Former Bombers standout Flanders added to watch list

BY RYAN ABER
raber@opubco.com

Former Midwest Cit standout Timothy Flanders, now a sophomore at Sam Houston State, was added to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award.

The award is given annually to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Series, formerly know as Division I-AA.

“I have said all along I think he is the best running back in the FCS, and it is good everyone else is getting a chance to see what he can do,” Bearkat coach Willie Fritz said in a release.

Flanders leads the Bearkats in rushing (856 yards), receiving (343) and has played an integral role in Sam Houston State’s 9-0 start. The Bearkats are ranked third.

The award will be presented at the FCS national awards banquet Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas.

Flanders’ Bearkats play Northwestern State on Saturday.

In 2009, former Putnam City North standout Deji Karim finished third in the balloting for the award.