Saint Louis, MO (sports Network) - Butler quarterback Matt Lancaster and Drake linebacker Tyler Moorehead were named the Pioneer Football League's offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively, on Monday.
Lancaster, a 6-foot-2 junior, passed for 2,708 yards and 21 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. He added 408 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games, and ranked second in the PFL in total offense with 282 yards per game.
Moorehead, a 6-1, 233-pound senior, totaled 64 tackles, six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. He anchored a Bulldogs defense which ranked second in the league in total defense (329 yards per game) and passing defense (185 yards per game). Drake captured a share of its second consecutive PFL title.
In addition, Valparaiso running back Jake Hutson received freshman offensive player of the year honors, while Butler defensive lineman Kyle Annis picked up the freshman defensive player of the year award. Butler's Jeff Voris received coach of the year honors.
Annis and Voris become the first Butler player and coach to win offensive player of the year and coach of the year honors in program history.
Butler, Drake and San Diego collectively shared the 2012 regular-season title. Starting in 2013, the PFL winner will earn an automatic bid to the expanded 24-team FCS playoffs.
The All-PFL team will be announced Tuesday.
2012 PFL Awards
Offensive Player of the Year: QB, Matt Lancaster, Butler, Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB, Tyler Moorehead, Drake, Sr.
Freshman Offensive Player of the Year: RB, Jake Hutson, Valparaiso
Freshman Defensive Player of the Year: DE, Kyle Annis, Butler
Coach of the Year: Jeff Voris, Butler
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