Big Play Leads to Award for Thomas

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Jonathan Thomas (Sr., Americus, Ga., Undecided) not only ripped the ball away for the winning touchdown, but also stole the weekly recognition as he was named Heart of America Athletic Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week Monday.

Thomas claimed his first career accolade after helping William Penn to a come-from-behind win over MidAmerica Nazarene last Saturday.

The senior had just two tackles in the victory, but the second one changed the entire course of the game. With WPU trailing by five in the waning minutes of regulation and needing desperately to regain possession, Thomas broke into the backfield, stripped the pigskin from MNU’s quarterback, and darted 67 yards the other direction for the eventual game-winning touchdown.

It was the lone turnover for either side.

For the year, Thomas has tallied seven tackles, including 2.5 for loss.

The award is the first for WPU.