Defense made the difference across the state for a lot of teams in Week 7, from lockdown secondary play in Cullowhee to relentless pressure in Boiling Springs and beyond. Several defenders delivered big-time efforts — but none more impactful than Western Carolina’s Ken Moore Jr., who sparked a statement win with two interceptions, including a pick-six, in a key SoCon matchup.
🏆 Defensive Player of the Week — Ken Moore Jr., Western Carolina
Western Carolina junior defensive back Ken Moore Jr. turned in a game-changing performance as the Catamounts rolled past Furman 52-7 for their fourth straight win. Moore recorded two interceptions, returning the first 64 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter and adding another end-zone pick to halt a Furman drive in the third.
The Miami, FL, native also logged a tackle for loss as part of a Western Carolina defense that held the Paladins to just one score. His efforts helped the Catamounts earn votes in both the AFCA and Stats Perform national polls.
🔹 Other Top Defensive Performances
FCS Impact – Cahari Haynes, Gardner-Webb
Linebacker posted eight tackles (five solo), 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack as the Runnin’ Bulldogs limited Eastern Illinois to just 229 total yards and 3.2 yards per play in a 21-10 road win. Haynes was voted OVC/Big South Defensive Player of the Week after helping GWU improve to 2-0 in conference play.
FBS Standout – Reid Williford, Charlotte
Led all defenders with 17 tackles (12 solo) in the 49ers’ conference matchup against Army.
Conference Carolinas Spotlight – Justin Foreman, UNC Pembroke
Delivered a big performance in the Braves’ win, recording four tackles (2.5 for loss) and a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Greenville, N.C., native earned Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week honors after leading a UNCP defense that set the tone early and never let up.
Continued D2 Dominance – Kenyon Garner, Livingstone
Wreaked havoc with seven tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 2.5 sacks against Fayetteville State, anchoring a strong effort by the Blue Bears’ defensive front against one of the CIAA’s most imposing offenses. Earned CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week for a second time this season.
CIAA Standout – Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State
Set a new career high with 16 tackles (13 solo) and three tackles for loss, adding a forced fumble that led to a defensive touchdown. Voted CIAA Linebacker of the Week.
Division III Leader – Travis Burton, Guilford
Recorded 15 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, boosting his Division III-leading total to 19.5 TFLs on the season.
USA South Spotlight – Brandon Broughton, Brevard
Collected 10 tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception in a 35-32 win over Southern Virginia, earning USA South Defensive Player of the Week honors.
USA South Rookie – Mathias Winston, N.C. Wesleyan
Posted 14 tackles (nine solo) and one tackle for loss in a narrow 41-38 defeat to Belhaven, earning USA South Defensive Rookie of the Week recognition.
More NC Football News Weekly Awards
Team of the Week: Shaw dominates time of possession, fourth-down plays in upset of Winston-Salem State
Offensive Player of the Week: Barton RB Jackson Parrish makes Conference Carolinas history
Special Teams Player of the Week: North Carolina A&T’s Andrew Brown breaks school record with 55-yard field goal
See Winners from Past Weeks: North Carolina College Football Awards Hub
