This week's Gateway Players of the Week are RB Demetrus Johnson of Illinois State; LB Lee Russell of Western Illinois; OL Justin Rich of Southern Illinois; and RS Michael Sparks of SMS. Demetrus Johnson Demetrus Johnson Offensive RB Demetrus Johnson, Illinois State 5-9, 185, Jr., Milwaukee, Wis. Homestead High/Minnesota transfer Johnson had the best game of his career, as the junior transfer grinded out 132 yards on 15 carries against Truman State. All of Johnson’s carries came in the first half as he spent the second half watching from the sidelines with the game in hand. Johnson posted three touchdowns in the first two quarters and became the first Redbird to rush for three scores since Willie Watts did it against Indiana State

on November 10, 2001. Defensive LB Lee Russell, Western Illinois Sr., 6-0, 230, Blue Grass, Iowa, Assumption High Russell was part of a Western Illinois defense that gave No. 11-ranked LSU fits. Russell led the way with 12 tackles and a fumble recovery. He also had two tackles for loss and broke up a pass. Western’s defense, meanwhile, forced five fumbles (recovering three), including two fumble recoveries in the Red Zone. LSU also misfired on two field goal tries. The Leathernecks only trailed by six points with 20 minutes remaining (13-6 late in the third quarter). Special Teams RS Michael Sparks, SMS Jr., 6-1, 190, Santa Cruz, Calif., Palma High RS Michael Sparks returned two punts for 19 yards and three kickoffs for 91 yards in the Bears’ loss at I-A Oklahoma State. Sparks also caught six passes for 45 yards in the top game of his young SMS career. He had a 155-yard all-purpose yardage night. Offensive Lineman LG Justin Rich, Southern Illinois Jr., 6-5, 280 Rich graded out at 86 percent on assignments, four pancake blocks, and did not allow a sack. The Salukis rushed for 245 yards and 4.5 average and beat Murray State, 32-7.