Charlotte, NC - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) named Fayetteville State football standout, Matthew Leach as the week #9 CIAA Football Linebacker Player of the Week for the second time this season.

Despite the heartbreak of a last-second loss, senior linebacker Matthew Leach delivered one of the most complete defensive efforts of the year, recording a game-high 12 tackles (six solo) with 0.5 tackles for loss and multiple drive-ending stops that kept the Broncos within striking distance. Leach, a sports fitness and management major from Raeford, NC, helped hold JCSU, the CIAA's No. 2 scoring offense, to just 10 points through three quarters and was key in limiting Bobby Smith and Kelvin Durham to their lowest rushing totals in conference play this season. His 12 tackles marked his fifth double-digit outing of the year and moved him into the top five in the CIAA in total tackles. 

The football team will play its last home game of the season against Winston-Salem State at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 8, at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.