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Bears Take Repeat Honors

CIAA Recognizes Two Players and Coach

(Raleigh, NC) – Shaw University Lineman DeMarcus Roberson, Linebacker Frederick Sparkman, and Head Coach Darrell Asberry received their second straight weekly CIAA honors – going two for two at the beginning of the 2009 football season.

The accolades are in recognition of performances during Shaw’s Division II win over NCAA FCS Division’s Bethune-Cookman. The final score was 20-6. On a sodden field, the Shaw University defense forced BCU to commit six fumbles, while winning a battle of field position.

All three honorees won the same accolades last week as a result of their performances in that week’s 54-30 win over Elizabeth City State.

Defensive Lineman of the Week DeMarcus Roberson (So., Chapel Hill, NC, 6-4, 260) recovered two fumbles - including one at the Shaw nine-yard line; had one half sack, four tackles and four assists.

Linebacker of the Week Frederick Sparkman (Jr., Columbia, TN, 6-2, 220) led the Bears in tackles with seven solo tackles and three assists. Through the CIAA games of Sept. 5, Sparkman leads the conference in number of tackles with 26 (16 solo and 10 assists).

Coach of the Week Darrell Asberry (Fourth year, 21-14 career/Shaw record) recorded his first win as a head coach over a Division I team, in part, because of his ability to shift the Shaw offensive focus from its high-powered style to a ground control game where the Bears took advantage of the numerous turnovers, played patiently, and allowed both the Wildcat fumbles, and their own punter Vincent Pacifico’s 47.1 yard average to put them into scoring position.

Shaw (2-0) next hosts Concordia (Selma, AL) Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at Millbrook High School.