Augustana's
Dustin Rice and
Jason Donnelly have been recognized by the North Central Conference for their performances in the Vikings' 44-18 victory over St. Cloud State. Rice was honored as the NCC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, while Donnelly was tabbed as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Rice, a senior defensive back from Lead, S.D., had 7 tackles, including 5 solo stops in the Augustana win. He also broke up a pass and returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown. He also blocked a punt.
Rice's interception for a score was his third interception for a touchdown this season and sixth in his career. In addition it helped him tie the NCC single-season record for interceptions for a touchdown at 2 and set a new career record at 3. He also returned a pick for a touchdown against Minnesota Duluth in 2004. NCC records are for NCC games only.
Donnelly, a junior kicker/defensive back from Elk Point, S.D., made several big plays on special teams. He averaged 61.7 yards per kickoff, including 70.3 yards per kickoffs excluding an onside kick attempt. In addition, Donnelly recovered the onside kick and he also recovered a punt return fumble while he was on the punt coverage team.
This week the Vikings will be at home on Saturday to take on South Dakota. Kickoff is set for 1:08 p.m. at Howard Wood Field.
Augustana's 2007 NCC Player of the Week RecipientsAug. 27 - Dustin Rice, Defensive & Joe Nordin, Special Teams
Sept. 24 - Brian Baumgartner, Defensive
Oct. 15 - Dustin Rice, Defensive & Jason Donnelly, Special Teams
