Football Release: October 23, 2006
Offense: Noah Shepard & Zach Miller
Noah Shepard of South Dakota and Zach Miller of Nebraska-Omaha have been named the NCC Offensive Players of the Week.
Shepard, a redshirt freshman from Thornton, Colo., accounted for four TDs, including three by passing in USD's win over Augustana. He completed 6-of-12 passes for 121 yards and also had 78 yards rushing on eight carries and an eight-yard scoring run.
Miller, a junior quarterback from Wahoo, Neb., rushed 20 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns in guiding UNO to a win at Minnesota Duluth. He also completed five of seven passes for 91 yards.
Others nominated: Craig Garner, Western Washington; Jeremy Huber, Augustana.
Defense: Ryan Andrews & Tyler Yelk
Ryan Andrews of Central Washington and Tyler Yelk of Minnesota Duluth have been named the NCC Defensive Players of the Week.
Andrews, a senior safety from Lake Stevens, Wash., led the team with two tackles for loss totaling 14 yards, including a quarterback sack. In addition, he had a pair of second-half interceptions and forced two Viking fumbles in Central's 42-28 win at the Battle in Seattle. He had a total of six tackles in the game.
Yelk, a sophomore from Arlington, Wis., was credited with a NCC season-high 17 tackles (10 solo, 7 assist) and one pass breakup against UNO.
Also nominated: Bobby Danenhauer, Nebraska-Omaha; Tim Dacy, South Dakota; Riley Garrigan, Augustana; Brad Diel, Minnesota State.
Special Teams - Jon Gutierrez
Jon Gutierrez of St. Cloud State has been named the NCC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Gutierrez, a sophomore from Beloit, Wis., He hit field goals of 27, 33 and 47 yards in SCSU's 16-3 win over MInnesota State. The 47-yard FG was the second longest of his career. He was also successful on his only extra point attempt.
Also nominated: Melvin Matlock, Minnesota State.