ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Sophomore transfer quarterback Chase Spellman collected the first Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Week award after a stellar debut last Thursday, the conference announced today.
 
Spellman was responsible for four touchdowns in Drake's 41-7 victory against Division II Upper Iowa. Through the air, he completed 14-of-16 passes for 233 yards and tossed two touchdowns. Spellman used his legs to score another two TDs in a seven-carry, 37-yard performance. He became the first Drake quarterback to rush and throw for at least one touchdown in a game since 2021.
 
Spellman and the Bulldogs will be off this week before visiting top five opponents South Dakota State (Sep. 13) and South Dakota (Sep. 20) for their following two contests.
 
Pioneer Football League Weekly Awards – Aug. 31
Offensive Player of the Week – Chase Spellman, QB, Drake
Defensive Player of the Week – Gabriel Batres, DL, Valparaiso
Special Teams Player of the Week – Stefano Giovannelli, WR, St. Thomas
Freshman of the Week – Chase Hatton, DB, Marist