PLAINVIEW, Texas – Wayland Baptist Football has earned two Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Player of the Week honors following its explosive 45-20 comeback victory over Nelson University on Saturday, October 31. Sophomore quarterback Aidan Crawford was named SAC Offensive Player of the Week, while kicker Trent McLemore earned SAC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.
The duo played instrumental roles in Wayland's fifth consecutive victory, helping the Pioneers improve to 7-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
Crawford delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season, completing 18 of 31 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown to account for five total scores.
After trailing 20-10 entering the fourth quarter, Crawford sparked an offensive explosion that saw the Pioneers score 35 unanswered points to secure the victory.
The sophomore quarterback opened the final quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown before connecting with Trey Warnsley on a 26-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead. Crawford continued his dominant fourth-quarter performance with a 56-yard touchdown strike to Donte Hurt, a 15-yard scoring connection with Ethan Palmer, and a 46-yard touchdown pass to Mark Mukiibi.
Crawford's performance helped Wayland finish with 496 yards of total offense, including 402 passing yards, as the Pioneers completed their remarkable fourth-quarter comeback.
McLemore was equally impressive in the kicking game, delivering a perfect performance to help secure the conference victory.
The Pioneer kicker connected on all six of his extra-point attempts and successfully converted his lone field goal attempt from 19 yards, accounting for nine points in the victory.
McLemore opened the scoring with his 19-yard field goal in the first quarter before converting each of Wayland's six extra-point opportunities, including five during the Pioneers' fourth-quarter scoring surge.
He also contributed three kickoffs totaling 157 yards, averaging 52.3 yards per kickoff.
The pair of weekly honors highlights another strong performance for the Pioneers, who have now won five consecutive games heading into their regular-season finale.
UP NEXT
Wayland Baptist will return home on Saturday, November 14, to host Texas Wesleyan University at 2:00 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.
The matchup will mark the Pioneers' final regular-season game and final home appearance of 2026, as Wayland celebrates Faith & Family Weekend.
