Ward named first team all-MSFA, Robinson on second team
After a record-breaking career, Yemi Ward earned first team all-Midwest League honors when the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) announced its postseason awards. Linebacker Micheal Robinson was named to the second team.
Ward, a senior wide receiver from Chicago, Ill., broke the St. Ambrose program record for career touchdown passes, hauling in 14 this season to give him 37 as a Bee. That broke the previous mark of 34 set by Brad Connor from 2013-16.
The record came as part of a 59-catch, 883-yard season for Ward. He had at least four catches in nine of the team's 10 games and caught a touchdown in seven contests. He had five catches for 216 yards and four touchdowns in the season opener at Taylor on Aug. 26 and caught 11 passes for 199 yards and three scores in a win over Judson on Nov. 4. His 14 touchdown receptions are the second-most in a single season by a Bee.
Ward, a second-team selection a season ago, finished his St. Ambrose career with 162 receptions for 2403 yards and the 37 touchdowns. He finished third all-time in catches and fourth in yardage.
Robinson finished second on the team with 57 total tackles to earn second-team recognition. The sophomore from Waterloo, Iowa, was in on 41 solo stops. He recorded at least three tackles in all nine games he played, and posted a season-best 14 tackles in the season opener at Taylor. Robinson registered 4.5 tackles for loss.
St. Ambrose also had three players receive all-MSFA honorable mention. Senior defensive lineman Max Gourley, from Dubuque, Iowa, came up with 45 total tackles, including six sackes and 10.5 tackles for loss. Junior Rob Clark, from Frankfort, Ill., led the offensive line from his center position. And senior punter Tyler Locke, from Solon, Iowa, averaged nearly 39 yards over his 49 punts this season.