Kansas City, Mo.----Wingate University freshman quarterback Brooks Bentley has picked up a huge honors after his efforts in Saturday's victories, taking home National Offensive Player of the Week honors from D2Football.com. Bentley was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.

"We are excited for Brooks," Wingate Director of Athletics and head football coach Joe Reich says. "He's worked hard all year to keep improving every day. This is a well-deserved honor."

Bentley's huge day led Wingate to a 34-30 victory against #7 Lenoir-Rhyne, as the Bulldogs handed the Bears their first loss of the season. LR entered the contest as one of 11 Division II schools without a loss this year.

Bentley completed 24 of 37 passes for a career-high 335 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 37 rushing yards and a TD. Bentley's 26-yard touchdown run with 6:20 left in the fourth gave the 'Dogs a 27-23 lead. LR regained the lead with 1:01 remaining in regulation, but Bentley answered by connecting with Evan McCray for a 75-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs the victory.

Bentley has appeared in eight games for the Bulldogs this year, completing 90 of 137 passes for 1,440 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is completing 65.7 percent of his passes, while adding 76 rushing yards and a score. Bentley threw for 298 yards against Limestone, while throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns last week at Barton, completing 16 of 21 passes. He is averaging 302.7 yards per game over the last three contests, with seven total touchdowns.

Wingate is back in action Saturday, traveling to Newberry for a 1 p.m. start.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 25 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 15 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.