Manitoba Bisons’ kicker Maya Turner named U Sports special teams player of the week

Courtesy: Manitoba Bisons

University of Manitoba Bisons’ kicker Maya Turner has been named the special teams player of the week after becoming the first woman ever to score points in a regular season U Sports football game.

The first-year player from Maple Grove, Minn. kicked two field goals and three convert attempts, contributing nine points to her team’s 27-24 win over the Regina Rams. Her second field goal came in the first round of double overtime and served as the game-winning points after Regina failed to score on their ensuing possession.

The other nominees for the award were St. FX kicker Ben Hadley (AUS), Laval kicker Vincent Blanchard (RSEQ), and Carleton kicker Brandon Forcier (OUA).

Guelph Gryphons’ quarterback Tristan Aboud was named the offensive player of the week after dominating the York Lions, completing all 16 of his pass attempts for 384 yards and six touchdowns in an 88-7 win. The first-year passer from Montreal has now thrown for nine touchdowns and one interception on the season, helping Guelph to a 3-2 record.

The other nominees were Montreal quarterback Jonathan Sénécal (RSEQ), St. FX receiver Zachary Houde (AUS), and UBC quarterback Garrett Rooker (CW).

Calgary Dinos’ defensive back Nate Beauchemin was named the defensive player of the week after terrorizing Saskatchewan Huskies’ quarterback Anton Amundrud, recording three interceptions and returning one for a touchdown. The third-year player from Kelowna, B.C. also made five total tackles, though his club still lost by a score of 28-12.

The other nominees were Bishop’s defensive back Yani Goudafel (AUS), Montreal defensive lineman Jeremiah Ojo (RSEQ), and Wilfrid Laurier linebacker Ife Onyemenam (OUA).