Nov. 1, 2009

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -

Southern Utah swept the Great West Football Player of the Week honors on the heels of its 56-35 victory over UC Davis on Saturday, with all three player of the week selections scoring for the Thunderbirds and combining for six TDs. Major Gray scored an SUU record-tying four rushing touchdowns, Colin Pretlow returned an interception 46 yards for a score and Fesi Sitake returned SUU's first punt return for a touchdown since 2004. SUU got touchdowns from all phases with the Thunderbirds' additional two scores coming on passes from Cade Cooper to Tysson Poots.

Offensive

RB Major Gray - Southern Utah (5-9, 205, Jr., Las Vegas, Nev.)

Major Gray scored four rushing touchdowns in the Thunderbirds' win over UC Davis, tying the Southern Utah record for rushing touchdowns in a game. He carried 16 times for 74 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Three of his TDs came in the first half as SUU built a 42-21 lead. Of his 16 carries, eight either went for first downs or touchdowns (or both). Gray has been the team's lading rusher in five straight games after beginning the season as a situational goal-line back.

Also Nominated - QB Jake Landry (North Dakota); RB Mitch Sutton (North Dakota)

Defensive

CB Colin Pretlow - Southern Utah (5-10, 176, Jr., Las Vegas, Nev.)

Colin Pretlow intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter as UC Davis was trying to mount a comeback, but dashed the Aggies' hopes as he returned the pick 46 yards for a touchdown to give SUU a 56-35 lead. He also led the Thunderbirds with 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops, forced one fumble and broke up three passes. Pretlow helped hold UC Davis WR Chris Carter to just 47 receiving yards, his second-fewest of the season (41 vs. Fresno State). He now has a team-high two interceptions on the year, including one in each of the last two games.

Also Nominated - FS Danny Hart (UC Davis); LB Ryan Kasowski (North Dakota); Adam Broders (South Dakota)

Special Teams

WR Fesi Sitake - Southern Utah (5-11, 185, Jr., Sandy, Utah)

Fesi Sitake returned a punt 61 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter to stake SUU to a 35-21 lead. It was the first punt return for a touchdown at SUU since 2004. In total, Sitake returned three punts 106 yards and had returns of 61, 17 and 28 yards. In addition to the return for a score, another return set the team up on the UC Davis 41-yard line and led to the Thunderbirds' first touchdown. Sitake also caught six passes for 61 yards to aid the offensive effort.

Also Nominated - RB Steven Battle (North Dakota); WR Dustin Nowotny (South Dakota)