Cheetany, Sheriff and Zanotti Named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week

Sheriff passes SDSU to first victory in Laramie, Wyo., since 1984.

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Oct. 9, 2000

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. ­ Lon Sheriff (SDSU), C.J. Zanotti (Air Force) and Ray Cheetany (UNLV) were named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for their performances on the football field last weekend. All three players are first time Player of the Week recipients.

Lon Sheriff, SDSU, QB, Sophomore (MWC Offensive Player of the Week)

In just his third career start, Lon Sheriff ignited the San Diego State offense and helped the Aztecs capture their first victory of the season at Wyoming, 34-0. The victory was the first for the Aztecs in Laramie since 1984 and marked the first time they have won back-to-back games vs. the Cowboys in the series. The sophomore quarterback from Santee Calif., completed 19-of-27 passes (70 percent) for 317 yards and two touchdowns. The 19 completions, 317 passing yards and two touchdowns were all career highs. Sheriff guided SDSU on scoring drives of 54 and 82 yards in the second quarter to give the Aztecs a 24-0 lead at the half. He also completed 16-of-17 passes during one stretch in the second and third quarters.

C.J. Zanotti, Air Force, LB, Senior (MWC Defensive Player of the Week)

Zanotti, a senior from Bay City, Mich., recorded a career-high 19 tackles, seven unassisted, in the 27-13 victory over service academy rival Navy. The 19 tackles were the most by a Falcon since All-American Chris Gizzi tallied 20 vs. Fresno State in 1997. Four of Zanotti¹s tackles were for a loss, totaling 12 yards, including a seven-yard sack. He also recovered two fumbles in the game.

Ray Cheetany, UNLV, PK/P, Senior (MWC Special Teams Player of the Week)

Senior place kicker/punter Ray Cheetany had a solid outing in the Rebels 38-7 victory over in-state rival Nevada. Cheetnay, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, averaged 45.7 yards over six punts, including a high of 58, and pinned the Wolfpack inside the 20-yard line on three occasions. He also converted 5-of-5 PATs and made a 30-yard field goal.