Battistelli, Ahlstedt and Preocanin named OUA Football Players of the Week
BURLINGTON, Ont. - The following athletes have been named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Football Players of the Week for the period ending October 31, 2016.
BURLINGTON, Ont. - The following athletes have been named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Football Players of the Week for the period ending October 31, 2016.
OFFENCE: Christian Battistelli (Whitefish, Ont.) – 4th yr. – Carleton
Ravens running back Christian Battistelli (Whitefish, Ont.) has been named the OUA Offensive Player of the Week after he led Carleton to a 45-9 quarterfinal win over the crosstown rival uOttawa Gee-Gees.
Battistelli, a fourth-year commerce major, ran for a career high 131 yards and a touchdown as the Ravens raced past the Gee-Gees for their first home playoff victory in 30 years.
The 6’1 running back really busted things open in the third quarter when he rattled off a 56 yard touchdown run to give the Ravens a commanding 34-3 lead. Battistelli, a former walk on, ran for more yards against the Gee-Gees than his total of 123 yards from five regular season games this season.
Next up the Ravens will head out on the road as they travel to London, Ont. on Saturday for a semifinal showdown with the Western Mustangs.
DEFENCE: Keldyn Ahlstedt (Whitby, Ont.)– 3rd yr. – McMaster
Following a dominant performance against the rival Guelph Gryphons, McMaster Marauders safety Keldyn Ahlstedt (Whitby, Ont.) has been named OUA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
On Saturday evening, the third-year history major made five solo tackles to go along with one fumble recovery in McMaster’s dramatic 17-11 victory over the sixth seed Gryphons.
However, unquestionably Ahlstedt’s biggest play came in the final minute of the fourth quarter as he intercepted Gryphons quarterback James Roberts on the goal line to seal a Marauders victory.
Ahlstedt will look to keep it going in the Yates Cup semifinal on Saturday against the Laurier Golden Hawks.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Adam Preocanin (Burlington, Ont.) – 1st yr. – McMaster
McMaster kicker Adam Preocanin (Burlington, Ont.) was back at it again Saturday for the Marauders and has been named OUA Special Team Player of the Week.
Preocanin, a first-year humanities major, was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, converting from 38, 13 and 23 yards.
The 6’0”, 175 lbs rookie kicker also had 11 punts for 447 yards and one kickoff for 60 yards.
Preocanin and the Marauders will now travel to Waterloo, Ont. on Saturday afternoon as they take on the Laurier Golden Hawks with a spot in the 109th Yates Cup on the line.