Bowling Green, Ky. - The Mid-South Conference has announced the MSC All-Conference Football teams Thursday morning. Senior running back Alex Sanders earned First Team All-MSC honors while quarterback Xavier Malone and offensive lineman Isaak Ramirez earned Second Team All-MSC
Alex Sanders was a true all-purpose back for the Bears this season. On the ground, the senior from Hazlehurst, Ga. rushed for 757 yards and four scores, highlighted by a 151-yard performance at Cumberlands (Ky.) and a game-sealing 59-yard score at Faulkner. Sanders did a lot of damage coming out of the backfield with 63 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns. Sanders had two touchdown receptions during UPIKE's dramatic comeback win at Cumberlands (Ky.), including a game-winner with 11 seconds to play.
Malone stepped in midway through the season and had a huge impact. The sophomore from Knoxville, Tenn. appeared in eight games this season and started five. He threw for 1,565 yards, 12 touchdowns, four interceptions, and completed 61% of his passes. Malone also rushed for 66 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. UPIKE boasted a 4-1 record in games started by Malone, highlighted by two dramatic, come-from-behind road wins at Cumberlands (Ky.) and Thomas More. Malone was also named Mid-South Conference Offensive Player of the Week following a 417-yard, six touchdown performance against Campbellsville on October 22nd.
The line has played a major role in the offensive success for the Bears, anchored by senior Isaak Ramirez. Ramirez started every game for the Bears this season and led the development of the offensive line throughout the season. The Bears rushed for over 100 yards in four of their final six games of the season.
The end of the 2022 season has been marked by a streak of achievement for the program, starting with Saturday's season finale victory over Faulkner. Coach Fipps' squad broke the program record for Academic All-MSC honorees just yesterday, continuing the recognition with today's all-conference announcement.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as UPIKE Athletics Communication prepares a season wrap-up complete with comments from coach and an immersive 2022 recap highlighting the Bears' achievements this season.
#BearNation
