Northwest Missouri State University sophomore defensive back Trey Washington has been named the MIAA's football defensive player of the week presented by Mammoth Turf.
Washington (Grimes, Iowa) intercepted two passes and scored a touchdown on a fumble return in Northwest's 45-23 win over previously undefeated Central Missouri. Washington picked off UCM's Blake Bolles on the first play of the game setting the tone for a defense that forced six turnovers on the day.
Washington notched his second interception of the game with 11:38 left in the second quarter as he thwarted a UCM drive with Northwest leading 21-3.
Washington capped another scoring play with a fumble return that started with a sack of Bolles which resulted in a fumble. Northwest's Brody Buck scooped up the fumble and eventually lateraled the ball to Washington who took it the final 26 yards for a touchdown to give Northwest a 28-10 lead with 1:46 left in the first half.
The Bearcats earned a share of the program's 30th MIAA title. Northwest (10-1 overall) will play host to Harding University (10-1 overall) in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium in Maryville, Missouri.
--- Northwest Athletics ---