Adopte, Weems Earn OVC Player of the Week Honors
September 28, 2026 | Football
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Gardner-Webb football team added a pair of accolades as wide receiver Giovanni Adopte and defensive lineman Trey Weems were named Ohio Valley Conference Players of the Week by the league office Monday. It marks the second consecutive week that Gardner-Webb has had two players earn OVC Player of the Week honors.
Adopte was named the Offensive Player of the Week after turning in a career performance against Marshall Saturday. The sophomore hauled in seven receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns as the Runnin' Bulldogs battled the Thundering Herd to the final seconds in a 36-35 setback. Adopte opened the scoring with a 75-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter before adding a 44-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. His 179 receiving yards marked a game high and accounted for the majority of Gardner-Webb's 298 passing yards.
Weems earned Defensive Player of the Week honors after making his presence felt throughout the contest. The sophomore recorded five tackles, including two sacks while adding two quarterback hurries. Weems' first sack came late in the second quarter and forced a fumble that was recovered by Ruben Tshilombo and returned 36 yards for a touchdown, helping the Runnin' Bulldogs take a 21-17 lead.
The Runnin' Bulldogs return to action Saturday, Oct. 3, traveling to Charleston Southern for their first Ohio Valley Conference contest of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Buccaneer Field.
