Sept. 2, 2002
Birmingham, Ala. - -
Samford wide receiver Aryvia Holmes was named the NCAA I-AA Independent Offensive Player of the Week while kicker Chip Walters captured the Special Teams Player of the Week for the week ending Aug.31 announced Monday.
Holmes, a 5-11, 186 pound senior from Birmingham, Ala., caught 11 passes for 152 yards to become Samford's all-time receptions leader in a double overtime win over Division II North Alabama, 24-21. Holmes entered the contest needing just eight catches to break the record, which he broke in the first half against the Lions. The 11 catches was one shy of his career-high for a single game. Holmes now has 137 career receptions, which surpassed Brian James' mark of 133 career receptions.
Walters, a 5-11, 180 pound senior from Decatur, Ala., kicked the game-winning 26-yard field goal as Samford defeated North Alabama in double overtime. Walters finished a perfect 3-for-3 on the night. He connected on kicks of 29, 27 and 26 yards.
Senior linebacker Matthew Forester received honor roll distinctions Forester recorded eight tackles and one sack and one tackle for loss.
Saint Mary's Weston Borba, a 6-3, 205 pound sophomore from Chowcill, Ca., was named the NCAA I-AA Defensive Player of the Week. Borba led Saint Mary's defense with 12 tackles, eight solo and four unassisted, in the 27-20 lost at No. 20 Montana State. He also broke up two passes and had an interception, which led to the Gaels' first touchdown.
Saint Mary's quarterback Trevor Johnston and Florida International wide receiver Cory McKinney were named to the I-AA Independent offensive honor roll. Johnston, a true freshman from Brentwood, Ca., rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns. In FIU's very first game in its history, McKinney caught three passes for 104 yards including a 52-yard touchdown reception.
Also receiving honor roll distinctions were Florida International's Nick Turnbull and Cal Poly's Gilbert Rocha.. Turnbull finished the game with seven tackles and an interception. Rocha punted six times and averaged 49.5 yards.
Division I-AA Independents include: Cal Poly, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Morris Brown, Saint Mary's (CA), Samford, Savannah State and Southern Utah.
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