CORBIN, Ky. – The University of Pikeville opened the 2026 football season with a nice road win, and on Monday, two members of the team were named players of the week by the AAC.
 
Quarterback Alex Hatton was named offensive player of the week, while kicker Isaac Smith is the special teams player of the week.
 
The honors were the result of UPike's season-opening 51-7 win over Arkansas Baptist College on Thursday night.
 
Hatton is a 6-4, 212-pound junior from Mount Sterling who was responsible for four touchdowns in the opener. He was 14 for 27 for 219 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran six times for 14 yards and a score.
 
His passing touchdowns covered 68, 8 and 9 yards. His score on the ground was the result of a three-yard carry.
 
In addition, Hatton had two punts for an average of 30.5 yards, including one burying ABC inside its own 20-yard line.
 
Smith is a 6-1, 175-pound sophomore from Hixson, Tenn. On Thursday, he accounted for 15 points with three field goals and six extra points.
 
Smith, an all-conference selection a year ago who led the Bears in scoring with 78 points, hit field goals from 21, 31 and 17 yards.
 
In his career, Smith is now 51 for 51 on points after touchdowns. This is also the second time in his career he's been honored as special teams player of the week.
 
UPike will play its home opener on Saturday, September 5, when it hosts No. 14 Campbellsville University. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff at the W.C. Hambley Athletics Complex.