(Ann Arbor, MI) - The Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Mideast League announced their weekly awards Monday afternoon and Ryan Fish has been named the defensive player of the week, while Casey Rauch was named special teams player of the week. Both players played key roles in the Cardinals' upset over #2 Marian at Cardinal Stadium.
Ryan Fish also earned NCCAA Defensive Player of the Week honors with his 9 total tackles and 3 pass breakups up against the Knights. Fish came up big for the Cardinals by swatting away several passes from Marian's wide receiving core to force the Knights into field goal attempts. The Knights then went 0-3 in their field goal attempts which helped lift the Cardinals over Marian 16-14.
Casey Rauch stepped up in a major role once again for the Cardinals on Saturday afternoon. Rauch had a career day with his longest punt of 65 yards. Rauch punted 8 times for the Cardinals and averaged 45 yards on each as he pinned the Knights deep in their own territory throughout the entire game. Four of his eight punts were within the 20-yard line making it difficult for Marian's offense to get any momentum. Casey's tremendous performance also earned him NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week.
The Cardinals are back in action at Cardinal Stadium this Saturday as they take on #9 Saint Francis and look to extend their winning streak to three and remain undefeated on the season.
