COLBY, Kan. – Last week’s top 10 showdown between top-ranked Hutchinson and number nine-ranked Butler Community College has led to Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Football Player of the Week Awards for Grizzly running back Markellus Bass, as well as Blue Dragon players MJ Graham and Jeffrey Manns.   

Markellus Bass (Butler) – KJCCC Football Offensive Player of the Week
Grizzly sophomore running back Markellus Bass continues to put up impressive numbers week after week, recording his sixth-straight 100-yard rushing game in a 27-12 loss at home last Saturday night against top-ranked Hutchinson. Bass finished the contest with 25 carries for 106 yards and one rushing touchdown while also catching one pass for 33 yards. Bass currently leads NJCAA Division 1 football in rushing yards per game at 127.3 yards per contest and is averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

M.J. Graham (Hutchinson) – KJCCC Football Defensive Player of the Week
Blue Dragon sophomore defensive back M.J. Graham had a huge game, including two interceptions in a 27-12 victory for the number one-ranked Blue Dragons over number nine Butler. Graham had six total tackles, including an 8-yard tackle for loss. His two interceptions were key plays in the game, with one coming in the third quarter and the second coming with 12:37 left in the fourth quarter. Graham now has a team-high six interceptions for the season.

Jeffrey Manns (Hutchinson) – KJCCC Football Special Teams Player of the Week
Blue Dragon defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns perhaps made the momentum-changing play the top-ranked Blue Dragons needed in their 27-12 road victory at number nine Butler on Saturday night. Manns blocked his third kick of the season, which came on an extra-point attempt that kept the game tied after Butler tied the game at 6-6 late in the first half. Hutchinson took the ensuing kickoff and scored with two seconds left before halftime, reeling off 21 unanswered points to put the game away and earn their fourth win of the season over a top 10 opponent.

Other Offensive Players Nominated:
Mac Armstrong – Coffeyville
Kade Smith - Hutchinson

Other Defensive Players Nominated:
Justyce Betts – Butler
Taylor Cline – Coffeyville
Anthony Mattison – Dodge City
Kamar Lhomme – Independence
Jer’Quise Clayton – Garden City

Other Special Teams Players Nominated:
Aidan Burgess - Coffeyville