Northwest Missouri State University sophomore linebacker Sam Phillips has been named the MIAA's football defensive player of the week.
Phillips (Tabor, Iowa) scored two defensive touchdowns (fumble, interception) in Northwests 45-35 win at Missouri Western on Thursday. His brother, Spencer, scooped up an errant shotgun snap by the Griffons and then lateraled the ball to Sam for a 43-yard fumble return for a touchdown for the first score of the game. Phillips then added a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter to give the Bearcats a 28-7 lead over the Griffons. Phillips finished the game with six tackles to go along with his two defensive touchdowns.
Phillips and the Bearcats will be in action Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium against the Washburn Ichabods.
--- Northwest Athletics ---