Updated at 6:58 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2006

UH's Purcell gets WAC defensive honor for 2nd time

Advertiser Staff

Melila Purcell

Defensive lineman Melila Purcell was named Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week today.

Purcell had 8 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and four quarterback hurries in a 54-17 victory over San Jose State Saturday.

It was the second time this season that Purcell was honored.

Boise State's Jared Zabransky, who completed 21 of 23 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-10 victory over Utah State, was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week.