The top football performers for the week in the Great Plains Athletic Conference have earned weekly honors from the league.
Offense – Bryce Lidtka, Running Back (Dordt College)
Dordt running back Bryce Lidtka is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Offensive Player-of-the-Week. Lidtka, a junior from Grinnell, Iowa, set or tied three school records as the Defenders opened the season with a 45-42 win over Dakota State in non-conference play. Lidtka established school marks for carries in a game with 43, and rushing yards as he piled up 253. In addition, he tied the school record for touchdowns in a game with four. The Defenders will host McPherson College on September 10. Kick off will be at 1pm.
Defense – Ethan Renner, Linebacker (Midland University)
Midland University linebacker Ethan Renner is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player-of-the-Week. Renner, a senior, from Crete, Nebraska, helped the Warriors to a 26-0 victory over Bethel in the KCAC/GPAC Challenge. It was the Warriors first shutout victor since 2014. Renner recorded six tackles along with a career-best 3.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble and had an interception. Additionally, four of his five punts landed inside the 20-yard line and were twice downed at the one-yard line. Midland travels to North Park University on September 10. Kick off will be at 1pm.
Special Teams – Dustin Livingston, Wide Receiver (Dakota Wesleyan University)
Dakota Wesleyan wide receiver Dustin Livingston is this week’s GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Special Teams Player-of-the-Week. Livingston, a senior, from Irene, South Dakota, had a career day for the Tigers in a win over No. 8 Tabor College. In the return game, Livingston continuously set DWU up with good field position and returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown to secure the win in the second half. He finished with five punt returns for 105 yards and a touchdown. He added six receptions for 134 yards and two scores on offense. Dakota Wesleyan travels to the University of Jamestown on September 10. Kick off will be at 1pm.
