The Chart Online

Chapman crushes record; Southern 4-0
Philip Martin

Sports Editor

With 533 yards of total offense, Josh Chapman, senior quarterback, is feeling pretty good about himself.

Chapman s 533 yards broke the MIAA record for most offensive yards by an individual in a single game. The previous record was set in 2001 by Northwest Missouri State s John McMenamin who had a total of 475 yards. Chapman said it wasn t just his award, but he had to give credit to the entire offensive line.

There are great players in the league, he said. I just play my game and try to do as well as I can.

Johnny Bizzell, junior running back, said it felt good to have one of the Lions accomplish such a feat. He said it was good for the team and for Chapman as an individual. Bizzell also said it is an honor just to play with him.

Along with breaking the MIAA record, Chapman was named the Wilson/MIAA offensive player of the week, D2Football.com national offensive player of the week, and co-offensive player of the week by Don Hansen s Football Gazette. Chapman is a 2002 Harlon Hill candidate. He was a Harlon Hill candidate in 2001 and was also named Missouri Southern s most valuable player last year. He also joined the elite company on the national level as he topped the 4,000 yards passing and 2,000 yards rushing in his career. The only other Southern quarterback to accomplish this was Brad Cornelson. Chapman and Cornelson are the only Division II players to do this in history.

No. 1, I think it s a great tribute to an offensive line as a whole, said Rob Green, offensive coordinator. Anytime an individual receives an award, it s great for the entire team.

Along with Chapman picking up several awards and breaking College and conference records, the team as a whole is starting 4-0 for the first time since 1996. Green said when a team starts like this, it helps the players attitudes. The team passed the school record of 619 total offensive yards, by gaining 646 yards. The previous record was set in 1983.

Chapman said the Miner s Bowl is a big game, but every team in the MIAA presents as a big game. Green agrees with Southern s quarterback.

Every week is a challenge, and we have 11 challenges, Green said. Our next challenge is Pitt. State.