Monday, October 08, 2007

            Valparaiso University’s John Popper (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman H.S.) has been named the Pioneer Football League’s Special Teams Player of the Week following the Crusaders’ game Saturday against San Diego.

            The sophomore’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at the end of the first quarter put Valpo in front 17-14.  He finished the day with seven kickoff returns for 213 yards (30.4 ypr).

            Popper also rushed nine times for 75 yards, including a touchdown to finish the day with 288 all-purpose yards as the Crusaders battled the number one Toreros to the very end before falling 41-27.