Northwest Missouri State junior defensive end Matt Longacre was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week on Monday in an announcement made by the league office. Longacre and the Bearcats defeated Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, 53-7.

Against the Lopers, Longacre recovered a fumble and returned it 17 yards for a score. He also had four tackles, two tackeles for loss and half a sack. Longacre is a native of Omaha, Neb., and attended Millard West High School.

Longacre becomes the second Bearcat to earn the conference honor. Senior Brandon Dixon earned the award during the opening week for his performance against Saginaw Valley.

Northwest will head to Northeastern State on Saturday for a 2 p.m. contest against the RiverHawks in Tahlequah, Okla.

— Northwest Sports Information —