Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011
DES MOINES, Iowa--Drake running back Patrick Cashmore was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week and kicker/punter Billy Janssen was named Special Teams Player of the Week by the Pioneer Football League for games played Saturday, Nov . 5. Cashmore shared the honor with San Diego running back Kenny James.
Both players' performances contributed to the Bulldogs defeating first-place Jacksonville 31-24 at Drake Stadium, ending the Dolphins' 16-game winning streak in PFL games.
The honors are the sixth and seventh for Drake players this season, and give Drake three in the past two games.
Cashmore had career highs for rushing attempts (35) and yards (160), and matched a career high with two touchdowns. Remarkably, on 35 carries, he did not lose a single yard on any rushing attempt. It was his fourth 100-yard rushing effort of the season and sixth of his career. Cashmore's second touchdown was the game-winner with 21 seconds to play, breaking a 24-24 tie. He had 99 of his yards in the second half.
"All the credit goes to the offensive line," Cashmore said. "They were clearing the way and I just tried to do my part. It turned out to be an incredible game and a huge win for us, and I just want to share the credit with the entire team. It's nice to be recognized, but it's everybody's award."
Janssen averaged 48.7 yards on six punts, including an 83-yard boot that was the second-longest in the FCS this season, and third-longest in Drake history--longest since 1949. He also converted his only field goal attempt, of 43 yards, to put Drake on the scoreboard first, and drilled all four point-after attempts.
"This award is definitely a team award," Janssen said. "They put me in a position to be successful and when I get out there I just try to do my job. We had a great focus all week long and when it came time to execute we just went out there and did it. It was a great team effort and it ended up an amazing win. I can't wait to get back out there and do it again next week."
Drake will kick off against Dayton at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Drake Stadium. A Bulldogs win would secure at least a PFL co-championship for the Bulldogs, pending the results of the remaining two games of Jacksonville and San Diego.
For tickets please call (515) 271-DOGS, or purchase tickets online at www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com.
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