Football Jim Powers - SAC Assistant Commissioner

Cunningham, Mitchell, and Butler Earn SAC Digital Scoreboards Football Player of the Week Awards

Oklahoma City – Datlan Cunningham, Ernest Mitchell, and Obadiah Butler of Louisiana Christian have earned Sooner Athletic Conference Digital Scoreboards Football Players of the Week honors, as released by the conference office Monday morning.
 
Offensive Player of the Week
 
Datlan Cunningham
Louisiana Christian, R-Junior, Running Back
Alexandria, La.
 
  • Helped the Wildcats to a 42-37 upset over NCAA Division I Northwestern State
  • Ran for 117 yards on 14 carries for an average of 8.4 yards per rush and two touchdowns
  • Had two receptions for two yards in the win
  • Scored a touchdown midway through the first quarter and then scored again early in the third quarter to help Louisiana Christian outscore Northwestern State 28-10 in the second half to claim the historic victory
 
Other Nominations - Kye Callicoatte, Wayland Baptist, Elijah Crook, Oklahoma Panhandle State, and Judah Holtzclaw, Nelson 
 
Defensive Player of the Week
 
Ernest Mitchell
Louisiana Christian, R-Freshman, Cornerback
Darrow, La.
 
  • Had a key fumble recovery and a pick-six to lead the Wildcats to a win over Northwestern State
  • Had a fumble recovery in the end zone late in the first half to stop the Demons from extending their first-half lead
  • Added a 42-yard interception return to the end zone on Northwestern State’s first possession in the second half to start the Wildcats second half uprising
  • Also chipped in with a pair of solo tackles in the victory
 
 
Other Nominations - Xavier Garcia, Nelson, Charles Holmes III, Oklahoma Panhandle State, and Jaxson Percoats, Wayland Baptist 
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
 
Obadiah Butler
Louisiana Christian, Senior, Kick Returner
Crowley, La.
 
  • Helped the Wildcats’ special teams in earning a victory over Northwestern State
  • Had two kickoff returns for 78 yards for an average of 39.0 yards per return
  • Had a 65-yard return in the second quarter to set up the Wildcats offense in outstanding field position that led to Louisiana Christian taking a 14-13 lead in the second quarter
 
Other Nominations - Jermaine Jones, Nelson, Max Luna, Texas Wesleyan, Jason Morrow, Wayland Baptist, and Aaron Ortega, Oklahoma Panhandle State
 
2026 SAC Football Players of the Week
 
August 31, 2026
Offensive- Datlan Cunningham, Louisiana Christian
Defensive – Ernest Mitchell, Louisiana Christian
Special Teams – Obadiah Butler, Louisiana Christian