RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – After an outstanding performance on the defensive side of the ball against Arkansas Tech, Jimmie Pace has been named the Great American Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.

The Northwestern defense was dominating in a 21-0 victory over the Wonder Boys on Saturday, earning the first shutout by a Ranger team in 11 seasons. The black-and-red took the ball away from the opposing team five times, including four interceptions.

Pace, a native of Miami, Florida, was a big part of that defensive success as he picked a ball out of the air in the third quarter, forced a fumble and recorded eight tackles in the game, including a sack. The senior defensive end is leading the team and the conference with five sacks.

Northwestern's record moved to 3-4 this season with the victory over ATU. The Rangers look to move to .500 on the season when they travel to face Harding in Searcy, Arkansas this coming Saturday.

The other player receiving the defensive honor for week seven is Southeastern Oklahoma State's Daquawn Brown who had five tackles and five pass defenses in a 21-0 shutout over previously undefeated Southern Arkansas. Earning the offensive award was Brockton Brown of Ouachita Baptist and Southeastern kicker Joel Carlos was the Special Teams Player of the Week.

Ranger quarterback Cesar De Leon was nominated for the offensive honor after a 24-for-41 performance for 238 yards and three touchdowns against the Wonder Boys.

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