Oct. 2, 2000

LAS VEGAS - Junior cornerback Kevin Thomas and sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas were named the Mountain West Conference defensive and offensive players of the week, respectively, the league announced Monday.

Both players helped lead UNLV to its first-ever Mountain West Conference victory at home with a 34-13 win over previously undefeated Air Force.

Kevin Thomas, a preseason All-America candidate, from Sacramento, Calif., helped the Rebel defense hold Air Force to a season-low 133 yards passing in conference play in addition to limiting the league?s leading receiver, Ryan Fleming, to 43 yards on three receptions. Thomas has three tackles (two unassisted), two pass breakups and an interception, which he returned 32 yards to secure the win.

Jason Thomas recorded career-highs in completions (16), attempts (22) and passing yards (259) and had no interceptions and two touchdowns (one pass and one rush) in the victory. He also rushed for 57 yards on 15 attempts, including a 20-yard scamper for a touchdown in the third quarter. Thomas has now rushed for at least one touchdown in each of the Rebels four contests this season. In all, Thomas was responsible for 16 of UNLV?s points on Saturday. Besides his two touchdowns, he was successful on two two-point conversions, completing a pass to Nate Turner and running for the other.

Junior kick returner Pete Rebstock of Colorado State was named the league's special teams player of the week.

The honors marked the first of the year for UNLV.