Phillips, Williams honored by PAC

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - For the first time in the Brandon Robinson era, a Bethany College football player has earned weekly honors from the Presidents' Athletic Conference.  

In fact, this week was twice as nice for Robinson as junior defensive end Amarion Williams and freshman Brett Phillips were named Defensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week, respectively, the conference announced today (Monday, September 9, 2024). 

"Our program is very proud of the way these two athletes performed," said Robinson. "I know as the season progresses, they'll continue to demonstrate the effort and toughness it takes to compete in this league. We're all excited to watch them continue to grow and compete week in and week out." 

Williams was a dominant force for the Bison as Bethany held Allegheny to just 30 yards on 42 rushing attempts (0.7 average) Saturday. He finished the season opener with career-highs in tackles (15), tackles for loss (5.5), quarterback hurries (four) and sacks (three). His 5.5 TFLs were the most by a PAC player in a game since October 8, 2022.  

In his first collegiate game, Phillips had 147 yards on 18-of-30 passing and two touchdowns, with his scoring passes covering seven and 20 yards. He added a team-high 87 yards rushing, including a 26-yard gain to help set up Bethany's first touchdown. Phillips also contributed on special teams, averaging 33 yards per punt on two attempts. One of his attempts was downed inside the 20, while the other was fair caught. 

Bethany (0-1) returns to the gridiron 7:30 p.m. Saturday, facing Case Western Reserve in Presidents' Athletic Conference action.