Nov. 7, 2001
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina center Jason Jones has been named NCAA I-AA National Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week by Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for helping the Catamounts have one of their best offensive days in defeating Liberty, 63-0, last Saturday (Nov. 3).
Jones (Bakersville, N.C./Mitchell) was the only player to play all 68 offensive snaps for the Catamounts versus Liberty, as Western had the eighth-best offensive production in NCAA I-AA this season with 618 yards of total offense. His effort helped WCU set a stadium record with 63 points and break a 24-year school record with 32 first downs (the previous record being 31 first downs set in 1977). Western rushed for 291 yards - an average of 5.6 yards per carry - and six TDs, while completing 20-of-32 passes for a season-high 327 yards and three TDs. For the first time this season, the Catamounts had a 100-yard rusher (Fred Boateng with 155) and a 100-yard receiver (Lamont Seward with 103).
Jones is a three-year starter along the offensive line, including the last two at center. He has helped Western rank 22nd nationally and third in the Southern Conference in rushing offense with an average of 206.3 yards per game. His blocking has also paved the way for the Cats to lead the SoCon in first downs (189), fourth-down conversions (18-of-24, .750) and time of possession (33:43), while ranking second in third down conversions (56-of-138, .406). In each of the last two years with Jones at center, Western has improved its rushing offense. The team only averaged 142.2 in 1999 and improved to 175.5 last season , while averaging 206.3 yards this season.
Western Carolina will be back in action this weekend (Nov. 10) at Appalachian State in the annual "Battle for the Old Mountain Jug.". Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m., at ASU's Kidd Brewer Stadium.
