Released by The MEAC,
NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 18, 2023 – Howard senior wide receiver Kasey Hawthrone was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. Howard defensive back Kenny Gallop, Jr. earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Norfolk State freshman Noah Tracey was named Rookie of the Week. Morgan State’s Dexter Carr, Jr. received Offensive Lineman of the Week accolades, and teammate senior Jordan Toles was named Specialist of the Week.
Hawthrone (WR, 5-11, 195, Sr., Sebring, Fla.) recorded three total touchdowns against Hampton. He passed and rushed for one touchdown against the Pirates. He also caught three passes for 67 yards, averaging 22.3 yards per catch, with one touchdown.
Gallop, Jr. (DB, 6-1, 214, Sr., Portsmouth, Va.) collected a game-high eight total tackles (seven solo) against rival Hampton. He also forced and recovered a fumble in the game.
Tracey (P/K, 6-1, 175, Fr., Springwood, Australia) punted the ball five times for 194 yards, averaging 38.8 yards per punt against Temple. He recorded a 50-yard boot with one inside the 20-yard line.
Carr, Jr. (OL, 6-3, 315, Stafford, Va.) aided the Bears with 285 total offensive yards, including 188 yards through the air and 97 on the ground, against Towson.
Toles (DB, 6-1, 209, Sr., Baltimore, Md.) blocked a field goal and returned the loose ball for a 53-yard score in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the Bears’ only touchdown.
Other Top Performers
Aaron Bickerton (Howard) made a pair of field goals (24, 22) and had a punt for over 50 yards against Hampton.
Shane Messenger (Morgan State) averaged 31.4 yards on five punts, including three downed inside the 20 and a game-high 38-yard boot.
Joseph White (Norfolk State) led the Spartans with eight total tackles, including four solo stops and a forced fumble against Temple.
