The Valparaiso University football program has announced its team awards for the opening week of the 2024 season.

Redshirt senior running back Michael Mansaray (Columbus, Ohio / Westerville South [South Dakota]) has been named the team’s Offensive Player of the Week, while redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Alex Goworowski (Chicago, Ill. / Saint Patrick) earned the award on defense and redshirt senior punter Sam Johnson (Birmingham, Ala. / Oak Mountain [Jackson State / Alabama]) did so on special teams.

Redshirt junior linebacker Hayden Bedell (Orland Park, Ill. / Carl Sandburg) earned the team’s Hammer Hit Award. In addition, the program has announced Scout Team Players of the Week – freshman Dom DiNuzzo on offense, redshirt freshman Nick Beidl (Carmel, Ind. / Carmel) on defense and freshman Kyle Patenaude (Ramona, Calif. / Ramona) on special teams.

Mansaray had three receptions for a team-high 79 yards including a 61-yard grab to go along with four carries for six yards and a touchdown in his Valpo debut. Goworowski accrued five tackles in his collegiate debut after not seeing game action in his first two years in the program. Johnson boomed eight punts for an average of 48.4 yards per punt and a long of 55 in his Valpo debut.

The Beacons will return to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT at Youngstown State on ESPN+.