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SPORTS

Wildcat Football Lands 5 on All Conference Team

by | Nov 27, 2018 | Sports

Wesley Dugger sprints across the end zone in one of his 3 scores against Butler.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Davidson landed five members on the Pioneer Football League All-Conference team led by a pair of first teamers, announced by the league Tuesday.

For the second consecutive season, running back Wesley Dugger landed on the first team, this time joined by classmate tackle, Zion Johnson. Dugger and Johnson were integral pieces of the FCS-leading offense.

Zion Johnson celebrated his 19th birthday as the Wildcats celebrated their win over Butler.

Dugger saw no sophomore slump in his second season in the Wildcat backfield, racking up a career-high 1241 yards on 187 carries and 16 touchdowns. Dugger currently ranks fourth on the all-time rushing list with his sites on the top spot in 2019.

Johnson was a force on one of the most productive offensive lines in the nation, nicknamed “The Davidson Moving Company.” The Wildcats finished the regular season ranked number one in the FCS in total offense (561.9), rushing offense (442.9) and third down conversion percentage (55.6%). 

Earning second team recognition on the offensive side were juniors Ethan Steinbacher and James Story. Story added another threat to the potent Davidson backfield, rushing for 13 touchdowns including a mid-season streak of five consecutive games with at least one score. Steinbacher was an integral part of the Davidson rushing success that allowed just two sacks all season.

Junior defensive end Bryce Perry-Martin made his first All-Conference team in his third season on the Davidson defensive line. Bryce led the league in tackles for loss (15.0) and ranked first on the team in sacks (4.0) and second in total tackles (58). Perry-Martin also blocked 2 kicks on special teams. The Spring Lake, N.C., native was named an All-Conference honorable mention in 2017.

The Wildcats also landed seven honorable mention team members – linebacker Tony Collins, safety Dreylan Hines and defensive tackle Clay Robinson on defense and long snapper Nick Nolting, offensive linemen Daniel Runck and Bryce Simmons and William Wicks at slot and running back.

Collins led the ‘Cats with 71 total tackles including 2.5 for loss and an assisted sack, while Robinson made 27 total tackles, 2.0 TFL and 1 sack. Hines was named the league’s Co-Freshman Defensive Player of the Year on Monday. Hines led all PFL rookies with 8 passes defended and 4 interceptions.  

With Runck and Simmons added to first teamer Johnson and second teamer Steinbacher, four of Davidson’s dominant offensive linemen were recognized by the league’s coaches.

Nolting was an honorable mention PFL performer in 2017, but for his work on the offensive line. The senior was recognized this season for his work long snapping.

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