2020-21 Football Players of the Week

2020-21 Football Players of the Week

Players of the week are evaluated on their performance during the week prior to the announcement. Each player is selected out of a pool of conference and Association of Independent Institution's award winners.


Quick Find: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11| Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18


Week 18 (April 13, 2021)

Offensive Player of the Week: Shea Morales, Arizona Christian

 

  Morales tossed three touchdowns and recorded 311 passing yards. He also had 20 rushing yards for one touchdown.

Offensive Nominees: Dashaun Ferguson, St. Andrews (N.C.) ; Chance Whitehead, Sterling (Kan.) ; Zach Dampier, Georgetown (Ky.) ; David Hutton, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) ; Johnny William, Marian (Ind.) ; John Lesser, Eastern Oregon 

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Logan Blake, Marian (Ind.)

 

  Blake recorded 13.5 total tackles, . He had three sacks and one strip sack. He also made four tackles for loss.

Defensive Nominees: David Jones Jr., Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Idrise Strange, St. Andrews (N.C.) ; Savion Richardson, Sterling (Kan.) ; Bennie Harris, Roosevelt (Ill.) ; Jamar Roberts, Cumberlands (Ky.) ; Sage Delong, Eastern Oregon 

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Ian Sauter, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)

 

  Sauter recorded eight touchbacks and went 7-for-7 in PATs. He also averaged 40.3 yards per punt in three punts.

Nominees: Aaron Reynolds, Faulkner (Ala.) ; Kieran Woodley, SAGU (Texas) ; Josh Carter, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Bryce DeGuira, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) ; Trevor Adler, Marian (Ind.) ; Zachary Cahill, Eastern Oregon

 

Week 17 (April 5, 2021)

Offensive Player of the Week: Malik Nesbitt, Avila (Mo.)

Nesbitt broke off two runs of 50 yards or longer and recorded 250 rushing yards on 22 carries. He finished the regular season with better than 1150 rushing yards. 

Offensive Nominees: Treylon Sheppard, Cumberland (Tenn.) ; Yemi Ward, St. Ambrose (Iowa) ; Dranel Rhodes, Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Ryan Hibbs, College of Idaho ; Jake Medders, Union (Ky.) 

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Ryan Zitkus, St. Ambrose (Iowa)

  Zitkus recorded seven tackles including five solo and two assisted. He also recorded four sacks which are the second-most sacks in a game in program history.

Defensive Nominees: De'Andre Armstrong, Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Julian Urioste, Kansas Wesleyan ; Jamar Roberts, Cumberlands (Ky.) ; Kenneth Lowery, Reinhardt (Ga.) ; Ty Reynolds, Rocky Mountain (Mont.)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian

  Griffith scored 18 points on five field goals and three extra points. He had 10 kickoffs and punted six times with a long of 50 yards.

Nominees: Landon Reeves, Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Aaron Main, Kansas Wesleyan ; Caden Cobb, College of Idaho ; Joshua Lewis, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Bryce DeGuira, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)

 

Week 16 (March 29, 2021)

Offensive Player of the Week: Paden Hazuga, Kansas Wesleyan

Hazuga recorded five catches for 160 yards this week against Bethel (Kan.) He also scored three touchdowns for the Coyotes.

Offensive Nominees: Austin McCullough, Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Isaiah Scott, Faulkner (Ala.) ; Xander Stokes, Indiana Wesleyan ; Christian Phillips, Roosevelt (Ill.) ; Jayden Neace, Pikeville (Ky.) ; Kai Quinn, Eastern Oregon

Defensive Player of the Week: Zyair Velazquez, Kansas Wesleyan

Velazquez recorded 10 tackles, four solo and six assisted. He was a key player in holding Bethel (Kan.) to 126 yards and three points in the second half. He also recorded a half-sack.

Defensive Nominees: Jakobe Griffin, Bethel (Tenn.) ; Damaris Herron, SAGU (Texas) ; Aaron Anderson, Point (Ga.) ; Joseph King, Missouri Baptist ; Zak Donato, Eastern Oregon ; Andrew Foerster, Concordia (Mich.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian

Higuera kicked and scored the 46-yard game winner which secured the Sooner Athletic Conference championship title for Arizona Christian. He is currently nationally ranked 16th in the NAIA.

Special Teams Nominees: Alvin Renteria, Faulkner (Ala.) ; Seeger Degayner, Concordia (Mich.) ; Kaivon Mortazavi, Avila (Mo.) ; Brian Maday, St. Francis (Ill.) ; Zachary Cahill, Eastern Oregon

 

Week 15 (March 22, 2021) 

Offensive Player of the Week: Matt Crable, Saint Francis (Ind.)

Senior, Matt Crable led a fourth quarter comeback for the Cougars in 17-13 victory over Indiana Wesleyan Saturday. 

Offensive Nominees: Nolan Brammer, Trinity International (Ill.) ; Keyshawn Wyatt, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Cameron Dukes, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Billy Hall, Reinhardt (Ga.) ; Kai Quinn, Eastern Oregon

Defensive Player of the Week: Jason Freeman, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)

Sophomore, Jason Freeman had a great game for Tigers in NAIA Game of the Week against Roosevelt (Ill.). With 12 tackles (nine solo), one interception and one touchdown. 

Defensive Nominees: Payton Standifer, Georgetown (Ky.) ; Grant Torgerson, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Taeson Hardin, College of Idaho ; Dawandrick Crockett, St. Andrews (N.C.) ; Gabe Whitmore, Concordia (Mich.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Luis Gomez, Concordia (Mich.)

For the second week in a row, Luis drilled a game winning field goal. This week was during the Cardinals first possession in overtime.

Special Teams Nominees: Tate Pringle, Campbellsville (Ky.) ; Jean-Francois Kouame, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Isaiah Scott, Faulkner (Ala.) ; Scott Tumilty, St. Francis (Ill.) ; Jaiden Machuca, Eastern Oregon


Week 14 (March 15, 2021) 

Offensive Player of the Week: Shamar Moreland, Ottawa (Ariz.)

  Moreland recorded a career-high 199 yards and two touchdowns as well as eight catches for 64 yards in team win over Oklahoma Panhandle State 

Offensive Nominees: Domonique Thomas, Union (Ky.) ; Malik Nesbitt, Avila (Mo.) ; Martize Smith, Cumberlands (Ky.) ; Keviontae Brown, Concordia (Mich.) ; Aaje Grayson, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) ; Matthew Burgess, Carroll (Mont.)

Defensive Player of the Week: Marquez Johnson, Oklahoma Panhandle State

  Johnson led the team with 14 tackles while also picking up two pick-6 interceptions.

Defensive Nominees: Riley Herndon, Union (Ky.) ; Jaylin King, Ottawa (Kan.) ; Kole Murlin, Siena Heights (Mich.) ; Champ Leddon, Cumberland (Tenn.) ; Scott Tumilty, St. Francis (Ill.) ; Tj Abraham, Carroll (Mont.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Tyree Rodman of Union (Ky.)

Rodman returned the kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown to give Union the 29-20 with less than six minutes left. He averaged 46 yards per return and returned three kick-offs for 138 yards.

Special Teams Nominees: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian ; Trey Palmer, Bethel (Kan.) ; Luis Gomez, Concordia (Mich.) ; Joshua Lewis, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Jalen Dunnigan, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) ; Jalen Dunnigan, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)

 


Week 13 (March 8, 2021) 

Defensive Player of the Week: Riley Tucker, Arizona Christian

  Tucker totaled 11 tackles last week with nine single tackles and two assisted. He completed one PAT fake for a two-point conversion. As a defensive player, he managed to end up in the end zone twice for points. He scooped up a fumble and weaved his way 40 yards for a touchdown. 

Defensive Nominees: Latrell Streater, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Ryan Fish, Concordia (Mich.) ; Devante Gabriel, Kansas Wesleyan ; Chase Turner, Point (Ga.) ; Steven Meyer, Saint Xavier (Ill.) 

Offensive Player of the Week: Vance Mcshane, Saint Xavier (Ill.)

Mcshane ran for a total of 151 yards and tied for St. Xavier's single-game record with three rushing touchdowns. In addition to that record, he was also the third player in program history to rush for 2,000 or more career yards.

Offensive Nominees: Shamar Moreland, Ottawa (Ariz.) ; Jacob Murphree, Bethel (Tenn.) ; Will Homan, Saint Francis (Ind.) ; Quincy Sandoval, Kansas Wesleyan ; Kade Young, Faulkner (Ala.) 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Casey Rauch of Concordia (Mich.)

Rauch recorded his career-longest punt of 65 yards in the first punt of the game. He averaged 45 yards on eight punts and pinned the Knights of Marian (Ind.) four times inside the 20-yard line. 

Special Teams Nominees: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian ; Ian Sauter, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.); Drevon Macon, Kansas Wesleyan ; Otis Odom, Reinhardt (Ga.) ; Bryce DeGuira, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)

 

Week 12 (March 1, 2021) 

Defensive Player of the Week: Chance Lucas, Campbellsville (Ky.)

Lucas recorded two interceptions, four tackles (three solo/one assisted), one forced tackle, and one tackle for loss. He was all over the field to help the Tigers' defense fight for a win. 

Defensive Nominees: Andrew Villa, Wayland Baptist (Texas) ; Anthony Grant, Kentucky Christian ; Alex Hinojosa, Concordia (Mich.) ; Jason Freeman, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Mike Iturbe, Saint Xavier (Ill.) 

  Iturbe made five PAT attempts and was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts, which included a 39-yarder to give Saint Xavier the lead.

Special Teams Nominees: Ian Sauter, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Jeffery Lucido, Wayland Baptist (Texas) ; Casey Rauch, Concordia (Mich.) ; Alvin Renteria, Faulkner (Ala.)

 

Offensive Player of the Week: Ke'von Johnson, Roosevelt (Ill.)

 

In inagural season Roosevelt claims second NAIA Football Player of the Week honor. Cobb-Griffin was on the receiving end of all four of RU's touchdowns in the 20th ranked Lakers 28-20 victory Saturday. 

Offensive Nominees: Cole Davis, Arizona Christian ; Cameron Dukes, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) ; Money Woods, Marian (Ind.) ; Kade Young, Faulkner (Ala.) 


 

 

Week 11 (February 22, 2021)

 

Offensive Player of the Week: Ke'von Johnson, Roosevelt (Ill.)

Johnson rushed for 225 yards, second highest in his collegiate career, on 40 carries and was a key factor in controlling the time of possession and overcoming weather. 

Offensive Nominees: Kc Crandall, Oklahoma Panhandle State ; Zalon Reyonlds, Cumberlands (Ky.) ; Jakwon Roberts, Kentucky Christian

Defensive Player of the Week: Dj White, Georgetown (Ky.)

Reeves helped anchor the Saints' defense in their 48-27 win over Campbellsville this past weekend.

Defensive Nominees: Riley Tucker, Arizona Christian ; Malik Meadows, Faulkner (Ala.) ; Ryan Zitkus, St. Ambrose (Iowa)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Samuel Petrin, Central Methodist

Bryce DeGuira outstanding performance led the Tigers on special teams in the win against Indiana Wesleyan.

Special Team Nominees: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian ; Tripp Holloway, Cumberlands (Ky.) ; Logan Flesher, Point (Ga.)


Week 10 (February 15, 2021)

Offensive Player of the Week: Bryce Verble, Bluefield (Va.) 

Verble, last week's Appalachian Division Offensive POW, set school record for passing yards in a game.

Offensive Nominees: Hunter Krause, Georgetown (Ky.) ; Max McClendon, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) ; Frankie Young, Marian (Ind.)

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Dj White, Georgetown (Ky.)

DJ had a big game in Williamsburg. He had five tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble that led to a Georgetown field goal.

Defensive Nominees: Teon Burroughs, Reinhardt (Ga.) ; Jaylen Cowley, Missouri Baptist ; Ricky Kwak, Marian (Ind.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Samuel Petrin, Central Methodist

 

Cline had a good start to his kicking career at GC going perfect on the day. He scored nine points, connecting on three extra points as well as two field goals

Special Team Nominees: Merrick Strykowski, Marian (Ind.) ; Paul Rodriguez, Kentucky Christian

Week 9 (November 16, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Zachary Lester, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)

Lester had a career day in 35-16 victory over Jamestown (S.D) 

Offensive Player of the Week: Zachary Lester, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)Week 9 (November 16, 2020)

Offensive Nominees: Jalen Pfeifer, Valley City State (N.D.) ; C'quan Jnopierr, St. Thomas (Fla.) ; Jensen Gates, Grand View (Iowa) 

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Sidney Porter, St. Thomas (Fla.)

Porter helped St. Thomas to conference victory by forcing two fumbles and he sealed the win with an overtime interception.

Defensive Nominees: Dominick Warmbein, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) ; Gavin Wright, Valley City State (N.D.) ; Will Miles, Central Methodist (Mo.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Samuel Petrin, Central Methodist

Recorded nine kickoffs for 482 yards, and six punts for 218 yards including one inside the MNU 10-yard line.

Special Teams Nominees: Kevon O'Connor, Ave Maria (Fla.) ; Caleb Nielsen, Dakota State (S.D.) ; Brett Zachman, Dordt (Iowa)


Week 8 (November 9, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Ty Williams, Texas Wesleyan

Broke the school records for rushing yards and attempts in a single game, and tied the school record for rushing touchdowns in a single game

Offensive Nominees: Joe Dolincheck, Morningside (Iowa) ; Antwione Sims, Keiser (Fla.) ; Blake Atkins, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) ; Zach Esau, Bethel (Kan.) ; Tyger Frye, Dickinson State (N.D.)


Defensive Player of the Week: Adrian Johnson, Texas Wesleyan

Johnson had ten tackles and forced two fumbles and had a pair of fumble recoveries in the win.

Defensive Nominees: Colton Cormier, Webber International (Fla.) ; Thomas Edwards, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Niklas Gustav, Morningside (Iowa) ; Jackson Berck, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) ; Aaron Schoemann, Ottawa (Kan.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Eli Stader, Northwestern (Iowa)

The freshman kicker converted on all eight extra-points, tying the school record for made PAT's in a single game. Stader also made both field goal attempts, making good from 46 and 41 yards.

Special Teams Nominees: Caleb Nielsen, Dakota State (S.D.) ; Logan Robinson, Keiser (Fla.) ; Brayden Francis, Bethel (Kan.) ; Samuel Petrin, Central Methodist (Mo.) ; Daniel Trejo, Texas Wesleyan

 


Week 7 (November 2, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Tyler Duncan, Arizona Christian

 

Duncan had legs or an arm involved in all six ACU touchdowns (three rushing, three passing) on Saturday as the Firestorm come back win over SAGU (Texas).

Offensive Nominees: Jaden Meizinger, Keiser (Fla.) ; Tyson Kooima, Northwestern (Iowa) ; Derrick Curtis, Ottawa (Kan.) ; Drew Boedecker, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Dyllan Decker, Evangel (Mo.)

Defensive Player of the Week: Tyler Wingert, Morningside (Iowa)

Wingert had an interception in own end zone in final minute on Saturdyay that sealed a road win over Dordt 35-30.

Defensive Nominees: Drew Buckholdt, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Jacob Hernandez, Arizona Christian ; Ryan Clark, Bethel (Kan.) ; Sidney Porter, St. Thomas (Fla.) ; Turner Ellis, William Penn (Iowa)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Drevon Macon, Kansas Wesleyan

For a second time this season, Drevon Macon has returned a kick for a touchdown.

Special Teams Nominees: Logan Robinson, Keiser (Fla.) ; Jason Bachle, Hastings (Neb.) ; Jeffery Lucido, Wayland Baptist (Texas) ; Max Welch, Presentation (S.D.) ; Josh Dennie, Evangel (Mo.)


Week 6 (October 26, 2020)

 

Offensive Player of the Week: Malik Nesbitt, Avila (Mo.)

Nesbitt set career-bests marks Saturday. The junior running back only one game of 100-plus yards in his career prior to this season and now has had three straight games with triple digits in rushing yards.

Offensive Nominees: Blayne Rowe, SAGU (Texas) ; Noah Clayberg, Dordt (Iowa) ; Blake Atkins, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) ; Josh Portillo, Mayville State (N.D.) ; Wendell Harris Jr., Southeastern (Fla.)

Defensive Player of the Week: Brett Shepardson, Benedictine (Kan.)

Shepardson continues to lead the NAIA in total sacks now with 10. He also leads the Heart in sacks per game at 1.7 while ranking second in the conference with 11.5 tackles for a loss.

Defensive Nominees: Robert Robinson, Briar Cliff (Iowa) ; Keandre Belcher, SAGU (Texas) ; Parker Folks, Tabor (Kan.) ; Javonte Oliphant, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Jalen Wring, Keiser (Fla.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Kieran Woodley of SAGU (Texas)

The junior went 4-4 on field goal attempts with the longest being 44 yards in win over Texas Wesleyan.

Special Teams Nominees: Freddy Botello, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Jared Quinonez, Midland (Neb.) ; Logan Robinson, Keiser (Fla.) ; Max Cooper, Mayville State (N.D.)


Week 5 (October 19, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Brad Cagle, Southwestern (Kan.)

Senior quarterback, Brad Cagle was lights out in the team's 42-21 win over  Kansas Wesleyan, finishing 17-23 through the air with zero turnovers and three passing touchdowns.

Offensive Nominees: Shane Solberg, Northwestern (Iowa) ; Tyler Duncan, Arizona Christian ; Rives Grogan, William Penn (Iowa) ; Jalen Pfeifer, Valley City State (N.D.)

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Colby Johnson, Ottawa (Kan.)

Johnson finished with 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in Braves victory over McPherson College.

Defensive Nominees: Deonsaye Dean, Arizona Christian ; Zach Acamo, Midland (Neb.) ; Jahidi West, Valley City State (N.D.) ; Brett Shepardson, Benedictine (Kan.)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Nestor Higuera, Arizona Christian

Higuer kicked perfect on Saturday night 1-1 field goal and 4-4 on extra points. Including a 35 yard field goal in overtime.

Special Team Nominees: Dalton Tremayne, Midland (Neb.) ; Joe Cannon, Tabor (Kan.) ; Jeremiah Paine, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Samuel Petrin, Central Methodist (Mo.)


Week 4 (October 12, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Marques Burgess, Keiser (Fla.)

Junior RB, Marques Burgess put together a career performance in the win over  Southeastern (Fla.) on Saturday night.

Offensive Nominees: Noah Clayberg, Dordt (Iowa) ; Isaiah Randalle, Kansas Wesleyan ; Jalen Pfeifer, Valley City State (N.D.) ; Sam Buckner, Evangel (Mo.) ; Tyler Duncan, Arizona Christian

Defensive Player of the Week: Dawson Mcglothlin, Dickinson State (N.D.)

Mcglothlin and rest of Dickinson State defense lead the way Saturday to advance the team to 5-0

Defensive Nominees: Caleb Helsley, Southwestern (Kan.) ; Zach Acamo, Midland (Neb.) ; Jalen Wring, Keiser (Fla.) ; Anthony Nicastro, Arizona Christian ; Travis Reed, Peru State (Neb.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Caleb Walls, Keiser (Fla.)

Walls provided a key spark for the Seahawks in their road win over Southeastern (Fla.) on Saturday with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Special Teams Nominees: Slater Gifford, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Dalton Tremayne, Midland (Neb.) ; Bobby Schmidt, Friends (Kan.) ; Nathan Hamilton, Grand View (Iowa)


Week 3 (October 5, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Tyson Kooima, Northwestern (Iowa)

Kooima threw for a career-best five touchdowns in leading Northwestern to a 48-40 win over Dordt last weekend. Kooima completed 17-of-27 pass attempts for 290 yards.

Offensive Nominees: Bry'yon Jones, St. Thomas (Fla.) ; Zach Esau, Bethel (Kan.) ; Johnny Sullivan, Grand View (Iowa) ; Drew Boedecker, Dickinson State (N.D.)

Defensive Player of the Week: Josh Seabolt, Bethel (Kan.)

Josh Seabolt logged 15 tackles (nine solo), with six of these being for a loss of 28 total yards during the Threshers' 83-35 victory Saturday.

Defensive Nominees: Thomas Edwards, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Khalid Scott, Southeastern (Fla.) ; Chase Hammons, Concordia (Neb.) ; Carlos Thomas, Peru State (Neb.)

Special Teams Player of the Week: Melvin Reid of McPherson (Kan.)

For the 3rd time in four games, Melvin Reid has returned the punt for a touchdown.

Special Teams Nominees: Kobe Panier, St. Thomas (Fla.) ; Dalton Tremayne, Midland (Neb.) ; Slater Gifford, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Devin Derousse, Baker (Kan.)


Week 2 (September 28, 2020)

Offensive Player of the Week: Jamaine Derogene, Doane (Neb.)

Derogene had his first career 100-yard rushing game as he raced to 149 yards on 11 carries (13.5 yds/carry) and scored three touchdowns

Offensive Nominees: Cody Braden, Webber International (Fla.) ; Keegan Martin, Bethel (Kan.) ; Drew Boedecker, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Caleb Tanis, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Nikolas Furlow, Avila (Mo.)

Linebacker Nikolas Furlow scored his first career touchdown Saturday with a 93-yard run. Furlow has added 10 tackles, including six solo for the Eagles.

Defensive Nominees: Riley Heithoff, Doane (Neb.) ; Joseph Burton, Webber International (Fla.) ; Nick Miller, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Keon Boulware, Benedictine (Kan.)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Derek McCormick, Ave Maria (Fla.)

McCormick kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired to give Ave Maria a 32-31 win over Warner on Saturday night.

Special Teams Nominees: Tyler Dennis, Waldorf (Iowa) ; Jeremy Henning, Doane (Neb.) ; Dallis Flowers, Grand View (Iowa) ; Melvin Reid, McPherson (Kan.)


Week 1 (September 21, 2020)

 

Offensive Player of the Week: Jonah Weyand, Concordia (Neb.)

The redshirt sophomore from Crete, Neb., Jonah Weyand rushed for 177 yards and five touchdowns on 35 carries in Concordia's 34-28 overtime win over Hastings.

Offensive Nominees: Korbin Marcum, Culver-Stockton (Mo.) ; Isaiah Randalle, Kansas Wesleyan ; Seth Barbarino, Oklahoma Panhandle State ; Jaret Lee, Dickinson State (N.D.) ; Eugene Witherspoon, Southeastern (Fla.)

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Noah Guse, Dakota State (S.D.)

Noah Guse returned two 'Pick Six' interceptions for touchdowns to help Dakota State (S.D.) earn their first shut out since 2004.

Defensive Nominees: Drew Bessey, Morningside (Iowa) ; Joshua Stullivan, Oklahoma Panhandle State ; Victor Alvarez Jr., Keiser (Fla.) ; Mar'Quess Daniels, Central Methodist (Mo.) ; Jason Weah, Friends (Kan.)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Caleb Nielsen, Dakota State (S.D.)

 

Caleb Nielsen went 6-6 on PAT extra-point kicks in Saturday's win over Presentation (S.D.)

Special Teams Nominees: Mason Krause, Doane (Neb.) ; Aaron Main, Kansas Wesleyan ; Jonah Paulsgrove, Southeastern (Fla.) ; Matt Heinrich, Benedictine (Kan.)

 


 

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Championship Information

NAIA Football Championship

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Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 2024
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Dec. 21, 2024
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