Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week | Oct. 8th

10/8/2026 4:53:00 PM

MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Throughout the 2026-27 Chowan Athletics season, the Chowan Athletic Department will feature the Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week. For the week of October 1 – October 7, Malachi Howell from the football team and Robbie Deighan from the men's soccer team have been recognized for their standout performances over the past week of competition.

Fifth-year defensive lineman Howell had a game against No. 24 West Alabama, helping the Hawks erase a 21-point halftime deficit and push the nationally ranked Tigers to the final seconds in a 29-26 decision. The Indian Trail, N.C., native led Chowan with a team-high 10 tackles, including three solo stops and seven assisted tackles. Howell recorded 2.5 tackles for loss totaling eight yards, 1.5 sacks for four yards and two quarterback hurries. His performance helped the Chowan defense hold West Alabama scoreless throughout the second half while limiting the Tigers to 316 yards of total offense and 159 passing yards. Howell made a critical play in the fourth quarter, combining with Jayden Acevedo for a sack on fourth down to give Chowan possession at midfield with 5:50 remaining. The defensive stand set up a four-play, 50-yard touchdown drive that brought the Hawks within one point. Howell's efforts also earned him Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Junior Deighan put together an solid offensive stretch for the Chowan men's soccer team, scoring four goals across two Conference Carolinas matchups against Ferrum and Barton. The Bolton, England, native opened the week with a hat trick in Chowan's 10-2 victory over Ferrum at Hawks Soccer Field, helping the Hawks secure their fifth conference win of the season. Deighan wasted little time making an impact, finding the back of the net just 3:14 into the contest off an assist from Bradley Williams to give Chowan an early advantage. He added his second goal on a penalty kick in the 37th minute before completing his hat trick with another successful penalty kick in the 55th minute. Deighan finished the match with three goals on three shots, placing every attempt on target. He continued his scoring momentum on the road against Barton, converting a penalty kick in the 85th minute to record Chowan's lone goal in the 2-1 decision. Deighan finished the week with four goals on five shots, placing four attempts on goal while converting all three of his penalty-kick opportunities. His four-goal stretch brought his season total to six goals and 13 points, establishing him as one of Chowan's leading offensive contributors.

Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week:

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