Following its 22-20 upset victory over 23rd-ranked Tarleton State University Saturday, Texas A&M University-Commerce had a pair of players pick up Lone Star Conference weekly accolades. Junior wide receiver Vernon Johnson was tabbed the Co-Offensive Player of the Week with senior defensive back Marcus Fore earning the nod on Special Teams.
Johnson continued his blistering 2013 season against the Texans, hauling in seven catches for 154 yard and a pair of touchdowns. The Fort Worth native hauled in a career-long 88 yard touchdown catch early in the second quarter – his third touchdown reception of 75 yards or longer on the season. Johnson then reeled in a 27-yarder late in the half to put A&M-Commerce on top 14-10.
Through seven games this year, Johnson has pulled in 43 catches for 857 yards and nine touchdowns. He moved into seventh all-time in program history for receiving yards in a season. He is just 202 yards shy of becoming the Lions' all-time single-season reception leader, behind James Epps, who had 1,058 yards in 1996.
Fore notched one of the most crucial plays of the game against the Texans as with the scored tied 20-20, the holder picked up the botched extra point attempt off the turf and scrambled toward the sideline. Fore dove for the pylon, crossing the plane of the goal line as he was hit by a Tarleton State defender, putting A&M-Commerce on top 22-20 with 3:06 to play. Fore finished the night with seven tackles, making some key stops to help preserve the win.
With the LSC weekly honors, A&M-Commerce continues to be one of the top all-around programs in the conference through the 2013-14 athletic season, racking up 19 Player of the Week honors thus far. The Lions have had at least two players selected as their respective sport's Player of the Week each week while all seven A&M-Commerce fall sports have had at least one LSC weekly honor.
Johnson, Fore and the rest of the Lions are getting set for a Homecoming showdown this weekend when A&M-Commerce takes on Angelo State Saturday. The Lions are looking to build on their four-game winning streak and keep their postseason hopes alive. Opening kickoff against the Rams is set for 2 p.m.
A&M-Commerce LSC Players of the Week • Fall 2013
September 10: Jordan Neal (Volleyball Co-Setter)
September 11: Vicky Back (Soccer Defensive)
September 12: C.J. Clem (Men's Golfer)
September 16: Ronald Fields (Football Co-Special Teams)
September 17: Jordan Neal (Volleyball Co-Setter)
September 20: Dorian McCradic (Men's Cross Country)
September 20: Terra Truitt (Women's Cross Country)
September 24: Brionna Minde (Soccer Offensive)
October 1: Amy Davault (Volleyball Co-Offensive)
October 1: Jordan Neal (Volleyball Co-Setter)
October 2: Savannah Henderson (Soccer Offensive)
October 7: Cameron Frosch (Football Special Teams)
October 10: Chantry McMahan (Women's Golfer)
October 15: Amy Davault (Volleyball Co-Offensive)
October 17: Dorian McCradic (Men's Cross Country)
October 21: Deric Davis (Football Co-Offensive)
October 21: Vernon Johnson (Football Special Teams)
October 28: Vernon Johnson (Football Co-Offensive)
October 28: Marcus Fore (Special Teams)
