Oct. 25, 2009

A pair of University of Dayton football players were honored by the Pioneer Football League for their performances in Saturday's 38-7 Flyer win at Valparaiso. Senior quarterback Steve Valentino earned his second PFL Offensive Player of the Week of the season, and senior defensive end Brandon Wingeier was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week.

Valentino led Dayton to its sixth straight win in his sixth straight start by carrying the ball 17 times for career highs in rushing (127) and TD's (3). He also completed 13 of 18 passes for 188 yards and another TD. He totaled 315 yards in total offense without playing a down in the fourth quarter. His 13 passes were spread amongst seven different receivers, and he even pooch-punted a 28-yard punt that was downed at the two-yard-line.

On the year, the Solon High School product is second in the PFL in total offense per game (250.4), third in rushing (67.6), fourth in passing (182.9) and fifth in scoring (6.0).

Wingeier was the most productive player in Dayton's dominant defensive effort. He had four tackles (3 solo), including one in the backfield, and had two of the Flyers' three turnovers gained. The 2006 Newark High School grad recovered a fumble and returned an interception 57 yards for his first career touchdown. UD allowed just two first downs and 60 yards in total offense. Valparaiso was limited to just 51 plays, and had just one possession that lasted longer than three plays.

The fumble recovery was Wingeier's second of the season, tying him for first in the PFL in that category.

Valentino and Wingeier were also two of the 11 Flyers nominated last week for ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America.

Dayton 6-1 overall, and tied for first in the PFL with a 4-0 mark, returns home Saturday to face preseason league favorite San Diego. Saturday has been designated UD's "Toys For Tots" game. Fans can donate a new and unwrapped toy and receive free admittance to the game. Fans already holding tickets to the game are also encouraged to bring toys to the game to donate to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots Campaign. Saturday is also UD's Military Appreciation Game. Game time is 1 p.m. ET.