Northwest Missouri State senior defensive back Brandon Dixon was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week on Monday in an announcement made by the league office. Dixon and the Bearcats opened the 2013 season with a victoryover nationally-ranked Saginaw Valley State, 45-24, last Thursday evening.

Charged with defending one of the nation’s top receivers in Jeff Janis of Saginaw Valley State, Dixon and the Bearcat defense held the All-America performer to just three catches on the evening. Dixon, who had three tackles, was credited with just one pass breakup but spent most of the night denying throws to Janis. Up by 11 late in the second quarter, Dixon recovered a fumble as Saginaw Valley was attempting a field goal and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. In last season’s home opener against East Central, Dixon returned an interception for a touchdown.

Northwest will host Central Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.

— Northwest Sports Information —