East Central University Athletics

Williams and Perez Earn Final GAC Player of the Week Honors

11/18/2024 5:54:00 PM

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark - The Great American Conference has announced its final Football Player of the Week awards, and East Central University's Darian Williams and Brandon Perez took home two of the three honors. Williams earned his first Defensive Player of the Week accolade, while Perez claimed his third of the season.
 
The standout performances from Williams and Perez were key to the Tigers' thrilling 20-13 victory over rival Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the final game of the 2024 season. The win not only secured the Great American Classic trophy but also capped a strong finish for ECU, which closed out the year with a 5-6 record, winning five of their last seven games.
 
Williams delivered a dominant defensive performance in his final game at Koi Ishto Stadium, recording 15 total tackles and an impressive three sacks in the first quarter alone. His early pressure on Southeastern's offense set the tone for the game, as the Tigers maintained control throughout. Williams now ranks 11th in the GAC in tackles, averaging 6.6 per game.
 
Perez played a crucial role in the Tigers' victory, putting ECU on the scoreboard first with a 21-yard field goal. He later capped off the scoring with a clutch 48-yard field goal to keep the Tigers ahead. Perez has been perfect this season, going 10-for-10 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points. He is one of just three kickers in the GAC to maintain 100% accuracy on field goals.