The Great American Conference announced its Players of the Week on Monday morning following the conclusion of Week 2 action around the league and among the individuals honored was Southern Arkansas Football’s Malik Preston for his stellar defensive performance in the Muleriders’ 28-23 upset win over No. 7 Harding on Sunday.
Preston, a redshirt junior linebacker from Shreveport, Louisiana, had a banner day for SAU in the win as he accounted for 16 total stops (13 solo, 3 assisted), including three tackles for loss for 11 yards.
Additionally, Preston’s impact was evident the entire game as he forced three fumbles; the last two of which led to scoop-and-score touchdowns for the Mulerider defense, including SAU’s final score and the game’s knockout punch.
The fearsome linebacker’s first forced fumble of the afternoon was equally as important as it ended a Harding drive inside Mulerider territory with the Bisons already holding a 14-0 advantage.
Preston became the first SAU player in over two and half seasons to record 16 or more stops in a game (Elgin Moore vs. Ouachita | 2015).
Preston’s performance helped the Muleriders knock off their highest ranked opponent in the program’s Division II Era.
The Muleriders will head to Weatherford, Okla., Saturday to battle Southwestern Oklahoma State.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
On Sept. 22, SAU will return home to Wilkins Stadium to face Northwestern Oklahoma at 6 p.m.
(Photo courtesy of SAU Sports)