Morgan Picked NAIA Football "Offensive Player of the Week"
Cavs Vault to 18th in National Rankings

September 25, 2006
Full NAIA National Rankings

Wise, VA -- After setting a single game mark for rushing yards on Saturday, The University of Virginia's College at Wise running back Ra'Shad Morgan was showered with football accolades on Monday. Morgan rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns to be honored with not only Mid-South Conference "Offensive Player of the Week" but also the NAIA national "Offensive Player of the Week." On the same day, the Highland Cavaliers jumped into the NAIA national rankings to 18th with their 4-0 start.

As a team, UVA-Wise has won its first four contests for the first time in a decade after defeating Cumberland (TN) University, 59-22. The last 4-0 start was in 1996 when the team recorded a perfect 10-0 regular season. The 18th national ranking is also the highest under fifth-year head coach Bruce Wasem, the Cavs reached 19th in 2005 after a 3-0 start. The Cavs are averaging 50.0 points per game with 200 points in four contests and at least 44 tallies in each game.

Morgan (Chesterfield, VA) went wild on Saturday. The running back dashed for a UVA-Wise single game record of 289 yards rushing on 34 carries for a 8.5-yard per attempt average. The Meadowbrook High School product broked scoring runs of 51, 36, four and 12 yards. He added two pass receptions for 19 yards for 308 all-purpose yards.

The junior has totaled 14 rushing touchdowns in four games for 84 points and a 21.0-point per game average. Morgan has totaled 663 yards on 103 attempts for a 165.8 yard per game average and 6.4 yards per attempt. He has also caught 10 passes for 74 yards.

UVA-Wise will have no time to enjoy the new national rankings as the squad travels to fourth-ranked Georgetown College for a 1:30 p.m. affair Saturday afternoon.