GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards following Week 10 of the 2023 football season. Michigan Tech senior running back Will Marano was honored as GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week, Saginaw Valley State junior linebacker Micah Cretsinger was recognized as GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week and Ferris State senior defensive back/kick returner Shon Stephens was selected GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Will Marano, Michigan Tech
Senior running back William Marano has been selected GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week, the GLIAC office announced on Monday. The honor is Marano’s first of the season. Marano had a season-high 23 carries for 133-yards rushing and one touchdown. The Dearborn, Michigan, native averaged 5.8 yards per carry with a long of 25 in the 37-3 win against NSIC Foe Minot State. He also had 20 yards off of three receptions.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Micah Cretsinger, Saginaw Valley State
The junior linebacker accounted for five of the team’s six takeaways in the 62-17 win over Northern Michigan on Saturday. Cretsinger broke a 17-year-old school record with four interceptions that included his third pick-six this season. He led the team in tackles with seven and also forced a fumble that was recovered by SVSU. The Jackson, Michigan native currently ranks third in the GLIAC in tackles per game with 8.6.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Shon Stephens, Ferris State
Ferris State University senior defensive back Shon Stephens had a huge day in the Bulldogs' big road victory over Davenport in a national top 10 showdown on Saturday in Caledonia. Stephens played a big role both defensively and on special teams as FSU kept its playoff hopes alive with the triumph. The veteran standout made perhaps the day's biggest play by returning the second half kickoff 100 yards for a score, lifting Ferris State in front after trailing 10-7 at the break. He also added a 15-yard pick six interception return for a second touchdown to push FSU's advantage to 28-10 to start the final period of action. Stephens finished with two touchdowns and had two interceptions along with three stops in the win. His play overall helped the Bulldog defense limit the Panthers to 295 yards of total offnese, including only 83 yards rushing and a two-of-nine (22%) showing on third down. FSU held Davenport scoreless in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 21-0 with Stephens accounting for two scores.
HONORABLE MENTION
OFFENSE: Derrick Hinton Jr. (SVSU), Tariq Reid (GVSU), Xavier Wade (FSU)
DEFENSE: Xavier Marquez (DU), JT Popp (GVSU), Shon Stephens (FSU)
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kyle Nott (GVSU), Kyle Wojahn (DU), Drew Wyble (MTU)
