MURFREESBORO, N.C.– Conference Carolinas has announced its Players of the Week  following the opening week of football competition. The Hawks were able to secure a 28-14 win over Elizabeth City State University. Saturday’s win marked the fifth win for the Hawks in the last seven meetings between the two rivals.

Leading the way for the Hawks was quarterback Maurice Smith, who was named Offensive Player of the Week, and Isaiah Fulton, who earned Defensive Player of the Week honors.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Maurice Smith | Chowan | Graduate | Quarterback | Fort Pierce, Florida
In the Chowan season-opening win over Elizabeth City State, Smith went 22-for-33 for 287 yards and one touchdown. He also accounted for a receiving touchdown and 29 yards rushing.

Smith’s leadership and versatility were crucial throughout the game. His passing performance kept the Hawks’ offense moving, and his receiving touchdown added a pivotal play late in the contest.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK 
Isaiah Fulton | Chowan | Junior | Defensive Back | Orlando, Florida
Fulton had a big opening week, helping lead Chowan to a win over Elizabeth City State. He accounted for an interception, one pass break up, two solo tackles, two assisted tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.

Fulton picked off ECSU at an opportune time, as the Vikings were driving into Hawks territory. To open the third quarter, Fulton put back-to-back plays on full display with a key tackle for a loss, followed up with an interception on the very next ECSU play. Fulton stepped in front of a Viking defender and snatched a pass, returning it for 17 yards which set the Hawks up for a Malique Fraizer touchdown on the ensuing drive.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Omarza Gray | Ferrum | Freshman | Wide Receiver | Roanoke, Virginia
In the season-opener and first-ever NCAA Division II contests, Gray accounted for 120 kick return yards on four attempts with a long of 43 yards. He added two receptions for 47 yards at Catawba.