), defensive lineman Jeff Jeffries of Dayton (Meadowdale H.S.), linebacker Jamal Gambrell of Maple Heights (Maple Heights H.S.) and running back Ted Telemaque of Long Beach, California (Pacifica H.S.).

This year for the Pioneers, Payton was named First Team All Mid-States Football Association as a running back. He compiled well over 2,000 all-purpose yards, scored 24 touchdowns, and posted an astounding 13 new individual records for Malone. Also earning First Team All MSFA at tight end was LaRoi Johnson. He played a major role in this year’s explosive offense by pulling in 39 passes for 417 yards as well as scoring a touchdown. Jason Dannelly, president and owner of VSN stated it best.  “Payton and Johnson are two of the NAIA’s best," said Dannelly.  “Putting them in this Senior game with other players from across the NAIA will only show how great of football players there are at Malone College.”

Jeffries, a Second Team All-MSFA Mideast selection this past season, posted 33 tackles (16 solos) and also had seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.  Gambrell was fifth on the squad in tackles last season with 64 (30 solos) and he also posted three tackles for loss.  Telemaque was the number two rusher on the Pioneer squad in '07 and notched 240 yards on 46 carries for a 5.2 yard average per carry.  He also recorded two touchdowns on the season as well.

The VSN Classic proved to be a stepping stone for small college senior football stars last year, as many who played in the game went on to the NFL, while some were picked up by Arena League teams and CFL teams. This year’s game will feature some of the most talented players in the NAIA as they square off to showcase their talent.

The Malone College football team had much success this year posting an 8-4 record (4-3 MSFA Mid-East) as well as taking home a victory in the 11th annual NCCAA Victory Bowl. The Pioneers had 20 of their players selected for All-Conference status, had its highest win total in over a decade, and rewrote the record book with an incredible 38 new team and individual records set. The Pioneers finished off an historic season ranked 25th nationally in the final NAIA poll.
                                                            
1.800.521.1146