LaRon Council University of Central Missouri junior quarterback Eric Czerniewski and Northwest Missouri State junior running back LaRon Council are two of 24 candidates  for the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy. 

Czerniewski (Montgomery City, Mo.)  leads the MIAA in touchdown passes (26), yards passing (2,567), and total offense (2,607) while ranking in the UCM career top 10 in every statistical passing category. He is also responsible for 30 of the Central Missouri touchdowns this season (4 rushing).

Council has rushed for 1,131 yards and scored 23 touchdowns this season. He’s the 10 th leading rusher and second leading scorer in the nation heading into this weekend’s games, averaging 113.1 yards and 13.8 points, respectively.

Council set an MIAA record with his 99-yard touchdown run in a win against Central Missouri on Oct. 11. Council rushed for a career-best 188 yards against the Mules. He scored four touchdowns against Missouri Western (9/13) and Pittsburg State (10/4) and has six 100-yard efforts this season.

The 23rd Harlon Hill Trophy will be presented Dec. 12 on the eve of the Division II National Championship Game in Florence.