The South Atlantic Conference Football Players of the Week have been announced for the week ending Oct. 18. Newberry College quarterback Brandon Gantt was named Offensive Player of the Week and Newberry safety Ron Parker was named Defensive Player of the Week.

Brandon Gantt

Gantt, a senior from Lexington, (Middle Tenn. St. Univ. / Heathwood Hall HS), recorded 347 yards of offense in the 35-27 road win over Wingate on Saturday, handing the Bulldogs their first conference loss of the season.

He completed 20-of-39 passes for a career-high 336 yards, a touchdown and an interception; he also had nine carries for 11 yards. The touchdown was a 26-yard connection with David Smith in the fourth quarter that gave Newberry the lead for good. The 336 yards is Gantt's career high and is ninth all-time in the Newberry record books. The game marked the third time Gantt has passed for over 330 yards this season (333 at Valdosta State, 335 at Austin Peay).

Ron Parker

Parker, a senior from St. Helena Island, (Beaufort HS) had two interceptions in the 35-27 win at Wingate, including a 54-yard pickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for what turned out to be the game-winning score for Newberry. He also made three tackles and had a total of three pass breakups.

This is Parker's first career SAC Player of the Week award. He leads the team and is second in the conference with a total of 62 tackles in seven games. He also leads the team in interceptions (5), interception return yardage (74) and passes defended (12).