Tech's Washington Earns WAC Award

Sept. 22, 2008 RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech sophomore linebacker Kiamni Washington (Gibson, La.) has been named the Western Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the Bulldogs 41-26 win over Southeastern Louisiana this weekend.

Washington had one of the top single-game special team's performances in recent memory as he recorded four tackles (all on kickoff coverage), blocked a field goal and forced a fumble. With Tech clinging to a 21-20 lead late in the second quarter, Washington blocked a 44-yard field goal and teammate Weldon Brown picked it up and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, helping the Bulldogs enter the halftime locker room with the lead and the momentum. After Tech increased its lead to 31-23 midway through the third quarter, Washington forced a fumble on the ensuring kickoff that was recovered by teammate Roosevelt Falls. Two plays later, Tech scored a touchdown to take a 38-23 lead. Washington was chosen for the award over five other WAC special team's players. It's his first such honor and the second time a Bulldog player has won the WAC Special Teams POW this season (Brad Oestriecher). Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore earned the WAC Offensive Player of the Week award while New Mexico State free safety Derrick Richardson won the Defensive Player of the Week Award.