November 2, 2007

GREENWOOD , Ind. - Bluffton University's Sam McCullough (Bluffton, Ohio/H.S.), Hanover College's Michael Spillman (Franklin, Ind./H.S.), and Anderson University running back Denny Kimmel (Markleville, Ind./ Pendleton Heights) have been named Players of the Week in national publications for their performances last weekend. McCullough and Kimmel were two of 15 Division-III players selected to Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette National Players of the Week list, while Spillman earned a spot on the D3football.com Team of the Week.

Bluffton senior linebacker Sam McCullough continued his sensational senior season in a last second 24-21 loss to Hanover. McCullough led the Beavers with 19 tackles, including seven solos, in the loss to the Panthers. The senior also added two sacks and a fumble recovery against Hanover. The Bluffton linebacker leads the HCAC with 14.9 tackles per game this fall and ranks second nationally in that category. Bluffton (0-8, 0-5 HCAC) will welcome Mount St. Joseph to town Saturday.

Kimmel, a senior tailback for the Ravens, was the standout performer on special teams for Anderson in a 33-15 loss to Rose-Hulman. Kimmel set three new Anderson school records for special teams in the loss. The senior returned four kickoffs for 179 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown and a 75-yard return that set up another score. The AU standout finished with 272 all-purpose yards on the day and broke a 20-year old record for most kickoff return yards in a season with 757. He also broke a 35-year old record for highest kickoff return average in a season at 25.5 yards per game and the single game record for kickoff return yards in a game. Anderson (2-6, 1-4 HCAC) will look for their second conference win against Hanover this weekend.

Hanover freshman linebacker Michael Spillman turned in a big game for the Panthers in a 24-21 win over Bluffton. The freshman recorded eight solo tackles and 14 total tackles on the day and also added two sacks for 16 yards lost. Spillman ranks second on the Panthers with 59 tackles this season and has a total of 6.5 tackles for loss on the year. Hanover (2-6, 2-3 HCAC) will travel to Anderson Saturday.

-BEAVERS-