Archer, Melchiori earn MAC weekly honors

Anthony Melchiori

Philip Botta

Anthony Melchiori

A pair of Kent State football players have been honored following the team’s division clinching game this past weekend.

Junior running back Dri Archer was named Mid-American Conference East Division Offensive Player of the Week, and freshman punter Anthony Melchiori earned MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week after the Flashes defeated the Bowling Green Falcons 31-24 Saturday afternoon.

Archer rushed for a career-high 241 yards on 17 carries in Kent State’s win against the Falcons. Archer also broke the team record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with two touchdowns — of 79 and 74 yards — that brought his season total to 14.

This marks the second time this season Archer has earned the Offensive Player of the Week recognition. Archer won the award after his performance against Army Oct. 13.

Melchiori, who earned the player of the week award for the first time in his career, placed three of his six punts Saturday inside the 20-yard line, the longest of which going for 56 yards. Opposing teams have not gained return yards on eight of Melchiori’s last 11 punts.

Melchiori is the third Kent State player to earn the honor this season. Archer won Special Teams Player of the Week on two occasions, and senior kicker Freddy Cortez earned the award once.

Contact Tim Dorst at [email protected].