KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Spencer Lehnerz turned in a standout effort on Saturday behind two pick-sixes to propel Montana State-Northern to its first win of the season and earn himself NAIA Defensive Player of the Week honors for Sept. 29.
The Lights’ defensive back delivered two pick-sixes in the third quarter, returning interceptions 15 and 25 yards to break a 7-7 deadlock and give Northern a 20-7 advantage. He also registered a sack and a season-high nine tackles, helping the defense limit Eastern Oregon to just seven points, the fewest allowed by Northern’s defense this season.
On the year, the senior now has three interceptions for 72 yards, 33 tackles, six tackles for loss (22 yards), and one sack.
After a bye week, Northern returns to action on October 11 against Montana Tech to open Frontier Conference play and pursue another victory.
Offensive POW
Jamie Odom had an explosive offensive performance for Southwestern (Kan.) as he tossed six touchdowns and threw for 416 yards, earning NAIA Offensive Player of the Week for Sept. 29. The quarterback completed 13 of 16 passes for an 81.3 percent completion rate and averaged 26.0 yards per attempt, while adding 74 rushing yards, including an 11-yard rushing touchdown.
Odom finished with no interceptions and no sacks, guiding Southwestern to an 80-14 victory over Bethany College (Kan.) and improving the team’s record to 4-1.
Through five games this season, Odom has completed 86 of 133 passes for 1,559 yards and 18 passing touchdowns. He has also contributed 196 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, establishing himself as a versatile offensive threat for Southwestern.
Southwestern will look to extend its winning streak in its next contest against Avila University (Mo.) on Oct. 4.
Special Teams POW
Freshman Truitt Bosher of Friends (Kan.) was recognized as the NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week for Sept. 29 after delivering a flawless performance on Saturday. He connected on all three of his field-goal attempts and went 6-of-6 on extra-point attempts in the No. 7 Falcons’ 53-0 victory over (RV) Evangel (Mo.).
His three field goals included a career-long 42-yarder.
The Burleson, Texas, native averaged 60.9 yards on 10 kickoff attempts, contributing to a strong all-around special teams effort. Bosher has now made all five of his field-goal attempts this season and is 40-of-41 on extra-point attempts, continuing a solid start to his freshman year.
Friends will search for its sixth consecutive win next week as they face Ottawa (Kan.) on Oct. 4.