Johnson, Sanders Earn NCFC Player of the Week Honors

by David Silverstein

CHICO, Calif. — The NCFC National Division Offensive Player of the Week is Santa Rosa wide receiver Kerr Johnson, who collected six receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 30-29 victory over Sacramento City in Week 3.

Defense Player of the Week honors go to American River’s Robert Sanders, who compiled 10 total tackles - six solo, and 3.5 for a loss - in the Beavers’ 44-24 victory over San Joaquin Delta.

In the American Division, linebacker Jaylon Deas totaled 10 tackles, including two sacks and four for a loss, with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to lead Yuba over Gavilan for its first win of the season. Frank Stevens piled up 244 receiving yards and three touchdowns on six catches as Contra Costa improved to 3-0 with a win over Reedley, and Merced punter/kicker Noah Croninger stood out with a 53-yard field goal and a 46.2-yard average on five punts.

Week 4 action begins Friday with a National Division doubleheader at 7 p.m.: Santa Rosa (2-1) visits Laney (2-1) and Siskiyous (1-2) takes on Diablo Valley (2-1).

National Division

Santa Rosa at Laney, 7 p.m. (Friday): The Bear Cubs are already battle-tested, with each of their first three games decided by an average of less than 5 points. They’ll hope to get their third win against the Eagles, fresh off a 45-point output against Sierra.

Fresno at Butte, 6 p.m. (Saturday): In a typically a fierce rivalry matchup, the Roadrunners (0-3) seek their first victory against the Rams (2-1), who gave San Francisco a battle last week before ultimately absorbing their first loss of the year. Fresno has scored at least 30 in three straight.

American Division

(Sept. 19, 2015)

Contra Costa at Merced, 6 p.m.: Merced (2-1) comes off a two-score loss at Shasta and the sledding doesn’t get easier in Week 4. Contra Costa (3-0) is off to a fast start, one of two undefeated teams in the American Division.

Other games: