BREAKING: Keegan Shackford of William & Mary has been named the CAA Special Teams Player of the Week following a thrilling 30-27 overtime victory against Campbell on Saturday. Shackford was instrumental in the win, successfully making all three of his field-goal attempts, including a game-tying 38-yard kick with just one second left in regulation.
Shackford’s performance not only showcased his skill but also his resilience, connecting on field goals from 41 and 47 yards earlier in the game. The kicker, whose mother, Julie Shackford, is the women’s soccer coach for the Tribe, has now made at least one field goal in six consecutive games and boasts an impressive 8 for 12 record this season along with 32 of 33 successful PATs.
In a separate but urgent development, Guilford and Averett have decided to end their football seasons prematurely following a major post-game fight after their recent matchup, which resulted in a 27-21 victory for the Cougars. Both teams will forfeit their scheduled season finales in accordance with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) regulations, which emphasized that their actions did not uphold expected standards of sportsmanship and conduct.
The fallout from this altercation means that Bridgewater and Roanoke will also conclude their seasons, receiving forfeit wins. The ODAC’s urgent response underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within college athletics.
Meanwhile, in college basketball, Norfolk State‘s redshirt freshman My’kel Jenkins has made headlines by being named the MEAC Rookie of the Week. Jenkins has already made a significant impact, averaging 39 points, 16 rebounds, and contributing defensively with three blocks and five steals across three games.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) also announced that North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson and Virginia Tech freshman guard Neoklis Avdalas shared the honors for Player and Rookie of the Week. Wilson’s stellar performance included 46 points on 81% shooting in recent wins, while Avdalas impressed with 41 points and 15 assists over two games.
In women’s college basketball, Norfolk State guard Jasha Clinton has been recognized as the MEAC Player of the Week, averaging 20 points per game in the Spartans’ strong start. Maryland Eastern Shore’s freshman Kaliya Perry earned the Rookie of the Week title, averaging a double-double in her performances.
In volleyball, Norfolk State‘s junior Gabrielle Gilbert has also been honored, leading her team to three victories and accumulating 60 kills over the matches.
In a related development, Old Dominion University athletics has officially taken control of the Pride of ODU, a private collective formed to negotiate Name, Image, and Likeness agreements with student-athletes. This shift reflects a growing trend among universities to enhance their athletic programs and engage with fans.
As these stories continue to evolve, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest updates in college sports, showcasing the resilience and talent of student-athletes across the region.
