[Football] Evans Snags NAIA Defensive Player of the Week Award

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Just hours after being named the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week, Friends University junior defensive back Mackenzie Evans has now added NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week to his collection, the organization released today (Nov. 6).

Evans earns the honors after picking off four passes to tie a KCAC single-game record in the Falcons' 49-20 victory at Bethany College last Saturday (Nov. 4). Evans returned one of those interceptions 35 yards to the end zone that put the Falcons on top 21-0 in the second quarter.  

The Wichita native helped the Falcons record seven interceptions overall, which are the most in the league since 2012.

"Mack has done a great job of continuing to work on his technique, eye discipline and aggressiveness to the ball throughout this season," Friends head coach Dion Meneley said.

"This week it paid off with four interceptions, which is an incredible accomplishment. I believe in playing very aggressively at the DB position and guys like Mack allow me to make a call and let the guys play."

Evans is tied for the conference lead and is second in the NAIA with six interceptions on the season.

The Falcons, currently tied for fourth in the KCAC with a 4-4 league record, will finish the season Saturday afternoon (Nov. 11) at Bethel College. Kickoff is set for 1:30 pm in North Newton, Kan.  

For the official NAIA release, click HERE.