WATERLOO, Ont. – Quarterback Will Russell, defensive lineman Oscar Wise, and kicker/punter Marcus Reypa have been named Laurier football Players of the Week, presented by Nothers The Award Store, after the Golden Hawks' 55-39 upset victory over the #5-ranked Western Mustangs on Saturday.

OFFENCE: Will Russell

Russell earns offensive honours after delivering one of the finest quarterback performances in program history and leading Laurier to a playoff-clinching road win.

The fifth-year quarterback completed 26 of 38 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns, adding a 20-yard rushing touchdown. His 481-yard outing ranks as the second-highest single-game passing total in Laurier history, leaving him just 20 yards shy of Kevin McDonald's program record set three decades ago.

Russell's six total touchdowns powered a Golden Hawks offence that amassed 647 yards of total offence against one of the top-ranked teams in the country. The performance also marked his second consecutive 400-yard passing game and helped Laurier secure its sixth straight postseason appearance.

The veteran finished the regular season as U SPORTS' leading passer with 2,619 yards, the second-highest single-season total in program history.

DEFENCE: Oscar Wise

Wise takes home defensive player of the week honours after turning in one of his strongest performances of the season in Laurier's playoff-clinching victory.

The veteran defensive lineman recorded five total tackles, including two solo stops, to finish third on the team defensively. Wise also led the Golden Hawks with two tackles for loss, consistently disrupting Western's offence and forcing the Mustangs into difficult situations throughout the afternoon.

His efforts helped anchor a Laurier defence that came up with several key plays in the second half, including two interceptions, a blocked punt, and multiple sacks. The Golden Hawks held Western scoreless in the fourth quarter to preserve the upset victory and extend their winning streak over the Mustangs to four games.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Marcus Reypa

Reypa earns special teams honours after playing a pivotal role in Laurier's playoff-clinching victory over the No. 5-ranked Mustangs.

The veteran kicker connected on both of his field-goal attempts, including a 39-yard kick that gave the Golden Hawks their first lead of the afternoon in the second quarter. He later added a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter and was perfect on all seven of his extra-point attempts to finish with 13 points.

Reypa also excelled in the field-position battle. He averaged 41.8 yards per punt, his second-best average of the season and highest since Week 3, consistently forcing Western to navigate long fields. On kickoffs, Reypa generated 400 yards across seven attempts.

SCOUT TEAM

Receiver Denzel Robertson was named the offensive Scout Team Player of the Week, while defensive lineman Addison May-Frizzell earned defensive Scout Team Player of the Week honours.