STEPHENVILLE – Xavier Turner has been named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the third straight game and this time he’s joined by Jai Edwards, who was named the defensive award winner after Tarleton defeated MSU Texas 35-34 in overtime Saturday night.
Turner enjoyed a career rushing performance as the senior running back led No. 8 Tarleton to a guaranteed share of the Lone Star Conference Championship.
Turner carried the ball 36 times for 214 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Mustangs. He is the first Texan to rush for over 200 yards in a game since Roderick Smith against East Central on September 12, 2009. It was the 11th 200-yard rushing performance in program history and the fifth-highest rushing total by a Texan runner. It marks the fourth straight games with at least 100 yards for Turner and the fifth straight game with a touchdown, including seven over the last three games. Turner also had a three-yard reception in the game to give him 217 all-purpose yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, meanwhile, Edwards flew around the field and was vital in helping No. 8 Tarleton defeat No. 10 MSU.
The junior safety had 13 tackles, including 11 solos, and a diving interception in the fourth quarter to give the ball back to the Tarleton offense, which they used to score the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion for a 28-21 lead. Edwards’ 13 tackles were a season high. The Edwards’ led defense held MSU to its second-lowest output of the season in rushing yards, passing yards, and total yards.
This is Turner’s fifth career weekly award and third this season. It’s the first career league award for Edwards.
Tarleton will be back home in Stephenville for the final two games of the regular season. The Texans will take a break from LSC play to host Lincoln (Mo.) Saturday at 2 p.m.
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