Redhawks make second all-OVC team and newcomer squad

Southeast Missouri State failed to produce a first-team selection on the all-Ohio Valley Conference football squads announced Tuesday.

The Redhawks were represented by senior punter Doug Spada on the second team and junior linebacker Justin Woodlief on the all-newcomer squad. Voting was done by the league's coaches and sports information directors.

Spada, a two-time All-American, was first-team all-OVC the past two years. But, bothered by an ankle injury, he averaged a career-low 40.9 yards per punt that ranks third in the OVC and 15th nationally.

Woodlief led Southeast with 93 tackles, which ranks fourth in the OVC. He also had two tackles for loss, one interception and a forced fumble.

Perrilloux, Lane highlight squad

Jacksonville State senior quarterback Ryan Perrilloux and Murray State senior defensive end Austen Lane were tabbed OVC offensive and defensive player of the year, respectively.

Eastern Kentucky redshirt freshman quarterback T.J. Pryor won the freshman of the year award, while Eastern Illinois' Bob Spoo was named coach of the year.

Perrilloux, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award that goes to the nation's top offensive player, ranks first nationally in passing efficiency. He threw for 2,350 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just two interceptions, while also rushing for 443 yards and eight touchdowns.

Lane, a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the nation's top defensive player, ranks second nationally in sacks (11) and third in tackles for loss (19.5).

Pryor, who took over as Eastern Kentucky's starting quarterback in the fourth game of the season, passed for 2,153 yards and six touchdowns.

Spoo, the dean of OVC coaches in his 23rd season at Eastern Illinois, led the Panthers (8-3, 6-2) to their fifth OVC championship.

Jacksonville State, which had the OVC's best record but was ineligible for the title due to NCAA academic sanctions, led the way with six all-OVC first-team selections. Austin Peay had five and Eastern Illinois four.