THE HILL | Alabama A&M Athletics has announced freshman running back Byron Perrilliat and junior middle blocker Scholar Bates as the latest recipients of the Dawgs of the Week honor following standout performances across Bulldog Athletics.

Perrilliat delivered a career performance in Alabama A&M's 40-21 victory over Florida A&M on Sept. 26, helping the Bulldogs open Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a win.

The Jefferson, Louisiana native rushed for a career-high 223 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, averaging 13.9 yards per attempt. His longest rush of the night covered 52 yards.

Perrilliat played a pivotal role in Alabama A&M's fourth-quarter surge, scoring on touchdown runs of 15 and 22 yards as the Bulldogs closed the game with 17 unanswered points. His 223 rushing yards marked the most by a Bulldog since 2019.

Following his performance, Perrilliat earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors and was named the FCS National Freshman Player of the Week, adding to an impressive start to his collegiate career.

Bates made her presence felt in Alabama A&M's thrilling 3-2 victory over Florida A&M on Sept. 27, helping the Bulldogs battle back for a key SWAC road victory.

The junior recorded 15 kills while hitting .385 and added seven total blocks as Alabama A&M rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat the Rattlers in five sets. Bates was instrumental at the net throughout the match as the Bulldogs secured the decisive fifth set, 15-13.

Alabama A&M finished the match with 69 kills, 65 assists, 12 service aces and 11 total blocks. The victory continued the Bulldogs' strong play in conference action.

With Perrilliat's explosive performance on the gridiron and Bates' impact at the net, both Bulldogs showcased the determination and competitive spirit that define Alabama A&M Athletics.

The Dawgs of the Week are selected weekly through a vote by the Alabama A&M Athletics staff.


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