Northwest Notes Nov. 25, 2023

Vandals Hatten, McCoy named Walter Payton Award finalists

Idaho quarterback Gevani McCoy and wide receiver Hayden Hatten were named to the Walter Payton Award finalist list.

Idaho is one of just three schools (Holy Cross, South Dakota State) to have two players on the list, which consists of 30 players.

Hatten, a redshirt junior, has 75 receptions for 985 yards and nine touchdowns for Idaho (8-3). He caught 11 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns against Montana and had 175 receiving and a touchdown against Weber State. He has scored at least one touchdown in each of the last five games. He also threw for two touchdowns.

McCoy, a redshirt sophomore, missed last Saturday's regular-season finale vs. Idaho State, but led the Big Sky in passing efficiency. He was 190 of 288 for 2,410 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for two TDs.

McCoy was last year's Jerry Rice Award winner for the top freshman in FCS.

Both Hatten and McCoy earned first-team All-Big Sky honors.

UC Davis junior running back Lan Larison and Idaho State sophomore receiver Chedon James were the other Big Sky players named to the 30-man list of finalists.

The Vandals received the No. 4 seed and a bye in the FCS playoffs. Idaho awaits the winner of the Southern Illinois, Nicholls game. Tickets are on sale now for season ticket holders and go on sale Wednesday for the general public. More information is available on govandals.com/fcsplayoffs.