Week 13 - Football Players of the Week

Offence – Chris Merchant, Western

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. 

Defence – Fraser Sopik, Western

Fraser Sopik led the purple and white defence in the win, totaling 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.

Special Teams – Mike Sananes, Western

For a second straight week, Western returner Mike Sananes shone the brightest on the special teams side of the ball, despite having only a handful of opportunities in the game.

Sananes only had three punt returns on the day, but collected 78 yards on that trio of efforts. His best run of the day came in the form of a 39 yard scamper to Acadia’s 37-yard line, setting up the Mustangs for their second major of the day.