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News Nuggets, 10.18.05
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Pick artist Parker reinforces ECU's renaissance

The East Carolina football team's notable resurgence in the won-loss ledger is being reflected on the individual level.

After picking up as many 2005 wins through six games as it collected in the previous two years combined, ECU has eclipsed its meager 2003-04 production of Conference USA player of the week awards.

Free safety Pierre Parker became the latest Pirate to receive such recognition, being named defensive player of the week by the league office for his clutch performance in ECU's road victory over Southern Methodist last Saturday.

Parker, a junior from Wilson, recorded two critical fourth quarter pass interceptions and topped the Pirates with eight tackles, including six solo stops, to help ECU improve its record to 3-3 (2-1 C-USA) with the 24-17 win.

It was the Pirates' fourth player of the week award this season. Quarterback James Pinkney received the offensive honor twice, for his showings in ECU's wins over Duke and Rice, and Markeith McQueen captured the special teams accolade for his performance in the Duke game.

ECU players won only one weekly award in each of the past two seasons (Pinkney, offense, in 2004 and running back Marvin Townes, offense, in 2003), with both awards coming after wins over Army.

Parker's honor was the first defensive player of the week award won by an ECU player since 2002, when Pirates Kelly Hardy, Chris Moore and Travis Heath each received the distinction on separate occasions.

This week's offensive player of the week award went to Southern Mississippi quarterback Dustin Almond, while Marshall's Ivan Clark and Tulsa's Ashlan Davis shared the special teams honor.

C-USA player of the week thumbnails:

DEFENSE

Pierre Parker, Junior FS, East Carolina
Wilson, NC (Beddingfield HS)

Parker recorded two critical fourth quarter interceptions and led East Carolina with eight tackles as the Pirates defeated SMU 24-17 in a Conference USA road win. Parkers' first interception came with the scored tied at 17 and set up the Pirates' game-winning touchdown. His second interception came with under two minutes to play and sealed the win for ECU.

OFFENSE

Dustin Almond, Redshirt Senior QB, Southern Mississippi
Orange Park, FL (Orange Park HS)

Almond accounted for six touchdowns in Southern Miss' 52-31 win over East Division leader UCF. The senior tied the school and M.M. Roberts Stadium records with five touchdown passes and also added a rushing score. His scoring strikes went for 16, 15, 48, 3 and 25 yards, with the first four coming in the first half.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ivan Clark, Junior DB, Marshall
Ford, VA (Amelia County HS)

Clark blocked two punts that led to Marshall scores in the Thundering Herd's 20-19 homecoming win over UAB. Clark set up the first touchdown with his block late in the first half and with Marshall trailing 10-7, his second block set up the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

Ashlan Davis, Senior KR, Tulsa
Mesquite, TX (Tyler JC)

Davis tied the NCAA career record for kickoff returns for touchdowns in Tulsa's 41-21 victory at Rice on Saturday. Davis' 96-yard return in the fourth quarter was the sixth of his career, tying the NCAA set by Anthony Davis of USC (1972-74) more than 30 years ago.

From staff reports and Conference USA and ECU Athletics releases.

Conference USA Standings, Scores & Schedule

News Nuggets are compiled periodically based on material supplied by staff members; data published by ECU, Conference USA and its member schools; and reports from Associated Press and other sources. Copyright 2005 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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