Jonathan Ward wins MAC West Offensive Player of the Week
Central Michigan running back Jonathan Ward runs against Northern Illinois Nov. 2 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Jonathan Ward was named the Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week.
Ward, a senior running back from Kankakee, Illinois, recorded a career-high four rushing touchdowns in Central Michigan's 45-44 win over Ball State at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana.
In the win, Ward finished the day with 135 all-purpose yards with 105 coming on the ground on 24 carries and 30 through the air on four catches.
Additionally, Ward had a 18-yard catch on a third-and-7 that spurred Central Michigan's game-winning drive late in the game's final quarter.
As it stands, Ward is third in the conference in terms of rushing yardage at 968. He is behind Western Michigan's Levante Bellamy (1,284) and Buffalo's Jaret Patterson (1,136). Ward is also second in the MAC with 14 touchdowns, only behind Bellamy's 21.
Ward was the first Chippewa since Zurlon Tipton to have four rushing touchdowns in a single game. Tipton accomplished the feat in 2013 against Eastern Michigan.
This is the second time Ward has won the award after earning it following his performance in CMU's 42-16 win over Eastern Michigan on Oct. 5.
Central Michigan stands at 7-4, 5-2 after defeating Ball State. The Chippewas have won five out of their last six games and are tied with Western Michigan for the lead in the MAC West Division. CMU caps off the regular season against Toledo at noon Nov. 29 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
