Shane Gizmo Brandon Lluis Nathan Murphy
WICHITA – For the second week in a row all three KCAC Players of the Week earn the honor from in conference performances. Ottawa University Triple Threat Shane Gimzo a Junior, from Perry, Kansas put up passing, rushing, and receiving yards this week against Tabor. Bethel College Specialist Brandon Lluis, a Sophomore, from Woodland Hills, CA., and Defensive Back Nathan Murphy, a Sophomore, from Newton were instrumental in Bethel’s away win over McPherson.
Offensive Player of the Week Honor belongs to #21 Ottawa University’s Shane Gimzo. Gizmo totaled 254 yards of total offense against KCAC opponent Tabor College. The 6-1 Dual threat ran for 98 yards on 15 tries for 3 touchdowns. As a signal caller he completed 14 of 22 passing attempts, for 156 yards and a touchdown. Gimzo added a reception for four yards and a kick return to his Saturday stat sheet.
Defensive Player of the Week Nathan Murphy racked up seven solo tackles, six assisted tackles, and broke up two passes during an away contest at McPherson College. The 6-1, 190 lb Sophomore Defensive Back stopped the Bulldogs behind the line of scrimmage three times, for a loss of 12 yards, during Bethel’s first victory since 2009.
In a drive that ended with a Bethel Threshers Touchdown, Special Teams Player of the Week Brandon Lluis converted a fake field goal for a first down in the Red Zone near the end of the first half. Lluis was also perfect on his scoring tries going six for six in PATs. Along with his offensive prowess, Lluis played a major role in determining field position of the hosting McPherson Bulldogs. Lluis acted as punter and place kicker for the visiting Threshers as he punted and kicked off seven times. As a punter, the 5-8 Lluis totaled 244 yards, with a long of 44 yards. Kicking off the sophomore specialist tallied 300 yards, with a long of 63 yards.
All KCAC Players of the Week will also be nominated for NAIA National Player of the Week honors, which will be announced later this week.