WATERLOO, Ont. - Quarterback Will Russell, defensive back Javein Smith, and return specialist Logan Moore have been named Laurier Football Players of the Week, presented by Nothers, The Award Store, after the Golden Hawks' 39-31 loss to the Waterloo Warriors in Saturday's Battle of Waterloo.

OFFENCE: Will Russell

Russell, a third-year business major from Hamilton, Ont., continued his strong season under centre, completing 29 of 44 pass attempts for 296 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.

The first-year starting quarterback helped engineer a second-half comeback, erasing a 23-10 halftime deficit and taking a 31-26 lead early in the fourth quarter. Russell threw touchdown passes to Darion Bacik-Hadden and Ryan Hughes, with the latter hauling in a pair of scoring receptions.

His first touchdown of the afternoon came just seven seconds after Owen Goetz's interception early in the third quarter, when Russell connected with Bacik-Hadden on a seven-yard strike to bring the Hawks within six points.

Russell later found Hughes for an 18-yard touchdown late in the third quarter before connecting with the veteran receiver again from eight yards out midway through the fourth quarter to give Laurier its first lead of the game.

He also led a final-minute drive that moved the Golden Hawks from midfield to Waterloo's four-yard line before time expired.

It's the second time this season that Russell has been named the team's offensive player of the week.

DEFENCE: Javein Smith

Smith earns defensive honours for the second consecutive week after another impact performance in the Battle of Waterloo.

The second-year philosophy major from Mississauga, Ont., who was named Laurier's rookie of the year last season, recorded one of the Golden Hawks' two interceptions and helped anchor a defensive effort that generated three sacks and three turnovers.

Smith stepped in front of a Nick Orr pass midway through the second quarter, picking off the Waterloo quarterback at the Warriors' 51-yard line to give Laurier possession in enemy territory. 

He also added two tackles and a pass breakup.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Logan Moore

Moore, a third-year business major from Burlington, Ont., takes home special teams honours after a productive afternoon in both the kickoff and punt return game.

The receiver amassed 140 combined return yards, including 78 kickoff return yards and another 62 yards on punt returns.

His biggest play came with just 47 seconds remaining in regulation when he returned a kickoff 58 yards to midfield, setting up Laurier's final drive and helping the Golden Hawks advance to the Waterloo four-yard line before time expired.

Moore also averaged 20.7 yards per punt return, highlighted by a 29-yard return early in the fourth quarter that helped set up a go-ahead touchdown drive as Laurier briefly grabbed a 31-26 lead.

His efforts helped the Golden Hawks generate 241 total return yards in the rivalry matchup.

It's the second time this season and third in his career that Moor has received special teams player of the week honours.

SCOUT TEAM

Laurier's scout team Players of the Week are receiver Hugo Thomas on offence and defensive lineman Steve Fotso on defence.

The Golden Hawks (2-4) will look to return to the win column next Saturday, October 17, when they host the Carleton Ravens (0-5) in their penultimate game of the regular season. 

Senior Day kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm at University Stadium. Tickets are available at tickets.laurierathletics.com