Balancier earns co-defensive player of the week - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced its players of the week for October 1, 2012.

Deaunte Mason (Alabama A&M) repeated as offensive player of the week while Brandon Roberts (Alabama State) and Anthony Balancier (Southern) received co-defensive honors. Cameron Loeffler (Jackson State) earned a consecutive newcomer award and Bobby Wenzig (Alabama State) was selected as the league's top specialist this week.

Offensive Player of the Week

Deaunte Mason

Alabama A&M

SR • QB • 6-3 • 209 • Nashville, Tenn.

In a rematch of last year's SWAC Football Championship, Mason guided Alabama A&M to a 38-17 win over defending Conference Champions Grambling State on ESPNU. For the Louis Crews Classic, he recorded a hat trick for the third consecutive week, throwing three touchdowns while completing 13-of-18 for 247 yards. He also ran eight times for 30 yards for a 3.8 average. Mason has not thrown an interception on season and has helped AAMU remain unbeaten with a 5-0 record. He receives his third straight SWAC Player of the Week award.

Co-Defensive Players of the Week

Brandon Roberts

Alabama State

SR • LB • 6-2 • 225 • Winter Haven, Fla.

In back-to-back weeks, Roberts earned the league's defensive award. He tallied a team-high 10 tackles including seven solo. He also registered two tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. Roberts helped Alabama State's defense yield a season low 195 total yards in its 54-14 win at Alcorn State. The Hornets surrendered 83 yards on the ground, the second-lowest allowed this season.

Anthony Balancier

Southern

JR • LB • 6-2 • 245 • New Orleans, La.

In Southern's 21-14 win over Florida A&M in the Bank of America Atlanta Classic, Balancier led the Jaguars' defense with a team high 10 tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss of eight yards and one sack. SU's defense forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter that resulted in a return for a touchdown. The defense gave Southern the lead for good while holding FAMU on its last drive to close out the game. It was the first win at the Atlanta Classic for Southern since defeating South Carolina State in 1993.

Newcomer of the Week

Cameron Loeffler

Jackson State

JR • DB • 6-0 • 205 • Exeter, Calif.

Loeffler picks up his second consecutive newcomer award after spearheading Jackson State's defense in a 34-13 victory over Prairie View A&M. JSU's defense held PVAM to 91 yards on the ground and recorded five sacks. Loeffler led all players with a game-high nine tackles to complement a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Specialist of the Week

Bobby Wenzig

Alabama State

JR • K/P • 6-2 • 185 • San Diego, Calif.

In inclement weather, Wenzig connected all six PATs while averaging 46.0 yards on three punts during Alabama State's 54-14 win at Alcorn State. ASU punt coverage unit allowed a total of eight punt return yards. He earns his third weekly honor on the season.