Atlanta, Ga. – Edward Waters University running back Johntarrious Thomas has been named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week following his historic performance in the Tigers' hard-fought 31–27 loss to Benedict College on Saturday night inside Nathaniel Glover Stadium. 

Thomas etched his name into the Edward Waters record books, rushing for a school-record 243 yards on just 21 carries, including a 54-yard touchdown that electrified the home crowd. His explosive running kept the Tigers in striking distance all evening against one of the top defenses in the conference. 

Despite the heartbreaking late-game defeat, Thomas's dominance on the ground was undeniable. His 243-yard effort not only set a new single-game rushing record but also marked the highest individual rushing total in the SIAC this season. 

"Johntarrious ran with power, vision, and heart," said Edward Waters head coach Brian Jenkins, Sr,. "He gave us everything he had and showed why he's one of the best backs in this conference." 

Thomas's performance was the bright spot in a game that saw the Tigers push Benedict to the wire for the second straight season. With the loss, Edward Waters fell to 4–3 overall, while Benedict remained unbeaten and atop the SIAC standings. 

Through seven games, Thomas has emerged as one of the conference's most productive offensive threats as he currently sits second in the SIAC with 713 yards. Thomas moves one step closer to capturing the EWU Tigers' single season rushing record of 792 yards.  

Thomas and the Tigers will look to bounce back this Saturday as they will face the Panthers of Clark Atlanta. The game will be available to stream on HBCU Go. 

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