McNeese State safety Malcolm Bronson has been named the Southland Conference defensive player of the week and the Cowboys have moved up to the No. 8 spot in the Sports Network poll.

            The Cowboy freshman from Jasper, TX was singled out for his performance in last Saturday's 30-27 victory over Texas State.  In that game Bronson, who is the nephew of former Cowboy all-American and pro standout Zack Bronson, was credited with eight tackles and a pass interception

            That interception came in the closing seconds of the game and was made on the 10 yard line, thus securing the Cowboy victory.

            Bronson, who redshirted last year, has started all 10 games this season and is the team's leading tackler on the year with 70 stops.  His selection is the fourth by the team this season.  Tailback Toddrick Pendland has been picked twice on offense (vs Applachian State and vs Sam Houston State) and cornerback Seth Thomas once on defense (vs Tulane).

            Stephen F. Austin quarterback Jeremy Moses was named the offensive player of the week and Sam Houston State linebacker Vince Dotson was named special teams player of the week.  Cowboys nominated in those two categories were quarterback Derrick Fourroux and place kicker Josh Lewis.

            Now 8-2 on the season, the Cowboys jumped two spots in the Sports Network poll, moving up from No. 10.  McNeese is  now on a five game winning streak and will conclude its regular season on Saturday by hosting Central Arkansas in a game that will carry a 6 p.m. start.

            Southern Illinois remains in the top spot in the poll and following in order are Villanova, Montana, Richmond, William & Mary, Appalachian State, South Carolina State, McNeese, Northern Iowa and Elon Phoenix.

            SLC co-member Stephen F.Austin is ranked No. 15 and is the only other conference team in the poll.

THE SPORTS NETWORK POLL

1. Southern Illinois

2. Villanova

3. Montana

4.Richmond

5. William & Mary

6. Appalachian State

7. South Carolina State

8. McNeese State

9. Northern Iowa

10. Elon

11. New Hampshire

12. South Dakota State

13. Holy Cross

14. Eastern Illinois

15. SFA

16. Liberty

17. Jacksonville State

18. Eastern Washington

19. Weber State

20. Prairie View

21. Lafayette

22. Colgate

23. Montana State

24. Penn

25. Delaware