Russ Snags PFL Player of the Week Honors After Monster Game

MACON, Ga. (MERCER RELEASE) – A day after combining for five total touchdowns, including a pair of fourth quarter scores to lead Mercer to a comeback victory over Jacksonville, quarterback John Russ has been tabbed the Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Week as announced by the league office.

In another instant classic at Mercer University Stadium, the top two offenses in the conference were on display Saturday evening in Macon, Ga., and Russ played well beyond his redshirt freshman status, recording a career-high in passing touchdowns, total yards and total touchdowns as the Bears emerged with a three-point victory over Jacksonville.

Russ ended the day with his best collegiate performance, going 11-for-23 through the air for 217 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 145 yards and two scores on the ground. His five total touchdowns marked a career-high, while his three passing scores tied his collegiate record.

After the contest head coach Bobby Lamb shook his head when describing his quarterback’s play. “Big time throws, big time plays and big time moments.”

That was never more evident when the Bears faced a double-digit deficit in the final minutes of the third quarter against the Dolphins, but Russ led an offensive surge that featured 21 unanswered points, including touchdown passes of 18 and 33 yards to complete the dramatic comeback.

The victory sent Mercer to 7-0 at home and made the Bears one of just two NCAA Division I FCS or FBS teams with a perfect record at home in seven tries.

Russ and the Bears return to action next Saturday, traveling to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to take on Marist in another all-important PFL game. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Tenney Stadium.