The top football players of the week for the Great Plains Athletic Conference were singled out Monday.
Offense – Nate Meier, Running Back (Doane University)
Doane running back Nate Meier is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player-of-the-Week. Meier, a senior from Pierce, Nebraska, rushed for a school-record 291 yards and scored all three of Doane’s touchdowns on Saturday in an eight-point victory. He started the scoring with an 80-yard run in the 1st quarter and added scores for 1 and 3 yards out. Additionally, Meier led the team with three receptions and 43 receiving yards to post 334 yards in total offense. His rushing total on Saturday is the second most in a single game this season in the NAIA. Doane, ranked No. 10, has this coming weekend off before returning to action on Oct. 29 against Dordt at home.
Defense – Britton Barrier, Defensive Back (Morningside College)
Morningside defensive back Britton Barrier is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player-of-the-Week. Barrier, a junior, from Neola Rapids, Iowa, had an interception and 14-yard return to the Midland 12-yard line in the second quarter to set up Morningside’s go-ahead touchdown that put the Mustangs in front 17-10 in their 34-17 win at No. 21 Midland. Barrier had a second interception later in the game after the Warriors had driven to the Mustangs’ 17-yard line early in the fourth quarter. His defensive effort helped Morningside hold a high powered Midland offense that was averaging 481 yards total offense to just 166 yards and only nine pass completions in 31 attempts. The 5th-ranked Mustangs host Briar Cliff on October 22. Kick off will be at 1pm.
Special Teams – Andres Burgoin, Kicker (Doane University)
Doane kicker Andres Burgoin is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Special Teams Player-of-the-Week. Burgoin, a junior, from San Diego, California, made two fields goals in Saturday’s win over Hastings, connecting from 44 and 33 yards out. His 33-yard field goal came late in the 4th quarter to push Doane’s lead to eight points. He added three extra points and accounted for nine points in Doane’s eight-point victory.
