Heart Unveils Big Game Football Players of the Week - September 25

The Heart of America Athletic Conference announced its Big Game Football Player of the Week awards on Monday, as Jackson Waring of No. 2 nationally ranked Grand View earned the Offensive Player of the Week award, while Thad Metcalfe of Baker was selected the Defensive Player of the Week and Blake Dapkus of the No. 21 ranked Benedictine Ravens is the Special Teams Player of the Week.

Waring was perfect throwing the football for the Vikings in their impressive, 70-7, win over Missouri Valley, as the junior went 12-of-12 for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He had a long of 85 yards. The Ankeny, Iowa native ranks No. 4 in the NAIA in completion percentage.

Metcalfe and the Wildcats defeated No. 25 Graceland on Saturday, 45-42. The junior had a team-high nine tackles and scored a defensive touchdown in the victory. With the game tied, 21-21, he scored a touchdown on a 40-yard pick six just before halftime.

Dapkus was key to the Ravens' 60-7 win over Culver-Stockton. The freshman blocked a punt, which led to a touchdown, as well as blocked a separate punt that was recovered for a safety.