JACKSON, Miss. - Freddy Lopez and his powerful right leg have been recognized for the first time as a member of the Northeast Mississippi Community College football program.

Lopez was honored as the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in the Tigers' inaugural road game of the season.

"Freddy did a phenomenal job. I'm proud of him and the special teams unit," said Northeast head coach Greg Davis. "He kept us in that ballgame. He's got a leg there's no doubt about it. He's a talented kid when it comes to kicking."

Lopez was well-decorated as a senior one year ago at nearby Ripley High School. He was a Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Class 4A All-State selection and participated in the Bernard Blackwell North-South All-Star Game.

He drilled a pair of second quarter tries squarely through the uprights at Northwest Mississippi Community College after attempting only one total field goal during the Tigers' first three contests.

Lopez cut Northeast's early deficit to 14-3 with a 39-yarder less than three minutes into the period. Keion Mays setup the score with a 17-yard run that pushed the Tigers past midfield.

He got Northeast back within one possession of the Rangers' lead prior to the halftime break with a 41-yard field goal. It capped the longest drive of the night for the Tigers of 18 plays and over nine minutes.

His second make is still 10 yards shy of his career-long from the prep level of 51 yards. Lopez also handled all of Northeast's kickoff duties, including an almost successful onside attempt late in the fourth.

"This is a blessing. When I first saw it, it just made me smile and made my day," Lopez said. "We were down and I had to bring the team more confidence by putting points on the board."

Lopez is the second Tiger to secure an MACCC Player of the Week award this year. Quarterback Caden Greer did so following Northeast's home victory over Southwest Mississippi Community College.