LAGRANGE, Ga. – With week one of the LaGrange College football team's 2026 season in the books, the Panthers have their first in-season accolade as junior defensive back Messiah Scandrett (Atlanta, Ga.) was named the USA South Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending September 5^th.

Scandrett was a major playmaker in LC's 31-7 opening win over Point University on Saturday night. In addition to his four tackles, Scandrett's interception with 2:49 left in the second quarter led to a 12-yard pick-six touchdown gave the Panthers a 21-0 halftime lead. Then, with 9:11 left in the fourth quarter, Scandrett recovered a Point fumble at the LaGrange one to save a touchdown.

LaGrange is back on the field next Saturday when they travel to Berry College for a 6:00 p.m. game in a rematch of last season's NCAA Second Round matchup, that ending in a heart-breaking 18-14 last-second loss for the Panthers to conclude their 2025 year.

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